Page 187 of The Fire We Make

Ace’s blood boiled at the thought of him throwing that name in her face, shaming her for becoming the demon she needed to be to survive them.

His eyes flicked down to her on his chest. He couldn't see her face through the curtain of curls but her even breaths absent of her usual snores let him know she was awake.

“Do you know why people call me Ace?” he asked softly.

“No, why?” she replied in a whisper.

“It’s short for my childhood nickname,” he started.

“Menace?” she finished.

His eyes flicked back to her in surprise. “How you know about that?”

“Your grandmother told me,” she answered. “That name doesn't bother you?” She sat up, bracing her hands on his chest to look up at him.

Ace sighed deeply. “It didn’t at first, but it became isolating. I was proud to be a Menace. People fear and respect menaces.”

“What changed?”

“No one knows a menace. No one wants to hold a menace or be held by one. People look away from menaces.”

Joy's eyes fluttered as understanding sank in.

No one loved a menace.

“That’s a lonely way to live.”

Ace nodded. “It is.” He kissed the tip of her nose, watching with a smile as her nose scrunched and cheeks hiked in a smile.

“It was.”

Joy’s hand came up, the soft skin of her fingers caressing his face a sensation he didn't think he’d ever get used to.

“You’re not alone anymore,” she vowed, leaning in to kiss his lips softly. “You have me now. A menace and a demon,” she chuckled.

Ace shook his head. “You’re not a demon baby.”

“Then what am I?”

“My rose.”

Joy smiled and laid her head back down on his chest. “I like that.”

“Me too.”

They laid in silence for a few moments before Joy spoke again, so low Ace would have missed it if he wasn’t so attuned to her voice.

“Did you mean it?” she asked.

Ace didn’t need her to elaborate and he didn’t need to think about it. “Yes baby. I meant it.”

“Say it again,” she whispered against his chest. “Please.”

Ace gripped her chin between his thumb and forefinger, urging her face upwards so he could look into her eyes and she could look into his.

“I love you, Joy. Every fucking part of you.”

Joy’s eyes glistened with unshed tears but she closed them, refusing to let them fall.