Page 23 of Breaking the Limits

My heart sank even further when I arrived back at the apartment and saw no sign of Ace’s car. I take a deep breath and decide that I can’t face going back into that apartment alone. Instead, I drive back out of the parking lot and take the fifteen-minute drive to my actual apartment. It’s not in the greatest part of town and I hardly spend any time there, but right now it sounds more inviting.

I find my parking space and head up to the small studio apartment on the third floor. The large window allows light to fill the small space which is good since I haven’t actually had the electricity turned on yet. I check my phone one more time but still nothing from Ace. I lie back on the full-size bed covered in the yellow bedding. Staring up at the ceiling I try to figure out what’s going on with me.

A couple of hours later I walk over to the small closet and find a few outfits. Tonight, is the races and I’m not sure if I should go or not but I’m afraid if I don’t go then the distance between Ace and I will only continue to grow. I decide to go with the black mini dress that hugs my body like a glove and rummage under my bed until I find the box I’m looking for. The over the knee black boots will go perfect with this dress.

I touch up my makeup and hair, slip on the birthday necklace that Ace gave me and head out the door. As I’m driving to the races my phone begins to ring. Hopeful I answer it and I’m slightly disappointed when I hear Kenndrix’s voice come over the line instead of Ace’s.

“Hey Kyn, are you going to the races?”

I sigh, “Of course.”

“Okay, want to pick me up on your way. Jaxx left earlier to meet up with Ace and Pierce because I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to go,” Kenndrix explains.

My mood goes from being worried about Ace to be a little angry at him in no time fast. “Wait, Ace went out with Jaxx and Pierce earlier?”

“Yeah a few hours ago. Why?” She asks.

I shake my head even though she can’t see me. “No reason. I’m on my way to get you. See you in a few,” I say, before I hang up the phone.

As I’m driving over to the small house Kenndrix and Jaxx share I try to figure out why Ace has been avoiding me. At first,I thought he might have just been busy, but now that I know he had time to go meet up with Jaxx and Pierce, I know that theory isn’t correct. Something tickles the back of my brain then it hits me. Rocky! Rocky is Pierce’s boyfriend but he is the one Enzo said he’d called to get the name of my agent. Of course, Pierce would have told Ace about all that, they were best friends and he’d always look out for him. Ace was avoiding me because he knew.

I want to bang my head against the steering wheel for a minute but then that changes to anger with Pierce. Why did he have to butt in? Then half way through the drive to Kenndrix’s I realize that Pierce probably didn’t mean any harm. Everyone close to us knew that we’ve based our entire relationship on honesty. Pierce probably assumed that Ace already knew. I mean, what reason did I have to lie to Ace about something like that? None! I had no reason! Just like that all the anger was thrown right back on myself.

Kenndrix comes jogging out of the house and hops into my Jeep. One look at me had her saying, “What’s wrong?”

“Ace knows.”

Her eyes go wide and even though she already knows the answer she asks, “Ace knows what?”

I look at her. “Ace knows that I lied to him or at least I’m like 99% sure he knows I did. I think that’s why he’s been avoiding me.”

“That actually makes sense. I mean, was I wondering why he was meeting with Jaxx and Pierce before the races instead of waiting for you,” Kenndrix explains. The Jeep falls silent after that until were about a block away from where the races are being held tonight. Kenndrix reaches over and grabs one of my hands while were sitting at a four way stop. “Look, I’m sure Ace is super pissed but just get him alone and explain it to him.”

“And if that doesn’t work?”

“Ace loves you Kynlee, he can’t stay mad forever. Apologize and mean it then give him time to come to terms with it if need be,” Kenndrix says in a soothing tone. She believes Ace loves me, I believe Ace loves me; but sometimes it’s hard to remember when he won’t say the actual words.

As soon as I park Jaxx is opening my passenger side door and helping Kenndrix out of the Jeep. He wraps an arm around her shoulder and pulls her in for a quick kiss. “You made it!” She nods in reply while looking up at him dreamily, “Glad you made it too Kyn!”

“Thanks, have you seen Ace?” I ask him.

Jaxx nods, “Yeah he’s down by the salon. He was with Axell and Bowie when I left him.” He points down the street in the direction of where he had been. I tell him thanks and head that way. Ace isn’t hard to spot at 6’3” he stands taller than most. His body is all muscle and covered in colorful ink. His chocolate brown hair is longer on the top so he can style it the way he likes. His baby blue eyes stand out with the ring of eyeliner and his naturally dark eyelashes. His black gauges and lip piercing are also eye catching. However, I’m more than a little shocked to see him smoking. He quit months ago from what I knew. So, maybe I wasn’t the only one who had lied about something.

Jovi is standing next to Ace and also has a cigarette in his mouth. I want to slap both of them for being so stupid. I hadn’t noticed that Jovi had gotten so tall until now. He was only a couple of inches shorter than Ace. Another guy joins them, it must be Jagger because he has the same chocolate brown hair and a trimmed beard. He’s maybe an inch taller than Ace and the way he’s approaching them I’m pretty sure they’re both about to get their asses handed to them for smoking. I stand back for a moment while I watch Jagger pull the cigarette from Jovi’s mouth. I allow the brothers to catch up for a moment.

Taking a deep breath, I finally decide to head over and face the music. Ace looks over in my direction and our eyes lock for a moment. I see the heat that lights them up. I feel the same way. I hate when we have distance between us. As I approach Ace leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek; it’s sweet but it feels forced in the moment. Ace introduces Jagger and me, but to hear him introduce me as his, “friend” hurts more than I thought possible. I knew things weren’t great with us right now, but friend seems like a slap in the face.

Luckily, Jagger picks up on it and apparently doesn’t like the term either. He makes a comment about me being able to do better. I don’t actually believe that. In a lot of ways Ace and I are kind of perfect for each other, but we also still have a long way to go. Admitting his emotions and feelings are big things for him to overcome and at some point, I need to learn how to let his attention be enough.

Raised voices catch our attention and we see Ryce and his girlfriend Londynn having words. I know that Ryce isn’t a fan of any of the James’ boys and that feeling is mutual. I also know that if he over steps any lines these brothers will lay him out on the ground. That’s one thing they don’t stand for. Violence and females is a big no no for them. I feel Ace wrap a hand around the front of my waist and push me slightly behind him. This is just one of the many things I love about him. He’s always trying to protect me. It’s hard not to know how he feels when his actions show it. My heart warms for a moment.

Jagger starts to move and Ace leans down and asks me to watch Jovi. Once Ace and Bowie move to back up Jagger, I grab Jovi’s hand and drag him toward Sadie and Farrah. Axell and Connor are still standing with us…for now but it doesn’t take long for that to change. Bowie lands a hit on Ryce, knocking him to the ground which makes all his rich buddies jump in. Axell and Connor quickly step up behind Jagger. I look aroundand spot Jaxx and Pierce trying to break through the crowd, but without success.

Jagger must have the coolest temper because he manages to talk the fight down. Ace looks back at me as he heads to place his buy in for the race. A sick feeling twists my gut. I see that he’s upset, but underneath that hard look in his eyes is hurt. I hurt him.

****

Ace wins his race of course and afterwards we head over to JamesTown, like always. I sit at the table next to Ace but there couldn’t be more distance between us if we tried. I study Ace from the corner of my eye. Finally, I give up. “I’m calling it a night. See you guys later. Nice to meet you, Jagger.”

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