Chapter Twenty Two
· Soifon's P.O.V*
Soifon awakened as she sensed her arms and legs being released from the chains. Subsequently, she slumped forward into the embrace of a pair of arms, emitting a whimper. Thomas assisted her in walking towards the bed, where he had placed some clothes. Although he intended to fetch supplies to tend to her wounds, Ace had instructed him otherwise. 'Please dress yourself and notify me once you're finished. We have limited time, as Ace expects your presence in the main room shortly,' Thomas stated before exiting the room, allowing Soifon to change into fresh attire.
Soifon observed as Thomas exited the room, expressing her disapproval by shaking her head and sighing. She proceeded to remove her remaining shirt and discard it on the floor. As she ran her fingers over her wounded marks, she experienced a sharp pain and recoiled. After tending to her wounds, Soifon removed her bloodstained bra and let it fall to the floor. With each movement, she winced in discomfort as she cautiously put on a new bra, vowing to escape along with Ace Erin.
Once her bra was fastened, she reluctantly picked up the outfit provided by Thomas, which turned out to be a jet black, strapless dress. Voicing her frustration, she muttered, 'What on earth?' while shaking her head. Nonetheless, she reasoned that it was better than having no clothing, so she reluctantly slipped into the dress, grimacing at its short length, which only reached her knees.
"Soifon glanced up from fastening the final buckle of her high heels as Thomas entered the room." You look stunning," he complimented her with a nod of approval. Soifon couldn't help but scoff, as she rose from the bed on unsteady legs – she wasn't accustomed to wearing heels.
"Let's proceed," Thomas instructed, as he took hold of Soifon's arm and guided her out of the room and down the hallway. Soifon turned her head to study the curly-haired man, sensing his reluctance. "May I pose a query?" the woman inquired as they walked in tandem.
"Please proceed," Thomas acquiesced, pulling her along the corridor.
"Why have you chosen to work for Ace?" she asked, her blue eyes meeting his green gaze. Thomas let out a sigh. "Because he requested my assistance," he responded, his grip tightening as Soifon prepared to speak again. "I highly doubt that; Ace doesn't ask for help, he demands it. So, what incentives did he offer you in exchange for your assistance?" she probed, wincing as Thomas swiftly covered her mouth with his hand. "Cease your words," he commanded.
Thomas escorted Soifon into a spacious room and forcefully placed her inside. Soifon had to steady herself to avoid falling to the floor, and she glared up at Ace, who stood near a window with a smug expression. He turned his head towards her and remarked, 'Why don't you look stunning in that dress? Do you like it?' As he approached her, he added, 'I personally selected it.' Soifon glared back and stated, 'I detest it. Now, where is Erin?' Her demanding question resulted in Ace striking her across the face. With a smug grin, he retorted, 'That's unfortunate. Don't worry, your lover will be here soon. Brian is bringing her.'
Upon hearing someone approach Ace, Soifon turned her head and growled when she saw Jack. 'You despicable person, you better not have harmed Erin,' she growled, fixing her glare on her adopted brother, who responded with a smirk. Jack maintained his smirk and provocatively replied, 'Maybe.'
· Erin's P.O.V*
Erin gazed at the dress that Jack had handed her, her eyes widening with disbelief. "I will not be wearing this," she hissed, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared at the dress. "You will wear it," Brian demanded sternly from behind the closed door. "Please hurry, Ace does not appreciate waiting for long. If you wish to see your beloved, it is imperative that you get dressed."
With a scornful scoff, Erin reluctantly slipped on the glittering red dress, featuring a single strap and reaching her knees. She fastened the heels as well, eager to reunite with Soifon and check on her well-being. Despite the mere two days of separation, Erin already missed her girlfriend dearly.
Brian entered the room to assess Erin's readiness. "You look absolutely stunning. Now, let us proceed," he stated, forcibly pulling her out of the room and down the corridor, prompting a low growl from Erin. "I am perfectly capable of walking," she snapped. Brian scoffed dismissively. "Indeed, but I refuse to provide an opportunity for escape."
It did not take long for Erin to arrive at the room where Ace was located. Brian opened the door and forcefully pushed her inside, promptly closing it behind her. He then positioned himself next to Thomas to guard the room.
Erin expressed her displeasure at being shoved into the room and was preparing to confront Brian when she suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around her neck. Initially startled, she realized it was her lover, Soifon, who had embraced her.
Embracing Soifon tightly, Erin inquired about her well-being, specifically if she had been harmed. Her gaze fell upon a cut on Soifon's cheek, prompting her to ask if someone had touched her.
· Soifon, And Erin's P.O.V*
Soifon wrapped her arms around Erin's neck as soon as the brunette entered the room. Upon realizing that it was her lover, Erin hugged back and squeezed Soifon. While Erin hugged her tightly, Soifon bit her lip, causing her wounds to protest. However, she ignored the pain and continued to hug Erin before they eventually separated. Erin checked her face for any injuries.
Erin asked Soifon if she had been touched. Soifon replied with a smile, 'No, I'm fine.' Soifon then inquired about Erin's well-being and ran her hands along Erin's bruised face. She whispered, 'Did Jack touch you?'
As Soifon asked, Erin thought about it and looked away. She lied, stating, 'No.' She did not want to worry Soifon with the truth. Just as Soifon was about to respond, Ace interrupted her.
Ace's smirk appearing on his face, he remarked, 'Isn't it adorable to witness the reunion of two lovers?' This statement caused both women to glare at him. Soifon, with a stern tone, asked, 'What is it that you desire?' Ace responded by bursting into laughter.
After finishing his laughter, Ace glanced at Soifon and Erin and smirked. 'I want to inform the two of you that once your final punishments are over, you will be released. However, I reserve the right to come after you again whenever I choose. It is imperative that you do not disclose any details about what transpired or the fact that our game is far from over, otherwise, you will face defeat once more,' he said, observing Soifon and Erin with a gaze filled with animosity.
'You are a horrendous creature,' Erin hissed, taking a step forward. 'Release us immediately, or I will not hesitate to fight back,' she threatened. But Ace disregarded her and continued, 'But until then, the two of you may amuse yourselves in each other's presence, until I decide to separate you and return you to your respective rooms.' He instructed Brian and Thomas to bring in food.
'Now, ladies, please take a seat and dine with me, for as long as you can enjoy this moment,' Ace said, as he sat down in a chair. His stare intensified when Soifon and Erin hesitated to sit. 'Sit down now,' he commanded, compelling both women to comply and exchange glances.
Soifon regarded Ace with a piercing gaze and inquired, 'What is your current objective, Ace?' Exhibiting her dissatisfaction, she forcefully pushed the plate away from her after Thomas placed it in front of her. Ace arrogantly responded with a smirk, 'My objective?' he questioned. 'My objective is to torment you in any manner available.'
"Now please remain seated and enjoy your meal. Once we have finished, if both of you display proper behavior, you will be granted some time to converse with each other," Ace stated, taking a bite of his chicken leg.
Soifon briefly glanced at Erin, who greeted her with a smile. "Shall we proceed with our meal and engage in conversation afterward?" the brunette suggested. Soifon responded with a slight nod and proceeded to pick up her fork, savoring some of her mashed potatoes.