Grace-

It was weird, sitting with Ace. I only ever sat like this with Eyeball and then was when I was at my worst. When I was broken, beatin and a complete mess. I caught a glance at Eyeball who was staring at me...I knew that look. He always had that look when he was worried. He lit a Camel and slowly took a drag moving his gaze to Vince who was telling a story I didn't care for. My heartbeat spiked as I felt Ace's breath on my neck.

I could feel his smirk, he knew I didn't enjoy being this close with someone who wasn't Eyeball. I sighed and his hands only seemed to tighten around my waist.

"Well if you two arn't too cozy I'd like to go home." Charlie scoffed

Grace got up and walked slowly over to Eyeball who raised an eyebrow. Grace shot him a glare and he turned his head. Ace glared at Charlie and he stood up.

We all went to the car and Billy stayed, They decided to let me stay with Eyeball for the night.

I walked in and heard the car pull away. I didn't want to look him in the eye. Chris came in, he was Eyeball's younger brother. He had the same hair but his was cut short. His eyes hazel and he froze upon seeing his brother home so early. He looked out the window the sun still beaming brightly across the summer sky. He gulped and looked toward me, He was just in his jeans his shirt slung over his shoulder. He was suprisingly built his a twelve year old but a few bruises covered his chest.

He licked his lips "Eyebal your home early. Hey Gracie how ya been?" He asked with a light smile

I smiled back "Good Chris, you doin okay?" I pointed to his chest and he scratched a bruise nervously

"Yeah" I gave a light smile pointing to my now fading bruise

"Don't worry we all have our battle scars" He smirked at my comment

"Listen Christopher" Eyeball sneered using his real name "I was about to have a convorsation with Gracie here before you showed up. Go play with your barbie why don't ya?"

Chris glared at his brother before giving small nod my way and then leaving.

I turned to Eyeball who leaned against the door, he started to walk into the small kitchen and I followed "Why do you have to do that?" I hissed

He leaned on the counter and took the Camel from behind his ear "He's my brother I'll do what I want."

As he put it between his lips I couldn't control my anger "Doesn't mean you gotta treat him like crap along with your old man." I shot at him

His eyes burned with anger "You don't gotta deal with the crap we go through here! The worst your old man does is lock you up. We get beers and chairs thrown at us!"

I stepped forward and snatched the cancer stick from his mouth snapping it in the process "What is the matter with you?"

His face turned red with anger "What's wrong with me? What the hell is wrong with you Gracie? What was all the crap you pulled with Ace?" He hissed

I could feel my voice rising " I had no choice Eyeball! You know what he would have done!"

"No I don't Gracie enlighten me!" He looked into my eyes calming my anger a bit

"He would have just made my life a living hell! You think I like Ace Merril running his hands all over me? No I don't Eyeball, but it keeps me from getting hurt." I told him

He looked taken back "Gracie I will always protect you. I dont care if it's Ace freaking Merril or the President of the United States." He stepped forward his hands cupping my face "Gracie there is nobody in the world that matters more to me then you."

I could feel tears brimming my eyes I leaned forward, my head falling into the crook of his neck.

"It's too late Eyeball. I'm with Ace now." When I finally spoke those four words it him him like a ton of bricks. I could feel the breath leave his lungs and his heart miss a beat.

His arms wrapped around my back and I squeezed my eyes shut tighter "I know Gracie, I know."