Chapter 2 Prisoner

{Faith}

The car slows down just as my heart begins to beat fast against my rib cage. Ace’s eyes roll the full length of my body. It makes my skin crawl.

God, please, no!

“Mi casa es su casa,” Ace says after a few minutes of silence.

A gigantic golden gate suddenly appears in the midst of the lush greenery. As the car drives through, my jaw almost drops to the floor.

Behind the gate is a grand mansion that sprawls over more than an acre of land. A hedge of shrubs lines the driveway, leading to a huge door in the middle of the building.

I can’t believe my eyes.

I have always thought that Ace lived on the outskirts of town because he needs some “privacy” to do his illegal business. Like a hideout that doesn’t draw any attention.

This is a freaking palace!

A palace built on dirty money.

“This isn’t my home,” I frown, finally responding to him. “Take me back!”

The smile on his face suddenly disappears. “Well, it is now.”

He grabs my wrist, opens the door, and drags me out.

“Welcome, Boss!”

Several men, more than the number that had laid siege at the chapel, bow to Ace as he drags me into the house.

“Let me go! Or the cops are going to come here soon!”

Ace stops in the middle of the tasteful living room. He looks at me, then laughs. “You think the cops are gonna come here?”

I want to nod, but something stops me. They aren’t?

Letting go, Ace opens his arms wide. “This is my city!”

My eyes narrow. I have seen this somewhere before!

But it only makes me more irritated.

“You might think you are untouchable, but God willing—“

He snatches my wrist again before I can finish. Then drags me up a grand flight of stairs.

“Please,” I cry, out of breath as we enter a bedroom which was no less furnished than the living room.

Ace turns to look at me. My breath shakes as I repeat, “Please…”

Something moves in his eyes, but it disappears before I can tell what it is. “Princess, I have told you not to cry.”

He reaches out and brushes a thumb on my cheeks. I slap his hand away. Again.

“You are making me look like the bad person here, Princess.”

“Are you not?” I swallow a hard lump. “You ruined all my father’s efforts to rid this city of immorality and crime. He died because of you. And as if that’s not enough, you kidnap me on the one day I feel happy since his death.”

Ace’s hand drops. “I am not to be blamed for your father’s death, and you know it!”

I grit my teeth. “You may not have put a gun to his head, but you killed him. You are a murderer!”

A vein suddenly appears on his forehead. His eyes turn red. He stares at me, and the next few seconds feel like a lifetime.

What is he gonna do? Strangle me and then dump my body in a shallow grave somewhere? Will I become one of the many unsolved mysteries talked about on true crime podcasts?

“Have some rest.”

Before his words can register in my head, he walks out of the bedroom. I hear the lock click from outside.

“Let me out of here!” I bang the door. “Do the right thing for once in your life.”

I listen, but all I hear is the sound of receding footsteps.

My legs turn to jelly. I slip down with my hands on the door. Lying on the floor, I think of Matthew. Is he okay? Did those evil men kill him?

My belly churns at the thought. Matthew doesn’t deserve any of these.

This isn’t how it’s supposed to happen. Matthew and I are supposed to be having our first dance at the reception by now, and later, I am supposed to give my virginity to the man God has destined for me.

Why is this happening to me?

*****

I jolt awake. Looking around, I find that my kidnapping isn’t just a bad dream. I am stuck in this dark and cold hell.

My eyes feel sore as I blink hard. I have no tears left. None despite the burden in my chest. I bury my face in my knees. Suddenly, I hear a rattling noise.

He’s coming back!

I leap to my feet. Running to the nightstand, I grab the lamp. As soon as the door opens, I hurl it at him. He catches it with lightning speed.

Walking in, “You are gonna have to do better than that, Princess.”

“Stop calling me that!” I yell.

“But that’s what you are. A princess who has been shielded her whole life so much that she doesn’t even know how to throw right.”

He places the lamp on the white dresser. “Anyway, you are in luck. I can teach you a lot of things.”

There it is again! That lustful look…

A sense of dread fills me. I know I am not safe here. I better leave, or die trying.

I try to walk past him, but he grabs me by the arm, pulling me back with just enough force.

“Not so fast.”

I stagger. “I have to go home. I need to see Matthew!”

“Matthew?” He scoffs. “You mean that loser you almost married?”

“Matthew is a better man than you will ever be! He is a good Christian and a—“

He bursts out laughing. “You are so clueless. If only you knew the truth, you’ll realize that I am not your enemy.”

“I know enough!”

“Do you really?” He slowly walks over, raising a brow. “Do you?”

“Stay away from me!”

Ace stops. He grabs my face. And then, I feel his lips crushing mine.