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“There isn’t much to say,” Ace grunts. “Dad died when we were young. Mom tried, and failed, to hold it together, and I had to grow up fast to take care of my brothers.”
“And that guy, Donny? How did that happen?”
“The Heights is a jungle, Princess. If you’re weak, you get preyed on. And if you’re strong, you have to pro
ve your worth. Lucky for me, I was always strong and I had something to fight for.”
“Your brothers?”
I feel him nod. “It’s why I’m here, for them...” Ace hesitates. “They deserve a chance at something better. Conner is smart, he could do anything he puts his mind to, and Cole has a real shot at football.”
“And you?” I lean up to look at him. “What do you deserve, Ace?”
He looks at me and says ten little words that make my heart ache. “There’s only one place I’m going, Princess. Straight to Hell.”
I wake to the feel of Ace’s lips trailing over my collarbone. “It’s almost ten.”
“What?” I shriek.
“Yeah, we overslept. Conner just texted to say your mom just got here.”
“Shit.” I bolt upright, catching Ace in the face with my elbow.
“Motherfucker,” he grinds out, rubbing his cheek. I duck down to kiss him better.
“I’m sorry, but if my mom finds out I’m—“
“Sorry to burst your bubble, Princess, but that ship has long sailed.”
“She knows?” My brows furrow. “And James?” He nods. “Why do you seem so calm about this?”
“Because,” Ace flips me, rolling me beneath him, “it doesn’t change the fact that I’m going to be doing very bad things to you tonight.”
“Yeah?” I grin.
“Yeah.” He kisses me, letting his tongue slowly twirl with mine. The news that my mom and James both know about me being here melts away until I’m drowning in nothing but the feel of Ace’s lips on mine.
“We should probably go face them.”
“Okay.” He’s acting too cocky, as if he can’t wait to see his uncle’s reaction.
“You know,” I say, climbing out of bed and searching around for my clothes. “James really isn’t so bad once you get to know him.”
Ace freezes, anger flashing across his expression. He storms into the bathroom, slamming the door.
Okay then.
I let out a small sigh. Maybe there’s a way to go before Ace forgives James.
By the time I’m dressed, Ace comes back into the bedroom and pulls on some sweatpants and a clean tank. “Come on.” He holds out his hand, and I take it.
We walk the short distance to the house in silence. He says he’s not bothered about them knowing, but with every step we take his walls inch down until my Ace is gone.
“Uh oh, the princess and her frog are in trouble,” Conner teases as we walk into the kitchen.
“Fuck off,” Ace grunts, releasing my hand and going to the refrigerator.
“My mom,” I say, “is she—“
