The Ace: His undercover Maid

The hand

*Ace*

“You’re unusually quiet this evening.”

I glance at King, the Alpha of Brinsley, who sits in the chair next to mine. Knight and Joker are also present, seemingly eager to hear my response to our friend's question. We're gathered in a cozy corner of the library within Twin Dragons, a club that was once exclusive to men until its then owner, Lupo Tempest, about a hundred and fifty years ago expanded it to include she-wolves.

For some reason, watching the women move gracefully around the club reminds me of the new maid. I wonder if she ever visits here, although I highly doubt it. I pay my staff well, but she doesn't strike me as someone who would spend frivolously on club memberships. If she belongs to any club at all, it's probably Aaron Tempest's club, catering to the desires of she-wolves. Or perhaps she's a member of Castor Softpaw's Fair and Spare. However, if she were a member of the latter, I would have noticed her, as I tend to notice everything. "I have a lot on my mind lately."

Joker inquires, "Anything you care to discuss?"

Have you ever laid eyes on a she-wolf and felt as though she has imprinted herself on your mind? A she-wolf who consumes your thoughts, stirring countless questions like petals caught in a gusty breeze, or a whirlwind of leaves dancing through a park? A she-wolf who makes you think in poetic phrases, despite never doing so before? "No."

Their eyebrows raise at my uncharacteristic brevity, prompting me to elaborate. "If you must know, I've been considering adding a daisy to my garden."

Joker chuckles. "And what purpose would a daisy serve?"

"I envision it as a delightful addition to my garden," I reply, imagining her sitting at a table, sipping tea, adorned in a yellow dress and a wide-brimmed straw hat. A hat I would politely remove to let the sun grace her cheeks. I suspect she had freckles as a child.

"But your garden is already one of the most exquisite in the city. I can't think of another that boasts such a variety of flowers," Knight remarks.

"Yet it lacks a daisy," I counter.

Knight interjects, "I wondered if you were pondering over your latest unflattering appearance in the gossip magazines. Did you happen to see the damning article?"

"Indeed, I did. 'Blackguard Blackfoot' has a poetic ring to it," I reply.

"People usually forgive gentlemen swiftly for their transgressions," King offers. "It's been months since yours came to light. I can't fathom why the gossipmongers continue to harp on them."

"I wasn't born into their ranks, so absolution isn't easily granted. I'll understand if any of you wish to distance yourselves from me," I admit. To be honest, I've been surprised to find them waiting for me, a tumbler of scotch already placed on the table before my arrival.

"Don't be absurd," Knight retorts. "Your personal affairs are your own business. Trust me, I've witnessed far worse offenses."

Their loyalty warms my heart, especially considering I've never divulged the truth about my affairs to them. The fewer people who know, the better. "Being seen with me could tarnish your own reputations."

"Don't make us take you outside and knock some sense into you," Joker playfully threatens.

"As though any of you can match me when it comes to fighting," I assert confidently. From a young age, I learned the value of delivering a decisive blow. I glance over at the man who became my first friend at the Alpha school. "You have a mate to consider, King."

"Penny will be the most loyal of us all. She never sits in judgment, doesn't even peruse the gossip rags," he grins. "She prefers scouring through financial reports."

He has married a she-wolf who, like us, excels at investing. Eager to steer the conversation away from gossip, I inquire, "How is marriage suiting you?"

It's a ridiculous question because we all know the Alpha is madly in love with his wife, we knew long before he realized it himself.

"I find it very much to my liking. You should give it a try." He grins.

"I'm not sure marriage is something one should try. Rather, I think it requires a commitment, one I'm not willing to make. Unlike you, I have no title, require no heir." Even if my current reputation didn't make me unsuitable as a mate, I have a past I wouldn't wish to inflict on any she-wolf or offspring. My fortune will be left to various charities.

"It's good that your wife lets you out occasionally," Knight teases.

King scowls. "I'm not a pet to be let out. Besides, Penny took a friend to the theater." He glances at his watch. "I'll leave in half an hour to pick them up. With my short duration here in mind, has anyone heard of any good investments lately?"

The conversation shifts to various opportunities and invitations, but I only listen with half an ear. My thoughts begin to wander back to the maid and how she appeared somewhat forlorn when I first saw her sitting in the hallway, patiently waiting for me to finish up with Luna Duckling.

Then, she seemed incredibly alert and a tad guilty. I wonder if she was engaged in naughty musings about some gentleman because surely a man plays a role in her life. Servants are not usually married, so she has no husband. But perhaps she fancies someone. Regardless, she is not for me. To flirt with her at all would be a disservice to her. She is in my employ. However, it's more than that.

I have always enjoyed the company of women. The exploration of what they offer is one of the reasons I decided to forgo a career in the temples. A man of the Goddess shouldn't be a sinner.

Yet, as someone who easily grows bored, I cannot envision myself being content with one she-wolf for the rest of my life. As a result, I have never pursued a she-wolf with the notion of anything permanent. I'm not even sure how one goes about it, but that's perfectly fine because I have no plans to pursue it.