Page 61 of Fated to Forever: The Fate Series Collection

“Out of my hair,” he half-growls. “If I could, Libby, I’d keep your little ass connected to me.” I smile at that. I kind of love that idea. “Yeah, I needed to keep busy so I wouldn't track your ass down and drag you back here. I did some work that needed to be done but not my normal. I was going to come out to Garrett’s tonight. I only wrapped up an hour ago. Came here to shower and head out. That was until I saw your change of location.”

“My what?” It makes me happy to hear that he was coming to see me.

“I might not have been there, Libby, but I’ve had eyes on you. I always know where you are.”

“You’re worried something still might happen?” I wouldn't think anyone would be stupid enough to go onto Garrett's land again.

“BecauseIneed to know. For me, Libby. I lost you once. I’m not letting that happen again. I've been searching for you for months. I know I shouldn’t be tracking you. You’re supposed tobe free now, but I can’t fully let you go.” I suck in a breath, trying to take in everything he’s saying.

“Since the first time?” I’ll never forget that day. I’ve thought about him too. Actually, I dreamt of him many times.

“Yeah. Thank fuck fate made sure to bring you back to me.” His arm wraps around me, pulling me snuggly into him.

“You kind of found me,” I point out. Why does that day feel like a million lifetimes ago? My life has changed so much in such a short span of time.

"And I had to finish what was started. I didn't leave, Libby. I've been here but working. We carried out a raid on Heaven's Temple a few hours ago.”

"What!" I gasp. "What does that mean? What happened?" I knew they said it would be taken care of, but I thought it would be weeks before something happened. That there would be more talk of it. "How did it happen already?" I fire off one question after another. My mind starts to spin, thinking of all the people still back there. I hope the innocents made it.

"Babe.” He cups my face. “Everything is okay.” I stare into his eyes and start to relax. “As much as I don’t want to let you go right now, maybe we should get your sister and Garrett.” I nod in agreement.

Ace lifts me off his lap onto my feet. He starts to dress me. I let him, enjoying him taking care of me. I also missed caring for him.

“Libby.” Ace snags my attention, having gotten lost in my thoughts of our days together spent at his place. All the smallthings we did for each other. “Before we go out there, we need to be on the same page.”

“About what?”

“You’re not leaving with your sister tonight. You stay with me,” he orders. “Shit, that came out wrong.” Ace runs a hand down his face.

“You don’t want me to stay?” I can’t hide my disappointment. I don’t have it in me.

“I do, but I’m fighting myself here. I don’t want to tell you what to do, but I can’t let you go either.” I love how bossy he is but also how considerate at the same time. My insides melt. This is love. It has to be. So I tell him the truth.

“I like when you boss me around.”

Ace’s nose flares. “Careful, Libby,” he warns. “You won’t be able to take that back.”

“I don’t wanna take it back. I want to experience more of it. Of you. I trust you, Ace. I never want to leave.” Before I can say any more, Ace has me in his arms, his mouth on mine. The kiss is deep and possessive, and I love every damn second of it. I pour all of the emotions I’ve been feeling into it. There is nothing more in this world that I want than to be his.

19

ACE

When we exit my office, I tuck Libby into my side, making it clear that she’s my girl. I’m sure most picked up on that before. This only makes it that much clearer. I know word will spread through this town fast. For once, town gossip doesn’t bother me. I want everyone to know Libby is mine.

I’m thankful that when we enter the front of the bar, most have cleared out for the night. It will make it easier for us to talk. I spot my brother and Winter together at the end of the bar. Joe is leaning up against it on the other side, talking to them.

“People are staring at us,” Libby whispers to me. I glance around and notice that most are, although some are trying to hide it.

“They’re not used to seeing me with anyone, and you’re fucking beautiful, so I’m sure it’s a mix of the two.” It’s hard not to notice Libby.

“Really?” Libby peeks up at me through her lashes. Despite my cum covering her pussy, she still radiates innocence. The girl has no clue how beautiful she is.

“Libby, you’re the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen. I saw you and obsessed over you.” The girl has ruled my every thought since I first saw her.

“And that’s never happened to you before?”

"No, babe,” I laugh. “That’s never even close to happened before.” That makes her smile bigger.

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