ACE'S POV:-
A whole month and a half but my place is still spotlessly clean, as if I left yesterday. But, isn't that too lame. You don't care enough to message me. You don't try to call me. You practically abandon me on my grief. And this is the way you welcome me. I could have welcomed myself back. I can't blame it on him, he was always like that and I am like…. I don't know. I am like me. And I am going to mind my own business and my job. It's not normal to deal with a job but now I know how my people felt especially, Val and Liam {security of the girls} my security personnel. Not that I needed one but come on, one can't defend themselves in a fucking gown.
I opened the fridge and how I won't be surprised, if I found cooked food inside the microwave. Seriously all these efforts are pissing me off, rather than making me calm. Fortunately it stopped at that. Ria came out of the shower and abruptly stopped near her room.
Ria:-"we should clear up her stuff.
"Yeah it feels weird to see her belongings.
Ria:-"yes. Let's just box them up and keep them aside. Don't dispose them off yet."
"Yeah sure."
Our days ended in a fake smile and abrupt short conversations. Each one of us trying to appear strong. The pain of losing a younger one whom we raised like our own child, a sister who was fully dependent on us, had left. I wasn't allowed to look at her, Ria caused a scene for that; but that's all in the past and we are trying back to get in sync with the normal life and with our job.
I whipped up a quick breakfast of cold coffee and green sandwich. And went on to take a bath, meanwhile Ria started having her breakfast. She was wearing that uniform again which I also have to wear in a while. And I don't want to wear those heels again. I could've worn sports shoes, but I have been forbidden. Seriously, this is fucking frustrating.
As I came out ready to roll, Victoria had already started putting away sash's stuff.
"Can we do that later, babe?"
Ria:-"ah! You are ready. Sure, I was just passing the time." She smiled sheepishly at me.
Again I hate this awkwardness between us.
"Don't smile."
Ria:-"huh!"
"Nothing, let's go."
Ria:-"yeah. And get your killer heels."
"Ughh…."
AKENO'S POV:-
Evan said is going with him today, which means…. Anyway let's see what she says. It's already time.
"secretary." I spoke into the intercom.
Sec:-"yes sir."
"Anyone asked for me."
Sec:-"ah! No sir. No one, but you have a meeting scheduled in half an hour."
"Oh! Ok. Get me the files."
This is so frustrating. She is overdoing it. I don't know what I am expecting. She is too meticulous with me. I sipped on my tea looking at the files in front of me. A loud knock came from the door. And I permitted them to enter. I asked for the meeting files, it must be that. Instead what I saw was her walking into the room. Entering with some files and an envelope.
I stared at her without any hesitation and without blinking, before I recovered my mind fully. The long hair, the face, which I had been dying to look at since god knows how many days, was back. She was looking at me in a very emotionless gaze.
"Oh! So, you're back?"
Ace:-"oh! Drop the act…"
"What"
Ace:-"dear sir, your files. The meeting starts in a few minutes."
"15 minutes."
Ace:-"precisely."
"Anything else."
Ace:-"a letter came for you. It's weird. No one addresses you in any business letters."
"Put it away. I will see to it later."
Ace:-"sure, anything else or I will have secretary shin follow you."
"My blazer. Hand it over."
Ace:-"yes."
She proceeded on setting my suit straight. At that point I realized I don't know how much longer I would be able to hold myself back.
Ace:-"huh! Did you say anything?"
"What!?"
Ace:-"I thought I heard you."
"No."
I almost ruined my work. More like I am afraid of her answer and reaction. She doesn't know what things go on in my head. I don't know what she thinks. But right now I am losing my control. I stood up to get ready for the meeting. As I swerved to my left I almost made her fall that was already standing there to help me wear my suit. She grabbed onto my tie for support as she stumbled on the edges of the table.
So close… I am so close to her and to her lips. At this moment I am not sure of my intentions. But, they are not bad, I guess.
Ace:-"can we move apart."
"no. don't move. Just a minute."
Ace:-"while you are at it. Answer my question."
"Ask away."
Ace:-"are you avoiding… ump."
I lost to myself. My mind lost to my heart, and my head is spinning. She is so fresh. I lost to her.
ACE'S POV:-
Am I for real right now. I am kissing this man…. Back. Was I hoping for this kind of attention? This feels like heaven. He smells like wood and wild flowers, so soft. I can't deny this overpowering temptation. I wrapped my hand around his neck. His fingers snaking into my waist. He is strong I can feel his body pressed against mine. And then suddenly he …. Withdrew.
Akeno:-"can I get a hug?"
I couldn't speak; my breath was taken away by this man. I nod once. And without a delay he filled me in his embrace. I can feel my stomach churning and heart racing against horses. Fuck it. It's so warm. I hate him.
But I like this.
He needs to answer some serious questions. But I think it can wait for now. I like this feel. He set me free and lifted me to the counter near the looking glass of the window. He just stood there with heads down on my shoulders. He is tall, very tall. I realize I reach up only to his chest.
AKENO'S POV:-
I am doing this. I can't believe myself.
"I am not clarifying."
Ace:-"I don't want it."
"Okay."
Ace:-"I wanted to ask some questions earlier if you remember."
"Yeah. Please ask."
Ace:-"you are busy."
"Huh. Am I?"
Ace:-"your meeting it starts in 3 minutes."
I walked back but I am not sure. Should I just leave? Should I say anything to her? She probably doesn't want to talk about it as it seems. She seems unfazed. But I could hear my heartbeat.
Ahhhhhh!! It's embarrassing. Really.
Ace:-"let's go sir I will escort you out."
"Sure."
Ace:-"today in the evening, after the meeting. Have some beer with me. Sir?"
"Yes. I will see."
There she is back to her character. What did I hope for? I am clearly the dumber one. She is too wounded to embrace me at a time like this.
"Let's look at the envelope then. Bring it with you."
Ace:-"sure sir."
"Then, I take my leave ace."
Ace:-"sure, Akeno."
She giggled as she walked away. But I know she is not happy. I can't disregard this uncommon feeling of awkwardness between us. That laugh was fake. She is pain. And I can see that. Maybe, I triggered it.