Undercover Love

Chapter Thirty-Four: Oops, I Did It Again (Fell for Ace's Charm)

Ace looks into my eyes, searching for an answer, his gaze hopeful and unwavering. I want to say something—anything—but my throat feels tight, words tangling up in my chest. The sincerity in his voice, the vulnerability he's showing... it's almost too much. My eyes sting, tears threatening to spill over, and I blink rapidly, trying to keep it all in.

"Ace..." I finally manage, my voice barely a whisper. I swallow hard, trying to steady myself. "I... I want to believe you, I really do. But..." My words falter, my breath hitching as I fight back the emotions surging within me. "But I don't know if I can go through all of it again. I don't know if I can risk it."

He stays silent, waiting, not pressing me. That somehow makes it harder, his patience breaking down the walls I'm trying so hard to keep up.

I look away, focusing on the ground, because if I look at him for too long, I know I'll crumble. "You hurt me, Ace," I say, my voice wavering. "And I can't just pretend that everything's okay, that it's all gone. It's not that simple." My voice cracks, and I have to bite down on my bottom lip to keep from crying.

He steps closer, and for a second, I almost let him reach for me. Almost let myself lean into him. But I can't. I take a step back, wrapping my arms around myself, a weak attempt to shield my heart from breaking all over again.

"I still..." I hesitate, the words stuck in my throat. "I still care about you. God, I wish I didn't, but I do. And that scares me, Ace. It scares me because I don't know if I can survive losing you again."

He opens his mouth, his eyes filled with regret, but I shake my head, cutting him off before he can speak. "I need time. I need space to figure this out. I can't just jump back in, not without knowing if I'll be okay. Not without knowing if you'll stay."

Silence falls between us, heavy and thick with everything left unsaid. I feel like I'm teetering on the edge, caught between what I want and what I need to protect myself. I let out a shaky breath, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I'm still so fucking in love with you, Ace, and it drives me crazy," I say, my voice raw. "I hate that I feel this way after everything. After everything you've done, I hate you sometimes, but it hurts me more to hate you. And that's what scares me the most."

Tears slip down my cheeks, and I look away, trying to hold myself together. It feels like I'm baring my soul, and I don't know if it will be enough to heal or if it will only break me further.

Cassie comes over, her eyes immediately narrowing as she catches sight of my tears. She's holding Andrea, her expression shifting from concerned to furious in a heartbeat. "Adriana, why are you crying?" she demands, her gaze darting between me and Ace. I swear she's already plotting how to knock him down a peg.

I wipe my cheeks quickly, forcing a smile that doesn't quite reach my eyes. "It's nothing, Cassie," I say, my voice still a little shaky. I don't want her to worry, and the last thing I need is my sister starting a scene in the middle of my birthday party. "Really. It's okay."

Cassie doesn't look convinced. She's got that fierce, protective look in her eyes, and I can tell she's about two seconds away from launching into a full-blown confrontation with Ace. She looks at him, her jaw tightening, and I can see the fire in her eyes. If she weren't holding Andrea, I'm pretty sure she'd be stepping up to him right now, ready to defend me.

"Cass, really," I insist, stepping closer and putting my hand on her arm. "It's okay. I promise."

She studies me for a long moment, her eyes searching my face, before she finally relents. With a sigh, she shifts Andrea in her arms and gently hands her over to me. The moment Andrea is in my arms, it's like a wave of warmth washes over me. She looks up at me with her big, curious eyes, her tiny fingers reaching for my hair, and I feel my heart swell.