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Tugging his hand, I manage to lean up and curl my hand around his neck, drawing his face to mine. “I love you too, Ace Jagger.” My lips find his. “Always.”
A few hours later, we’re in the pool house, curled up on the couch. The doctor stopped by earlier to check in on me. He thinks I have a mild concussion, but otherwise, I’m okay.
A loud knock startles me and Ace chuckles, dropping a kiss on my head. “It’s just James, see.” I follow his finger and find his father standing on the other side of the door.
“You can come in,” Ace calls, and James slips inside.
“It’s nice to see you up and about.” He smiles warmly. “How are you feeling?”
“I’ll be okay. Thank you... for everything.”
“Remi, you never have to thank me, sweetheart. You know I think of you like a daughter.” The blood drains from his face and he scratches his jaw. “I guess I might have to rethink that one.”
I smother another chuckle. I guess it is a little weird that, if James and my mom ever end up getting married, one day me and Ace could be stepsiblings.
“Don’t even go there,” Ace grumbles as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking. “I wanted you long before I found out James was my dad.”
“Yes, well,” James clears his throat, a slight flush to his cheeks. “I just wanted to come and tell you that the Danforths won’t be pressing any charges.” He gives Ace a pointed look.
“What?” Ace scoffs. “He got off lightly.”
“Son, you broke the boy’s arm. He might never throw a football again.”
“Do I need you to remind you that he’s been harassing Remi?”
“You’re right.” James’ eyes go dark, and he reminds me so much of Cole in this moment, it’s a little unnerving. “But the Danforths are a powerful family, they could have made life very difficult for you.”
“Good thing I have you then, isn’t it?”
A beat passes as father and son remain locked in a silent standoff. James relents first, giving Ace a slight nod. “You’re right, it is. No one messes with the Jaggers.” His lip curves into a half-smirk.
“I’ll call Sarah and tell her you’re staying the night?”
“For real?” I can’t hide my grin.
“Something tells me Ace isn’t going to let you out of his sight, and I’m sure we’d all feel happier knowing you’re safe.” He rubs his jaw as if he’s not wholly convinced by the idea, but I’ll take it. I’ll take whatever I can get where Ace is concerned. “But don’t get comfortable, it’s just for the night. The doctor said you need to rest. I’m trusting you to do the right thing.” He levels Ace with a hard glare.
“I’ll be the best doctor you ever had.”
Oh, Jesus.
I clench my legs together.
James shakes his head, amusement crinkling his eyes. I don’t know when it happened, but things between the two of them seem calmer. Easier.
We watch as he heads for the door, but at the last second, he glances back. “Oh, and before I go, I heard an interesting rumor about the dance. Apparently, there was a video... you wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?” His brow arches, and I press my lips together, wondering how Ace will dig himself out of this hole.
I still don’t know how I feel about the video, but I can’t deny it felt good seeing Sterling Prep’s Queen Bee’s kingdom come crashing down around her.
“Nope.” Ace doesn’t even bother to hide his smirk. “No idea what you’re talking about. But given the things Michaela said about her classmates, it could have been anyone.”
James’ eyes narrow. “Very well. I’ll leave the two of you in peace.”
“He knows,” I say the second the door closes.
“And? James isn’t going to do shit, just like Michaela isn’t going to do shit.”
“You sound awfully sure of yourself.”
