Damn! At the end it had to happen. The thing I feared. Last night, when I didn’t give Ace any answer, I felt how his mood went to a dark path, though he didn’t show it to me. And his meeting Warner didn’t seem to be a good idea at all with his darkened mood. So, messaging Cassie, I had her take Warner away with some excuse from the function. I felt guilty, but I didn’t want a scene at Tess’s rehearsal dinner.

I put a hand on Ace’s arm. Warner’s gaze followed the act.

“Ace, please. Don’t start anything here. He was invited to the wedding,” I said softly.

His flashing gray eyes met mine. “I don’t care if he’s invited or not. He’s not staying here.” Turning to Warner, he hissed, “Leave!”

“Ace!” I gasped. “He’s my friend. You can’t talk to him like that.”

“It’s okay, Em. I don’t care what he says. I came here for you. I need to discuss something with you. It’s important.” Putting on a tight smile, he pushed his hands into his pockets.

“She won’t go anywhere with you.” The deep Greek accent sent shivers down my spine. His enraged eyes cut through Warner.

But Warner held his gaze. “Let her make the decision, shall we?”

God! This wasn’t happening! I totally forgot he’d be here out of my excitement to meet Ace.

Taking a threatening step forward, he spoke in a low voice, “Do not try to cross my path, Mr. Wilson. I’m warning you for the last time. You won’t like the outcome, trust me.”

Though Warner kept a nonchalant face, he took a step back. The fleeting fear flashing across his eyes for a second didn’t go missed by me.

I pulled Ace back and turned to Warner, casting him an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Warner. I have to go right now. But I’ll meet you in a bit, all right?”

His jaw clenched, but he didn’t say anything. Nodding, he gave one last glance at Ace, who was still murdering him with his glare, and walked away.

I turned to him. “What was that? You were flat out rude!”

Ignoring my accusation, he grabbed my waist and dragged me with him again. Once in front of an unoccupied room, he pushed the door open and locked us inside.

“What are you doing—” My words caught in my throat as he pinned me against the door. Leaning in, he snuggled his face in the crook of my neck.

“This dress…. Tell me what I’m thinking is true, Rosebud. Tell me you wore this for me,” he groaned out, taking a sharp intake of breath.