Page 69 of Death

I pull my hand from Santiago’s and dart forward. Grace catches me, and I wrap my arms tightly around her neck as sobs burst from me.

She still smells the same.

I’m hit with a tidal wave of emotions. Some good, but also all the dark and vile ones. Everything that’s happened since I last saw Grace pours through me.

The chain.

The affectionate smile on Nolan’s face.

The crunching sound when he destroyed my phone.

My soul weeps as Grace presses kisses to my neck and shoulder.

“My God. Ciara,” she sobs. “I love you so much.”

I can’t get any words out and just cling to her.

She moves her hands to my shoulders and pushes me back, and when her eyes sweep over me, I lower my head and stare at the pretty pink nail polish on her toenails.

The love-crazed expression in Nolan’s eyes.

The belt.

His fists.

The next second, I’m yanked back into a hug, and she says, “I’m so sorry. I would’ve searched the ends of the world foryou.” Her body jerks with sobs. “I should’ve known you wouldn’t just leave. I’m sorry.” I’m pushed back again, and her trembling hands frame my face. “God, Ciara.”

I struggle to focus on Grace, and when I see the questions and worry in her eyes, it has me pulling completely away from her.

‘Thank me, Ciara.’

I turn my face to the side, trying to rein in the dark emotions so she won’t see them.

‘You have me, and I’m the only person you need in your life.’

The hellish nightmare creeps out of the darkness it’s been hiding in, slowly filling my mind with awful memories.

‘You will do as I say, or I’ll punish you.’

Santiago wraps his arm around my shoulders, and instinctively, I press my face into his chest. “She’s just a little overwhelmed,” he explains. “Give her a moment to process everything.”

Just focus on Santiago.

I take deep breaths of him, needing the safety only he can give me.

I calm down enough to push the memories back into the dark void that the time spent with Nolan created, and when I feel in control of myself, I pull my face away from his chest and look at Grace.

Even though there are tear tracks on her cheeks, she smiles at me. “It’s so good to see you.”

I want to hug her again, but I’m scared I’ll spiral, so I remain glued to Santiago’s side as I say, “It’s good to see you, too.”

“Let’s go inside.” She gestures at the house. “I want to introduce you to Kristian.”

“Yes, let me finally see my godson,” Santiago chuckles.

Hearing Grace made him Kristian’s godfather really drives it home how much she trusts him.

I walk with Santiago, and when we enter the house, I glance around, taking in the serene decor. There are black couches in the living room and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook an outdoor area. I see the cream leather couch Grace was sitting on, and all the plants.

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