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Audrey waited by Ashley's car, deciding to call her friends before reading a text from them saying they couldn't leave due to other commitments. She was relieved, as this gave her time to come up with an excuse for her behavior at lunch, the girls wouldn't drop the subject.
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Audrey was grateful for her friends, as her parents were never present, always busy with work or traveling. She hated discussing her parents, but she had similarities with her mom Katie in looks and character.
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Audrey returned to the tree where she sat at lunch, waiting to see if Ace would show up when she suddenly overheard James and Ace arguing, and her heart raced as Ace pulled out a small blue box.
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James punched Ace, and Audrey gasped, losing her footing before strong arms caught her. To her surprise, it was James who saved her from brusing.
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Ace told James to release her, and James pulled her away, offering to drive her home. Audrey tried to convince him to not leave Ace behind, but James chuckled and warned her that she and Ace didn't belong in the same world.
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During the silent drive home, Audrey asked James if Nancy had spoken to him about her. James replied that she didn't need to, as he already knew.
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When James dropped her off, he warned her again, "Don't get too close to him, you don't deserve him." Audrey nodded, hiding her emotions, but as soon as she reached her room, she broke down in tears.
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The next day, Audrey couldn't concentrate in class. Her mind kept wandering back to Ace and James's confrontation. She wondered what James meant by "you don't deserve him." Did he think Ace was too good for her, or was there something more sinister at play?
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As she walked out of school, she saw Ace leaning against his car, looking effortlessly cool. He caught her eye and smiled, and Audrey felt her heart skip a beat. She hesitated for a moment before walking towards him.
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"Hey," he said, pushing off from the car. "I was worried you'd avoid me after yesterday."
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Audrey shrugged. "I'm not one to shy away from drama."
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Ace chuckled. "I like that about you."
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They stood there for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Audrey knew she should leave, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot.
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"Listen, Audrey," Ace said, his voice low and serious. "I know James warned you away from me. But I want you to know that I'm not going anywhere. I'm interested in you, and I want to get to know you better."
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Audrey's heart raced as she looked into his eyes. She saw sincerity there, but also a hint of danger.
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"I don't know, Ace," she said, trying to sound casual. "I don't want to get caught up in whatever drama you and James have going on."
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Ace's expression turned intense. "This has nothing to do with James. This is about you and me. And I promise you, Audrey, I'm worth the risk."
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