Chapter 10
10
ACE
Not to brag, but there are bite marks in the collar of my sweatshirt, courtesy of my boyfriend.
I haven’t stopped bringing it up all week, and by the time Friday rolls around, Connor is sick of hearing about it.
“Shut up,” he mutters. “It’s embarrassing.”
“It’s fucking amazing. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“The best thing that ever happened to you is that I got so turned on that I chewed on your clothing?”
“Yup.”
We’re on our way to Isleton to have a group date with Devyn and her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend, Ben, who happens to be a detective.
Luckily, my burglary and forgery days are behind me, and I never did anything in Isleton.
To my knowledge, I’ve never even met the guy.
My last offense was about five years ago, right before I met Connor.
I gave up a life of crime for my pumpkin.
I’m an upstanding citizen now, and there’s no reason for Devyn’s detective boyfriend to have a fucking problem with me.
Even if he does, it’s not really my problem.
Devyn likes me, and that’s all that matters.
Besides, Ben will see how well I treat her.
He can’t not like me.
I’m likable as all hell.
“Don’t bring it up to anyone, ever,” Connor warns as we turn off the freeway. “In fact, burn the sweatshirt.”
“No. It’s my favorite now, and I’m going to wear it with pride.”
Not tonight, though. For our date, I’m in light wash jeans, a black V-neck, and a brown leather jacket. Connor is in his classic gray slacks and white button-up combo that makes me turn feral.
He’s likely overdressed for a video game bar, but he’s hot, so it’s okay in my book.
“Stop ogling me,” he warns, and I recline in the passenger seat.
“Never.”
“You’re on one tonight, Ace. You have to behave.”
“I’m on my best behavior.”
But the truth is, I’m slightly nervous. I’ve been dying all week to see Devyn, and I’m amped up on espresso shots over ice, making me a bit jittery.
Making a good impression with Devyn is important. We spoke briefly at the café, but I need to find a happy balance while I obsess over her.
I can’t scare her away, because the worst part is that if she tries to run, I will chase after her.
I’m not sure how Connor would feel about that.
It would just get too damn messy, and I don’t want to stress my pumpkin out.
If the way he’s gripping the steering wheel and clenching his jaw is any indication, though, he’s already panicking.
“This is a date, not a funeral,” I remind him. “We’re supposed to have fun , not look constipated.”
He shoots me a look. “I know that.”
“Then stop freaking out.”
“ You stop obsessing, then.”
I scoff. “I’m not obsessing about her.”
“Then I’m not freaking out.”
I groan. “Have you even played a video game before? Or am I going to have to teach you how to use a controller?”
He makes a face. “I’ve played video games before.”
“Which ones?”
“Um…” He makes a face. “Pinball.”
“Pinball isn’t a video game! What? Are you serious?”
Sometimes, I forget he feels guilty for having fun. Devyn picked this place, and when Connor told us where we were going, I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing.
Connor would never go here in a million years. I don’t even think he was allowed to play video games as a kid.
He was too busy being coached to be a successful, preppy finance bro.
A lot of good that did, though.
“I was part of chess club in high school,” he continues. “Does that count?”
“Oh, my god. You fucking dweeb. ” I tilt my head back and groan. “The chess club. Baby, I’m going to introduce you to some shooter games.”
“Sounds great,” he mutters. “Can’t wait.”
“This is why I’m so good for you,” I continue, ignoring his sarcastic tone. “I bring you out of your comfort zone. And that’s why I like her, too. She seems fun . Something you forget the concept of.”
We are complete opposites, but it works. He keeps me grounded and stable, while I encourage him to get out and live life.
Devyn is going to be the cherry on top. She’s the brightness that can balance both of us out.
I’m not sure where Ben will fit in, though.
Once we pull into the parking lot, my nerves dissipate, and I’m ready to see my girl.
“Oh, fuck,” Connor groans under his breath. “I look like an asshole, don’t I?”
“You look like you’re on a date,” I say as evenly as I can, but I know my tone gives me away.
“I don’t belong here,” he says quietly.
I freeze. I haven’t heard him say those words in a long time.
Connor does a great job of playing the confident CEO, but sometimes, he’s still that misfit from prep school.
It’s my job to bring him back to the present and remind him of who he is.
He would never believe it, but he’s the strongest person I’ve ever met.
He doesn’t lead with aggression—he’s not the stereotypical gruff Alpha that has an attitude problem.
He’s not some jaded, complicated asshole that hides his feelings behind cruelty.
“Baby. Look at me.”
He turns to face me, uncertainty lacing his features.
“You’re Connor fucking Sloane. You belong wherever she belongs.”
That’s the thing about my pumpkin. When I get stuck in the depths of my mind and am at my lowest, Connor pulls me out of the chaos in my head.
He doesn’t let me go back to the dark places and relive the shittiest parts of my past.
And when Connor goes to his worst places, I’m there to pull him out.
It’s what we do.
My words have their desired effect, and he visibly relaxes. Then he leans over and kisses me. He cups my face roughly in his hands, deepening the kiss and making my head spin.
But he pulls away just as I start to kiss him back. “And you’re Ace fucking Withers. You belong wherever I belong. Let’s go.” He grins, all signs of insecurity wiped off his face. “Let’s go get our Omega.”
I match his smile. “Hell yes.”
* * *
This is my new favorite place.
Screw coffee. We should have opened an adults-only bar and arcade.
The bar is dimly lit with long rows of stools and tall shelves of liquor. To the right is the entrance to the arcade, neon lights illuminating the games I recognize.
“Holy shit,” I murmur.
I could spend all night here.
And sitting at one of the booths, facing away from the bar and near the entrance, is Devyn. She’s dressed in a black leather jacket, pink shirt, and faded jeans. She sips a pink-colored drink daintily, and waves ecstatically when she sees us. She sets down her drink next to her while she gifts us with a smile that I could swear lights up the entire fucking place.
She looks like a video game princess.
Queen of the arcade.
Bar royalty.
I’m ready to propose and swear my allegiance to her, but Connor squeezes my hand harshly.
“Easy,” he warns me. “Even I can smell your scent right now. You’re filling the whole place with lavender.”
But all I can smell is Devyn .
I could swear there’s a bakery in here, the way fresh-baked cookies fill the air.
“Do you not smell it?” I gasp as we head toward her. “She’s…she’s…”
“I know,” Connor replies, his voice tense.
I’m not above fucking in an arcade. I could bend her over the air hockey table and?—
“Hi!” Devyn chirps, leaps out of the stool, and throws herself into my arms in a ferocious hug. I force myself to not squeeze her too tightly and purposely hold my breath when her neck brushes close to my nose. I notice Connor do the same thing when she turns to hug him, and she misses the flinch that crosses his features.
Ha. He’s just as affected by her as I am.
“I’m so glad you came!” she squeaks, her eyes bright.
I bite my lip, fighting the retort that wants to fall from my lips.
Well, we haven’t come yet.
But Connor shoots me a warning look, and instead, I smirk. “Of course. Why wouldn’t we?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know. I’m just excited. Well, nervous and excited.” She laughs. “It’s just really good to see you guys.” She looks at Connor and frowns. “Have you even played a video game before?”
I burst out laughing, and the corner of Connor’s lip twitches.
“Chess,” he replies lowly, and she tilts her head back and laughs loudly.
“Chess? Oh, this is going to be amazing.” She grabs her drink and leans back against the stool, swirling the straw in the liquid before taking a sip.
I am not jealous of a straw. That would be insane.
“What are you drinking?” I ask, nodding to the glass.
“Oh. It’s virgin strawberry lavender lemonade.” She extends the drink to me. “Do you want to try? Or is that weird? I don’t have cooties, I promise.”
“If you had cooties, I’d be happy to get them.” I catch Connor out of the corner of my eye, looking at me incredulously.
What? If Devyn has a disease, I want it, too.
That’s not weird. I’d do the same for my pumpkin.
Besides, the drink is delicious and also tastes slightly like her. Warm vanilla caresses my tongue along with the tartness of the lemonade, and I take a longer sip than necessary just to keep tasting her.
“This is delicious,” I purr, handing her the glass. I can still feel Connor watching me, but I don’t care.
He’s already gotten to kiss her. All I’ve been able to do is suck her straw.
“Well, what do you want to do?” she asks, turning to Connor. “I’ve been here a hundred times. It’s one of my favorite places in the world. You’re probably a little out of your comfort zone, right? I can help you.” She beams at him.
She’s the sweetest creature on earth, and the way she immediately turned to my pumpkin to ask what he was interested in makes me like her more.
“Where’s Ben?” Connor asks her. “Are we waiting on him?”
I forgot about Ben.
It’s probably not fair of me to have beef with her boyfriend over nothing , but here I am doing it.
“He’s still at work.” Devyn makes a face, and I have to bite my tongue.
I’m fortunate enough to work with Connor and have my own schedule.
Ben doesn’t have that same luxury, but still, I wouldn’t leave my beautiful Omega girlfriend by herself to wait for me.
“He probably won’t be here for another hour,” she continues. “So, I’ve got you all to myself.”
She looks between us, and I notice how Connor has visibly relaxed around her. He no longer looks like he feels out of place.
“Ace mentioned something about…” He clears his throat. “I think…first-person shooter ?” He looks at me quizzically, as if he’s speaking a new language for the first time.
Devyn looks absolutely delighted. “Do zombies sound good?” she asks excitedly, bouncing on her feet.
He looks between the both of us, as if thinking deeply, then nods curtly.
“Hell yes!” Devyn yells. “Let’s do this!”
She grabs her drink and races past us to the arcade.
Connor looks at me, shakes his head, then laughs.
He smiles so hard the corners of his eyes crinkle.
* * *
It’s only been thirty minutes, but I’m contemplating asking Connor to buy the place.
Sure, it sounds crazy, but there’s a good reason for it.
I never want to leave.
Connor and I watch Devyn in awe, both our mouths agape, as she destroys zombie after zombie with her plastic gun, getting perfect head shots every time.
There’s a crowd gathered around her just to watch her performance. I catch the faintest whiff of other Alphas, and I stand next to her a little too closely.
“Where the hell did you learn how to play this well?” I demand, delighted.
It’s not a new game; it’s at least ten years old and a zombie classic.
But she’s not even breaking a sweat doing it. One foot is on a pedal underneath her to reload the gun, and she occasionally shoots off the video game screen to switch weapons.
She sticks out her tongue as she narrows her eyes on the pixelated zombies, executing perfect shots. “At my foster home, we were able to go to the arcade if we were good,” she says nonchalantly, her focus still on the screen. “I traded candy for the boys’ arcade tokens.”
I shoot a worried glance at Connor, who blinks in shock.
Connor had mentioned that she was secretive about her childhood on their date, and based on her answer now, he didn’t know she was in the foster system.
I have so many questions, and I’m sure he does, too.
“This is the hardest boss!” she yells, her blonde curls bouncing as she aims the gun at different dead people on the screen. People behind us cheer, and some even have their phones out to record her breaking a high score.
“Turn your fucking camera off,” I hiss at one of them, an older Beta with greasy hair and a creepy face. Before I snatch it from his hand, he puts his phone in his pocket, and I give him a warning growl. He walks away, muttering to himself.
Asshole.
Connor continues to watch Devyn, a mixture of confusion and awe on his face. His scent is strong; a combination of rich bourbon and bitter coffee. The subtle scent of his arousal fills my senses, and my cock twitches.
Mixed with Devyn’s sweetness, it creates an aroma that makes my mouth water.
He’s enamored with her, just like I am.
“See? This is much more interesting than chess.” She turns to Connor for a moment to laugh as the next level loads. “And much more badass-looking.”
“If I’m ever in a zombie apocalypse, I know who to call,” he says, his voice fond.
Dressed in her leather jacket and with her wild blonde hair, she looks like she could fend for herself in a post-apocalyptic world and be fucking adorable while doing it.
But then tragedy strikes at the next level.
Devyn misses a shot, and the screen fills with red.
Audible groans sound behind us as GAME OVER flashes on the screen. The crowd of onlookers leave and head to different parts of the arcade.
She purses her lips and sighs. “That was almost my highest score. Damn it.”
Connor’s eyes widen. “You were playing for a solid twenty minutes. You’ve done this longer?”
Devyn tilts her head and smirks. “I could go for hours.”
I shoot Connor a look and waggle my eyebrows. “Yeah, babe. We both could go for hours.”
Devyn snickers at my double meaning, and Connor swallows, his throat bobbing.
“You two are going to be trouble together,” he breathes, and my heart soars.
I had a feeling I would find my match with Devyn, and she’s just as playful and mischievous as I am. We spend the next half hour trying to teach Connor how to kill one zombie, but it doesn’t work.
Then we move to a racing game, and Devyn encourages him, but he places last.
“This isn’t even remotely accurate,” he grumbles, fiddling with the wheel after he loses. “The turn ratio didn’t make any sense.”
Devyn quirks her lip, not at all bothered by Connor’s attitude. If anything, she sees it as a challenge, just like I do. “We’ll figure out a game for you,” she announces, and looks to me for agreement. “Zombies and racing aren’t it. What about…” She trails off and looks around the area, taking in the bright lights and sounds from all the games.
“What about pinball?” she asks. “It’s a classic.”
Connor’s about to answer, when someone grabs Devyn from behind and pulls her back.
My Alpha instincts immediately kick in, and I don’t process her squeal of delight until I’m seconds from throwing my fist into the stranger’s face.
But Devyn is fine—in fact, she’s thrilled that the person showed up. A Beta man places a kiss on her cheek as she happily wraps her arms around him.
“Ben!” Devyn says. “I missed you!”
I’ve never been more jealous of someone than I am at this moment.
Devyn grants him a smile that is so breathtaking it makes me rage irrationally. She looks at Ben like he hangs the fucking stars in the sky.
He mirrors her look, and it’s obvious he’s in love with her.
But when he finally makes eye contact with me, I know I’m fucked.
I have met Ben before.
And judging by the way he’s glaring at me, he remembers me.