IN THE CAGE

72. THORNS IN THE EYES

...ACE pov's...

...----------------...

I woke up with Fawn sleeping well beside me. Not usually, because as I recall the girl always got up early and took a shower early as well. Was he so tired because of what we did yesterday? I remember playing with him for so long that he kicked me when I was about to touch him again.

This girl.., she looks very cute while awake, but when sleeping-she looks like an angel. I know what I'm thinking right now sounds kind of cliche and disgusting, but I'm serious. Fawn who sleeps with a blanket that falls to her chin - looks like an angel - or a fairy?

I don't know the right words to describe the beauty and innocence engraved on his innocent face. I just feel-I'm so lucky to get this girl in my cage.

"Fawnia.., I like you." I whispered in front of her closed eyelids. Maybe because of my breath falling on his face, Fawn's face frowned small.

I love this girl so much I don't think I can share it with anyone after this. All his attention, every touch, his head, I want him to just care about me, look at me and think of me.

Ting!

The sound of my phone from the nightstand next to the bed made me take a deep breath. Right, when I open my eyes - it means it's time for me to work. My life has always been like this. There's nothing good and fun in my life other than when I spend time with Fawn.

I grabbed my phone from the table and read the incoming message from-oh, Rio?

[Boss Ace, miss condition. Lilian's deteriorating. The doctor rushed to his room today.] - Rio.

Motherfucker!

I typed my reply for a moment.

'What's the continuation?'

[I don't know because they haven't come out yet, but it seems pretty critical. I will inform you in more detail after this.] - Rio.

'All right, I'm waiting.'

After replying to Rio's message, I was about to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. But.., when I glanced to the side, I saw that pair of deer eyes had already opened. Fawn looked at me in confusion.

"What time is it?" ask her in a weak voice.

"Still at 7, go back to sleep."

"Oh.., shit..." Fawn rubbed her eyes before pulling her back to lean on the head of the bed. "Am I late to wake up?"

"What do you mean late, it's still morning!"

After all, I don't think Fawn has a routine that forces her to wake up early. If he wants to sleep until 12pm, it's not a problem for him.

"It's a habit" Fawn said, making me understand. Right, he was a bodyguard before this. He had a hard life that made him have to be ready earlier than his own boss.

"You must forget that habit" I said, stroking his forehead. Fawn's eyes stared at my fingers for a moment before moving to look at me. "I-I don't want to forget who I am."

I forced my smile on Fawn who looked timid as she spoke. I understand the trauma I've had on her is so intense that even talking she's sometimes so alert. Fawn was still paranoid about my reaction and seeing it like that hurt me enough. I don't know how to make him not be afraid of me.

"Do you want to have breakfast with me?" I changed the topic.

"I'm too lazy to move."

"We can eat here," I don't mind eating in bed.

"Felix will kill you."

"What is Felix my boss?"

"No, but he's more annoying."

I laughed at Fawn's words and how her lips pursed when she complained about Felix. "Just calm down, he won't scold you." I said.

Fawn looked at me in disbelief, but neither denied me at all. I pulled her into my embrace and showered her innocent face with a light peck. He responded to me with a displeased ringing, initially. But give up when I come back***** his lips. Her delicate hands greeted my neck, propped up there while I laid them back on the pillow and buried her head there.

"Do you think you're gonna have breakfast?" He muttered while annoyed as my pagutan moved onto his shoulder.

"It's breakfast" I replied with a witty smile that made his face redder like sakura.

"You're a bitch."

...----------------...

Time showed at 09.45am when I got to the office. Quite late, but no one would dare to complain about my delay. I went to my office and, like in previous days, continued the work I was unable to complete the other day, the new files that needed to be signed, and some unimportant reports.

Although my routine is like a reflection of yesterday, today feels more fun because my relationship with Fawn is going very well. I don't remember how many times I smiled to myself as my mind carried a picture of her disheveled face as I added to my ration. Fawn was always upset and grumpy - but I knew very well that, just like me, she enjoyed the game that only the two of us played.

"Someone seemed to step out of the house with the right foot first."

A coming-of-the-come voice of a casual white shirt guy and soft brown pants. That man is Jemaine Emery. It was only a while ago that I met his sister, now I meet her. Is there any chance that I will meet their grandmother sometime in the future?

"Look who's coming..." I greeted him with a bored smile. "The bastard Jem."

"What a warm welcome, I'm touched." Jem responded to my welcome with a sneering face. He pulled a swivel bench opposite my desk and sat there. His hands are anchored on the table. "So, what makes you look like a kasmaran man here?"

"Should we check the CCTV?"

"Are you a moron?"

Jem laughs. "All right, just keep it to yourself."

"Whispering."

"Say you miss my noise, right?"

"That makes more sense, motherfucker. You better shut up."

Jem throbbing. "Anyway, I got word from Margot that a few days ago you and her had breakfast with Evan and Angga. What's going on?"

Margot always whistles fast. "It was just an accident."

In other words, it was a trap Margot set up for me to meet those two bastards.

"Margot must have done something, right?" Jem guessed right on target.

"You're his best friend, you know better." I said. I responded to Jem while reaching for the phone and contacted my secretary-Jerome who was in a different room.

"Bring a cup of coffee to Jem before he nags like an asshole," I made the order when the call connected.

"Well Ace's boss." said Jerome I just closed it without a response.

"Can't you speak well of me? The whole Diamond could think I'm a real asshole because of your nickname!"

"What I'm wrong is the more important question." I said casually.

"You really, really, something must have happened to you until you were this active in insulting me." Jem patted the table, drawing my attention to him. "Say, is this something to do with Fawn?"

"Huh?"

"yes too. I haven't heard from that woman in a long time. Have you made peace? Should I get dressed for your wedding?"

"Don't be a fool" I said. Damn, how could Jem be so sensitive to this kind of thing?

"You're so happy, I know it's just from looking at your face. Hahahahaha, Ace Hunter is in the heat, this is a good rumor to spread."

"Jem, do you want to die?"

"Handling, idiot. Aaaaah, it feels so amazing. A rock like you is in love. The world must feel like heaven to you." Jem's voice full of enthusiasm subsided into calmness. He looked at me in silence for some time, an ambiguous look. But, before I could ask what her gaze meant, she immediately shook her hands and went back as noisy as ever.

"Love used to be a weakness in your eyes, right? Because of your love for Margot, you're trapped in this place. Now, you've got a new love.., aren't you afraid at all?"

"What should I be afraid of, exactly?"

"Lost that love." Jem said relax. "Evan Caspian, Anggara Rashid. You're in a cold war with both of them. A war, be it openly or secretly, will always threaten our loved ones."

I hate Jem's direction, but I know he's right.

"What do you mean remind me of this?" I tilted my head, staring at the man I would never forget, who was an enemy as well.

"Let's not forget it, hahaha. Especially indeed? The world is so cruel. You have to get rid of your enemy before you get rid of it."

"Nobody can get rid of me." Jem this-is he a duplicate of Margot? Why is he so happy to remind me to get rid of Evan and Anggara? God fucking. Does he think I don't know his purpose? Utilizing me so that he could win against the prowess of Evan and Anggara, damn it, I won't let you feel superior by manipulating me.

"I've always supported you, Ace."

No. gabe.

I know you didn't mean that.

...----------------...

...NORMAL pov...

While Ace resumed his work, Jem, who had just taken his leave a few minutes ago, sauntered into the elevator with two bodyguards waiting for him in front of Ace's office.

He pulled out his phone and immediately called someone.

"Rose," he muttered in front of the elevator. "I have a job for you."

"Yes, boss Jem. I'm listening?"

"Find me detailed information about the Fawnia Alder family," Jem gave the order while staring at his reflection on the door glass.

Fawnia was a thorn in his eyes, Jem already knew that. Jem simply did not expect that the thorn would be deeply rooted and disturb him. He had to get rid of the girl for a moment. Only in the absence of Fawn can Ace Hunter focus on his revenge.

"Pain is the biggest motivation, right? I'll give it to you, Ace."

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