Page 63 of Shattered By Grace

Justin’s jaw clenched, and for a brief second, something flickered in his eyes. “Yeah,” he said, voice tight. “You do seem on edge. Maybe you should take some time off. Get some rest.”

The way he said it made her skin crawl. A suggestion, but also a warning.

Her pulse pounded in her ears.I will not let you play me like a pawn.

Keeping her tone even, she forced a smile, though every part of her screamed to escape. “Alright, Justin,” she said. “We’ll talk later.”

The bodyguard’s dark eyes were fixed on her. She felt the weight of his gaze tracking her as she turned on her heel and walked away, her pulse pounding in her ears. Stay calm. Think this through.

She caught a glimpse of the ink on his forearm, two tally marks beside a dagger.

Low rank. So why does Justin need protection?

What is he up to?The sudden need for a bodyguard, his vague answers…none of it added up. Her gut twisted with a silent warning.

She couldn’t trust Justin. Not anymore.

Pulling out her phone, she dialed Detective Adams.

“This is Detective Adams. I’m sorry I missed your call. Please leave your name and number with a brief message, and I’ll return your call.”

She clenched her jaw.Ugh. Fuck you. You haven’t called me back the last two times.

She hung up without leaving a message.

Several hours into her twelve-hour shift, Victoria was still reeling from her encounter with Justin. Every minute felt like an hour, and the tension in her shoulders only grew. She barely noticed Taylor until she burst into the room, practically vibrating with energy.

“I have a date! I have a date! I HHHAAAAVVVVEEEE a date!” Taylor sang, spinning in circles like a whirlwind. Her grin stretched from ear to ear, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Victoria couldn’t help but smile, her lips curving despite the storm brewing inside her. “Congratulations, Taylor, that’s amazing!” she said, the words more genuine than she expected. She paused for a moment, then added, “I… actually have a date, too.”

Taylor froze, wide-eyed with surprise. “Wait, what? You? A date?!”

Victoria nodded, the smallest smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah… It’s a long story.”

Taylor practically bounced in place. “Oh my god, this is so exciting!” She twirled again, then stopped, concern flashing across her face when she noticed Victoria’s more subdued expression.

“Why aren’t you happy dancing? What’s wrong, Grace?”

Victoria felt the urge to confide in someone, to let it all out. “Can you start late?” she blurted, her voice shaky. “I need to talk. I could really use someone to talk to.”

Taylor’s playful tone shifted instantly to earnest concern. “Of course! Let me tell the shift lead,” she said, reaching out to squeeze Victoria’s arm. “I’m here for you, Grace. Just hang tight, okay?”

Victoria nodded, the weight on her chest easing just a little. Maybe talking to someone would help her figure out what to do next.

The two women sat in a dimly lit corner of a coffee shop, the scent of espresso and the murmur of hushed conversations filling the air. Victoria’s gaze darted around the room, scanning for any familiar faces. Every nerve in her body screamed that she was being watched, that a Locke guard, Tristan, Tyson, or even Justin, could walk through the door at any moment.

Taylor leaned in, her brow creased with concern. “Grace, you’re seriously freaking me out. What’s going on?”

Victoria took a shaky breath, her fingers gripping the edge of her cup so tightly her knuckles turned white. She knew she had to tell Taylor the truth, but the words felt like lead in her throat. She started slowly, carefully.

“I trust you with everything, and that’s why I need to tell you some very hard and uncomfortable things about me.” She swallowed, steadying herself. “But first… my name is Victoria Grace. And I’ll explain, but I need to start with last night.”

Taylor leaned in, concern flickering in her eyes.

“After you left… things got complicated. With Tristan.”

Taylor’s eyes widened. “What do you mean? Did he hurt you?”

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