Ace Wolfe – POV
The sun dipped behind the Wolfe estate, casting long shadows across the terrace. I loosened my tie and tossed it onto the pool table, letting the leather thump against the felt. The scent of oak and aged whiskey lingered, heavy, comforting. Matt lined up his next shot, eyes casually tracking me.
"She's different, huh?" he asked.
I didn't answer immediately. My fingers drummed against the glass in my hand, cold, precise.
"I don't know what the hell she is," I finally muttered, voice low. "But I can't stop thinking about her."
Matt chuckled, rolling his eyes. "First time I've seen you dwell on a girl for more than five minutes. And it's a contract bride, right? So what's got you acting like a damn ghost?"
I drained my glass, letting the burn anchor me. "She's not just a girl," I said tightly, jaw flexing.
"Oh?" Matt leaned on the cue stick, amused. "Do tell."
I closed my eyes for a moment, replaying the way Aurora-Alara in the past life I kept from the world-moved, spoke, and held herself. The curve of her neck, the fire in her eyes when she dared to defy me, the grace she carried like armor.
"I want her," I said finally, voice dark, gravelly.
Matt froze. "You want her...?"
"Yes. I want her under me, with no contract dictating it. I want her soft, loud, defiant, and hers all at once. Not because of a deal, but because she's the only one I want."
Matt blinked. "Jesus."
"I'm not in love with her," I added quickly, jaw tight. "But I need to have her."
Matt leaned in, smirking. "Then take her. Fly her somewhere. Sweep her off her feet. You own half the damn planet-act like it."
I drummed my fingers on the glass, silence stretching. She wouldn't be easy, and I didn't chase. Yet, thinking about her like this... I already had.
Aurora Grey – POV
The coffee shop smelled of cinnamon, roasted beans, and old ambition. I wiped down the espresso machine, hands trembling slightly, trying not to think about the Wolfe estate or Ace Wolfe himself.
Percy leaned against the counter, iced tea in hand, eyes sharp. "So... let me get this straight. You own this place now?"
I gave her a tight-lipped smile. "Technically. I didn't ask for it."
Percy whistled low. "Girl, you really did the billionaire starter pack. Black card. Penthouse. Now a whole coffee shop?"
"I didn't sleep with him," I said firmly.
"Yet," she teased, wiggling her brows. "I'm just saying, you're living the dream of every broke girl alive."
Before I could answer, the door chimed. My chest sank. Ryan. My ex.
He stepped in like a ghost, tall, brown-eyed, wearing that smug smile that used to break me. "Aurora," he said softly. "You look good."
I stiffened. "Ryan. What are you doing here?"
"Just... wanted to see you." His eyes flicked over Percy, then back to me. "I heard about your mom. I'm sorry."
"Thanks," I muttered, keeping my voice neutral.
He moved closer, lowering his voice. "I miss you. I was an idiot. I never should've left you."
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed. Unknown number: The car's outside. I'm taking you away for the weekend.
Ace.
Ryan's jaw fell. "Wait. Who the hell is sending drivers for you now?"
"I have to go," I said firmly, grabbing my bag. "No time to explain."
Percy gaped as I passed. "Wait-where are you going?"
"I don't know yet," I muttered, stepping into the waiting black Mercedes.
The city blurred past under the car's sleek lines, headlights reflecting off the wet streets. We arrived at a private terminal. My eyes widened as I saw the private jet, gleaming under hangar lights.
The bodyguard gestured, and Clarke stepped forward, radiant in a beige travel set. Beside her was a man I didn't recognize-tall, confident, with a devilish grin and an expensive watch.
"Surprise, bestie!" Clarke called, dragging me forward.
I exhaled slowly, boarding the jet. Whatever this weekend held, it was no longer just a contract. It was something far more dangerous-and far more thrilling.