Chapter 19

19

ACE

W hen 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.

Thank fuck for that. I acted like a caveman, but still she wants to be with me. When she said she enjoyed me bossing her around, I let go of my doubts about going too fast with her. I’m not going to hold anything back now.

"That's sweet, but I was more interested in knowing why they never saw you with anyone. I’ve heard you're rather charming, and sex is more casual out here.” I stop walking and turn her to fully face me.

In her world, men took multiple wives. They could pick who they wanted and did all kinds of fucked-up shit. I might be barbaric with her at times with my obsession, but it’s only for her. There never has been and never will be anyone but her.

“I don’t do casual hookups, babe. I might be a smooth talker. My smooth talk has helped me and my brother navigate life, but I don't play around. My father did that shit to my mom. I’ll never be that kind of man.” I tell her the truth. Something I’ve never felt the need to tell anyone else. My father was a piece of shit who up and left our mom knowing she was pregnant with twins.

I knew I’d never do that shit. That I wouldn’t put my dick inside of a woman I wouldn't be willing to marry. Sure, I could wrap it up, but I wasn’t taking that chance. Hence why my dick has never been inside a woman before.

“I’m sorry.” She glances down. “I didn’t mean to imply?—”

“Hey now.” I cut her off, putting my finger under her chin to make her tilt her head back so I can get those eyes of hers back on me. “If you want to know something, I want you to ask me. I’m not offended. You’re learning, and I get that.”

I know Libby never means harm with her questions. It’s not her nature. She’s too damn sweet for that, but I also don’t want that sweetness to stop her from asking a question in fear of a response.

"Okay.” She smiles up at me.

“Plus, if we had spoken up about how we felt days ago, you never would have left our bed.”

“I hated not sleeping with you.” That shit will never happen again.

“Good, because I didn’t sleep at all.” I lean down and kiss her. My girl parts her lips for me, her body melting into mine.

“So now are you going to tell me about this?” I lift my head at Winter’s question. She’s got her attention trained on Libby.

“I didn’t know what it was.” Libby presses herself into my side. I put my arm around her shoulder, hating that she doubted what she meant to me. “If we were a thing.”

“More than a thing, babe.”

“I'm happy for you,” Winter admits. “You know that, right? I wouldn’t keep you from Ace. I get it more than anyone.”

“I know. For once, I was trying to figure it out on my own.”

“Not sure that I love that,” Winter huffs.

“We can talk about that all later, I promise, but Ace has news,” Libby tells her sister.

“Let’s sit down.” I motion to head back over to the end of the bar. I grab a few chairs while shooting my brother a glare that lets him know I’m not done with his ass.

It only earns me one of his rare smiles. I know what that fucker was doing letting that man get close to Libby. He was fucking with me. Who knew Garrett could be a matchmaker? He got Libby and me to clear up our shit real quick with that stunt.

“The raid go good?” Garrett asks when we all sit down.

I'm sure he's been keeping tabs on it. He knew we were going in. He wanted to come with me, but I needed him to stay with the girls so I could keep my focus. I knew Libby was safe with him. He had already had his fun. It was my turn.

“Raid?” Winter glances between the two of us.

“We went into Heaven’s Temple tonight.”

“Oh God.” Winter gasps. “Is everyone okay?”

“There were no female or children casualties.” I give the best honest answer I can.

“Casualties?” Libby asks.

“Deaths,” I clarify.

“Oh.” I pluck her out of her chair and put her into my lap. “There was no choice. They weren’t willing to go down without a fight.”

“Because they believe all those crazy lies,” Winter snips out.

“Or are a part of them and would rather die than face the consequences of their actions,” Garrett adds.

“But I’d say it was rather successful. We're uncertain about a few members, so we've separated them until we gain a better understanding. You two could potentially provide valuable assistance with getting them sorted out. Not everyone will tell us the truth about some of the members. They will still feel compelled to defend them.”

“They will,” Libby says softly. I squeeze her hip.

“But they’re safe, and that’s what matters,” I reassure her.

“Where are they?”

“Still there for now. There are teams of people that will be coming in. This won’t be a quick fix.”

“But it’s a start.” Winter smiles.

“It is,” I agree.

"Can we assist with more than just answering a few questions?" Libby asks.

“In due time.” I had a feeling she would want to. I actually think a lot of people in town will want to help if they can.

“Our parents. You haven’t mentioned them.” Libby tenses at her sister's question. Garrett pulls Winter closer.

“We have your mother. Your father took off a few days ago. I'm guessing he and a few others were spooked when I took Libby and Joseph didn't return.”

“I don’t like this.” Winter shakes her head. Libby is too damn quiet and still.

“We’ll find him.” Garrett’s eyes lock with mine.

“That’s a promise,” he vows.

I am far from done with Libby’s father. In fact, I haven’t even started.