Falling With Grace

The blood rushed from my cheeks—my heart thudding against my sternum. “What do you mean?”

“I know he lets his eyes wander, but do you really want to get between them?”

My gaze dropped to my lap as I sat my cup on the tray. “No.”

“I dowish you came along first, Grace.”

She brought her cup to her lips, and a heavy silence fell between us.

Birds chirped their merry tune, and the dark gray clouds soared high above us, threatening to dump their heavy burden down on the land.

Me too.

“I’m going to take a shower and get dressed.” I plastered on a smile. “I’ll meet you in the sitting room when I’m finished.”

“I have salsa waiting for me.”

I sighed and nodded as I stood. “Okay. I’ll help you when I’m done.”

Turning, I walked through the double doors and ran into my double-teamed guard duty, their jobs never-ending.

I averted my gaze, and I skirted around them. Elias stepped out of his office, his sneakers a befuddling sight.

Oh God.

Tucking my chin to my chest, I hit the bottom step.

“Grace?” Elias gripped my elbow and pulled me backward. “What’s wrong?”

I gave him a clipped smile, stuffing down the warm fuzzy feelings encompassing me. “Nothing.” I shook my head and shrugged, plastering on another masked smile.

Everything.

I’m a terrible person.

Your mother knows I’m a whore.

I don’t want to stay away.

It’s not fair.

It’s notright.

“I just need a shower.” I glanced back to my guards, Javier leaning against the wall with penetrative eyes. “You know?”

“So, I get the cold shoulder?”

I swallowed and shook my head, glancing up to meet his gaze with my chin up. “No. Sorry.”

Does he not care if they know?

His hand wrapped around the back of my neck as he sighed and pulled me in, his lips kissing my forehead. “I get it.”

You do?

“Go take your shower. I’d like to speak with you when you’re finished.” His low tone vibrated through me, knocking my morals to the floor and sending a needy hunger to the pit of my stomach. He leaned in. “We have a dinner tonight, and Nadia will be here.”

I nodded as his grip fell away. “In your office?”