Kaida stood quietly behind Ace as he dealt with another businessman yet again. They have been doing just that since the morning. As Ace conversed with the man about projects and investments, her thoughts drifted back to last night. She didn't get any more nightmares when she went back to sleep in Ace's arms. It was a peaceful sleep. The most peaceful sleep she's had in years.

And that was tormenting her. Ace had proven to be anything but a regular target. Compared to her previous victims, she was attracted to this one, attached even and the comfort and peace his arms provided was not something she could just turn a blind eye to. Opening up to Ace about her past had lifted some weight off her shoulders but whenever Ricardo reminded her through texts to eliminate Ace as soon as possible. The weight on her shoulders doubled. Guilt was slowly gnawing at her heart like a blood sucking leech and it was killing her day by day.

Everytime she told herself she would pull away. She wouldn't get attached. She would remain emotionless. Ace either did something or said something that made her plans crumble to dust. Pulling away from this man was like trying to run away from a damn tornado. No matter how far she ran, he would be close behind her, coming full force to wreck her demeanour.

God damn this fucking situation. Among all things, why did she have to meet a man who finally makes her feel safe through such circumstances? She was stuck with desire and duty. On one hand, her desire for Ace. On the other hand, her duty to her father. Ricardo had been there for her after her family's death, even when she was barely responding.

He had comforted her nights after nights. Brought her chocolates and even when she refused to play with toys. He stayed with her. He had loved her like a true father. He never denied her anything she wanted. He helped her control her emotions through meditation and exercises. If she was such a powerful and ruthless assassin. It was all thanks to Ricardo’s unconditional support. But in the face of love, everything she had learnt and used through her everyday life were proving to be ineffective. After all, even the most powerful of beings can be touched by love. And Ace’s kindness, warmth and affection towards her were slowly testing her resolve.

She snapped out of her thoughts as the client stood up abruptly pointing his gun at Ace. On instinct, Kaida pulled out her gun along with Ace’s men present in the room.

“He's under my protection. I'll advise you to put the gun down unless you want me to blow your head.”Kaida said, her voice laced with authority.

“Put your gun down Mr Giordano. You are outnumbered either way,”Ace said calmly, unfazed by the gun pointed at him.

“You are going to sign that contract Mr King. You owe me this after all the investment I did” Mr Giordano said coldly.

“Tsk there are too many greedy people in this world. You received the fruits of your investment and I might add in double. What more do you want?”Ace asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kaida placed her finger on the trigger. “Put your gun down”

Mr Giordano stared at her before glancing at all the other men in the room. Then slowly, he lowered his gun, seeming to realise his stupidity.

“You are lucky I'm feeling merciful today or you would already be six feet underground.”Ace said standing up and adjusting his tie.

As much as she didn't want to admit it,Ace always looked hot and intimidating in his pitch black suits. She was so used to seeing the dude with leather jackets or shirtless at home. In meetings, that almost looked like another Ace. With his suit and cold, dark gaze.He looked exactly like the devil she had heard about. The Ruthless Italian Mafia Boss.

“This is the last time you are coming to this company. Get out of my sight” Ace said, throwing the unsigned contract at Mr Giordano’s face.

Mr Giordano looked ready to lift the gun again but Kaida was faster. She swiftly pulled the trigger but aimed just past his ear so the bullet barely grazed his skin. “I never miss Mr Giordano, this is my last warning. The next bullet will be straight to your chest”

Mr Giordano flinched, grabbing his ear that was now bleeding. His eyes widened, fear swirling in his dark brown eyes.

“Unlike my men here who might wait for my permission. She's an assassin, Mr Giordano. For your children's sake, leave before she decides to end your life” Ace said, opening the door with an emotionless face.

Mr Giordano quickly grabbed the file in response and left as quickly as possible.

“Why do you even bother doing business with such people?”Kaida asked, poking the inside of her cheek with her tongue. She was pissed sometimes at the audacity of the people Ace did business with.

That was the problem with some businessmen, no matter how much profit they got out of a contract or investment. It was never enough especially if the other party was more successful and influential.

“The business world is a cruel place darling. If I rejected or killed every businessman that came to me, I wouldn't be this successful.” Ace said with a smirk.

Kaida hummed in reply, running her fingers through her soft red hair. “Fair point. Are we done?”

“Yes. Let's get out of here.” Ace said, seeming as eager as her to get the hell out of the meeting room.

                               ***

“Are you alright, Leonessa?”Ace asked as he drove them back to the penthouse.

“Yes, why?”Kaida asked with a raised eyebrow.

“You looked deep in thoughts during the meetings today”Ace whispered softly.

Kaida remained quiet, pondering over her words carefully. “I was just thinking about last night”

“What about it?”Ace asked, glancing at her briefly before focusing back on the road.

“Well.. Your presence helped..”Kaida trailed off, not sure if she should say it or not.

“Helped in what way? Talk to me, love. I can't be there for you if you don't let me in,”Ace said firmly yet gently.

Kaida sighed leaning her head back. “I didn't get any nightmares once I fell asleep in your arms Ace”

Ace paused, his eyes flickering with surprise and emotions. “Well.. Isn't it a good thing?”

No.. It's not.. You are my target, Ace

That's the response that was on the tip of her tongue but instead she said “It is but I.. I don't want to become dependent on your presence”

“Why? Is it that bad to feel safe enough with me that your nightmares fade?”Ace asked calmly.

Kaida remained quiet for a few seconds before finally voicing out her thoughts “I'm used to being independent, to close myself off from the world. But you are changing everything. You are making me feel vulnerable... You are weakening me”

Ace abruptly pulled the car to a stop. His eyes darkened with fury and another unreadable emotion. “You think that you're weakened because you are vulnerable? Because you let yourself feel things? Is that what you think of me, that I've weakened you simply by making you feel? I have not weakened you. I have liberated you. I've given you the ability to feel and express what you've kept buried inside. And I will never regret freeing you from that cage.” He said sternly without any ounce of regret.

Kaida was left stunned, having nothing to say in response. Ace was right. She had always caged her heart and soul. Using solely her mind to focus on her missions and targets. That was until Ace barged into her life and turned everything upside down. He had freed her before she even realised it, he had offered her a taste of true freedom and paradise. But could she hold on to this little piece of heaven? Especially when the man in question was the one she had to kill?

Kaida remained quiet as Ace started the car again. For the rest of the ride, her mind kept repeating Ace’s words over and over again.