Page 70 of Casualties

"Alright..."What the hell does "alright" mean?“Alright, I'm going to fuck you up,” or “Alright, I accept this”?

"Anything else to add to that?"I prompt.He has all of our attention.After his freakout earlier, I'm surprised he's this calm.

"You're my brother, and I love you.I'm not lovingthis, but if you make my sister happy, I can get on board.But!I better not hear anything that has to do with your in-the-sheets aerobics."

"Oh my God, leave them alone, Morgan.You know you're fine with it now that you've cooled off."Cassie smacks his shoulder with the back of her hand.

"Woah, Ice Queen, go easy on the goods."He holds where she hit him, dramatically faking pain.

Holy shit, he's okay with this...With us.

I swear to God, I could hug the fucker.I have my friends, I have my girl—everything feels like it’s falling into place.

Finally, life feels right.

THIRTY-NINE

AINSLEY

ONE MONTH LATER

School has been busy since we came back from Christmas break, but we've all fallen into a routine.I feel whole again, having everyone I isolated last semester back in my life.Being in a relationship with Ace is nothing like it was with Jackson.Yes, he would love to spend every minute of the day with me, but he understands we both need time apart.Cassie and I prioritize girl time, leaving the guys to focus on work or gaming.

They've been hanging out with their friend Scott a lot more lately.I like him, he's like a sexy nerd, hiding behind his thick black square-framed glasses, polo shirts, and Chinos.I'm honestly surprised he isn't dating anyone—he's quite the catch.

Seriously, Ace can never find out I said that...even if it was in my head.

Morgan, Ace, and Cassie were hesitant for me to come back to school, not knowing Jackson's whereabouts.The only thing Denny could find was that he was hospitalized until they got the bleeding to subside, and his father checked him out against the doctor's orders.Other than that, he's been MIA.I'd like for him to remain a ghost for the foreseeable future.

It didn't take long for the rumors to circulate around campus as to why he fell off the face of the earth and abandoned his team, but they're just rumors.I try to ignore the whispers asking if I had anything to do with the reason he left.People will talk whether you defend yourself or not.

I leave my last class of the day and head to the quad to meet Cass—we’ve got a much-needed spa day planned after a brutal week of classes.A startled gasp escapes me when an arm wraps around my waist, pulling me into a hug from behind.

"Hey, baby."Ace nuzzles his face against my neck, kissing the spot I love behind my ear.

"Hey, yourself...Aren't you, Morgan, and Scott supposed to be at Denny's house having a playdate?"

"Uhhh...Not a playdate, princess.It's three grown men playing video games, while Denny and Wally make us food.So yeah, not a playdate."I'm still locked firmly in his arms as he starts to tickle my side—he's such a child.

"Okay!Okay!Not a playdate, I fold."He acts like he’s going to tickle me again, but I hold up a finger in warning.That stops him quickly.

The longer we’re together, the more I fall in love with him.I swear, if I was a cartoon, little hearts and lovebirds would be circling above my head at all times.Don't get me wrong, he knows how to push my buttons and fire me up, but he also knows how to disarm the bomb.

"Hey, asshole!Didn't anyone tell you she's mine for the day?"Cassie approaches us with all her attitude.She seems to be doing okay.I'm not sure what's going on with her and Morgan—she still doesn't talk about it—but they seem cool when we all hang out.I will take that over throwing passive-aggressive digs and fighting any day.

"Yes, I know.I'm going, but first..."He presses his lips to mine, caressing me in a slow, deep kiss that sends goosebumps racing across my skin.I’m breathless, and a little nervous—we’re in public, sharing a moment that feels far too intimate for wandering eyes.Every time Ace kisses me, it’s like I’m floating, butterflies fluttering wildly in my stomach.I’m seriously questioning this spa day as we make out, already debating if I should reschedule with Cassie.Being with him feels addictive—like he’s under my skin, making me want to spend every second wrapped up in him.

"Ugh, stop, you're grossing me out, and reminding me I'm probably the only person in this school not getting laid."Cass feigns disgust, pretending to stick her finger down her throat.I guess that answers the Morgan situation.

Ace grabs my chin, pulling my face to look at him."I love you, princess.Have fun.And make sure to be naked in my bed when I get home."I smack his arm as he winks at me.He walks away laughing.

"Hey, Love Drunk!Let's go.Grams has us all set up for every treatment they offer."She snaps her fingers in my face to get my attention.

The spa is within walking distance, so we take off in that direction.As we walk down Main Street, the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention.I turn to look at our surroundings, but notice nothing out of the ordinary.

"What's wrong?Did you see something?"Cassie eyes me suspiciously.

"No, I just got this weird feeling, like someone's watching me."She follows my lead, looking at everything around us.

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