Page 29 of Shattered By Grace

The words slithered between them, half challenge, half invitation. He leaned in, his breath a whisper against her skin.

“If you are…” His smirk deepened, wicked and amused. “That just makes this more interesting.”

What is he playing at?

She swallowed hard, her heartbeat thrumming in her ears as the tension twisted, tightening like a coiled spring ready to snap. But instead of retreating, she raised her chin, defiance sparking in her eyes. “Afraid? No. Just curious if you’re all talk.”

His smirk was sharp, a flash of teeth that sent her pulse skittering. “I’m not known for wasting words,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her. “But if you’re looking to test me, Grace… I don’t play fair.”

Of course not. Locke men never do.

She arched a brow, closing the space between them until her body barely brushed his. Holding his gaze, she smirked. “Neither do I.”

With a calculated slowness, she leaned into him, close enough to feel the steady beat of his heart against her chest, yet she maintained an air of unbothered confidence. Then, without breaking eye contact, she sidestepped him with effortless grace, her fingers trailing lightly across his arm until her gaze caught what was behind him.

A motorcycle.

Of course he rode a damn bike, because why not add reckless speed and open pavement to the list of things that made Tyson

She let out a sharp breath, forcing a smirk. “Oh, great. So, death by Locke family is now available in high speed,” she quipped, walking over to the bike, her fingers trailing over the seat before picking up the helmet. She glanced over her shoulder at Tyson. “Should I be flattered or concerned?”

Tyson’s eyes darkened, tracking her every move. “You think you’ve got me figured out?” His voice dropped low, laced with a dangerous edge that made her fingers tingle. He stepped closer, his chest pressing against her back as he whispered in her ear, both hands on her upper arms. “Careful, Grace. Playing games with me might get you in deeper than you’re ready for.”

She didn’t flinch. Instead, she lifted the helmet and spun it in her hands with casual ease, pulling away from before turning around to meet his gaze head-on. “Maybe,” she said, her voice steady with a hint of challenge. “But what’s life without a little risk?”

He tilted his head slightly, amusement flashing in his dark eyes, though the predatory gleam never fully faded. “Just remember, when you step into the dark, you might not come back out the same.”

She smirked. “Good. I was getting bored with the light anyway.” She glanced at him, her eyes sharp. “Besides, I’ve already tasted the dark side. You wouldn’t believe the things I’vesurvived.” Without another word, she slid the helmet over her head.

What the hell am I actually doing?

Before Tyson could put his helmet on, a sudden commotion erupted near the back door of the club, drawing their attention. Raised voices cut through the night, sharp and tense. Victoria’s head snapped toward the noise, her heart leaping into her throat.

“Get the car. Now!” Razer’s voice sliced through the lot, low but filled with a menace that made every other sound vanish. The moment Victoria spotted him, a chill raced down her spine. To her, Razer’s presence always seemed to darken the world around him, the air growing thick with an almost suffocating violence.

Take deep breaths. 1… 2… 3…

She watched as Tyson’s entire demeanor shifted. His face hardened, eyes turning cold and sharp. He was charging toward the commotion near the back door. He didn't spare her a glance, his focus completely locked on whatever threat lay ahead.

Victoria’s instincts kicked in. She reached up, swiftly pulling the helmet off her head, tossing it aside before she took off after him, her movements fast and precise. Her heart raced, adrenaline surging through her veins. Her mind was already switching gears, slipping into the calm, controlled mode she used in the hospital.

“What happened? Is everyone okay?” she called out, trying to keep up with Tyson’s long strides. Her voice was urgent but steady, slipping into the controlled calm she’d perfected as a doctor. “I’m a Nurse Practitioner! Let me through. I can help!”

The crowd thickened around the scene, a wall of tension. Victoria shoved through, her breath sharp and hurried. The stench of sweat and alcohol mingled with something darker…blood. Panic twisted in her gut as she strained to see what lay atthe center of it all. Her mind raced, the nurse in her bracing for the worst.

Just as she squeezed through, a black car screeched to a halt beside her. Justin stepped out, his expression a mask of cold determination.

“Tyson!” Victoria shouted, but her voice was swallowed by the chaos. Her gaze locked onto Razer, holding Tristan in his grip. Her heart stopped. Tristan was lifeless, blood staining his clothes, his skin pale. Fear shot through her, freezing her in place.

Victoria couldn’t look away from Tristan’s lifeless form, his body limp in Razer’s grip. A cold, sinking feeling settled in her chest.

“Tyson!” she called after him again, her voice cracking, but he didn’t turn. His focus was locked on Tristan, eyes dark with fury.

Frozen, she watched as Razer tossed Tristan into the backseat, blood streaking the leather. Tyson slid in beside him, his face hard, but the worry in his eyes was clear. Tristan’s head dropped against his lap, and Tyson shook him desperately, his voice low and filled with panic.

“Stay with me, dammit. Tristan, wake up!” Tyson’s voice cracked with desperation. His eyes darted between Tristan’s lifeless body and the front seat, where Razer and Justin exchanged tense words. Tyson’s jaw clenched “Drive, dammit.”.

Victoria stood frozen in the parking lot as they sped off, tires screeching into the night, leaving only an eerie silence. Her breath came fast, heart pounding, her thoughts a blur.

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