Taking care of her all on my own, passing her around has given me far more of a break than I've ever gotten before.
It’s been pretty... pleasant. Considering the rocky beginning, the atmosphere is actually quite relaxing. Sure, these guys might be having a decent day, or perhaps they're just not being their true selves in front of someone they see as a stranger. But still, maybe… I could get used to this.
Would Ace really want me around after this mess of mine is managed?
As lovely as his apartment is, a few days locked away make this feel more like a breath of fresh air than anything else.
While I'm stuck in my head, it doesn't take long before there's a sudden shift in the air.
Hearing some commotion outside of the room, Cassia tucks her phone back into her pocket. "Sounds like they've returned."
Is Ace finally back? From the lack of details he's given me, I can only imagine what has stolen him away for so long. Either he's trying to keep me from being scared, or he's trying to keep me safe.
"I'll send him your way. You should really look for something to eat." Her mouth quips up. "You'll get used to those nervesevery time the guys slip off. Once you realize they can take care of themselves, it gets easier."
Thanking her for everything, I watch her slip away before returning my gaze to Leliah. Reaching out, I stroke her hair. "Are you having a good time?"
Looking at me with those big green eyes of hers, my chest tightens when she smiles and jerks her head into a nod. However, she looks like she's enjoying those nuggets even more with how quickly she's chomping them down. The color on her cheeks is a flushed pink, and I can't help but wonder if her face hurts from how much smiling she's been doing lately.
Deep down, I don't think I want anything to change. While she's this happy, I'm happy.
The thump of boots has me lifting my gaze before my stomach is tightening for an entirely different reason.
There's something about seeing Ace that makes all my worries melt away. It's the curve on his lips, and the way he looks relieved, too, that hits deep.
"Sorry that took so long." Coasting across the room, he shoves the leather sleeves of his jacket up his arms and washes both of them and his hands. Thankfully, this time, he doesn't look like he has any injuries worth worrying about. "Miss me?"
"A little..." The truth slips out without thinking, and I notice the glance he slips over his shoulder before finishing up. "Are you okay?"
"More than that, sweetheart. I'm feeling the best I have in ages." Drifting back over to us, he reaches out and steals one of her nuggets in passing before stopping behind me. His hands find my shoulders, and the moment he starts kneading them, I'm going slack against his chest. Feeling him rumble in approval, I sense his eyes on me the entire time. "What did you think about the others? Not too bad, I hope?"
Shaking my head, my eyes drift close. "Everyone seems pretty nice. Well, mostly. Some are a little rough around the edges."
Both Dante and Butcher seem like the scariest ones here, but I think that could've just been their faces. I don't know how these guys get their nicknames, but I don't think they're very fitting.
"Does the thought of coming around more often make you feel uncomfortable?"
Opening my eyes, I look up to meet his gaze. There's a shift in his voice, filled with more concern than curiosity. Did something happen while he was gone?
"As long as it's appropriate for Leliah, I'd be willing to return." Answering with the truth, I don't miss his relief. "Is everything okay? Did something—"
He gives no warning before he swoops down and kisses me. Doing it just because, he makes my worries sizzle up, leaving nothing behind.
"How about you two finish up here, and I find someone to give us a ride back?" Lifting his hand, he grazes my flushed cheeks with his thumb before touching my mouth next. He's staring too deeply, as if he'd much rather kiss me again.
I kind of want him to. Especially with how easily he makes my heart jump.
"We've got to talk about some things. Might be better to do it in a place you feel more comfortable in."
Nodding in a daze, I fight the urge to reach out for him when he already pulls himself away.
"Don't think about overthinking the conversation, either," he orders, giving me a look. Just like that, he already knows me well enough that once the heat seeps away, that's the exact thing that'll happen.
Nodding, I watch as he drifts back out, leaving us alone.
I hope this 'talk' involves him asking us to stay. If not, then I think I may have to be the one to push the idea. The more I think about it, the more I want it to become a reality.
The drive back is almost quiet. Leliah's soft snores are against my ear, and Ace is constantly shifting like he can't sit still.
