Page 137 of Shattered By Grace

Chapter Sixty-One

The moment Tyson disappeared into the crowd, Tristan’s hand was on her.

Not a gentle touch. Not a request. A claim.

Victoria barely had a second to catch her breath before he spun her, the shift so sudden it sent a thrill down her spine. A new song pulsed through the speakers, slower, deeper, the kind that thrummed in your bones.

“Last dance, love,” he murmured, his voice dark, edged with possessiveness. “And then I have to go.”

He twisted her, guiding her into the motion with effortless control. The slit of her dress fluttered open, baring the smooth expanse of her leg as he spun her back into him.

His hand slid down, gripping her thigh, pulling it up to hook against his hip.

His fingers pressed into her skin, rubbing slow circles against the sensitive flesh. A taunt. A warning. A reminder.

Her breath hitched.

The world faded.

There was only Tristan.

His lips brushed her ear, his breath warm, teasing.

“There’s almost nothing between us now,” he whispered, his fingers skimming over the soft skin of her thigh, making their way closer to where her body yearned for his touch. “You’re making it impossible to leave.”

Her fingers curled into the fabric of his suit, but she refused to speak. Her body betrayed her, pressed against him, held captive by his grip, telling him everything he needed to know.

His grip tightened, his other hand trailing up her spine, fingertips grazing bare skin. As her leg slid down, bringing her fully to her feet, she took a shaky breath.

“Then don’t. Stay here with me,” she pleaded, her voice raw with the longing she couldn’t hide. She knew he would stay if he could, but deep down, she also knew that wasn’t an option for him.

“Victoria.” His voice was low, intense. He put his forehead to hers, a final attempt to ground them both in the heat of the moment. “Just know it’s you and only you.” He kissed her forehead, soft yet filled with something heavier, before slowly backing away.

Her outstretched hand trembled, the distance between them growing with every step he took. She reached for him, but her fingers met only air. The ache was sharp. People always left, even when they didn’t want to.

She forced herself to stand still, pushing back the panic rising in her chest.What if this was the last time? What if Cassian found out?

Wrapping her arms around herself, she turned to lock eyes with Taylor.

Taylor exchanged a few words with Justin, who nodded, then started walking toward her.

“Are you okay?” Taylor asked, rubbing Victoria’s arms in a soothing motion.

“Not really,” Victoria replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I know there’s not much I can do without causing more problems. It’d be a miracle if Cassian doesn’t know who I am… but can you imagine what he’d do to Tristan if he found out we’re together?”

Taylor held her tighter, the warmth of her embrace grounding Victoria. “I know it feels impossible right now,” she whispered, her voice soft but firm. “You’re never alone in this, no matter how much it feels like you are.”

“I know, Tay. I’m going to go grab a drink. Go have fun, at least one of us should be dancing the night away.”

“Are you sure? I can—” Taylor started, but Victoria put her hand up to stop her.

“Go have fun, Tay.”

Taylor hesitated for a second before turning back to find Justin.

They were actually cute.

Walking over to the bar, she leaned against it, placing her hands on the counter as she lifted each foot in turn, rolling her ankles to ease the ache from her heels.

---