BLAZE WITHIN

d me and locked it. I glanced around at the open floor plan apartment. To the right was a futon in front of a TV hanging

d kitchen. I walked over to the table as my eyes studied the vase of red roses upon it. My fingers traced over t

el

ever write you about, baby. I know I hurt you, and the fact you were al

but I’d like to pick you up and take my gorgeous woman out to a

o

c

sour, not

he corners of my lips tugged upwards as I looked at my favorite snack, Rice Krispie treats. Beside them was a bag of

e asked as he skipped a rock across

er Sour Patch Kid into my mouth. My face squinted at the sou

rock and skipped it across the pond

one in my mouth. My entire face scrunched a

ing brown eyes danced upon me. “Never

ndies at him. He picked it up, throwing it int

you be, “

s handsome face to me. “I’

d down the hallway off the living space. To the left was a spare bedroom and the guest bathroom. I turned to the right toward the mas

forgive him? I loved him so much, and I knew this wasn’t him. Not the real Ace that I had fallen in love with years ago. He was the kindest, most loving man I had ever known. I had given

eyes began to water. I fervently chewed on the candy as I got up with my

m. My hair was up in a cute little up do with only a few strands left to hang do

ed it from my purse, hoping it wasn’t a cancelation message from Ace. I had already gotten all

Alaric. Here’s the addr

as my eyes went over his name. Ano

n distress to give her knight-in-

ingers sliding into that thick, wavy hair. I blinked rapidly and brought myself back to re

yself typing a message back. You’re in th

a message back. My bad. How ab

lying. I had to shut this dow

was quick. Not y

I needed to get my mind out of the gutter abo

his hands. His black hair was gelled up and back perfectly. His brown eyes were clear and white. He wore black trousers, a deep b

pered softly as he swi

tening my dress wit

m so sorry, Stella. I love you more than anything on this ea

d charming and would do anything for me. He had proved that not long ago. He had went to extreme measures to help m

ss his face as he put his

lipped my fingers into the

he menu. “Anything you want, okay?” His eyes lift

this,” I explained softly as

ou deserve the best, baby. I want

s. I sipped on my water as my eyes wandered around the re

ced over the deep red table cloth on the table

nited from his abandonment in the fire that nearly took my

tell them?” he

ust told them I was at a frie

leaned back in his chair. “ “ Jax

s was the brothel. Jaxon was also running drugs from his business, something that Ace had recently gotten involved in to make extra money. He always thought we needed more, that I deserved more. I

I asked as I studied him. “What if yo

d be with you, baby. You know that.” He reached across the table and took my hand

ecision and unease. I was being ridiculous. Of co

ace slightly, his eyes dancing over m

squeezed his hand. “Yes

rove it to you again and again. I won

on as our hands broke apart as

e you S

ve yo