Page 78 of Pride: Kneel Before None

Outside, dawn’s light barely seeped in through the windows covered in local advertisements.

Perfume wafted from the far back corner—desert roses with charred petals. Classic Mother, beauty and destruction prevailing under the harshest of circumstances.

“Genevieve, look how you’ve grown.”

The firm click of the front door closing chased the rest of the imagery away from my mind’s eye.

I turned and watched as Ace crossed the living room to where I sat. He stopped in front of me, his hand scratching at the thin layer of stubble on his jaw.

“Did you hear what Val told you?” he asked, eyeing me with deserved suspicion.

Looking up at him with innocence in my glimmering blue eyes, I asked, “Which part?”

“Don’t fucking play coy with me right now, Eve. The most important part.” His tone sounded more weary than agitated.

With a soft roll of my eyes, I straightened up, crossing one leg over the other and resting my hands on my knees—the spitting image of a lady who knew her worth.

“Yes, I heard him,” I said before repeating Val’s unnecessary warnings. “I need to keep my temper in check, and I need to be aware of my surroundings.”

“And?”

Of course he wanted to turn this into a pop quiz.

“And I need to limit how far I push my powers,” I finished with a flash of a sweet smile at him.

He nodded with reluctant satisfaction but seemed unable to drop the issue.

“Do you know what happens if you don’t, Little Spade?”

It didn’t take a genius to state the obvious. “I’ll pass out again.”

A look of disapproval from Ace as he encroached on my personal space, forcing me to lean back.

“No,” he said curtly.

His hand shot out, gripping my chin firmly enough to force me to stare up into his darkening evergreen hues.

Ace’s voice took on a deep rumble, like thunder’s whispered promise of a storm ahead. “I will give you an attitude adjustment until the only thing your mind is capable of is thinking about how good my cock feels.”

The threat felt more like a dangerous temptation.

“Understood?” His hold on me tightened marginally.

I managed a slight nod as I responded. “Every word.”

“Good. Now, head downstairs and see Ignatius. He’s expecting you for some plans I’ve made for us this week.”

He released my chin and stepped back enough to give me space to stand.

“What type of plans?” I asked as I rose to my feet.

The spark of amusement shone in his eyes. “Treating my Little Spade to some luxury relaxation.”

Well, that was intriguing. But before I could interrogate him further on the details, he was already on his way up the stairs, heading towards his office.

My mind ran wild with the possibilities.

Several days later, I forced myself awake before the sun chased away Superbia’s nightlife. Ace had been spending his evenings managing the casino’s security, calling in favors to track down Rip, and burning the candle at both ends while attempting to familiarize me with the abilities I picked up through him.