“I won’t embarrass him. And you don’t know everything. So why don’t you just enjoy your party and let me be on my own?” My tone matched hers.

“Stay away from him, Emerald. He isn’t the one for you.”

My anger flared. “I will do whatever the hell I want, Tess. It’s none of your business! So, leave me alone.” Turning on my heels, I walked away.

Once I had padded close to where Ace stood, I took a calming breath and smoothed my hair. No one could stop me from expressing my feelings today.

“Hey!” My voice came out meek, gone was the confidence in the air. Nervousness fluttered in my tummy.

His gray orbs lifted to mine. This time, his gaze didn’t hold displeasure. But there wasn’t any pleasure either. They were just cold.

He was in a bad mood.

Should I do it today?

But I had to gather so much courage to make up my mind. I didn’t know if I would have that much guts anytime soon.

“Won’t you play chess with me today, Ace? I’ve been waiting for another match.”

Maybe after the game his mood will be lighter?

He thought for a second and then nodded. “Yeah, sounds good. This party is boring me, anyway.”

My grin was face splitting. “Let me get the board ready. In the library, as usual?”

He nodded, taking a sip. “I will be up in a few.”

Failing to contain my excitement, I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. His exotic cologne made me giddy.

“I will be waiting for you.”

His shoulders tensed. His touch on my back was almost non-existent.

Taking a deep breath, he pulled me away by my shoulders. His lips pursed in a straight line. “Go.”

Nodding, I skipped off to our small library and started to make the board ready. I could barely contain myself from dancing around. I was finally going to tell him.

Tell him I loved him.

Ten minutes passed, but he didn’t show up. Then it turned into twenty. And there was no sign of him.

He said he’d be here in a few.

Letting out a sigh, I got up and went downstairs again. The party was going on in a full swing. Most elders retired for the night. There were only the youngsters, dancing and drinking wildly.

I spotted Cassie dancing with my brother while Beth chatted with some girls. But I couldn’t see him anywhere. The loud music and sharp smell of alcohol almost made me gag.

Where is he?

Making my way through the half-wasted dancing population, I padded towards the balcony. But he wasn’t even there. Did he forget about our match and left already?

But he never forgot our match.

Sighing in disappointment, I decided to go back up to my room.

Maybe another day.