Falling With Grace

We paused in the foyer, a tingling sensation coursing through my skin. I glanced up.

Grace stood at the banister, peering down at us. Time shuttered to a complete stop as her perfect green eyes found mine, her hands clenching around the metal handrail.

She chewed on her bottom lip, and I glanced behind her as Felipe stepped in.

“What is it?” Javier tipped his head up as I turned away. “That makes total sense now.”

Blood rushed to the surface, heating my flesh as I stalked toward my office and slammed the door shut.

I picked up a glass and poured a double shot of tequila, drank it, and then switched to the amber-colored whiskey as the door opened behind me.

“What’s going on? I didn’t think you’d be so upset about Nadia being gone.”

“I’m not.” I downed the drink, the liquor warming my chest as it slid down my throat.

“Could have fooled me.”

I glanced at him. “I’m not upset that Nadia is gone. I’m pissed I have to start over.”

“Because of Rosa?”

I ran my fingers through my hair, scratching the base of my skull as I paused and exhaled. “No.”

“I’m not good at guessing games.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Because not even I know.

Taking my glass, I slunk down on the couch I had Grace pinned to that morning, her scent strong on the pillows where a single strand of hair wove its way through the fabrics.

Two piles of military faces sat on the table, the left larger than the right.

She finished.

“Get Rodrigo on this.” I pointed to the smaller pile. “I want these men destroyed, their reputations ruined, and their families gone.”

“Their families?” Javier plopped in the chair beside me. “We’re messing with the family now?”

“Since when don’t we?” I sipped on the whiskey. “We plastered Emanuel’s family name across the city when he investigated Charity’s mess and tried pinning it on me.”

“That’s different. It’s a threat.”

I sat back and crossed my ankle over my knee. “So is this.”

“You want to use the Generals to get Andrés’ location?”

I nodded.

“Why not use Grace? Killing her with kindness isn’t working. She’s getting comfortable. And so are you.”

“When he finds the Generals, I want to see them personally.”

“Do you disagree?” Javier cocked his head to the side. “She’s not given you a damn thing, and you’re just going to let her stay as though she’s family.”

“Now’s not the time,cabróne.”

Javier clicked his teeth as he sucked on his cheek, his tattooed hands covering his face as he stretched backward and groaned in frustration. “When is the time to address this?”