Ace Lincoln's POV.

It's been a week since that jerk was supposed to pay me back the money he owes. Two years ago, he came to me broke and desperate. He wanted to get his life straight and open a nightclub, so I loaned him a million bucks. I didn't think twice about it-it's what I do for a living. I'm a loan shark. I give out money, but I charge crazy high interest on everything.

This time, though, he wasn't offering cash. He was offering his daughter instead.

My collectors came to me that night. They said when it was time to collect the loan plus interest, he wouldn't pay.

When I learned his club was making tons of money every night from those gambling tables, I got so mad I almost wrecked my office.

"Then kill him," I yelled. I was totally out of control with anger.

But my right-hand man stepped in to calm me down. "Mr. Ace," he said, "he wants to pay, but not with money."

I tilted my head, wondering what could be worth more than cash. "With what, exactly?"

He shrugged. "He wants to talk to you face-to-face about it. He promised if you don't like the deal, he'll pay back your money plus interest."

I laughed it off. "Okay, let's go scare the hell out of him right now."

I planned to walk into his nightclub and punch him out. But I decided to hear him out first. I have a short temper, but not when it comes to making money. I used to collect antiques, so I know how to spot a good deal and when to wait for the best one.

I was in a rush, so I took my limo. My bodyguards came with me, like always. We pulled up to his nightclub. I stormed inside, stomping my feet in anger. I held back from killing him or shutting down his damn club before he could even speak.

I had helped him before because he used to be one of my most loyal guys. That was the only reason I waited two years to ask for my money.

I burst into his office and slammed the door. He jumped up from his chair. Some cheap woman was already on his lap. I snapped my fingers. "Get the fuck out now," I ordered her.

She was in such a hurry she didn't fix her clothes. She ran out half-naked, just in her underwear.

Yeah, I'm well-known in the underground world. If I'm not about to kill the person in front of me, I don't waste time talking.

I scratched my chin, walked over, and grabbed him by the collar. "Where the fuck is my money?"

He hiccuped and gave a stupid smile. "Calm down, Mr. Ace. Sir... I have a great deal for you. I think you'll like it."

I gripped his jaw hard, squeezing until it almost popped. I gritted my teeth. "I don't have time to waste. Say it now."

He coughed and waved for me to let go of his neck. He cleared his throat and took deep breaths. Then he said, "My daughter."

I tilted my head and snorted. "You trying to trick me? What am I supposed to do with your daughter?"

He pulled a photo from his wallet and handed it to me. "Look. She's beautiful. And she's never been touched."

I couldn't describe what I felt right then. I'd never had a virgin before. I knew I was cruel and tough. I'm a badass killer with no mercy for anyone. But I don't like forcing women or hurting them. And she was a gorgeous teenage virgin.

I raised an eyebrow. "You think your daughter is worth two million dollars?"

"She's a good girl," he said, shaking and shivering.

I figured he had no more words.

I leaned in, crossed my arms, and thought for a long time. "If that's true, why are you selling her?"

He shrugged coldly. "Why not?"

I cursed. "You're a fucking jerk of a father. Okay, deal. I'll take her."

He answered fast and excited. "She turns eighteen in a few days. You can come get her."

I held up my hand to stop him. "No, not me. Don't worry. My men will handle it."

I stood up and walked out. My guys followed. I took the photo and kept staring at her face. It was like I was already in love with her, even though I'd never met her. I'd never felt anything like that before. Seriously, never.

I sighed to myself. Spending two million on a woman was dumb. I love money more than my own life. That's why my right-hand man asked me as we left, "Sir, are you serious? We could sell her other ways, like at an auction. She's not worth that much."

I turned to him. "I want her. On her birthday night. I'm fascinated."

I was. Seriously. No idea why.

Even when I went to sleep, I kept her photo with me, like a teenager. It felt like I wanted to hug and kiss her. I could barely wait to talk to her.

The next morning, I got up and started handling things. I told my guys to update the furniture in my room. Make it a comfy bedroom. And I quickly ordered a painting of her to give her.

Yes. I wanted to hang a big photo of her right in the center of the room.

I was scared that after I met her, held her, and had her under me, I'd lose interest.

I'd never been into virgins much. I'm rough and tough, but I'm not a sex addict. I only do it when I feel like it, nothing more.

My dick doesn't control me. I control everything and everyone around me. But maybe it was because she was new and exciting, like a new doll or toy. That's why I wanted this big adventure so bad.

I thought that way.

Until my men drugged her and brought her to my bedroom.

I couldn't hold back when I saw her angel-like face and the bruises on her arms and back.

She slept like a sweet angel. Like a little kid. Hopeless, helpless, and vulnerable.

I stepped back and closed the door gently. "Who did that? I said I wanted her awake."

One of my men said it hard. "She was crying. I couldn't take it. She said her real dad tried to rape her and-"

In rage, I covered his mouth and clenched my teeth. "Get him now. Tie him up and take him to the torture room. I'll deal with him in the morning. But right now, no one interrupts us."

They left. Then I went back to the room. I didn't undress fully. I just sat in the chair I put in front of her. I waited for her to open her eyes.

I sighed and stood up. I carefully took off her clothes one by one so I wouldn't scare her. I left her in her underwear to see her better. Then I covered her with the bedsheets. I didn't hate her body. I just couldn't touch her. She was so beautiful, like a princess. I wanted to treat her right.

My guys were already working on her info. They'd been gathering everything about her since I made the deal with her dad. Days of work.

I waited too long. She was sleeping deep, so I took a quick shower. I hadn't slept all night and was worn out.

To relax my body and mind, I went to the shower. I sat in the tub with water a bit warmer than room temp.

Her purity caught my eye. She was special. But there was a big age gap. She was just 18, and I was 30.

That was a huge difference. Twelve years is a lot. I didn't know if it would be easy to treat her like a lady. I didn't know if she could meet my needs and fire up my strong desires. But I knew I liked her. I wanted her to be mine and live with me forever.

It was my phone ringing. I remembered I left it on the nightstand by the bed. I jumped out of the tub fast to get it. I didn't want to scare her. I was still naked except for the towel around my waist.

When I got close to the bed, I saw her staring at me in shock. Her eyes jumped between me and the big painting of her on the wall. I figured she panicked when she saw she was undressed in a strange bed.

"Mila," I whispered soft, moving closer to comfort her. She pulled the covers around her and asked, "Who are you? Why am I here? Why is there a painting of me on the wall? And why don't you have clothes on?"

I sighed. "Your father sold you to me. But don't be scared."

She said something shocking. "You don't scare me at all. But I've never seen a naked handsome man like you before."

"What!"

Ace.

Her words and the look on her face shook me up. To be honest, she totally caught me off guard. "Pardon me! What did you say?"

My first thought was that she wasn't a virgin and her dad had lied to me about it.

I stepped toward her and said forcefully, "Get up now."

She gave in and stood quietly by the bed. "Okay."

I tossed the towel aside and stood naked in front of her. I furrowed my brow and commanded her aggressively, "Come here."

She sputtered and covered her eyes with her hands right away. "What are you doing?"

I yelled at her to make her uncomfortable. "Get over here and suck my dick. Now."

She snapped to attention and shook her head in shock. "No. You're a complete idiot! I'd never, ever do that."

With her eyes still closed, she didn't notice me stepping closer. I put my hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Why not? You said I'm handsome."

The first time I touched her, nothing happened. But the second time, she kneed me hard in the balls. She screamed at me so loud it hurt my ears. "Keep your hands off me! Don't you ever touch me."

Wow! She could really fight! It was a sharp, painful kick. That was the last thing I expected.

I acted like it didn't hurt and pushed her back, pinning her against the wall. "See? Nothing happened. Now stop acting so innocent and suck my dick."

She stared at me with wide, shocked eyes and threatened, "If you force me to suck your dick, I swear I'll bite it off."

My brain couldn't process it. Did she mean biting it hard until I came?

I jerked my head to the side and asked her, half curious and half confused, "What do you mean by biting my dick?"

Before I forced her to the floor and shoved my dick in her throat, I wanted to be sure.

She gave me a sly grin, like she was daring me, but I ignored it. "Biting means chewing it with my teeth. Like eating tasty meat. Until there's nothing left."

I stepped back and stared at her. "Oh. You're totally crazy."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "Don't ever think you can force me to do anything. First, put some clothes on. Then we can talk."

I froze, totally confused by her attitude. "Excuse me, but how old are you? Do you even know who the hell I am?"

She walked to the sofa, grabbed my clothes from the drawer, and threw them at me. "I don't know who you are, but trust me, I can make your life a living hell. I have no fear-if I did, I couldn't face my father every day and-" She stopped.

I didn't push her to say more.

I didn't look at her while I got dressed.

Once I was done, I sat on the couch and motioned for her. "Come here now," I said gently.

I waited for her to come over. When she did, I pulled her onto my lap fast. She squirmed a bit, but I held her tight by wrapping my arms around her waist. "Don't move. I mean it," I warned her firmly.

She nodded a little and stopped.

I sighed. "Good. Now we need to talk. But first-"

I pulled her closer and whispered in her ear, "I need to check if you're a virgin."

She shook her head and trembled. "No. Keep your hands off me."

The knocks on the door saved her. After I stood up, she rushed to a corner of the room, trying to hide.

When I opened the door, my trusted assistant, Mr. Ace, was there. "He's in the torture room now."

I nodded. "Okay, I'm coming."

Then I turned to Mila and warned her sternly, "Don't move. If he's lucky, I'll be back in a few minutes to deal with him."

She asked me, "A torture room? Who's the lucky one?"

But I didn't answer. I slammed the door behind me as I left. My guys were everywhere and armed, so I didn't need to lock it. My house was like a castle, surrounded by thousands of acres of my land. There was no escape.

I went down the steps to the basement-my favorite room, where I tortured enemies and anyone who broke my rules.

It was my best game: how to give a slow, painful death with all kinds of brutal tools. When I won, I always ended it by slitting their throat.

I stormed into the dim basement. It was quiet except for Mila's father's fast, loud heartbeat.

I motioned for them to open his eyes. When he saw me, he gasped in shock. "Mr. Ace! What happened? Why am I here? I thought we had a deal."

I scratched my chin, stepped toward him, and slapped him hard across the face. "Tell me. Why did you let me take your daughter? She's covered in bruises. Her body's ugly. And I don't think she's a virgin."

I wondered if he'd used her body in sick ways. I hate being tricked. If she was a victim, I wouldn't hurt her. But what if she liked being her father's plaything? Then I wouldn't either.

That's disgusting, and I hated it.

He looked confused. "I swear to God, I never touched her."

Then I heard footsteps behind me. She ran to her father, screaming and hugging him, showing her loyalty. "You idiot! What are you doing to my dad, you monster?"

I ignored her and asked her sternly, "Are you a virgin?"

She yelled at him, "It has nothing to do with you!"

My twisted mind started thinking sick thoughts about incest again, and I lost my temper. I muttered angrily, "Why are you defending him now? Do you love him? Has he fucked you?"

She shouted while hugging her father and trying to untie him. "Let him go now. You're crazy. He's my father!"

Since she didn't answer directly, I lost all reason. I grabbed her arms roughly and threw her over my shoulder. "Okay, now I need the truth. Or I'll kill both of you."

I carried her down the stairs to my office. I couldn't wait to go all the way up to my room. I threw her on the couch and shut the door. She was shaking so bad she looked like she might faint or wet herself. "What are you going to do to me?"

I raised an eyebrow and said coldly, "I'm going to check if you're still a virgin. Now strip down to your underwear."

"No," she refused, like she had a choice.

I forced her clothes off. She tried to kick me everywhere, but I didn't budge. "Don't rape me. Please stop. I promise I've never had sex."

I couldn't believe her. Why protect her father if he'd hurt her so bad? I thought she was a masochist, and the bruises meant she liked rough sex. I thought she was submissive.

Anyone in my position would think that. Maybe I didn't know people like her-with pure hearts-existed in my world.

I got to her panties, tore them off, and spread her legs. "Don't move, or I'll poke your eye out with my finger," I warned.

She wailed, "I'm a virgin, I swear," crying the words.

Her voice was weak and shaky. I leaned down but had no plan to fuck her hard. Or even put my dick in her. I just wanted to see. Her pussy was red and tight, so the only way to check was to lick it with my tongue.

I licked her a few times, but nothing-no wetness, no fluids.

I stood up, looked into her tear-filled eyes, rolled her onto her stomach, and spread her ass cheeks with my hands. Nothing there! Just the hole I'd never touched.

I stepped back, already feeling bad. "Sorry. You can get dressed now."

She jumped up, covered her body fast, and slapped me hard across the face. "You stupid jerk! Why didn't you trust me?"

She slapped me!

I stood there stunned, staring at her. "Did you just slap me?"

After wiping her tears, she threw herself on the couch and sobbed. "Why do most guys act so awful? I'm not for sale."

"You tried to save his life, even though he hurt you bad. Explain. If you love him that much, why did you leave home so fast?"

"He's not a good dad at all. But he's my father, damn it! I don't want to see him die. All I wanted was to get away and start fresh somewhere else. Maybe find love. I don't know." She spoke softly, and her words melted my heart.

I couldn't deny I already liked her. But the real hit wasn't to my face-it was to my heart. I'd never met an innocent girl like her.

"Did he fuck you?" I asked again, feeling like an idiot.

She lifted her head slowly. "No. He didn't. Happy now?"

"Yes," I said without thinking.

She put on her torn clothes and headed for the door. I shocked her, and she froze. "Where do you think you're going? Get back to your room. Now."

"No," she said stubbornly. It gave me a headache, to be honest.

"I told you I'm not for sale. He tried to sell me to you, but I refuse." She turned to face me boldly, like she was in charge. "Give me a reason to stay. Convince me why I should live here."

I didn't need to give her one. I just took what I wanted.

But that's not what I said. "Be my wife," I blurted out with excitement.

Wife! Damn!

Ace.

That was a relaxing shower. I was so gentle, like a normal person. I even combed her hair and dried her off with a towel. Then I carried her to bed. Guess what? I slept in the same bed as her.

One thing about me: I hate sharing my bed with anyone. Yeah, I'm that narcissistic, egotistical guy who sees himself as the world's boss and everyone else as my servants.

It was true! But what happened next totally surprised me.

I pulled Mila close to my chest. She was submissive but had a cat-like independent streak. She slept soundly, head tucked into my chest like a newborn. I guess we both felt safe. My body warmth made her secure. And her body-how to describe it? I didn't know. It's hard to put my feelings into words. Sometimes she felt like a sister or daughter to me.

We slept a couple of hours before waking up. I stretched to grab my phone and check the time-it was about to ring. It was 10 p.m. Everyone was waiting in the ballroom downstairs in my castle.

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and glanced at the sleeping angel. She was sucking her thumb like a baby gnawing her finger. Oh, and her legs were wrapped around mine.

I laughed to myself, leaned close to her face, and pinched her nose. She opened her eyes and blinked. "That hurt."

I laughed at her pouted lips but waited until she mumbled, "I thought you'd kiss me when we woke up." Did she really dream that?

I laughed and teased her before standing up and pointing at the moon. "Get up. Everyone's waiting. Time for some fun!"

She didn't answer. She opened her mouth a little, stuck out her tongue, and went back to sleep. Then she wrapped the bedsheets around her whole body, even her face.

"Hey! Mila. Get up," I half-yelled.

She shrugged. "No. I'm not going anywhere. You go. I want to sleep."

"Mila. Get up now," I yelled angrily. I couldn't stand the word "no," and she said it a ton.

I stomped to her side of the bed and pulled her out roughly. "Didn't I say-" I was going to joke, but I stopped when I saw tears in her eyes.

Concern filled my voice. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

She rubbed her cheeks. "Nothing. I've never been to a party before. I don't have nice clothes or dresses for it. And I miss my mom so much."

I stared at her like I was mad, but I was just confused. I had no idea what to say or do to make her feel better. I'd never been kind to anyone like this.

"Mila."

"Yes?" She blinked.

"Mila, it's-" I stammered like an idiot.

"Yes?" She glared in surprise.

She panicked when I asked out of nowhere, like a horny animal, "Can I take your virginity now?" I expected her reaction. Her priceless face was worth it!

Seriously, I didn't mean to be rude. In the past, the only way I knew to comfort women in bed was a few rounds.

She yelled like I'd assaulted her. "You! Are you kidding?"

She jumped off the bed, sheet wrapped around her. "Are you crazy?"

I furrowed my brow. I hated her sharp tongue. "No, I'm not crazy or kidding. I mean it."

She screamed again and ran to the corner. "You! Get out!"

I rolled my eyes. "Okay. I have to go now."

I grabbed my phone from my pocket and stormed out. I gave her space and went to the next room-my huge closet.

Before entering, I ordered the guy waiting outside with two maids, "Go prepare Miss Mila for the party." I handed each maid a beautiful gold dress, gold heels, and said, "Let them handle the rest."

I'm a businessman, antique collector, and loan shark. I collect valuables, including clothes.

Anyway, I got ready-put on my tuxedo, checked myself in the mirror, slipped on my shoes, and picked a gift for Mila.

I invited her not to give her something, but because she'd be right by my side. It was important for her. No one would ever make us feel small.

I went back to my room (hers too). She didn't complain about sleeping together, so I was fine with it. She didn't make a fuss.

I knocked before entering. But she wasn't there. Not even the maids. I pointed at one of my guys. "Where is she?"

He answered fast. "Sir, she's at the party. And-"

I tilted my head. "And what?"

I couldn't wait. I ran down the stairs to the ballroom. My men pushed the golden gates open on both sides.

Everyone stared at me. But I only had eyes for one person: Mila.

She was grinning and dancing with some guy. I couldn't see his face clearly. But I watched her move-her body, her elegant strapless dress with a long train. Her hair was curled up like ocean waves.

Her warm smile lit up her blue eyes from across the room. Her little giggles sounded like a love alarm chirping in my ears.

She glowed and radiated beauty! She looked absolutely stunning.

I stared wide-eyed for so long I forgot the other guests around me. The jerk dancing with her snapped me back. He pulled her to his chest and leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Blood rushed through my veins. Without thinking, I lunged like a monster and grabbed her to my side. "What the fuck are you doing?" I yelled loud.

He looked me in the eye. "She's not yours! Ace, what's wrong with you?"

I turned at the familiar voice. "You! Noah! What the hell are you doing here?" I laughed, and he bear-hugged me. "Yes! I missed you, brother."

I mumbled, "Missed you too, asshole," patting his back.

Mila stammered, "So, your brother?"

I chuckled. Noah said, "Well, sorry I didn't introduce myself first. We're old friends. Like brothers."

I nodded. "Yes, we are. We never fought."

While Noah talked to me, he moved closer to Mila. "We never fought; we'd never lose our friendship over a girl." He glanced at Mila and me. "Right, Ace?"

I furrowed my brow curiously. "What do you mean, Noah?"

He shrugged and bowed to Mila. "I guess you could say I like Mila. I know you won't mind. Right?"

Would I not mind? That's how it always was with Noah. Nothing came between us. But not this time.

It came from deep in my soul. I couldn't control it.

Noah took Mila's hand and asked carefully, repeating, "Ace, brother? I do like her. Since I-"

I looked at Mila; their faces looked weird. "Mila? Do you know Noah?"

Mila's cheeks flushed as she twisted her fingers. "Yes, Mr. Noah owns our school. He was always kind to me."

Noah owned her school. She'd just finished high school and was 18 now. What the hell!

I shoved Noah aside. In a flash, I cupped Mila's cheeks and kissed her in front of everyone. Our lips met, souls collided. Whatever happened in that kiss hit me hard.

I stepped back. She turned red and buried her face in my shirt.

I looked over my shoulder and patted Noah's back. "Sorry, brother, but not this time. Mila's mine."

She was mine. Still is. And will be forever. But this was just the beginning. I didn't know falling in love could break best friends.

Maybe because innocent, cute girls like her were so rare. We were both ready to fight hard-or bloody-to win Mila.

I danced with her all night. I forgot the party was for business. I only focused on her.

It wasn't until I heard Noah fuming behind a fake smile that I noticed. "She's not yours, Ace. Anything could happen later. Brother, talk soon."

Anything.

I grinned devilishly and thought of the gift. I pulled out the diamond ring, slipped it on Mila's finger in front of everyone, kissed her hand. "I want you to be my wife."

I admit, it started as a game. More like a challenge. Who could win her? But after that, everything changed. Because we both had deep feelings for her.