Ace Killian

chapter 24: The wrong night out

Naomi's P.O.V

The day passed in slow, heavy silence.

Ace buried himself in work — phone in one hand, papers scattered across the table, jaw tight. I'd tried to make coffee, even poured him a cup, but it sat untouched. He barely looked at me, and when he did, it was fleeting — like holding my gaze too long might burn.

I wanted to say something. Anything. But the words stuck somewhere between my ribs. Every time I opened my mouth, I saw that flicker from last night — that fragile softness in his eyes — and it stopped me cold.

So I filled the quiet with small things. Helping Stacy in the kitchen. Watching a show with Nora. Training with Jake. Pretending everything was normal.

But the silence between us wasn't peace. It was pressure — building, waiting.

By the time the evening light spilled across the floor, I couldn't take it anymore.

"I'm going out," I said, grabbing my bag.

His head lifted slightly, eyes flicking to me, unreadable as ever.

"Where the fuck are you going?"

"Just out."

"You're not going anywhere. It's late."

"Watch me."

I left before he could stop me.

I could feel his gaze on my back as I walked away — that invisible tether between us stretched thin, fraying, but not broken.

Not yet.

...

The moment I stepped outside, the air hit different — cooler, freer, almost sharp in my lungs. I hadn't realized how hard I'd been holding my breath until I finally exhaled.

"I'm so excited — girls' night out!" Stacy grinned, looping her arm through mine.

"I'm so ready to get wasted," Nora laughed, tossing her hair back as Jake honked from the car.

"Behave," Jake said his tone half-serious, half-brotherly warning.

"No promises," Nora shot back, earning a groan from him as he speeds off.

The bar was crowded — music pulsing, lights low and warm, the scent of alcohol and perfume mixing in the air. For the first time all day, I let myself relax. The beat sank into my bones, drowning out the weight I'd carried since morning.

We found a booth near the back, ordered drinks, and it didn't take long before everyone was drunk —Shots lined the table, laughter spilling out of us in waves. Nora was dancing with some guy near the booth, Stacy was giggling over something on her phone, and I was somewhere between tipsy and floating — just enough to forget the heaviness that followed me everywhere Ace went.

For a while, it almost worked.

The noise became too much, the room spinning just slightly. I slipped out to the side patio, the cool air brushing my skin. The city buzzed around me, but out here, it was quieter — almost calm.

That's when I heard it.

"Didn't think I'd see you again, ma belle."

I froze.

That voice — smooth, familiar, the faint trace of an accent curling around the words.

When I turned, Jonathan Harries stood a few feet away, leaning against the brick wall like he owned the night. His shirt was half unbuttoned, a glass in his hand, that same sly smile he wore the night we met.

"Jonathan," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "Didn't expect to see you here."

He chuckled, low and slow.

"You never know where I'll turn up." His eyes swept over me — deliberate, assessing.

"Still beautiful, I see. Though you look... tense."

"I'm fine," I said quickly, folding my arms. "What are you doing here."

" It's a free city," he said easily, stepping closer."

"Besides, I didn't get to apologize properly for last time."

I met his gaze, my pulse ticking faster. "You mean when you grabbed me?"

His smirk faltered for just a second. "A misunderstanding. I'd had too much to drink."

I didn't believe him.

And he could see that.

"Don't look so cold, Naomi," he said, his tone turning smooth again. "You and I both know your boyfriend doesn't deserve you."

"Jonathon," I warned.

He tilted his head, amused by the spark in my voice. "Still fierce. I like that."

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed — Ace's name flashing across the screen.

My stomach dropped.

Jonathan noticed.

His grin widened. "Ah. Speak of the devil."

I turned my back to him, answering quietly. "What?"

"Where are you?" Ace's voice was low, sharp.

"Out."

"With who?"

"Stacy and Nora." I whispered.

Jonathan then decided to open his mouth "just let me know when you're done".

"Then why the fuck do I hear a man talking near you?"

My breath hitched.

I turned glaring at Jonathan, watching me with that infuriating smirk.

"I'll call you back," I muttered, hanging up before Ace could say another word.

But deep down, I knew — that was a mistake.

Because Ace didn't just get angry.

He reacted.

And for the first time that night, the chill that ran down my spine wasn't from the evening air.

When I looked at him again, Jonathan was still smiling — but there was something dark behind it.

Something patient.

"Enjoy your night," he said, stepping away and disappearing into the blur of streetlights.

Just great!

I waited a few seconds before going back inside, forcing a smile as Nora shoved another drink toward me.