My enemy since childhood

Chapter 74

It was dark outside but i clearly saw that it was Ace walking towards me. My heart was racing in my chest and i didn't know if it was because of the cold, the alcohol or Ace. We say it's because of the cold, i told myself over and over as i gasped for the cold air. Yes, it was really because of the cold. Just the cold.

"Hey Y/n! What are you doing out here all by yourself?"

The words stuck on my tongue as i met Ace's gaze. I cleared my throat and clutched my hands tighter in my jacket sleeves.

"I....i have been to a party at my friends cabin" i said through gritted teeth.

"A party? Then why are you out in the cold.....at ten o'clock?"

"Uh, that....something happened" i mumbled and lowered my gaze. Not exactly something i wanted to talk about.

"What are you doing then?" i continued, moving from foot to foot so i don't freeze stuck in the snow.

"Nothing special. Had dinner and a few beers, it's friday after all" Ace said laughing.

"Okay but....why are you out here in the cold?" i asked amused so he laughed again and shook his head.

"That's a really good question."

"Yeah, i thought so" i muttered, glad it was dark outside so he wouldn't see me blush.

"Are you going to the hotel?" he continued, taking a step closer to me.

I swallowed nervously and nodded, no idea if he could see it or not. The memory of the last time we saw swirled around in my head.

Ace was dangerous close, dangerous because my body reacted immediately to his proximity, to his breath forming little clouds in front of his mouth.

"I....i have to go" i whispered and took a step back.

"I'm coming with you, it's dark and cold. I don't want you to get lost" he mumbled and i didn't know if i was imagining it or his voice sounded darker and hoarse?

Maybe it was because of his accent that was getting clearer with every word he said. Just his voice made me shiver. Or maybe it was the alcohol this time. Definitely the alcohol, behave yourself!

"That's probably not a good idea," i said, taking another step back.

What i hadn't counted on was the large patch of ice behind me, or was it a snowdrift? no idea because before i could react the ground disappeared from under my feet so i fell with flailing arms to the ground.

I don't know if i screamed because before i knew it i had Ace's arms around my waist. My breathing became more and more heavier as he lifted me into his arms.

"Are you okay?" he whispered so i just nodded.

What could i say once again i had fallen and literally end up right in Ace's arms.

"Yeah, you must think i'm the clumsiest person in the world" i said and laughed. It was true, I was the clumsiest person in the world.

"No i don't think so but are you ok? Did you hurt yourself?"

"It's okay, i promise" i said, trying to get him to loosen his grip. This was far too dangerous.

In silence he released me, a little at least because his hands were still around my waist.

"If you don't let her go i will beat the hell out of you!"

The harsh, almost snarling voice made my body freeze like ice. Shit!

"Who the hell are you?" Ace asked not letting go of me.

"I'm the one who's going to beat you to death if you don't let her go...now!"