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“I’ll derive great joy in taking it off you when we arrive home.”
“Well…” I drape one leg over this thigh. “I’ll derive great joy in letting you.”
We both burst into laughter and twine our fingers together. “Are you nervous?” he asks.
“Not anymore.”
“Good girl.” He kisses my forehead. “Don’t let anyone intimidate you, Jas. I’ve got your back, you know that, right?”
“Yes.”
The Ace family mansion is much bigger than I expected, and it throws me off guard. As we drive up the entrance, I peer out the window at the expensive statues, gargoyles, and monumental waterfalls decorating the vast compound.
“This is where you grew up?”
“Yup. It’s where my father grew up, too.” Alec leads me out of the vehicle and up the cobblestone steps to the front door. While the exterior of the building is awe-inspiring, the interior is breathtaking. Everything in it is carved from expensive stones and diamonds, not to mention the pricey artwork on the wall.
Alec leads me past the living room and down the hallway.
“Is no one home?”
He chuckles. “My parents are home. They’re mainly in the other wing of the house.”
“Okay. Where are we going?”
“The dining room.” He pushes a door open, and I walk in. The dining room is bigger than Riley’s apartment in New York, which is not an exaggeration. The dining table is obviously an antique set and is crafted from high-quality wood. I may not know much about wood or furniture, but I know money when I see it.
Alec helps me into my seat before sitting beside me. The table is already full of different meals and drinks that would usually whet my appetite. But right now, my anxiety is returning, and the last thing on my mind is food.
“Where are your parents?”
“They’ll be here soon. They’re never late.” Alec checks his wristwatch. “It’s already—”
The door swings open, and we both turn to see an older couple walk in.
This is Mr. and Mrs. Ace, Alec’s parents.
While Mr. Ace is a handsome and distinguished man, he doesn’t hold my attention for more than a few seconds. Mrs. Ace, on the other hand, draws me in, and I can hardly stop staring.
She’s dressed in Mulberry silk that whispers against her skin as she walks, with a feather fascinator that lends her an air of elegance and sophistication. There’s a haughty look in her eyes that has bile rising to my throat because I can already tell she will be extremely difficult to please.
Alec rushes to his feet when his parents reach the table. “Good afternoon, Dad. Good afternoon, Mum.”
“My boy.” Laughing, his father embraces him momentarily. His mother doesn’t say a word. She just sits at the table and stares ahead.
“Dad, this is Jasmine. She’s the lady I told you about,” Alec says, smiling at me.
I rise to my feet and hold out my hand. “Good afternoon, Mr. Ace. I’ve heard so many good things about you.”
“Good afternoon, Miss Jasmine.” Mr. Ace shakes my hand briefly before sitting beside his wife.
“Mom,” Alec calls. “This is Jasmine, the—”
“Servers!” Mrs. Ace claps, and uniformed servers appear to serve our lunch.
My cheeks warm with embarrassment, but Alec’s hand finds mine beneath the table. We intertwine our fingers together, and peace returns to me instantly. For the next twenty minutes, I dig slowly through my food.
“What’s wrong, Miss Jasmine?” Mr. Ace asks with concern. “You don’t like the food?”
