Falling With Grace

“Yes, but—”

“Alright, Now, tell me about the couple.”

I leaned back. My eyes drifted to the food, fixating on the well-done egg as I envisioned the woman’s cramped room.

They had betrayed me, indifferent to the impending consequences once Andrés laid hands on me again. Yet, faced with the decision, could I really betray them in return?

“What will you do to them?”

He tipped his head tothe sky, his hand raking through his hair, then down his sharp jawline. “Why are your loyalties so misguided?”

I sat ramrod, my glare shooting up to meet him. “It’s not loyalty, it’s morals. I may hate them for what they did, but I’m not a murderer.”

He leaned in. “You can sit your pretty ass right there with a clear conscience. Because no matter what I do to them, you’ll never have blood on your hands.”

“I’d be responsible for their untimely death.”

“That doesn’t brand you a killer.” He circled the kitchen island, positioning himself in front of me. One hand braced on the edge, the other rose and then fell back to his side. “That’s not who you are.” His tone transformed into something soft and comforting, like a warm, weighted blanket.

Tension brewed between us, my heart squeezing as I focused on the plate, his proximity suffocating my senses.

He’s engaged.

He’s only being kind because he wants something from me.

He raised his hand, and I flinched, yet he pushed aside a damp tendril, his warm fingers brushing against my cheek. “You’ve been nothing but kind to everyone, even those who don’t deserve it.” He tucked my hair behind my ear as I eased into him, then slid his hand down, cupping my chin. With gentle pressure, he lifted my gaze to meet his. “However, there comes a point when we have to prioritize ourselves. You can’t keep sacrificing yourself for those who wouldn’t do the same for you.”

My stomach somersaulted as he leaned in, his soft breath causing my lashes to flutter.

“Do you understand that, Grace?”

I nodded, my gaze pinned to his mouth.

What were we talking about?

“Good, now, tell me what happened. That’s all I ask.”

“But Dr. Navarro said he’d give you their information.” I licked my dry lips with the tip of my tongue, my food going to waste before me. “Why do you need it from me?”

“He wasn’t there when it happened.”

I nodded. My racing heartbeat dipped as his hand fell away from my chin, and a pain in my gut shimmered.

“But I wonder if the woman had anything to do with it.” I raised my brow and clamped my lips together. “I mean, she kept me there for days until her husband came home. He was the one on the phone.” I shrugged. “But she told me I could trust Dr. Navarro.”

“I’ll strike you a deal to clear your conscience.” He leaned his elbow on the counter. “I’ll spare her for taking such good care of you.”

Nausea filled my belly.

Death.

Real-world consequences.

Elias stayed in my space, his domineering presence a comfort compared to the invasion others had made me feel.

“Deal.” I quirked a brow. “Although, if I had a choice, no one would get hurt.”

He smirked, a slight dimple appearing in his cheek. “Thank you. That was all I needed.”