18. Death By Heels

18. Death By Heels

The silence that had consumed the space around us was unnerving. I shifted in my seat, clasping my sweaty palms to the tops of my jean-clad thighs. The look on Jace's face had me wanting to shrink back in anxiousness, though I forced my posture to remain straight, refusing to lower my eyes from his.

"What?" Duke finally choked out, the shock in his voice causing my gaze to shift to his. I pressed my lips into a thin line, keeping my expression emotionless as my eyes flickered back to Jace's stony expression.

"Now's not the time for games." Jace spoke carefully, his calm voice only alerting me to the rising agitation in him. "That's a hefty statement you just made there." His eyes had narrowed sharply as they remained trained on mine.

I skimmed a glance at the people around me, who all seemed unsure of the words I had carelessly spewed out. Feeling my hands begin to shake, I knotted them into my shirt, twisting the fabric in hopes that it would calm the nerves growing in my gut. "It's true." I forced out, bobbing my head as I turned to Cameron, silently hoping that he would at least see I was honest. "Jace, Noah mentioned that he had feelings for a Stella. It has to be Jared's sister. It has to be."

"It could be a coincidence." Linc set down his burger, his dark gaze staring into mine. I couldn't fathom why he disliked my presence so much. I shifted, uncomfortable under his gaze and my eyes flickered pleadingly to Jace's. "If Jared heard you say that, can you imagine the way he would've acted?"

"It can't be a coincidence." I denied, shaking my head slowly. "That's too much of one." I pushed, placing my hands flat on the table.

"This could be what they want." Layton spoke up, tossing a quick glance to Max, who nodded. "They could want us to think we have her. There's a good chance they have killed her already, Savannah."

"I agree," Max leaned back in his chair. "Noah could have been told to say such things and pass them on to you. Think about it, Savannah. Ricardo could've told him to say that in order for him to inspire hope that she is definitely alive. Then, we would invade their territory and they would ambush us."

"She's alive. Noah was honest." I gritted out, feeling my teeth grind together as the tension continued to steadily rise at the table. Noah's soft demeanor and blushing face couldn't hold the evil that they were speaking of, I refused to believe it. "Jace?"

Jace watched me carefully for a few moments, leaning back in his chair before his eyes skimmed those around the table. "Max is right." He began carefully, his gaze returning to mine. His eyes were hard and unyielding. I felt a string of betrayal snake up my spine and I was careful to keep my expression blank.  "I'm sure that they just wanted to convince us that Stella is alive in hopes that we would attack them. We can't be sure she is."

"Are you serious?" I questioned, feeling my anger begin to rise. "Jared's sister is out there and you're going to just ignore that fact because you're scared they might ambush you?"

"Savannah," Jace growled out, his black gaze making the hairs on the tops of my arms rise. His hands made an appearance as he laid is two fists carefully out onto the surface of the table. "I would be careful how you speak to me. This isn't about fear; it's about not getting any of us killed. We can't be sure whether your claims are true or false, you should understand that."

"But, I don't," I bit out, my eyes flickering to a nervous looking Ashley. "She would have to be at a place where Noah has regular access to her: his dad's house, his mom's, or a school." I thought aloud, not paying attention to those around me.

"Maybe, we should all sleep on this." Ashley spoke up; looking skittish as she nervously took a sip of her water. "It’s been a long day."

"I think that's best." Cameron hurriedly agreed and I felt my shoulders fall slightly.

"You're all cowards." I bit out, leaning my head against the wall behind me and shutting my eyes.

Evidently it was the wrong thing to say because I felt Cameron stiffen next to me.

"That's not it." Linc sneered, his dislike for me clear in his tone. "You haven't been in this life for wrong. Open your damn eyes and see what you're up against."

"Linc," Jace warned carefully, the discontent in his tone seeping out from his emotionless mask.

I reluctantly peeled back my eyelids, arching one brow at him. "I know that I wouldn't wait around."

"Enough." Jace's voice was thick with fury. "That's enough."

Silence swirled around the table, as half of the men averted their eyes from Jace's agitated ones.

"I don't want Savannah's implications going anywhere farther than this table. You spread the word of it, you know what will happen." Jace concluded stonily, before he shot a glance at me. "And don't get any ideas in your head, Savannah." He ordered calmly, though anyone could see the agitation behind his calm demeanor. "You may think you know what's true, but you don't."

Feeling my fury burn through me, I pressed my lips into a tight line. Avoiding the anxious looks sent my way; I calmly picked up my fork. They may not be ready to take action, but I was. I wasn't going to let Stella or Noah be affected by this anymore.

And I knew just who could help me set my plan in action.

____________________________________________

"The charity gala is tonight." Jace informed me, over the screen of his laptop. His fingers rapidly hit the keys, his look of concentration letting me know that his work-day wouldn't be over anytime soon.

I hummed my acknowledgement, not understanding why he was informing me of such a thing. After last night's fiasco at the diner, things had been more than just a little tense at the penthouse.

"You're going to be my date." Jace continued, not looking up from his screen.

"Excuse me?" I blinked at the attractive man, before I blatantly let out a short laugh. "I don't remember agreeing to going to such a thing." I retorted, crossing my arms as I slumped in my chair.

"That's because you didn't." He finally shut his laptop, moving his head to face me. "I'm telling you. You're coming as my date."

"I don't want to be your date." I shot back; feeling the hurt from last night hit my chest. The fact that no one had believed what I had spoken, only made me feel like more of an outsider. I sunk my teeth into my lip at the realization.

"You're going to be it though, whether you like it or not. It's not like I'm happy about these feelings either." Jace pulled a disgusted expression, picking up a pen from the surface of his desk.

"Feelings?" I spoke carefully, unsure of whether or not I wanted to know exactly what he was articulating.

"Isn't that what I said?" He cocked his eyebrow in my direction, pausing in whatever he was doing. "It's not like I want to have feelings for you, trust me."

"Feelings for me?" I burst out, feeling my heartbeat increase. "What?"

"Are you dense?" He rubbed his free hand over his eyes. "My intentions were not for this to happen. I don't want to like you. You're annoying, aggravating, loud, demanding, stupid, and your mood-swings can give anyone whip-lash. Yet, here we are, Cupcake. So, you're going to be my date." His words were so loosely spoken that they left my jaw hanging open. He was once again staring at the papers splayed out across his desk.

Finally, I manage to scowl. "You can't just say that and demand that I'm your date. You may have feelings for me, but I don't for you." I crossed my arms, hating how untruthful my words felt.

Jace let out a dark laugh, standing up so he could move till he rested his backside upon the front of his desk. I felt chills coil up my spine as he leaned back, watching me with his dark eyes. Both his eyebrows were raised. "Really? You don't feel anything for me?" He didn't move as he seemed to ponder this thought. The sarcasm in his words did not go unnoticed by me.

"Y-yes." I stuttered out, clenching my hands into fists.

"You're so responsive to me." He chuckled, an almost distant look in his eye. "You never push me away, you always end up coming back, you don't try to run anymore; you're lying." He smirked, straightening as he slowly walked around his desk once more to take a seat in his leather chair.

"I'm not." I forced out, unable to describe what his words had done to me. "I don't like you. You kidnapped me and forced me into situations that I don't want to be in. Furthermore, you let me see things that I don't want to see. You're also an imposter cop who sells illegal weapons. And you've killed a man. How can I develop feelings for you after that?" I bitterly bit out, knowing that my words held a great amount of falseness.

Jace glanced up, an expression that I couldn't identify lining the edges of his face. "It's been more than just one man, Doll." He frowned, the wrinkle between his brow seemingly permanent. "I regret some of the things I have done to you, Savannah."

"And I'm supposed to feel something back for you after all that?" I finally managed to whisper, tucking a chunk of hair behind my ears. "I don't trust you."

This seemed to agitate him, as the scowl on his face only deepened and the stormy look in his eyes blackened.

"My point is that I'm not going as your date." I finalized, straightening my weak knees and arching my eyebrow at him as if daring him to say anything differently.

He only chuckled darkly, stretching his hand above his head boringly. "Yes, Kitten, you are. Ashley is buying your dress and Callum will be driving you back to the penthouse in a few hours. The gala starts at seven, so Ashley will help you ready yourself until I pick you up. Understand all that, Cupcake?"

"Why do you call me so many stupid nicknames?" I growled out, tossing my hands in the air. "I don't want to go! It sounds boring. Can't I just stay home and watch Netflix?" I whined, clasping my hands together.

"No, Doll." A wide smirk spread over his lips. "This is a date, so make sure you look good." He winked.

"I hate you." I growled out, standing up and stalking towards the window, tightly wrapping my arms around my torso. "I hate you."

"No, you don't." He chuckled and I could imagine the way he would playfully shake his head, his bright eyes sparkling.

"And this isn't a date." I argued, shaking my head profusely.

"Yes, it is. Wear your best heels." He snickered, running a hand through his messy hair.

"This is a form of torture." I shot back, wincing at the thought of who would be there tonight. "Do I have to wear heels? I can't walk in heels."

"Ashley is picking out what you're wearing." Jace shrugged, rolling his eyes. "If she chooses to pick out heels for you, then you will be wearing them."

"I can't walk in heels! Is Cameron going? He's going to tease me so much." I scowled, my forehead wrinkled.

"He'll be going." Jace's amused smirk grew even wider.

"Heels are handy then. I'll just kick him where it hurts if he says anything."

"I can see it now," Jace spoke, shaking his head in amusement. "'Death By Heels'."

I pressed my lips together to hide my smile, before turning back to the window.

"Your friend Brooke is also going." Jace rolled his eyes, sounding annoyed. "It seems that Riley has taken an interest in that annoying little shit."

"I'm not surprised," I snorted. "Though I am shocked that you're actually letting her out of the house. I thought she was a prisoner." My tone was saturated with sarcasm.

"Very funny," Jace shot back. "Believe it or not, I can do good things. If Riley wants to progress his relationship with Brook, then he should be able to. I won't hold it from him. They're flying in right now."

I pursed my lips. "I'm actually surprised. You seem like the type to not allow anyone to do anything they would like to." I noted, smirking when he let out a growl.

"Savannah."

"If I go to this event, will you tell me what you're going to do about Noah?" I turned to him quickly, cocking my eyebrows at him.

I could practically feel the playfulness that had grown in the air decrease. Tension seemed to swirl around us. "Drop it." Jace finally forced out. "We aren't talking about that."

"Why not?" I demanded, resisting the urge to stomp my foot as I whirled around. "I have a right to know what your thoughts are on the subject. You can't keep me from knowing."

"You shouldn't have voiced your suspicions in such a public way last night."

"Why not?" I repeated, arching an eyebrow at him as I crossed my arms. "I can say whatever I want. If anything, I thought I was helping. Shouldn't I be informing you things rather than keeping them from you?"

"Not like that, no." Jace bit out, his eyes stormy. "You need to keep your mouth shut and come to me privately. I don't want rumors flying around with everyone. That could cause problems within my corporation and with the guys and that's the last thing we all need."

"That's not fair to me." I whispered, feeling my agitation rise.

"Well, life isn't fair - fucking realize that already." He ground out, turning away from my frozen form. His rage was clear and I stumble a step back, not liking how it was aimed towards me.

Swallowing thickly, I turned away. "Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut from now on." I snapped, feel tears of frustration fill my eyes as I stomped towards the doorway of his office.

"Savannah!" I heard him growl out, though I didn't look back.

Quickly exiting his office, I slammed the door. I wiped my eyes, feeling my agitation increase.

Sheila looked up from her desk and I could see her dislike for me under the polite smile she had plastered on her face. "Hello, what can I do for you?"

"Call Callum to pick me up, please?"

She nodded at my request, not moving to pick up the phone as she watched me carefully. Then she smiled, the expression having a little too much gloating in it. "Be careful tonight, things can go very wrong quickly." She brightly enthused, though I could see something wasn't right beneath her fake expression.

"What?" I questioned slowly, not able to understand exactly what she was warning me about.

"Things can happen when you're least expecting them." She let out a tiny laugh, covering her mouth with the palm of her hand. "Very bad things."

"I don't understand." I warily spoke, gripping the counter.

Her eyes glowed knowingly, before she arched an eyebrow at me. "Never-mind. I'll call Callum now." She smiled professionally, reaching for her phone. "He'll be out front in a few minutes. Feel free to wait below."

Still confused, I stumbled away from her desk, unsure. Her words had stirred a bad feeling in my chest and I couldn't help but feel like I was slowly being immersed further into this world of terror, without wishing to.

"Savannah! Get your ass back here right now." Jace had yanked the door to his office open and was marching my way with the ferocity of a lion. I didn't feel the need to cower away from his intimidation anymore. If anything, it only succeeded in increasing the fuel for my temper.

I ignored his demands, quickly making my way to his private elevator and smacking my hand onto the button, just as he reached me.

"You anger me so much, Kitten." He hissed, pulling me into the elevator as the doors opened. "Why do you have to piss me off that much?"

I shoved a finger into his chest. "I feel the same way, Stupid. Leave me alone. I don't want to look at your face right now."

However attractive it is.

Jace chuckled darkly, his fingers digging into my hips as he leaned down closer to my face with his. "I don't think so." A weird expression appeared onto the edges of his face and his eyes narrowed. "Were you crying?"

"No," I shook my head quickly, the lie causing my cheeks to redden. "No, I just got something in my eye is all."

He didn't say anything, his eyes still staring stormily into mine, though this time with a tinge of guilt to them.

"I didn't mean to make you cry." He finally mumbled, shaking his head.

"Well, you did." I finally snapped at him, pushing against his chest. He released his grip on me and took a step back. "Because you are stupid and immature and  mean."

He watched me, emotionless, his arms crossing over each other. "Please, don't hold back." He mumbled sarcastically.

"And," I continued, my voice sinking into a growl. "You think you can boss people around. I was just trying to help! I deserve to know."

Jace looked conflicted as he hesitated. He finally sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Fine. I haven't been totally honest with you."

"I know that." I mumbled, leaning against the wall of the elevator, exasperated.

"But," He continued, shooting me an annoyed look. "I can't tell you everything right now. It's not safe. I will, just not right now."

"That's not fair." I protested, narrowing my eyes at him as he stepped closer. "I don't agree with that." His calloused hands reached out, latching onto my waist and pulling me protectively into his chest. I stayed stiffened, not wanting to relax into his hold. His rough grip slid gently up and down my sides. A sigh escaped his lips and he leaned closer to me.

"Too bad, Cupcake." He mumbled, pressing his face against my neck. "I'm sorry for making you cry."

The agitation still growing towards him halted my ability to respond. Instead, I exhaled, sinking into his embrace.

_____________________________________________

"Why the hell is he making me do this?" I scowled, my gaze flickering to Ashley as she wrapped another chunk of my hair around the barrel of the curling wand.

She cocked her eyebrow at me, releasing the curl so the hot lock hit my back. "Everyone knows that Jace is interested in you. I think he wants you to see that he can be a gentleman."

"He doesn't like me." I shook my head, crossing my arms as I glared at the blond. "He just... he just tricked himself into thinking that." I helplessly concluded, my mouth folding into a frown.

"Why would he do that?" Brooke called from the bedroom, her tone humorous. "Are you dense or just stupid?"

"Or maybe she likes him back and is trying to put up her defenses?" Ashley responded, a smirk tracing her lips as she ran a brush over my hair.

"That's not true." I protested, sinking my freshly manicured nails into the armrests of the seats. "He just wants me to believe he likes me, so that I'll sleep with him."

Ashley put down the brush, so she could pinch the bridge of her nose. "You're stupid, it's official."

"Thanks," I sarcastically mumbled back to her, leaning back in my chair so I could shut my eyes. "And if he did have feelings for me, he certainly wouldn't make me go to this event. Why are girls expected to do this?" I wrinkled my face at my appearance, which looked nothing like me.

"Many like to get dressed up." Brooke rolled her eyes as she stepped through the doorway and into the bathroom.

"Most women going to this event have their own personal hairdressers and stylists, but since someone is so stubborn..." Ashley narrowed her eyes at me, her sentence trailing off.

"I just want to be done with this." I whined, placing my feet onto the counter top in front of me and crossing my ankles. "Who needs two hours to get ready?"

"Me, Honey." Ashley snorted, spraying my hair. I nearly coughed up a lung when I inhaled the stuff.

Brooke rolled her eyes, jerking her head towards the bedroom. "Put on your dress. She got your size and I just know it's going to look amazing on you." Her eyes had lit up with excitement, while I rolled my eyes. "Your heels are by your dress." She informed me, turning to reapply her lipstick in the mirror.

"Heels?" I stated in horror, my eyes flickering to where my dress was laid out on the bed. Sure enough, a pair of treacherous nude pumps was laid out beside the garment bag. "You should know I can't walk in heels!"

"That's why you have Jace." Ashley wiggled her brows at me, shoving me closer to the murderous things. "Get dressed."

With my nose crinkled, I daintily stepped over to the bag, holding my breath as I unzipped it. The dress inside was cream colored. I blinked at it, thankful that it wasn't some ostentatious color that would surely attract attention.

I pulled my sweats and hoodie off, quickly sliding the dress over my legs and onto my shoulders. It was a light material, the bottom of it hitting the floor lightly as I settled the thin straps over my shoulders. It was slightly clinched at my waist, defining the curves I didn't know I had. The neckline dipped down, showing the tops of my breasts and more cleavage than I would have liked.

"Oh, it's perfect!" A squeal came behind me as Brooke launched herself in front of me. "Ashley, get over here!"

The back of the dress also dipped, showing off a flattering portion of my backside.

"Put on the shoes." I was demanded and I quickly complied, sliding my feet into the strapped things and tightening the single buckle around my ankle. I wobbled as I stood up, my eyes widening in terror.

"I can't walk in these!" I cried out, reaching out to grip the two girls in front of me. "I'll trip and fall and embarrass myself."

"I hope you do." Brooke snickered, sliding on her own heels. "We'll be there to see it."

Ashley elbowed the girl in the ribs, rolling her eyes. "You won't. Don't listen to this idiot."

"She's right though! And why is this so low?" I complained, tugging at the low neckline exasperatingly.

Brooke chuckled. "It's a great way to tease Jace. You have some great breasts." Brooke frowned, glaring down at her own chest.

"Stop," I complained, crossing my arms over my chest, not liking the blush that had covered my cheeks. "Jace isn't going to be effected by that. He'll probably ignore me the whole night anyways." I corrected, feeling slightly reassured by that fact.

"Whatever you want to convince yourself with." Ashley chuckled, shaking her head. Her hands smoothed of the cherry-red floor-length gown she was donning. She had decked out the outfit with diamond studs and a thick diamond necklace that framed the high neckline.

"Shut up." I muttered, running a hand over the voluptuous waves that she had placed in my hair. "How long is this thing anyways?"

"However long Jace decides he wants to stay." The blond rolled her eyes. "It usually isn't long, though now that he has you..." Her voice trailed off, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I shot back.

"You'll find out someday." She mysteriously finished, flipping her high-ponytail over her shoulder.

Brooke let out a tiny giggle, straightening her own light-blue gown. "I can't wait to see Riley. I don't understand why you're complaining." She noted, her eyes curiously staring at me.

"That's because you and Riley are practically in love. Jace and I hate each other."

"We've barely known each other for a week." Brooke rolled her eyes, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "It's not love. We just - connected."

"Gross." My face wrinkled up in disgust and she snickered.

"We need to go. Jace is getting annoyed." Ashley spoke up, dropping her phone into her clutch. "Try not to fight too much." She winked at me, turning towards the door. "We don't want you holding another gun to his head."

My cheeks flushed at the reminder and I quickly stumbled after her, with Brooke laughing loudly behind us.

I've never had a lot of practice walking in heels, so it was no surprise when I teetered dangerously over the carpet. I let out a moan of annoyance, shooting daggers at Ashley, when she looked back at me amusedly.

"This really is a form of torture." I muttered to myself, gripping the sides of my dress to haul it upwards.

"Can you at least try to walk like a lady?" Brooke sighed exasperatingly, as I tottered my way over to the stairs. "We've come such a long way."

Ignoring her words, I gripped the banister, hiding my smile of satisfaction when I descended the first steps like a professional.

"This isn't too bad." I mumbled under my breath, though I found myself speaking too soon as I nearly face planted after making my way down another step.

We reached the foyer and I straightened in relief. Ashley snickered at my expression, her hand moving to cover her bright-red lips.

A sharp whistle had us turning our heads as Cameron appeared from the living room. "Damn," He wiggled his eyebrows, straightening his suit. "Let's ditch this and go have a foursome. What do you ladies say?"

Ashley's face folded into one of disgust. "I can't believe I agreed to be your date."

"I'm irresistible." He shrugged, offering his arm to the blond as Riley stepped past him, his eyes only for Brooke. "I've also got a big-"

Ashley quickly slapped her hand over his mouth, though Cameron was quick to pull away, his gaze locking onto my feet.

"Is Savannah actually wearing heels? What has this world come to?"

I pursed my lips, sending the man an unimpressed look. "It wasn't like I had a choice."

I felt my face flush slightly when my eyes met Jace's, as he entered into the room. His lips twisted upwards into a careful smirk while his eyes ran over my tensed form. "Cameron's right. I didn't think you would actually wear the shoes."

I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at the man, instead rolling my shoulders back. I forced myself not to focus on how attractive he looked in his tux. He had left his hair in the slightly-messy fashion he always wore it in. Overall, his appearance was enough to make my knees weaken. I propped my hand on my hip. "Are we leaving or not?"

"Eager to get there?" Brooke smirked, her arms laced around Riley's neck. I cocked my eyebrow at the pose but got no reaction in response.

"I haven't eaten. I want food. So, yes."

Needless to say, they all didn't look surprised by my explanation.

Cameron, his hand creeping lower down Ashley's backside with every passing second, and an irritated looking Ashley were the first to wander out the front door. Brooke and Riley were next, looking far too invested in each other to notice anything else.

Jace offered me his arm and I reluctantly accepted it, greatly disliking what he was currently do to my stomach.

"Savannah," Jace murmured, his strength forcing me to pause in my hurry to the door. One of his hands snaked its way under my chin, where he gripped it, tilting my head up so I could gaze into his intense stare. "You look beautiful."

"T-thank you." I finally stuttered out, flustered. I couldn't understand why I suddenly wanted to run my hands through his hair and kiss him. I wasn't supposed to develop feelings for him. I hadn't wanted to.

He didn't respond, his hand gently squeezing my arm briefly before he guided us to the door of his penthouse.

"Where'd they go?" I complained when we reached the elevator and there was no sign of the group of four. My eyes anxiously flitted to Jace's and I swallowed thickly at the thought of being left alone with this man.

"Where do you think they went?" Jace shot me a sarcastic look as he jerked his chin towards the doors. "It's common sense, Savannah."

"I mean," I cleared my throat loudly. "Why didn't they wait for us?"

He stayed quiet and I let out a sound of annoyance, quickly stepping into the elevator as soon as I could.

Jace sighed, stepping in as well, before pressing the button to the bottom floor.

This time, the elevator ride was silent.

I was nearly crying in relief once the door was open. My claustrophobia had grown significantly throughout the ride and the need to escape from Jace's overwhelming and addicting presence had grown impossibly.

Jace was quick to snake his arm through mine once more, his eyes possessively narrowing at a man who had stared too long at my form.

"Ashley doesn't know how to listen." Jace finally sighed as he navigated me towards the entrance.

"What do you mean?" I glanced up at him with wide eyes, stumbling slightly and then blushing when a flash of amusement crossed his face.

He cleared his throat, his eyes scanning over my figure. "I told her to pick out something appropriate."

"This isn't?" I wrinkled my nose, moving to stare down at the fabric draped prettily over my form.

"No," He pinched the bridge of his nose briefly, before nodding at the doorman who had opened the door for us with a greeting. "But, it seems that all men can't seem to take their eyes off of you."

"That's not true." I muttered, elbowing him lightly.

Jace smiled secretly and my teeth sunk softly into my lip.

I shouldn't have been surprised to see a limo ready and waiting for us.

Layton and Max, who had been leaning against the car, straightened as we approached the vehicle. Callum was waiting with the door open, a professional expression splayed across his face as he gripped the handle and pulled it open.

"Mr. Kingston, Miss Savannah; good evening." Callum greeted politely, dipping his head in our direction.

"Thank you. You too," I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Jace didn't acknowledge the man and I sent him a glare. He only jerked his head towards the car and I sighed, sliding as gracefully as possible into the seat.

Jace smoothly settled himself into a seat after me and the door slammed, leaving us alone.

"Riley and Cameron took their own." Jace explained at my questioning expression. "Layton and Max will follow in an inconspicuous car behind us."

"Oh," I nodded, letting my hands fall limply into my lap. I gazed down at them, feeling my cheeks redden when I felt his heated gaze on me.

Silence had slowly filled the limo as it pulled out of the drive. I shifted in my seat, my clammy hands pressing firmly against the tops of my thighs.

"I don't understand you."

I gazed up, shock registering in me at Jace's words. I tilted my head at him, biting down on my lip. "Huh?"

"I don't understand you." He repeated, looking frustrated as he ran a hand through his perfect hair. "Some days, you're so responsive to me. Then there are times where it's like you can't even stand to be in my presence. Do I make you that uncomfortable, Savannah?"

His agitation did not go unnoticed by me and I looked away from his prying gaze, not knowing what to say.

"I understand. I did hold you against your will. I forced you to see terrible things. I've threatened you and said things that are cruel. Can you not see past my mistakes?" Jace wasn't masking his emotion well and for the first time in a while, I could hear the confusion and frustration coloring his tone.

"I-" I struggled with what he was saying, unable to comprehend the meaning of his words.

"I know I've made mistakes, Savannah." He sounded strangely exhausted as he leaned his head against the back of his seat. "I know I've shown you my dark side. I just don't understand how to make you see the good in me, as well."

"I do." I finally spit out, wincing as my voice cracked. I cleared my throat, tucking a handful of hair behind my ear. "I mean, I do see good in you. You're not a bad person. You just do bad things sometimes because you try to protect the people you love."

He didn't seem to believe me as he shut his eyes, his hands tensed into two fists.

"I-" I continued, my gaze flickering away from his stoic form. "I just think you can be a real ass."

Jace popped one eye open, looking surprised at the change in direction the conversation had suddenly turned. "Excuse me?"

"You purposefully try to piss me off." I bobbed my head, crinkling my brow as I mentally ticked off reasons. "You try to control me. It's hard to look past those negatives I guess." I finished lamely, shifting awkwardly in my seat.

I studied him, my eyes drifting to his lips. I blinked, biting my lip and I forced myself to look away.

Jace remained rigidly poised in his seat, his eyes still burning into my frame with intensity.

"Okay, good talk." I mumbled, clasping my hands together, not liking the silence suddenly encompassing the vehicle.

He let out a breath of laughter, suddenly gripping my arm and pulling me closer till our thighs were pressed together.

"Uh - what are you doing?" I questioned, my tone tinged with hesitancy.

He arched one of his brows at me, before pulling his phone out of his pocket nonchalantly. He didn't answer my question.

"Hello?" I squeaked, poking at his side. "You can't just ignore me."

"I'm going to make it my goal to understand you." Jace finally spoke, his head tilting down so his eyes could meet my confused ones. "I want to know things about you, Savannah. I want to know what you like and what makes you tick. I want to understand your past and what you want to make of your future. I want to know your little quirks and the way you do things. And it will happen, so be prepared."

And with those words, he turned back to his damned screen, leaving me dumbfounded and with my jaw hanging open.

"What brought this on?" I finally managed to stutter out, shock making my voice higher. "I thought you hated me."

"You know I don't hate you, Kitten." He darkly forced out. "I may want to, but it's sadly impossible for me. So, I've decided to acknowledge that fact."

"I don't feel anything back." I forcefully repeated what I had tried to get across this morning. "You might as well give up."

"Oh, but I won't for several reasons. One," He lifted his index finger. "I like a challenge and you are the perfect challenge. Two, you do have feelings for me and they aren't going anywhere, so we might as well acknowledge them. Three," He ticked off the last finger needed, his brows drawing together. "You're worth it. I'm going to be investing a lot of time into this, so I hope you are at least."

With my heart beating too fast, I leaned back in my seat, shutting my eyes.

"Why do I feel like everything just got more complicated?" I whispered, my fingers knotting themselves together.

"Oh, Kitten, because it did."