Page 69 of Sixty Days Of Summer

His lips curl into a cocky grin, the kind that makes him even sexier. “I was coming back to your room anyway,” he replies, his tone dripping with confidence.

I slip out of his grip and step into the hallway, Ace close behind. It feels liberating, like he’s finally lowered his guard, letting me glimpse the real Ace—the one hidden beneath all his defenses.

As we step out of the elevator, I keep a careful distance from Ace, catching sight of Xander and Theo watching us from across the foyer. Their stances mirror each other, hands shoved into their pockets, a noticeable space between them thatspeaks louder than words. Whatever happened between them, it’s obvious they’re not over it. I asked Ace about it earlier, but he brushed it off, not wanting to talk. I just hope they sort it out soon.

Theo flashes me a smile as I approach, wrapping an arm around me in a brotherly hug. “Are you ready for a great night,” he asks.

“Yeah,” I reply, feeling a surge of excitement. It’s great to have him here, sharing this experience with me.

I glance up to find Xander waiting for Ace. Their bond is unmistakable, a camaraderie that speaks volumes. From what Ace has told me, Xander was his rock during the hardest days—his anchor when everything felt like it was slipping away. Ace often says he wouldn’t have survived those struggles without Xander by his side.

Theo and I push forward, trailing behind Neil and a couple of security personnel as they guide us through the main entrance and onto the bustling street. Usually, we would discreetly exit through the back to avoid attracting any notice, but unfortunately, the hotel’s rear section is currently closed off for the loading of vehicles.

Kit was livid that first time we had to use the main entrance; it drew the attention of the press and the swarm of fans waiting outside. With the news now spreading rapidly, the crowd has grown even larger, buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly await a glimpse of their favorite band member. I can’t comprehend how these guys manage it day in and day out—the unrelenting demand from fans to catch a glimpse, reach out, and scream their names.

As soon as we step out the door, the deafening roar fills the air, making it hard to hear anything else. Amid the chaos, I feel Theo’s hand tightly gripping mine. The thought that this might ignite further rumors in the press lingers in my mind. Given themedia frenzy surrounding those leaked photos of Ace and me kissing after that disastrous interview, it wouldn’t be surprising if a story starts circulating about me moving on to Theo.

Theo lifts a hand and waves to the adoring fans. Some hold posters decorated with love hearts, their names, and all the scandalous things they want to do with them. It’s a reminder of how these guys can have anyone they desire. The thought of what might happen after this tour, when I’m no longer part of their world, lingers in my mind. Will Ace go back to his groupies? He’s never clarified what we are, and I’ve never shared my true feelings with him. Maybe tonight, when he comes to my room, it’s finally time to tell him how I feel.

Just as we’re about to hop into the limo, I hear it—and so does Theo. We both freeze in our tracks. A handful of fans off to the right are waving signs with Ace’s name, but the word “abuser” is scrawled in bold letters across them. The mood changes instantly, a sharp edge slicing through the excitement as the angry chants and boos swell, their voices blending into a harsh, accusing chorus that fills the air.

“Abuser!” a woman with black hair yells, her voice cutting through the chaos. Theo and I share worried glances before turning to Ace. The carefree energy he had just moments ago has evaporated, replaced by a serious, wounded expression. He avoids eye contact as he rushes into the limo, and it stings to see him like this.

Xander steps forward, his voice booming as he faces the crowd’s hostility. “Back off!” he shouts, defending Ace against the onslaught of accusations and angry jeers. “You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about!” Frustration laces his words as he continues, “He never laid a hand on his mother; it was the other way around!” He’s desperately trying to make them see the truth, but it’s obvious these people aren’t real fans—they’re just troublemakers eager to stir up chaos.

As Neil pushes Xander back from the angry crowd towards the limo, Theo grabs my hand and pulls me inside. I glance over at Ace as we settle into the car. He’s sitting there with his head bowed, his eyes fixed on the floor. The weight of the accusations and the public outcry is clearly weighing him down, and my heart aches for him.

“You okay, man?” Theo asks softly, his voice tinged with sympathy, clearly shaken by the chaos outside.

Ace doesn’t react, his gaze is fixed on the floor, almost as if he’s shut himself off from everything around him.

Xander climbs into the car, his expression is fierce as he looks over at Ace. “That’s fucked up, man,” he snaps. It’s clear he’s seething at the unfairness of it all.

But Ace remains unmoved, trapped in his own thoughts and weighed down by the accusations. I push off my seat between Xander and Theo, sliding over next to him. I can see him starting to shut down, spiraling into that dark place he usually retreats to when this kind of shit hits hard. He doesn’t look at me, so I gently reach out and slip my hand into his. Even though I can feel Theo and Xander watching me closely, my focus is entirely on Ace.

To my surprise, he lets me weave my fingers through his and holds my hand, though his gaze remains fixed downward. I give his hand a gentle squeeze, and that small gesture finally encourages him to turn his head and meet my eyes. “Are you okay?” I ask softly.

He nods, but his eyes quickly drop back to the floor, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. I glance at Theo and Xander, catching their gaze as they silently observe us. I shift my focus between the two of them, attempting to decipher their expressions. Theo offers me a reassuring nod, his eyes conveying support, but I still wish I knew exactly what he is thinking.

The ride to the stadium feels suffocating, as if a heavy fog has settled over us. I can’t shake the feeling that the echoes of the crowd’s curses and Xander’s fiery defense are forever imprinted on camera lenses, ready to be broadcast to the world.

Xander and Theo both wear expressions of concern, their eyes locked onto Ace.

“I think it's time to come out and set the record straight, Ace,” Theo says.

Ace lifts his head to meet Theo’s gaze.

“As hard as it is to hear,” Theo continues, his tone steady but filled with compassion, “I know just how fucking difficult this is, Ace. But you can’t be blamed for that shit. You can’t be held responsible for having fucked-up parents who are just trying to grab money by any means.”

“Maybe you should reach out to Daisy and see what she wants,” Xander suggests.

Reflecting on our earlier conversation when Ace mentioned his sister reaching out—despite his desire to keep her at arm’s length—I think it might not be such a bad idea for him to reconnect with her, especially now that things have escalated.

The limo finally pulls up, and Xander and Theo are the first to jump out, ready to face whatever awaits us outside.

“Are you sure you’re, okay?” I ask, kneeling in front of him to catch his eye before he can step out of the limo.

“Yeah,” he responds, but his voice lacks conviction.

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