Aurora Grey – POV
The jet hummed beneath my heels as we ascended into the clouds. Everything inside screamed wealth-cream leather seats, gold fixtures, chilled champagne waiting in slender flutes. Clarke sank into the seat beside me, hair glossy and perfect, like she was auditioning for the cover of Vogue.
"I'm proud of you," she whispered, nudging my arm.
I frowned. "For what?"
"For finally letting someone take care of you. And not just anyone," she added, tilting her chin toward the front of the cabin. "That man is literal royalty in a suit."
I didn't answer. My eyes had already betrayed me-drawn straight to him.
Ace Wolfe stood near the bar, sleeves rolled just enough to show strong, veined forearms and a watch that probably cost more than this jet. Midnight-black shirt, tailored slacks. Effortless power. Effortless danger.
And then he caught me staring.
Of course he did.
His storm-grey eyes dragged slowly down my body, lingering when they found my crossed legs beneath the silk set Clarke had forced me into-apparently from the surprise luggage Ace had "arranged." My breath hitched, and his lips curved. Barely. No words. Just tension, sharp enough to cut air.
Clarke leaned in again, voice softer. "You know he asked my dad's permission before flying you out?"
My head snapped toward her. "What?"
She nodded. "I overheard them. My dad was thrilled. Said you've always been like family. He thinks Ace has good taste."
My heart hammered like it hadn't gotten the memo that this was supposed to be a contract.
Just then, Ace moved toward us. Every step controlled. Every inch of him screaming ownership.
"Aurora ," he said, voice smooth as dusk. "Meet Matt. My closest friend."
Matt appeared at his side-tall, sharp jaw, mischief flickering in his smile. He extended a hand like he was testing me.
"So this is the bride," he drawled. "Prettier than Ace described. Probably colder too."
I shook his hand, narrowing my eyes just enough. "I'm not cold. Just... not impressed yet."
Matt let out a low whistle. "Bite. I like her."
Ace's tone was sharp, quiet steel. "That's enough."
Matt smirked, raising both brows. "Protective already?"
Ace ignored him. His gaze found mine, pinning me like a secret. "You look beautiful."
I blinked, caught off guard. No charm. No teasing. Just a simple truth wrapped in storm.
"I mean it," he added, leaning in until his breath brushed my cheek. "You don't know what you do to me."
My pulse stuttered. But before I could breathe, he pulled away, returning to the bar like he hadn't just turned my entire body into fire.
Maldives – Arrival
The descent into paradise felt unreal. Palms swayed against an endless horizon of turquoise, sunlight bouncing like diamonds across the water. A fleet of sleek black cars waited at the terminal.
The drive took us through a stretch of private road until the villa appeared-glass-walled, ocean-front, with its own infinity pool melting into the sea.
"Two bedrooms?" I asked the concierge hopefully as he carried in my bag.
He bowed. "Just one. The honeymoon villa. Requested personally by Mr. Wolfe."
I turned to Ace, incredulous. "Seriously?"
His smirk was lethal. "We're engaged. No one would believe us if we slept apart."
Clarke giggled, already heading off with Matt. "Don't worry, bestie, I have my own villa."
"Try not to kill each other," Matt added, winking. "Or do. Makes better stories."
And just like that-they were gone.
Leaving me alone with him.
Ace walked past me into the suite, unbuttoning the top of his black shirt as he went, back muscles flexing under the fabric like temptation carved in motion.
The villa was obscene-white marble, a bed big enough for six, floor-to-ceiling windows opening to nothing but sea. My dresses hung in the walk-in closet. My skincare lined the bathroom counter. Even the smallest details of my life... were already here.
He was watching me take it all in, storm-grey eyes unreadable.
Then his voice came, low and deliberate.
"This weekend," he said, pausing just long enough to make my skin burn, "you're mine."
The waves crashed outside, but the only sound I heard was the pounding of my heart