UNTIL DAWN

Chapter Six

How can I fall for the same trick every time?

I could have tried to keep things business. I could have avoided his touch. I could have avoided looking at his stupid beautiful gray eyes. Listening to his deep voice.

Calling for me in a kind of way I knew that I liked.

Was I that easy to fool or was I bewitched?

Even before going in the car earlier, I made a promise to myself not to involve emotions. But by the time his voice called my name I was long gone.

He was the boss.

He gave me the damn contract and I signed.

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

He can wake up tomorrow and decide to bleach the contract. He can wake up and decide to give the chance to another gorgeous girl out there. The thought brought tears in my eyes and dad's frail hand wiped some more. I was a mess of tears.

And my life was a mess.

The nurse came in, took some blood samples and left us alone. He easily drifted back to sleep after a while and I came out to find Mike leaning on a wall. Alone.

Where was Ace?

Did he leave already?

My chest tightened strangely. I didn't want to guess why it happened. But I did know what it was. The same feeling I had every night before going to bed since that one night with him.

The feeling of longing. I was feeling it again now.

I was hurt that he left without at least saying that he was actually leaving. I couldn't have asked for him to stay but it could have given me reassurance in some way.

That I was sort of special than being a contractual fiancée. Not that he was supposed to. I hated that I was starting to depend on his presence. Well not only today but I didn't want to depend on any dangerous men like Ace.

Mike looked at me and I became aware of myself.

"Do you want to see him? He is sleeping again but you can still see him."

I was fidgeting uncomfortably with the hem of my blouse. I was nervous of how he was going to react about all of this.

He leaned in, hands in pocket. He looked kind of defeated. Which was not like him.

"How long has it been?"

He started and I let it sink in. He read the situation.

He was not stupid.

He figured it out but I was not going to be the first to reveal that I was kind of dating... well engaged to one of the strongest men in New York.

"I don't know what you are talking about." I feigned ignorance.

"ooh please! It's obvious for everyone who has eyes." he said in an exaggerated tone. I didn't report back.

"Anyway, I'm sorry for being an ass to you earlier. I was frustrated. And hurt." He emphasized the last part.

"I understand and I am sorry. I was the one who was a bad friend first. I shouldn't have pushed you away."

He winced at the word friend.

I knew that I was not being a little nice to him but I had to set boundaries sooner or later. I had signed a year contract and I like to keep my word. Deep down I hoped that Ace kept his as well.