DLD.

Chapter Fourteen.

In all honesty, coming clean to Ace was my sole intention when I met up with him a few days later after the magical reunion between my husband and me. The plan was to lay everything out on the table and hope for the best, I really didn't know how all of this would've turned out. I walked in Ace's place with a fixed mindset and my head held high, nothing could deter me from setting the record straight and establishing boundaries. That is, until he started telling me how much he missed me and shutting me up with hungry kisses, and then all of a sudden I forgot what I even came here to do in the first place.

I had it bad behind this damn man, it was so clear I could see it plain. I high key hated that I did, because this was so unlike my personality. Usually I was so strong minded, I could disassociate myself from whatever wasn't serving me. It was almost like a superpower how direct and 'stone cold' I could be, but it seems as though I've met my kryptonite. I really didn't like that though, and I made a vow to try harder to untangle myself from this unhealthy web of lies and deceit as soon as Ace got done sucking the entire soul from my body.

Ace was doing a number with his tongue, and don't get me started on when he flipped me over and proceeded to hit it from behind. His long, deep strokes were so passionate yet firm, I could've sworn he was about to break my damn back. I couldn't believe I really had to part ways with all of this, but as they say, all good things had to come to an end.

And what an end it was, as it resulted in us panting restlessly and then snickering with satisfaction. Ace rolled over to his very uniquely built nightstand, retrieving an already rolled blunt. He sparked it up, and for the next few minutes we laid there in absolute but comfortable silence.

"You know, big bro stopped by the family home the other day and I just happened to be there." Ace spoke after a while of smoking his blunt. "He chewed us up real good about not being there for him during some medical whatever the fuck, and even had the gall to get on his high horse and turn his nose up at us, chatting shit about how much more accomplished and better off he was without us. I thought that shit was so crazy...because it's like, if we're so gutter and beneath you, why bother coming over begging the same people you don't give a fuck about, to give a fuck about you? Make it make sense, right?"

Ace tried to pass me the blunt but I swiftly declined. He clearly had something on his mind and I wanted to hear it all with my full attention. I sensed his attitude changing from how it was when I first got here, it was quite serious and annoyed even.

"As usual, we all listened and let him throw his adult tantrum, but what really took the cake for me was when he was going on and on about how amazing his married life is and how him and his wife were about to produce all this offspring we're never going to see. He said something real strange about how much closer you two were getting and one thing that sick motherfucker doesn't do is lie. So, then I started putting two and two together and his words gave so much reasoning for you ghosting me. You're back with him, aren't you? Look me in my motherfucking face and tell me that! Dana, the last time we were together I got involved in a whole shootout and you couldn't even be bothered. Didn't even check in. Yet you found time to rekindle shit with a motherfucker who constantly disrespects and disregards you every opportunity he gets? The fuck is wrong with you?" Ace snapped.

"Wait a damn minute, he's still my husband Ace. I haven't left him and you know this." I explained, scooting closer to Ace. "I didn't go into my marriage banking on it to fail, I have to at least honor the commitments I made to that man before I throw in the towel."

"Bullshit, you forgot about them vows a long time ago Dana." Ace barked back. "Crazy how I just mentioned something traumatic happening to me and you skim over it like it's nothing. Do I mean that little to you? When did you become so fucking selfish?"

Ace was now looking at me dead in the face and I didn't know what else to do besides stare back at him defeatedly. Here I was thinking that I had full control over this situation and was going to lay down the law just how I saw fit, but this one up from Ace definitely showed my ass. Scrambling to get my thoughts together, I tried to keep my facial as neutral as possible while conjuring up something to pacify my hot-headed fling.

"Ace, I care about you a lot. That's something you shouldn't even have to question." I replied softly. "I'm sorry about what happened to you. I would be absolutely devastated if your situation turned out for the worst. I got caught up with everything I had going on and I know that's no excuse but believe me when I say I am truly sorry Ace."

"You're full of shit, Dana." Ace said calmly, exhaling smoke from his nostrils. "I should've known better than to trust you and fall for you. It's all good though, that's on me. Your pompous brute does something for you that I certainly can't, and I ain't tryna be like him in no shape or form. I'm good on you, we had a good thing going but it's a wrap for you."

I raised an eyebrow. Well, ain't this some shit. This man was breaking up with...me? I was truly baffled because honestly, do he not see me? This motherfucker will never, ever find another bitch badder, more competent and prepared to protect his unlawful ass. Sitting up straight, I processed everything Ace said and I don't even know why I was so bothered. I had a whole fine, rich ass husband at home who was now willing to do anything and everything to make and keep me happy. To hell with Ace. He wanted to break up with me? Bet.

In this moment, the fastest woman in the world had nothing on me as I scurried to get my shit together to leave this man exactly where he had me fucked up at. There was no need to linger or converse any further, Ace made everything crystal clear.

"Hol' up, Dana."

At this time my hand was on the door handle to exit, and I probably should've turned it and kept it pushing instead of glancing back to face Ace's naked body. Part of me thought I was being absolutely foolish for giving this man anymore of my precious time, yet the other part of me really wanted to hear what else Ace Benjamin had to say for himself before I left his life forever.

"An intimate relationship between us might be over but don't forget we have a business one to maintain." Ace spoke authoritatively. "You inserted yourself into my organization, so be sure to uphold your end of the bargain and we should be fine."

"Fuck you, Ace." I responded bitterly. "I hurt your little feelings and now all of a sudden you think you can run me? I ain't one of your subordinates or colleagues. I don't answer to you, and I never will."

Ace snickered in disbelief. "See, I figured you'd say some stupid shit like that. Come on Dana, you're a businesswoman. You know how this shit go. Everyone has a role to play in the company, everyone intertwines at some point. I've been shielding you from particular coworkers...you know, because I care about you and whatnot. Now that I don't have a reason to, your identity can be easily exposed. Work with me here D. I know it looks like I'm tryna spite you but I'm really not. These folks have families to take care of, other businesses to safeguard. I can't just up and tell them that the person who has been the best at keeping the funds legit has suddenly vanished. Think about someone other than yourself."

I smirked. "You're doing anything to keep me around and it's actually pathetic. You're going out sad, honey. Who would have thought? Do yourself a favor and stay the fuck away from me." 

"Dana, I'm not fucking playing with you." Ace said calmly. "This shit doesn't have to go sideways. Pick up the phone when I call, answer my texts and show up for my organization in the way you usually do. You understand me?"

Ace should know by now to not threaten or boss me about, but I guess he wants to show his true colors now that we're no longer sexually involved. It was completely laughable to me, which is why I did exactly that. I laughed my way out of his home, to my car, and even giggled a little when I finally reached my humble abode. I was most definitely playing a dangerous game with Ace, but surprisingly I wasn't scared. Nobody bullies Dana and gets away with it. Ace was just gonna have to fuck around and find out.