Page 121 of Broken Bonds

“I think it would be best if she doesn’t go back into his room. She’s only risking hurting herself more.”

“With all due respect, sir, my sister is madly in love with that guy. You’re not in the position to stop her from seeing him,” Ryan bit out.

“He’s right. Remember how she was after Aidan? We can’t let her sink into that darkness again. Maybe it’s for the best, son,” Dad murmured.

“She never loved Aidan like she loves Ace,” Ryan’s soft voice was directed at my dad. “The worst decision of my life was pushing Ace away from her. I’m not making that mistake again. If they hurt each other, so be it. But they’re… destined or something. Inevitable. I was just stupid and blind.”

“You didn’t see her in there, Ry,” Amber urged. “You didn’t see the defeat in her eyes. She doesn’t want to live without him.” Amber’s voice was thick with tears. I wanted to hold her hand, assure her that I was going to be okay, but I wasn’t. I didn’t want to open my eyes and see my family; I couldn’t handle their sympathy. I didn’t want it.

Ace needed to wake up; he couldn’t leave me.

“I wish he hadn’t picked me to make this decision. I can’t be the reason he dies. How is she ever going to look at me again?”

Don’t do it, Ryan. Don’t end his life.

“She won’t at first, but one day, she will understand that you are only trying to end Ace’s suffering.” I felt Mom’s hand brush the hair out of my face.

I won’t forgive him. I willneverforgive him if he kills Ace.

“I’ll give her one more day, and then, we all have to say goodbye.”

No!

When I finally opened my eyes, the room was dark. Amber was snoring on the small couch, red hair covering her freckled face.

“Ames,” I croaked, my throat dry. She didn’t move. “Amber, wake up.” She jumped with a start, her bleary, green eyes focusing on me.

“You’re finally awake,” she said, her voice groggy. She stretched her arms above her head with a groan.

“Where’s Ryan? I heard you talking. Where is he?” Panic gripped my whole body when she hesitated. “No, please tell me Ace is still alive.” Swinging my feet onto the floor, I stumbled, my mind still dazed from sleep.

“He’s alive. Ryan is sitting with him, trying to make sense of the situation.” She was standing in front of me, hands on my arms, steadying me. Relief calmed my tense body, and I sank back onto the bed.

“Mom and Dad?”

“Getting us some food.” She rubbed my arms, trying to soothe me.

“Can I see him now?” She nodded and helped me to my feet, then we shuffled to the door and through the surprisingly empty hallway. “Where is everyone?”

“Not sure. Probably changing shifts.” Amber’s grip on me was tight. The stress in her body was weighing her down, and sadness lingered in her eyes.

“Is he really going to pull the plug?” I asked, my voice sounding strangled to my own ears.

She cast me a sad smile, but it was more like a grimace. “We have to let him go, Cece. We can’t make him suffer any longer.” I choked on a sob, pain swelling in my chest. We reached Ace’s door and stopped. “Ryan loves you. This is hard for him, too. Don’t think you’re alone in your pain. We all loved Ace.”

Loved.

They were already talking about him like he was gone.

Ryan was sitting in my seat by Ace’s bed, his head bent in prayer when we walked in. He looked up, his eyes glassy. He stood, coming to hug me, but I recoiled from him. His arms dropped, and he stepped away. Amber rushed to his side as I sank into the hard, plastic chair.

“Leave us,” I demanded.

“Celine, you know I don’t want to do this.” Ryan’s voice was filled with pain, but I didn’t care. He didn’t deserve to be here. Not if he was going to pull the plug on Ace.

“Leave!” I snapped.

The door clicked shut behind them as they left the room. My eyes were on Ace, who had healed. There were no more bandages around his face. His black hair was long and shaggy, almost touching his shoulders, and a thick beard covered his usually clean-shaven face. He would hate it.

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