Page 62 of Broken Bonds

“Because I want to know if she’ll be okay,” Ace retorted, his tone darkening just as Ryan’s had. I flicked my eyes between them, suddenly nervous. I wanted Ace, but I didn’t want him to lose Ryan as his best friend. HeneededRyan. From what I understood, Ryan was really the only person he had.

“I told you not to get attached,” Ryan snapped at him. “Now, remember your place as my friend andonly that. Call an Uber. You aren’t coming with us. This is for her familyonly.”

I gaped at my brother as Ace’s face darkened, his hands curling and uncurling at his sides—like he wasn’t sure if he wanted to punch my brother or rip me from his arms.

“Ryan, that’s enough,” Mom hissed, anger lighting up in her eyes. “He’s kept her alive for almost a week, carried her everywhere, and been on the other side of her pain. If he wants to come, he can. You aren’t in charge of this family, young man—I am.”

Ryan’s body tensed. “Yes, Mom.” He ground his teeth around his words, the sound audible and making me cringe.

“Hurry up and get in the car,” Mom snapped at him before shooting an apologetic look at Ace. “Celine has waited long enough.”

Ryan followed my parents wordlessly while Ace walked behind us. My eyes latched onto his over Ryan’s shoulder, andI saw the anger and disappointment on his handsome face. I flashed him a smile and got to witness some of that anger and disappointment bleed away. My heart warmed; I loved the effect I had on him.

Five minutes later, Ace, Ryan, and I were squished in the backseat of Dad’s truck. I was sitting between the two hostile men, their anger making everyone uncomfortable.

A dull pain continued to shoot through my legs, sharpening with every jostle and bump on the short ride to Dr. Alex’s building. Mom and Dad were whispering to each other in the front, but the music was loud, so we couldn’t hear them. I knew they were talking about me, though and how bad my legs might be.

I was thankful I couldn’t hear them, honestly.

Fear crept into my veins when we pulled into the deserted parking lot of Dr. Alex’s office, seeing more damage from Hurricane Dawson. I swallowed the ball of nerves in my throat, my fingers clutching the edge of my shirt tightly.

Ace’s hand brushed mine, his fingers wrapping around my shaking ones quickly, then retreating before anyone could notice. He then placed his warm hand right next to my leg, and his thumb began rubbing circles on the outside of my thigh.

Silent assurance that he was here.

That I was going to be okay.

Though I wasn’t sure if I would be.

Dad pulled into the closest parking spot, and Ryan threw open the door before the truck had even stopped moving, extending his hands to me, ready to be my legs. Unbuckling the seatbelt, Ace’s hand left my leg as he hopped out of the truck, slamming the door shut before he walked to the front of the truck, his mouth moving as he talked to Mom.

I hated that I was coming between them. Why did Ryan have to be a dick?

“Come on, Cece.” Ryan’s impatient voice reached my ears.

“I’m comin’,” I muttered. Scooting myself to the edge of the seat, a jolt of pain flared in my right leg when I put my weight on it to move. “Ah!” The small scream slipped past my lips without warning, and I squeezed my eyes shut, struggling to draw air into my lungs.

“Shit, I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Celine. How can I help you? Tell me what to do,” Ryan begged, all his assholery gone. Worry filled my brother’s tone, and pain was etched across his handsome face.

“You’re doing it; don’t worry.” He handled me carefully, his arm sliding under my thighs while the other went around my back. Pulling me from the truck slowly, a worried frown remained on his face.

“I’m always going to worry about you until the day that I die. You’remyresponsibility. I didn’t keep you safe before fromhim. I won’t fail you again.I won’t.”

“Ryan—” I croaked.

“You’re my baby sister, and it’s my job to protect you,” he said quietly.

“You’ve always been my hero—ever since I was a little girl and fell off my bike, thanks to you.” He laughed, a carefree smile replacing the worried frown. I was just thankful my little bit of teasing had worked.

“How was I supposed to know you would listen to me and try to ride without hands? Come on—you were just gullible. Not my fault.” Mom laughed from behind us, holding the door open for Dr. Alex’s office.

“I remember that story differently, Ryan. I think it was more like you did something stupid, and naturally, your sister had to do the same. You both fell off your bikes, but you, my sweet boy, ran into the house holding Celine like she was going to die. I’ve never seen a little boy cry so much.” Ryan blushed.

“You aren’t supposed to share all my secrets, Ma. Some are between you and me for a reason.” Mom laughed as we walked through the dark waiting room and into the hall where the patient rooms were. Ace hung back, taking a seat in the waiting room.

I wanted him with me.

“I’ll wait here,” he said to all of us, but his gaze was locked on mine. I frowned, subtly shaking my head.

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