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He scrutinizes me for a moment, tenting his hands under his chin, “This will remain between the two of us, Jace, but I need the truth. If you had anything to do with the attack on those little pukes, then I need to know. If it comes back on you, I will represent you, but you need to trust me.”
I trust the man in front of me with my life, he’s like a second father to me, so I believe every word he says. I just don’t want to bring anybody else into this mess, but I am being truthful when I say, “I swear on my life that I did not hit any of those douche bags who attacked Ella.”
Ethan’s mouth kicks up on one side, “But you do know something, don’t you?”
I shrug, “All I can say is that it’s not my story to tell, and that I was not there at the time of the attack.”
Ethan sits forward in his chair, “Well then, if anything more happens, or if anybody needs legal counsel pertaining to this case, let me know.”
“Of course, I will come to you first thing.” I stand up.
“Tell your father that I expect to see him out on the green this weekend.” He grins at me.
“Will, do! I’ll see later, Ethan, and thanks.”
“Anytime, Jace. Oh, and stay out of trouble and keep your handscompletelyclean.” It’s a message that I read loud and clear as I close the door behind me.
My part is over and done with, now all we can do is hope the police will do their job and arrest them all, locking them away for a long time. I leave Ella’s house on a happier note. I was worried when I first arrived, and let myself in that the Baxter’s would be angry, but Elaine and Ethan had big grins on their faces once they saw me walk into the room. It certainly helps to have her parents on my side in this. Of course, I’m not sure if they will still be there if they learn of how I treated Ella for the past two years.
I have to admit, talking to Jude about my issue helped out a lot. He was dead on about the flowers and taking a step back as a Dom. Ella is the kind of sub who needs to be eased into the role, unlike others. Let her think that it’s a normal relationship, when it really isn’t. Manipulation isn’t right, but sometimes you need to use it in just the right way in order to get the ball rolling. I’m not against using any means necessary in order to get my girl. Now, all I need to do is woo her for a bit, and I’ll have her hooked.
Chapter 21
Date Night
Having my mother cancel my flight to Connecticut for me was heartbreaking. I am so ready to leave this place, especially after the assault, but I still have unfinished business that I need to take care of before I leave. Besides, there is no way I will be able to do much if I go now while having broken ribs, so I might as well stay here until I can at least move around and do things on my own a bit more.
I’ve yet to tell Jace anything about me leaving. Depending on what my decision is going to be, I may not tell him at all. That is one of the reasons why I agreed to go out to the movies with him tonight. It’s been almost a week since I got home from the hospital, and he’s been coming over after school to help me around the house when nobody is around. He still comes even if I don’t need the help, and it’s actually been nice. I’ve seen a lot of the old Jace, but I’m not sure if it’s because my family is around or if he really is trying to go slow for me.
When he asked me this morning if I would go to a movie with him tonight, I didn’t say yes just because it’s a date, but because I need out of this house and my parents won’t let me go anywhere alone, neither will Jace. I do want to try and get to know him all over again as well, it will help in my decision, but I’m just nervous that the bully will come out the moment I am alone with him. A tingle runs through my core at the thought of that happening, and I frown at myself. How can I keep telling Jace to not be that way, and then my body reacts to the possibility of him doing exactly that?
A heavy sigh leaves me as my phone vibrates. When I glance down at it, I see that it’s a text from Jace telling me that he will be over in five minutes. Taking one more look at myself in the full-length mirror, I slowly head downstairs to wait for him. I’ve just stepped down on the last step when the doorbell rings. Mom is quicker than I am, and she lets Jace in after greeting him with a warm smile. Our mothers are on cloud nine knowing that we are going on a date together. Jace told me that his mother’s eyes teared up when he told her.
He shows me his pearly whites when he sees me at the bottom of the stairs. I didn’t dress up or anything, but I did add some lip gloss and mascara just so it looks like I’m making an effort. It’s not like he hasn’t seen me at my worst. I smile back and walk over to him as he holds my coat up for me to slip my arms in. I’m pretty sure he’s only doing it because he knows that I can’t quite do it yet on my own, and not because he’s a gentleman.
“Bye, kids, have fun!” My mom calls out as we walk out the door.
“What’s so funny?” Jace asks when I chuckle at my mom’s words.
“We will forever be ‘kids’ in our parent’s eyes,” I give him a side glance, “You’re almost nineteen and still, they call you a kid.”
He shrugs before opening the door to his mom’s car for me, “I really don’t care either way. There is only one person that needs to know, and understand, that I’m no longer a kid.” He winks at me while he helps me lower myself into the seat.
There is the Jace that I knew would come out at some point tonight, but I won’t hold it against him because he wasn’t trying to be an ass. I mean, after all, he did think about my comfort by using his mom’s car over his jeep. I would have a harder time getting into his than I did a moment ago, and I think it was sweet of him to do so. Even when he pulls the seatbelt across my front, and clicks it in place, he’s only looking out for my safety. A shiver runs through me when his hand briefly touches my thigh as he brings his it back to shut the door. I think he might have seen my reaction, because when I glance up to thank him, he’s has a smirk in place.
On the car ride over, we talked about what was happening with my case. I was told that they had all posted bond after being arrested and had plead ‘not guilty’ to everything. Now we are all waiting for a court date, and I will have to go in and testify, along with Jace because he’s the one that came to get me. It’s all a mess and I wish it would all go away, but of course, because that would make my life easier, that’s not going to happen.
The movie theater wasn’t very busy, so it didn’t take long to get our drinks and popcorn, and then find a good seat. We are both quiet while we eat the popcorn and watch the previews to upcoming movies. The first time I hear Jace laugh at a scene once the movie starts, I stare over at him. It’s been years since I heard his real laugh, and I missed it.
He glances over at me, “What?” He smiles.
“Nothing,” I smile back, “It’s just nice to hear that laugh again, that’s all.”
He studies me for a few seconds and then focus’s back on the movie, but he also lifts his arm and drapes it over the back of my seat. Eventually, his arm comes down over my shoulders and he pulls me closer to him. I don’t fight him on it, because in all honesty, it feels good and almost natural to have him touching me like this. I bite my lip, and snuggle in a little closer, resting my head against him. I feel his lips press against the top of my head briefly before going back to the movie.
His intoxicating scent makes me want to bury my face into his neck and never come back up for air, but I keep myself in check and focus on the movie. We stay like this for the rest of the movie, and when the credits start to roll, neither one of us are too eager to get up. We remain in our seats until the rest of the patrons exit. Being so relaxed during the movie, and not moving around too much, causes my still healing body to be little bit sorer than normal. Jace gives me his hand and helps me to stand, but doesn’t release it until we get outside to the car, where he has no choice but to let go, so I can get in.
“That was a pretty good movie, I’m glad you picked that one instead of some romantic shit.” He lightens his harsh words by winking at me. Yes, Jace Palmer just winked at me…and smiled while he did it!
