Once the vehicle has come to a final stop, he doesn't waste time grabbing our stroller and carrying it out. As if he doesn't have any patience, he's helping me out and carefully tugging us toward his unit.
Slipping inside, I have to excuse myself to tuck Leliah in bed. After her eventful day, I wouldn't be surprised if she remained knocked out through the entire night.
Once I've kissed her forehead and made sure those soft snores continue undisturbed, I'm quietly slipping out.
Finding Ace standing in the living room, I take a seat and pat the empty cushion next to me. When he doesn't budge at first, I realize things might not be okay. Maybe somethingdidhappen while he was gone.
Telling myself not to get worked up, especially if it's not over anything, I try my best to relax. Curling my fingers again, the best I get is him stepping close enough that he's almost within my reach.
"What happened?"
Letting out a sigh, he runs his hand down his face before shaking his head. "Best to just rip this off like a band-aid. So, I've got good news and bad news. Good news, you don't have to worry about those Outlaw Sinners chasing after you two anymore. I've handled it."
Before he can get to the bad news part, my heart suddenly stills. If he's taken care of it, then he's either paid the debt himself, something I realize he could do from one look at his wallet, or he's...
Ace takes another step forward before he's suddenly on his knees, nearly shaking the ground to meet my eyes. "Don't think about it, Penny. Just know, both you and your daughter are safe. Not because of Steelwood, but because you don't owe them anything anymore."
Trying not to think about it, my bottom lip wobbles. "If that's the good news, then what's the bad news?"
Moving to sit back on his heels, he tears his eyes away. "I think I fucked up. Because of how I've acted, they believe you're one of ours. If you haven't noticed, each club is very territorial over what section of town is theirs. Now they see you as more of a threat. So, while you won't have to worry about looking over your shoulder here..." He grimaces and looks back up at me. "You can't go back without putting yourself in danger. Because of me, you can't return to your old life."
Hitting me with the complications, he follows up with an apology, and I can see the way it tears at him.
"I'll find you a place to stay, of course. We've got good daycares on this patch of town for Leliah if you'd want to work, but it won't be needed. I'll support you two and make sure you have everything you need." Like he already has everything planned out in his head, he keeps going. Yet, there's one thing he's not including in this picture.
Him.
"You don't... want to be with us?"
I should be kicking myself about his good news. Johnny's alive. He's been... taken care of. Yet, there's no denying the relief swirling in my chest. Instead, I'm finding myself more upset that this feels more like a goodbye than a reassurance.
Ace is caught off guard by my question, as if he didn't even realize the option was available. He blinks a few times before nudging closer. He reaches out, stroking my knees, and then my thighs when he realizes I'm nowhere close to brushing his touch away. "I want whatever makes you happiest. What I don't want is for you to feel forced to stay with me, with the club, because of how things have played out."
"These last few days, I've been the happiest I have in a long time." Murmuring the truth, my heart flutters as the words pass through my lips. "I haven't felt this... wanted in a long time. A very long time, Ace. And you want me, right?"
He curses under his breath before squeezing my thighs. "So fucking bad that it hurts being away from you. Just the thought of watching you from a distance kills me, Pen. But I am willing to do it. For you two, I'm willing to do anything."
It's that confession that confirms it for me. I'm not going to ever meet a man like Ace again. Not someone who looks at both of us and is ready to give a devotion I've never known.
Lifting my hands, I cup his face. "Your apartment is incredibly small for three people."
Groaning low in the back of his throat, he nods. "I can start house shopping. Find a place with a big yard for Leliah to run around. How's that sound?"
Better and better with every second passing by.
"I love you, Penny. So fucking much. I know it's a lot, this whole thing, but I need you to know that." Leaning into my touch, he doesn't even flush a little at saying such words.
Yet, here I am, pinker than I've ever been in my life.
Ace loves me. Being hungry for these feelings between us is one thing, but love is a whole different concept. As scary as it is to trust someone enough to the point of trying at this again, for Ace, I'm willing to do it.
twelve
Ace
Penny wants me. She wantsme.
I can hardly wrap my mind around it, but she makes it easier by swooping down to kiss me. Beckoning me closer by leaning back, she gives me plenty of space to crawl up her body.
