Ace Killian

chapter 18 : Rage

Naomi's P.O.V

Ace face was cold, but his eyes said something different.

he snapped. one second Jonathon was smirking, the next he was flat on his back with ace's fist colliding with his face again and again.

"Ace, please stop!" I sobbed, rushing forward. "Leave him alone".

he didn't hear me - or maybe he didn't care. his rage was a storm, wild and uncontrollable, and i was standing in the middle of it.

I tried to pull him back, desperate to break them apart. that's when it happened. his elbow connected with my face, sharp and hard.

white - hot pain exploded through my nose. Blood gushed down instantly.

i stumbled back, clutching my face. "Shit -"

"Oh my god, Naomi" Nora voice cut through the chaos as she ran to me. she pressed tissues into my hands, her other arm steadying me.

across the room, jake finally managed to pry ace off of Jonathon.

ace spun around, chest heaving, eyes dark with fury - until he saw me. saw the blood.

"Naomi - babe, I'm sorry. fuck, I didn't mean -" he reached for me, panic in his voice.

Nora shoved a hand against his chest, stopping him cold. "Don't. you've done enough"

aces jaw tightened, torn between guilt and stubborn pride.

"Nora get out of my way. Let me see her."

"No. you need to breathe," Nora snapped. " You hurt her, Ace. you need to walk away before you make things worse.

"I know what I fucking did Nora. You don't have to lecture me " he says trying to get to me

"Naomi let me see... are you okay"

"Ace, no " Nora said pushing him again

"I'll take care of her; you need to go cool down"

for a moment, i thought he'd ignore her. but then he dragged his hands through his hair, pacing like a caged animal, muttering curses under his breath. his eyes flicked to me again - haunted, broken - before he stormed out into the night.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

the silence left behind was heavy.

I dabbed at my nose, still shaking, then looked at Jonathon sprawled on the floor. bruised, bloodied - but alive.

I crouched to help him up with a couple people in the room.

"I'm...I'm so sorry" I whispered

Jonathon let out a strained laugh, wincing. "I'll be fine. nothing a little whiskey can't fix.

I managed a weak laugh too, though my heart was still hammering.

he caught my hand, thumb brushing slow circles over my skin. his voice lowered.

"Naomi...why are you with him? you deserve someone better. Someone who doesn't hurt you."

I froze, my chest tightening.

"With all due respect, Jonathan," I said firmly, slipping my hand away, "I'm not that kind of girl. I'm loyal - to Ace. no matter how complicated it gets."

his eyes searched mine, but he nodded quietly.

...

later that night. After Jonathan was patched up and apologies exchanged with Mr. Harris, jake drove us home. we tried calling Ace, but he didn't pick up. my chest ached with worry, but also something else - doubt, maybe.

after a long shower, i curled up in Nora's room like she insisted. my head rested on her lap as she stroked my hair gently.

"I can't believe Ace lost it like that," i whispered.

she sighed.

"he's always been like this. Acts first, thinks later. but tonight..."

she shook her head.

"Naomi, he's not usually that reckless. Jonathaon must have done something."

" He did" I bit my lip. "He told me he wanted me. then - he grabbed me. I told him no, but before I could pull away... Ace saw."

Nora's eyes widened. " Oh. shit. no wonder he snapped." she exhaled, leaning back.

"Ace doesn't share what he thinks is his. Not since... Kane and Amara."

her words lingered in the air, sharp and unspoken.

I swallowed hard, curling under the blanket as exhaustion dragged me down. I wanted to defend him, to excuse his anger - but deep down, I wasn't sure I could.

all I could do was hope Ace was safe. And pray he'd still be the man i thought he was when he came back.

___

Sorry this chapter was so short but dame.

Do you think Ace over reacted or that Naomi should of been more cautious with Jonathan?

Let me know by commenting