Ace Killian

chapter: 21: Crossing Lines

Naomi's P.O.V

The sunlight streamed through the curtains when I opened my eyes. It felt... different.

Lighter.

As if some of the storm clouds that had been hanging over me—and over Ace—had finally started to drift away.

Last night, in his room, something shifted. He let me see the part of him he never shows anyone.

The broken edges.
The guilt.

And for the first time, I realized I wanted to be with him—even if it meant facing the chaos at his side.

...

After breakfast, while Nora and Stacy teased Jake about his burnt toast, I gathered my things, stacking a few clothes and essentials into a bag.

It felt almost ceremonial, packing away the pieces of me that belonged to the girl who slept in the guest room, the girl who pretended she wasn't already tangled in Ace's world.

"So."

I turned to find Nora in the doorway, arms crossed, eyebrow arched.

Her voice was careful. "You're moving into Ace's room."

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

"It's...umm —" I started, but she cut me off with a wry smile.

"Naomi, you don't have to explain." She walked over and sat on the bed. "Just... be smart. Living with Ace isn't just about sharing a space. It's about living with everything that comes with him."

"As much as I love my brother, I love you too. I don't want to see you get hurt."

Her words brought me comfort, even as my chest tightened.

I knew this was a big step. But it was one we needed to take.

"Did you guys talk things through last night?" she asked, folding one of my shirts with care.

"Yes...maybe...I'm not sure. " I said confused.

"But your moving in. did you find out where he went."

"No" I admitted.

"Naomi" she said in a disappointed sigh.

" I just think we both need this. a chance to start fresh"

Nora agreed with me despite her opinions. We talked a little longer until I was done packing.

When I carried my bag over to Ace's room, he was at the window, phone pressed to his ear. He glanced over his shoulder, eyes narrowing sharp.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Moving in."

He lowered the phone slowly, the silence stretching taut between us. I couldn't read him—anger? amusement? rejection?

"You think that's a good idea?" His voice was low, unreadable.

I swallowed hard, the closeness of the space making me nervous.

"I think it's the only idea. I'm done waiting across the hall, wondering which version of you I'll get each night."

His jaw tightened. For a moment, I thought he'd tell me to leave. But then he stepped closer, his eyes dark, his presence heavy.

"You don't know what you're asking for, Naomi," he muttered, almost like a warning.

"Maybe not," I admitted, pulse racing. "But I know what I want."

I set my bag down, my voice soft but certain. "I'm tired of pretending the space between us makes sense. I want to be here. With you."

Silence lingered before he reached out, brushing my hand—not rough, not demanding, but gentle. His thumb traced across my knuckles like he was memorizing me.

The corner of his mouth lifted. Not his usual cocky grin—something smaller. Something real.

He pulled me into his chest, the embrace feeling less like possession and more like surrender.

And in that moment, I realized I hadn't just moved my things into his room.

I'd moved my heart here, too.

Still, Nora's words echoed in my mind—be smart.

Because sharing a room with Ace wasn't just about a bed and a dresser.

It was a promise.

A risk.

And if I was honest, it terrified me almost as much as it thrilled me.

___

Kane's P.O.V

The office was quiet except for the low hum of the city outside my windows and the faint crackle of my cigar. Paperwork spread across the desk, numbers and shipments I should've cared about, but my mind stayed sharp for one thing only—Ace.

The knock came soft, then the door creaked open. One of my men stepped in, head lowered.

"Boss," he said, shifting nervously. "Word is... Naomi moved into Ace's room."

I stilled, the cigar smoldering between my fingers.

"Say that again."

"She's not in the guest wing anymore. Packed her things this morning. She's with him now."

A slow smile cut across my face.

Naomi.

I'd known she was slipping further into his world, but this? This was different. This was her choosing him.

Claiming him.

And Ace letting her.

Fool.

I leaned back in my chair, smoke curling above me as I pictured it. Ace—the untouchable bastard who built his empire on fear and brutality—was softening. Letting a woman into his bed, his space, his life.

And not just any woman. Her.

The one I wanted.

The one I intended to take.

"Good," I muttered, tapping ash into the tray. "Let him keep her close. Let him believe she makes him stronger."

Because I knew the truth. She'd be his undoing.

Softness dulls the blade. Attachment cracks the armor. Ace was handing me exactly what I needed—a weakness I could touch, twist, exploit.

I dismissed the messenger with a flick of my hand. Alone again, I poured myself a drink, savoring the burn.

Naomi may not see it yet, but she belonged in my world, not his. And when I was finished tearing Ace down, brick by bloody brick, she'd see where her real choice had always been.

In my arms.

At my side.

Watching him fall.