Good For You

(Chapter.18) Hiding From The World

I opened my eyes again and realized I had been put in a hospital gown. My body was numb. I looked at my side which was now covered in huge bandages.
"Hey how are you feeling?" Ace asked with his sweet smile.
"I'm numb, what was wrong with my hip? How long was I asleep?" I asked.
"You had been grazed deeply by the bullet. So the doctor had to put stitches in. You were asleep for about two hours." 
"Okay I want to go home." I said.
"I understand you've been through a lot. So I hate to tell you this. But that man saw you, which means you are in severe danger now. You will need to stay at my place. You will be safe and secure with my security. I was going to ask you to move in anyway but now you have too. I must travel so you will be alone for two weeks. I'll send my men to pack and retrieve your stuff and Tigger. I'll get Matthew to take you our home." Ace said.
"I'd rather go to my house. I need some space." I said rudely.
"I understand and you will still have that. But your safety is my priority therefore you'll have to be in my house. Now I love you and I'll see you once more before I leave. Matthew go ahead and take her." Ace explained kissing me goodbye. Next Matthew lead me to the limo. 
I need space because I don't know how I feel. We then arrived at Ace's house. I went in and propped down on the sofa and turned on the TV. E! was having a romance comedy marathon so I left it on that. I couldn't really watch it because I was so lost in my thoughts. I feel as if Ace lied to me. We are engaged and I still love him more than life itself. But his job is crazy and dangerous. The worst part is it is a family business. I know damn well I can't tell anybody that. So now I will have to keep this secret from everyone. Is Sam right? Did Ace hurt Noah and Kai? I don't even know how to ask Ace that question. I then became tired. When I opened my eyes it was morning. I looked around and realized none of this was a dream. I decided to walk to the beach again. I sat down in the sand. I hadn't realized the tall green grass that was at the edge of the water last time I was here. This is Ace's thinking place maybe it can be mine too. I looked down at my engagement ring sparkling back at me. If I find out that Ace did hurt Noah and Kai could I ever forgive him? Could we stay engaged? I have to know the answer now.
"Hey gorgeous, I figured I'd find you here. The guys should be here anytime with your stuff and fur baby. My maid will put your belongings away. I'll leave Tigger to you." Ace said with a smile pulling me into a hug. 
Even now his hugs make me feel safe and calm. The effect he has on me is crazy. But I must know the truth.
"Thank you, Ace I have a serious question for you and I need you to be completely honest with me." I said.
"I can do that. What is it?" Ace asked.
"Did you hurt Noah my assistant, and Kai which is Sam's brother?" I asked pulling away from Ace.
"Honestly, I did not but my family was hired to yes." 
"So someone in your family did those things because someone hired you too?" I asked.
"Yes, unfortunately I can't control who we get hired to hurt or murder." He responded.
"I want to go home to my house. I need space. I don't know if I can do this anymore Ace." I explained. 
"You will stay here, I'm leaving in a few minutes and I will be gone for at least two weeks. If you need more space after that then I'll arrange to stay gone longer. I know this is a lot to take in. I'm sorry for that. But I have to make sure you're safe. I'm leaving now. I love you and I hope you'll find a way to still love me." Ace explained, he then kissed me goodbye.
I said nothing I just stared at the water moving calmly. I don't even know how or what to feel. I have so much to figure out. Once it was almost completely dark outside I decided to go in the house. I just walked from room to room. I finally made it to Ace's room where I found my dresser filled with my stuff. I guess Ace and I will share his bedroom. I laid down and Tigger jumped up on the bed next to me and together we slept. For the next few days a majority of what I did was sleep. I got up to shower and eat occasionally. I continued to call out of work. I ignored all of Alisha's calls and texts. Sam hadn't reached out and neither did I. I can't believe Ace is respecting my need for space and not contacting me. Before I knew it, I had slept a week away. That was when I got a call from my mom.
"Hey sweetie, it's  been a while since we have seen you. I'd love for you to come home for the weekend. " My mom explained. I thought about it, it may just be the distraction I need.
"You know what mom, that sounds great, I'll see you tonight." I responded then hung up.
I then got up and hooked my ipod up. Then I headed for the shower. After that I slid on a pair of black leggings and threw on a burgundy tie dye tshirt. I decided I'd wear my black Van's because I'm feeling simple. I then brushed my hair and put on some perfume that smells like cherries. I even put a little eyeliner on. I grabbed my bag and threw some clothes that I'd need for the weekend in it. I grabbed my phone and headed down stairs. I saw Matthew was eating lunch so I quietly snuck past him to the garage. I saw the rack of keys and a blacked out Dodge Challenger. I jumped in, hooked up my ipod, and slid on my favorite pair of sunglasses. Next I was on my way to my parents. The long drive helped me relax. Before I knew it I had arrived. I looked at my phone which was blown up with calls and texts from Matthew. All I sent back was 
"Gone for the weekend. Take care of Tigger for me." 
I then grabbed my stuff and headed for the door. Before knocking I realized I was wearing my engagement ring. I slid that off and into my purse.