ACE

Chapter 62: The Midnight to Her Dawn

Playlist for this Chapter: Snow on the Beach by Taylor Swift, Midnight Rain by Taylor Swift.

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The moment my dad's name flashed across my phone screen made me grimace at what I was going to say to him as my mind raced with endless possible conversations.

Nico finally let me turn my phone back on and I was beyond shocked to see the hundreds of missed calls and messages from everyone back home, but it was expected after everything that happened.

"Do you want me to talk to him?" Nico whispered to me when I glanced at him briefly but shook my head.

"No, this is something I need to do on my own." I said when he nodded slowly, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze and continuing with eating his breakfast.

I decided to call Ava first, since she was already aware of the situation I was in, and would be able to calm mom and dad. She was quite pissed at me because I'd been MIA for more than a week now, but I couldn't blame her for not worrying. 

She calmed down a bit when I told her that I didn't have my phone on me and everything that went on. She told me she'd explain everything to mom and dad so that they'd calm down before I talked to them.

I called Abby and Cole in the meanwhile and we chatted for an hour or so. They were also mad, but more worried and calmed down when I explained everything, resulting in them being pissed at Liam now.

In the evening, Ava gave me the green light to finally call dad when I was siting in one of Nico's gardens, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful view.

Taking a deep breath, I braced for the worst as I dialled his number and waited for him to pick up. 

"Dove? Sweetheart is that you?" His worried voice flooded my ears and I exhaled slowly.

"Hi daddy, it's me..."

"My sweet girl, how are you? I called so many times but you wouldn't pick up, are you alright?" His questions fired at me.

"Dad, calm down I'll tell you everything." I said and heard him take a few breaths.

"Okay, alright. Go on."

"I'm— I'm in Italy, with Nico." I said finally and heard him draw a shaky breath.

"Are you okay?" He asked, "Scratch that, are you alive?"

"I'm completely fine dad, you don't need to worry. Nico's keeping me safe and happy." I told him.

"That's good to hear, you gave us quite the fright." He said and chuckled nervously.

"That man—Nicholas King, you're still with him, aren't you?" He asked after a moment when I sighed.

"Yes, I'm with him. But before you say anything, I have to tell you that I'm an adult and I can make my own decisions, and that includes this. I trust him, I really do." I said firmly.

"I know, dear. It's just— I'm very worried for you, you know he's a dangerous man." I could sense the worry in his voice and couldn't blame him for looking out for me.

"I know that dad, but I choose to be with him because I love him, a lot. I've never loved anyone like I love Nicholas because he makes me feel alive and so loved. He's my other half." I said and heard him exhale.

"I know, dear, and I'm happy you found the one you love but is it worth it? The constant danger, the threats, never knowing what might happen?" I drew in a breath at his words and smiled softly.

"It is worth it. Every single second I've spent with him, it's worth it all. I know the dangers and the risks, I knew them when I told him I loved him because there's no one else for me." I said and heard him take a deep breath.