The Bodyguard (discontinued)

24.

"Why do you want to know so bad?"

"I'm just curious is all," Jasper shrugged.

"Why don't you want to tell me?"

"Maybe I don't want to add to your already inflated ego," Ace said from across his bedroom where he sat comfortably on a loveseat.

Jasper was on the bed across from him on his stomach. His body outstretched lazily as only a thin sheet covered his naked lower body.

Reminders of Ace remained on his skin.

Unabashed. Unashamed.

Ace loved looking at him and being reminded he was the only one who could touch him in that way.

"Besides, I'm pretty sure I already told you."

"You told me during sex. You knew that's what I wanted to hear," Jasper countered. "Now, I want the truth."

"The truth is I really did hate you, but it was short lived," Ace sighed. "Attraction often overrules hate, so."

Jasper smirked at his response, a boyish smiled playing in his lips.

"When did you realize you were attracted to me?"

"I always was," the guard admitted honestly, watching how Jasper's eyes lit up slightly.

"Is that what you wanted to hear so bad? I'm sure it's nothing you haven't heard before."

"It's different coming for you," Jasper said quickly. "It means something different."

"Hm, I'm sure it does," Ace rolled his eyes.

"It's my turn now."

"Fire away."

"Seriously?"

"What do you mean seriously?" Jasper huffed. "Ask me before I change my mind."

"So bossy," the guard tuts. "How have you managed to make people like you with such a bad attitude?"

"I haven't," Jasper deadpanned.

"Now ask, Pierce. You're already annoying me."

"Oh? I'm the annoying one?"

"Yes."

"You didn't seem very annoyed...what was it? 10 minutes ago?" Ace teased and Jasper scoffed in response.

"You're making me regret coming over here in the first place."

"Somehow I don't believe that in the slightest."

"Don't patronize me," Jasper said and rested his head between his hands. "Ask."

Ace faltered a bit. Hesitant to say what he really wanted.

Not because he was scared of Jasper's reaction, but rather his response.

"Have you ever been in love?" Ace asked softly, as he met Jasper's calm, dreary eyes.

He didn't react at first, but Ace noticed a small twitch at the corner of his mouth, a small pick at his neck.

All subtle movements, but they told him the same thing.

The answer was yes.

"Don't tell me you're about to profess your love to me."

"Be serious."

"I don't know? No." Jasper stilled. "At the time, I thought it was love. I don't think love is supposed to hurt."

"Some people would disagree."