Ryder estate midnight surprise

Observing Lia's casual midnight stroll:Assuming the party guests and family members

were all asleep or gone the house was eerily quiet –

Lia walks out of her room in ultra-casual attire.Short black bum shorts and a fitted sports bra,

her hair messy from lying down, feet bare.

She pads softly down the hallway, headed towards the kitchen to grab a drink,

feeling liberated by the empty silence

and her daringly casual midnight look.

As she enters the kitchen, flicking on the lights.Lia freezes her heart skips a beat

Ace Ryder leans against the counter,arms crossed, eyes fixed intensely on her!

He's wearing only low-slung grey sweatpants,

his chiseled chest and abs on full display.

Lia's mind goes blank she's caught off guard by Ace's presence

and his jaw-dropping near-nakedness.

**RYDER ESTATE MIDNIGHT TEASE**

Observing Lia's embarrassment and Ace's playful flirtation:

Lia tries to play it cool, grabbing a glass"'Just getting water. Didn't know anyone was still awake... especially not barely dressed.'"

Ace rolls his eyes good-naturedly at her sass, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips.

Then, his gaze drifts down her body and back up before he says with a low, smooth tone"'Nice legs...'"

Lia's eyes widen, and she follows Ace's gaze

realizing she's still wearing only short black bum shorts!

Her face instantly flushes bright red with embarrassment as she crosses one leg over the other, attempting modesty too late!

Ace chuckles softly, clearly entertained by her reaction,

his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Lia's voice barely above whisper, mixed with laughter"'Yeah... didn't exactly plan on an audience for this outfit...'"

Ace pulles off the counter, taking a step closer his near-nakedness and charming smile making Lia's heart skip.

**RYDER ESTATE MIDNIGHT CHAOS**

Observing Lia's escape attempt and Ace's clumsy pursuit:

Lia attempts to regain composure"'Distance, Ace. You're standing really close... in barely anything.'"

Then, she quickly turns to walk away from the kitchen into the darkened living room area,

Ace follows closely behind, forgetting to flip on the lights,still intent on teasing or maybe even catching her.

In the darkness, Lia's feet barely make a sound,

but suddenly she drops something – a vase shatters loudly on floor!

In his haste, Ace fails to react in time –

his bare feet slip on the dark floor, and he crashes down,

landing with a thud amidst the broken vase pieces.

Lia gasps softly, startled then bursts into laughter at the absurdity of Ace's clumsy fall!

Ace groans low in his throat, voice amused despite pain"'Ow... guess I needed distance too... from the floor.'"

Lia's laughter grows louder she bends down to help him,

their faces inches apart in the darkness.

**RYDER ESTATE MIDNIGHT MAYHEM**

Observing Lia's hilarious slap and Ace's outraged reaction:

Ace grasps her hand, pulling himself up their bodies touching briefly "'Thanks... didn't mean to drop myself at your feet.'"

Lia bursts into laughter again at his witty remark,

holding her belly in amusement until her giggles suddenly freeze:She sees something crawling on Ace's cheek A BUG!

Lia's eyes widen in alarm she whispers urgently:

"'Don't move!'"

Then, without hesitation Lia slaps Ace's cheek lightly but firmly "Pah!"

Ace's laughter stops instantly replaced by shocked outrage!

His eyes blaze with anger – voice low and deadly calm

"'WHAT THE...?! You just SLAPPED me!'"

Ace takes a step closer, towering over Lia,

his chest heaving slightly bug still squished on his cheek.

Lia stands her ground, hands still slightly raised "'There was a bug on your face!! Would you rather I left it?!'"

**RYDER ESTATE MIDNIGHT CONFRONTATION COLLAPSES**

Observing Lia's fearful retreat and Ace's ominous departure:

Lia stands her ground initially, but fear creeps into her voice"'It was a mistake... I didn't mean to slap you!'"

She takes slow steps backward, eyes fixed on Ace's intense gaze,as he mirrors her movements closing the distance between them.

Lia's back hits the wall a soft thud trapping her as Ace advances closer still.

He places his hands on either side of her head against the wall,

his face inches from hers breathing slowly

Lia whispers barely audibly – "'Ace?'"But instead of softening, Ace's expression remains fierce.

He suddenly straightens up, dropping his hands from the wall,

and takes a step back eyes never leaving hers.

**Ace's low, even tone sends shivers"'This isn't over.'"

Then, he turns abruptly and walks away into the darkness,

leaving Lia pinned against the wall heart racing.

The sound of a door slamming shut echoes through the hallway,

making Lia jump Ace has exited into his bedroom or worse,

maybe leaving her to face his family's wrath alone.

Lia exhales slowly, sliding down the wall to the floor elbows on knees, head in hands wondering what tomorrow brings.

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