Chapter 21

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Jace wondered why he even attended the meeting because it was all useless, he thought as he sat at the end of the table trying to listen to whatever the Patricks were trying to say, his gaze kept betraying him as it shifted to where she stood.

He should have known it wasn't just in his office but the meeting room as well, probably even everywhere. Since she started staying in his office, things haven't been going well. He'd been taking most of his work back home with him, he barely got anything done at the office. He always caught himself staring at her across the room, he already had the outline of her body engraved in his mind. From her jet-black hair to that black body-hugging top of hers, her black leather pants down to those Timberland boots, black of course.

Seems to be the only colour in her closet. But he didn't for one-second doubt that what laid underneath was much better.

"Sir." Jace heard in the distance but he was far too gone.

"Sir, Mr. Black."

Ariana looked at Jace,
"Jace."

That was all it took to snap him out of his reverie.

"Sorry." Jace glanced from her to the Patricks, "You were saying?"

"We think this is..." And they went on and on.

An hour later.

"We'll send the legal documents as soon as it's drawn up." One of the Patricks said as he shook his hand.

"Of course." Jace smiled and gave him a brief nod.

The Patrick gave him a curt nod before his gaze shifted to Ariana then he left. Jace turned to Ariana to find her glaring at his retreating figure.

"So?" Jace asked; with no particular question.

Ariana looked at him,
"If that's what you have to sit through every meeting, I would understand why you'd zone out."

Jace smiled.
"That's the first time I haven't paid attention in a meeting."

"Well, you have a good force of perseverance," She said, "I admire that about you."

A smile threatened to push through but he held it back and took a step closer to her.

"Is that the only thing you admire?"

"Well, your ability to know when you're wrong isn't so bad either."

Jace smiled then,
"Do you know what I admire about you, Green?"

Ariana kept quiet as they both gazed into each other's eyes like it was a contest.
"I don't think I'd like to know."

"I'm telling you anyway."

Jace took another step closer and by then they were so close he wasn't just in her personal space but private.
"I admire your strong will of pretending like you don't feel this thing between us," His gaze dropped to her lips, "When all I can think about is nothing but this."

Ariana felt her heart skip a beat; it was more of a cartwheel than a skip.
"Mr. Black..." Ariana said on a shaky breath but snapped herself out of it, "...I'll have you remember that I am your bodyguard. Whatever you think is happening between us is all in your head. I suggest you realize that quickly because even if there was something; nothing can happen."

Ariana walked past him and Jace stood there and sighed at her stubbornness.

She is one strong willed woman.
Jace thought.
We'll just have to see how strong you are.

Jace followed her and they both headed to his office together. Once inside, the tension was palpable.
Nothing can happen? We'll see about that Green.

Damn!
That was all Ariana could think of as she stood at the window of his office looking out.
What is he doing?!

Ariana tried to stand still and ignore what was going on behind her but it wasn't an easy task. That shit face - Jace - was flirting with this woman, one of the managers of one of the departments in the building. She almost looked like Barbie except for the work clothes - slutty one might she add.

It had been going on for about ten minutes and it made her want to gag. Technically, they were discussing work stuff but it seemed like they were on friendly term because they seemed comfortable in each other's company.

Ariana shut her eyes when she heard Barbie, the sequel, giggle again.

That's it.
"I'm going to be outside, Mr. Black." Ariana turned and made her way out of his office, ignoring both of them.

"You're needed in here Green - not out there." Jace stopped her mid-way.

Ariana almost cursed him then but she sighed then turned to look at him.
"I don't want to disturb any of your business discussions."

Jace knew the real reason she wanted to leave his office but he said nothing and just smirked.
"You aren't disturbing. In fact, you are exactly where you should be."

Ariana wanted to smack that smirk off his face but instead returned a fake one and went back to her spot, trying to block out her giggles.

Later that day, Ariana and Jace headed to the parking lot in silence. One of the security guys had moved their vehicles to the parking lot because Marvis was available. They walked out of the elevator and headed towards his car and her bike.

"You should go on without me. I have some things to take care of." Ariana said,

Jace looked at her with a raised brow,
"Another underground fight, Green?"

"No," She said, "This one will be out in the open."

Jace just looked at her and said nothing for a moment,
"Be careful."

"I will be." Ariana looked at him, "You be careful."

Jace smiled as he pulled out his keys and unlocked the car. Jace pulled the door open and froze as he was about to get in.

Ariana who was about to mount her bike saw him.
"What?" She was alert,

Jace glanced at her and back at the car before Ariana quickly made her way towards him and pushed him out of the way to look inside the car.

"Shit." Ariana cursed.

It was like a wild animal had been let loose inside. The steering wheel was no longer where it was meant to be. The pedals were pulled out. The seats were ripped and out of place. The dashboard with deep scratch marks and...graffiti. Ariana didn't miss the writing on the passenger's window.

We'll be coming for you soon.
Written in red paint.

Ariana pulled back and slammed the door shut before she turned to him.

"Seems like we'll be going on your fighting spree."

"No," Ariana said, "I'm taking you home then I'm going on my killing spree."

"Sometimes your job seems more fun than mine," Jace said, "Keys."

Ariana raised her brow.
"What keys?"

"Your bike." Jace said like he was asking for something simple.

"I'm not giving you the keys to my baby."

"Your baby?" Jace asked with a smile,

"Tell me you don't name your toys."

Jace was quiet for a while,
"Keys, Green."

"No," Ariana stepped back slamming into his car, "You're going to get us killed."

"I've ridden one of these before," He said, "It's like riding a bicycle."

Jace took a step closer to her, keeping her trapped between him and his car. She didn't like it and hated it when she reached into her pocket for her key and placed it in his open hand.

"I'll be careful with...your baby," He took the keys, "And I'll get you the latest one if I crash it."

Ariana reached to snatch her keys but he held it above him. She huffed and let it go.
"Crash my baby and you'll have not one but two people after you."

Jace smiled and mounted the bike. Jace put the helmet on as Ariana got on behind him. Jace smiled behind the helmet as he revved her bike.
"Hold on tight, Green," He said, "It's going be a fast and bumpy ride."

Ariana rolled her eyes. She could picture the smirk on his face.

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