Page 134 of The Exception

An important event I’d spent countless hours planning and preparing for was well underway.Les Journées du patrimoinewas crucial to showcase the projects and the restoration to the community and to everyone who had supported my journey thus far. Not only was it a condition of my funding from the DRAC, but it would also attract future funding. And while my financial situation was no longer so precarious, thanks to Graham, I still wanted to get as much of the project financed by the DRAC and other sources as I could, leaving me a bigger cushion with the trust, should I need it.

All the while, my family was probably wreaking havoc. For all I knew, they were ruining the effort I’d put into this event and into making my fake marriage seem legitimate. And Graham’s statement had me reeling.

I’d never told him the reasons for my strained relationship. It didn’t seem worth the energy. But Graham knew enough to understand how upset I’d be by their sudden appearance. And yet, he seemed more focused on the fact that people were watching.

I didn’t want to believe that was true, but seeing my family had triggered my survival instincts. I was spiraling. Was it any wonder I was struggling to smile and act as if everything was fine without skipping a beat?

As soon as the photographer was finished, Graham wrapped his arm around my shoulder, ushering me to thechai. I was grateful the wine storage area was closed to the public until it could be restored. I couldn’t breathe, let alone think, especially not with so many people around. Especially not when we were supposed to be putting on a show.

“This is a fucking mess,” Graham said, beginning to pace. “We need to come up with a game plan. And fast.” He dragged a hand through his hair.

His phone vibrated, and he pulled it out of his pocket. He glanced at the screen. “Pierce wants to talk to us about damage control.”

Damage control?

I was barely holding it together, and Graham didn’t even seem to notice. He was so focused on fixing the situation. On damage control.

I tried to remind myself of all the ways he’d shown me his love, but I was afraid. Afraid I’d misread the situation. Afraid that if it really came down to a choice between me and the Huxley brand, Graham would choose his company.

My phone buzzed multiple times, and I checked it, scared to see who the messages were from.

Jo: Are you okay? I can’t believe your family had the nerve to show up.

No.I was not okay. In fact, I was freaking the fuck out. I planted my hands on my knees, crouching over in an attempt to catch my breath.

My chest was tight, my mind swirling with thoughts of my family, Graham, everything. I stood, interlocking my hands behind my head. But it didn’t help. I bent back over again.

“Lil?” Graham rushed over to me. “What’s going on?”

“I can’t…breathe.”

“Okay,” he said. “Let’s take a seat. Try to relax.”

“I can’t—” I felt a tear leak out, and I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t. My chest was so tight, and my breaths were coming so fast.Am I having a heart attack?

When that didn’t seem to help, he stood and pulled me to him, wrapping his arms around me. “Breathe, Lily. Deep breath in.” He waited, counting down from four on the inhale, encouraging me to take a pause. And then let it out for seven. “That’s it.”

His hold was tight, and I felt safe in his arms. Secure. I couldn’t think about anything else but the beat of his heart. And he just held me. Counting my breaths and giving me space until I’d calmed down.

“Thank you,” I finally said, releasing a normal breath.

He loosened his hold, and I stepped back. I swiped my hair away from my face. “How’d you know to do that?”

He frowned at the ground. “After my parents’ plane crash, I had a lot of panic attacks. My pops used to hold me like that until I calmed down.”

“I—” I reached out and placed a hand on his arm. “I’m sorry, Graham.”

“Jesus, Lil. Is this what your family does to you?” he asked, concern and anger and so many other emotions reflected in his features.

I rolled my lips between my teeth and shook my head, hoping he’d take the hint that I didn’t want to talk about it. He studied me, and I avoided looking at him. I was afraid if I met his eyes, I’d break.

So instead, I straightened, steeling myself and turning for the door. “We should get back out there.”

He moved as if to stop me. “Are you okay?”

No.“We have more pressing problems.” I showed him the latest text from Jo.

Jo: Where are you guys? Pierce and I are doing our best to run interference, but people are starting to notice.

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