DLD.

Chapter Ten.

"Damn, look who's back from the dead." Ace snickered. "Come here baby, give daddy a hug."

Pouting playfully, I melted into Ace's soothing embrace and smiled warmly when he planted a longing kiss on my lips. I missed this man just as much as he missed me, being in his presence was such a nice relief from all the bullshit I've been going through. I've been keeping my Alaric problems away from Ace for obvious reasons, because it was no secret that the lingering complication between my husband and I was troubling me greatly. To save face and explanations, I've been choosing work and anything else over Ace, but I could no longer avoid him when he hit me up wanting to show me the new warehouse, he planned on using to store more product. Business in that realm was really booming, and I thought it was kinda cute that Ace wanted my input about his expansion.

My phone dinged excessively, and I actually huffed disappointedly when I noticed it was just more work stuff instead of a check in from my husband. When I got home that day from my mother's annoying visitation, I had all intention on issuing World War 4 on Alaric, but as soon as I stepped into the house, I realized I was going to have to shelf my built-up anger. One of the housekeepers quietly informed me that my husband left to take a 'rejuvenating' trip and should be back before the week ends. The grimy motherfucker didn't even have the decency to let his wife know that he wasn't going to be in the country, but as the days go by, I'm learning more and more to expect the complete bare minimum when it comes to dealing with Alaric Benjamin.

My husband has been gone for over seven days now, and I had no idea when he was going to be back. He could stay gone for all I care, as I still had to plan my meeting with De Luca and him not being in the country could work wonders for me. That all would have been way too good to be true though, as something was telling me my husband's small departure was just the calm before the storm. Alaric Benjamin was up to something, and I hated that I couldn't put my finger on it.

"I've been busy busy, honey." I chirped, placing my attention back to all the fineness before me. "Got some things planned for the magazine that I gotta see through."

"Understood." Ace responded, rubbing his hands together. "Appreciate you for carving out some time for me, I know you be having a lot going on. Also, I gotta update you about some changes I'm making to the business. Clarissa's out, we got a new cleaning lady. You'll meet her at some point."

I frowned. "Clarissa's out? That's a bit drastic don't ya think? I wanted to speak to you about her anyways but everything's been a bit hectic and crazy on my end. What made you come to this decision?"

Ace stepped closer to me, entwining his fingers with mine. "That choice was simple. The vibe was off, I could tell she didn't wanna be involved anymore. We talked, she shared her honest views, I broke her off with some bread and a thank you."

"And that's it?" I questioned.

"That's it." Ace responded nonchalantly. "Everything doesn't always have to be a big commotion, Dana. Clarissa's alright, she just wasn't the right fit anymore. After we spoke I understood my wrongdoings, she understood hers...and we moved on. Now come on, let me show you around."

Ace wrapped an arm around my shoulder and together we toured his new spot. It was extensively bigger than the last one, and the additional hidden features of the place were top notch. Ace did his big one choosing this warehouse, I was thoroughly impressed and it showed. He ended our inspection in a medium sized room he was calling the 'Dinero', which was essentially just a space that kept loads and loads of cash.

"So, when are you going to tell me what's going on? Is it my brother?" Ace queried.

Looking at Ace confused, I gave him a small smile. "I don't know what you're talking about."