Page 109 of Broken Bonds

He sighed. “Right now, he’s in a cell until someone posts bail. I’m filing for a restraining order until Celine is awake and can testify to his actions.”

I swallowed thickly. “If she does?”

“He could be prosecuted for up to fifteen years jail time.” He shifted uncomfortably, looking between me and Celine’s parents, who were standing just a few feet away, listening to our conversation.

“And if she doesn’t?” I asked, my voice soft. Quiet. Afraid of his answer.

“Then he’ll more than likely go free, but the restraining order will remain in place. Any more questions, miss?”

Shaking my head, he nodded and headed for the exit, wishing Celine’s parents a good day.

chapter thirty-seven

ACE

The sheer panic in Amber’s voice was what made me think about going back to Florida in the dead of night. Lying in the small single bed, my feet dangling off the edge, I stared at the ceiling and thought about Celine—her brilliant blue eyes, pink kissable lips, inviting smile, sexy, toned body always teasing me. I groaned and pushed her out of my mind. I couldn’t think about her anymore. She was in my past. I had moved on.

Who was I kidding? She was always on my mind—all day and all night. I saw and heard her in everything I did. Every night I dreamed. She’d burrowed herself beneath my skin and was still a part of me a year later.

Mostly, I wondered how she was doing after her surgery, if she recovered well, if she was seeing someone else. The thought left an ache in my chest.

What did Amber mean by she needs me?

A sleepless night followed the two-minute phone call, and then, as the sun was rising, my mind was made up. After a quick shower, I packed a small bag with the few essentials I would need.

I left the small apartment that I shared with my mother and grandmother with a note that saidcall me.And then, I hit the road, headed for Florida. Headed for Celine.

The ten-hour drive to the place I once called home felt agonizingly slow, especially after a restless night. Every three hours, I stopped for gas, the John, and then an energy drink and something to munch on.

The following evening, I was parked outside Celine’s house, too nervous to park on the driveway. I left my bike idling on the curb. Jogging up the driveway to the dark home, I knocked twice, then rang the smart bell. It lit up in the night—a bright green color—and then, I heard Mr. Wilson’s stern voice. “Who’s there? I can’t see you.”

“It’s me—Ace Danvers, sir.” I took a step closer to the tiny camera on the bell, hoping he could see me in the minimal light cast from the streetlamps.

“What are you doing outside my house?!” the aging man yelled, and a chill curved up my spine.I wasn’t welcome here.

“Amber called. She said I needed to come see Celine.” I figured the truth was best, even if it sounded like some made-up crap.

Mr. Wilson sighed. “Well, she isn’t home. None of us are.”

“Can you tell her I stopped by?” I tentatively asked. Scratching the back of my neck, heat flooded my cheeks as embarrassment invaded my body. I should have never asked such a stupid question. I had no right to ask anything of them. Not when I’d essentially abandoned Celine when she needed me the most.

But we hadn’t been ready for each other yet. Both of us were filled with too much trauma. So, I’d left to deal with my mom and heal our relationship. I wanted to be a whole man for her and not just random pieces to a puzzle.

“Son,” he said on a sigh, “I think it would be best if you came down to the hospital and saw her yourself. I’ll be waiting for you in the lobby in thirty minutes.” The line ended with a beep.

Hospital?

What kind of trouble had she gotten herself into?

Getting back onto my idling back, I got back onto the main road and headed for the hospital, Celine the only thought on my mind. Walking into the hospital a few minutes later, I found Mr. Wilson in the lobby as he promised, a grim expression meeting me. I walked up to him with as much confidence as I could muster and extended my hand in greeting.

He accepted it, much to my relief, and furrowed his brows as he led me to a pair of empty chairs in the waiting room. “I don’t know what Amber told you, but Celine isn’t in good condition, Ace. You need to brace yourself. This is going to be one of the hardest things you are ever going to witness. I have to prepare you for this.”

“What happened?” My mind was racing with possibilities, each scenario getting worse with every passing second.

“Come now. Let’s go see her.” My gut filled with trepidation. Why wouldn’t he just tell me what happened to her?

He stood, and I followed him down a long hallway crowded with nurses until he finally stopped in front of a door. “Wait here while I clear the room.” He opened the door a crack and mumbled to the people inside. “He’s here; let’s give him some space, girls.”

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