I agree Jakey, Ace knew it was a probablity. There is a confessional before he is voted off that he says the fact that Sugar didn't give him the idol that she may have turned against him and he could be going.  He wasn't blindsided.

Ace is all about Ace and yes he was protecting the idol and not Sugar.. I do think he would have protected her to some extent anyway because she was young and impressionable and he could manipulate her more easily. Look who he also latched onto, gullible Matty.  He was his next victim. I just hope he is not the next to go because of it. Crystal needs to go with her attitude!