Deck of Cards [DARK ROMANCE/ ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP] - sample

is she an angel now?

"Thank you for tonight. It was nice," Isabelle smiled as Ace parked his black muscle car in front of her house.

"Anytime," He stared at the grand house; the wraparound wooden porch, manicured lawn, pergola covered in snow.

Ace imagined stainless steel appliances with granite countertops, polished floors, and closets filled with tailored clothing. He'd never even stepped foot inside a place this nice between all the foster homes and shelters.

"Your dad isn't gonna come out here with his gun, right?"

She laughed loudly, pressing her hands down on her crossed thighs, "No. No."

He wiped a fake sweat from his brow, "Thank god."

She giggles, "You're funny."

"What's your dad do anyway?"

"Criminal law. He went to Brown, and he is very proud. If you meet him, wear something with a bear. Or even better, just say you're going there."

"Already planning for me to meet your dad?"

"Just figuratively speaking," Isabelle knows better than introducing her crush to her father or any boy remotely interested in her in that manner.

"Ah." He says, nodding, his fingers drumming the steering wheel. His mother was a meth head, and his father was equally as disappointing.

"What do your parents do?" She asked, smiling. He reached his arm around her, touching the soft curls that framed her face. She was so beautiful.

"They're dead." His voice was distant, and he focused on the small moles under her eyes.

"My mom died. Three years ago," She looked down at her modest nails as she tried to fight the nerves in her stomach.

Ace stared at her with a jaded expression, "How did you rationalize it? Is she an angel now?"

Isabelle shrugs, "Uh, I haven't - haven't gotten to that step yet."

"It's been three years, Belle. What are you waiting for?" He mocks, and she smirks, finding a hint of playfulness in his voice.

"Freedom, I think..."

"Can we hang out again sometime? Maybe in the daylight?"

"My dad doesn't – "

Ace leaned toward Isabelle, his hands propping up on the leather passenger seat. He cupped her chin and kissed her gently. Isabelle wasn't sure what to do in response, so she did what she saw in the movies. She moved her lips softly against his until he pulled away.

"One little white lie," he smiles, with deep lines revealing dimples, "For me?" he pouts.

Her lips tingle, and her face heats; becoming hypnotized in his eyes, she nods, "O-Okay."

"Okay," He smiles, watching as she unlocks the door. She clutches the handle, cracking the door slightly before turning back to him.

"How did you rationalize it?"

"They are demons,"

"Demons?" She whispers, knowing the burden

Titling his head, a grin forms, "Angels are too heavy for me,"

Her eyes stopped gleaming and settled lowly; the perfect picture she painted unleashed. She marinated his confession, surprised to meet someone that shared the same emptiness.

"I can tell you are special, Isabelle," He breaks her from her thoughts, "I can't wait to see it,"

She mummers lowly, "I'm not that special, Ace."