Page 65 of Shattered By Grace

Victoria hesitated, her mind racing. She didn’t want to risk anything, didn’t want to drag Taylor any closer to the danger that seemed to shadow her every move. But at the same time, she couldn’t push her away. Not now. Not when it meant so much just to have someone by her side.

Forcing a small smile, she exhaled. “Fine. I’ll go with you,” she said, rolling her eyes for good measure. “But only because someone has to make sure you don’t pick out something truly horrific.”

Taylor gasped, pressing a hand to her chest in mock offense. “Excuse me, my fashion sense is impeccable.”

Victoria smirked. “We’ll see about that.”

Taylor’s face lit up. “Great! It’s going to be fun, I promise. But I really need to get back to the hospital. I’m supposed to be on shift, remember?”

Victoria blinked, reality settling back in. “Right. You should go before April gets all in a twist.”

Taylor stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “I think we’re both off Thursday. Perfect day for dress shopping.”

Victoria hesitated for half a second before nodding. “Thursday… that’s two days away.” She stood, pulling Taylor into a tight hug. “Thank you,” she whispered, the heaviness of everything she had been holding onto easing just a little.

Taylor squeezed her back and pulled away with a grin. “You don’t have to thank me. This is what friends are for. Now, get ready becauseThursday is happening whether you like it or not.”

Rolling her eyes with a big smile, Victoria released her friend. “Okay, bye.”

Chapter Thirty

She was still at the little coffee shop. Victoria’s chest tightened as she watched Taylor walk back toward the hospital, her friend’s concerned words still echoing in her ears. Relief at finally sharing her secret was quickly overshadowed by fear of what might happen now that Taylor knew. What if someone found out? What if they used Taylor to get to her?

She turned back to the coffee shop, pushing the door open with a heavy sigh. Ordering another coffee, she settled into a corner booth by the window, her gaze unfocused as she stared outside.

It had started to rain, droplets tapping softly against the glass.Rain hadn’t even been on the radar today,she thought absently, stirring her coffee, lost in its rhythm.

“Victoria.”

Her heart leaped at the sound of a voice she hadn’t heard in a long time. Slowly, she lifted her eyes to see Detective Adams standing at the end of her table, his expression guarded.

Victoria made the slightest move to stand, but Detective Adams quickly raised his hand, signaling her to stay seated.He slipped into the seat across from her, his eyes scanning the coffee shop, taking in every corner and shadow before settling back on her.

What the fuck? What is he doing here?

She sat frozen, the tension between them thick as the rain began to tap against the window. An insistent, rhythmic reminder of how everything seemed to be closing in.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a worn file, placing it on the table between them.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m here,” he began, his voice low and steady. “Victoria, you’re in a lot of danger. I warned you about coming back.”

Her breath hitched, but not from fear. Aanger flared hot in her chest, searing through the lingering traces of doubt. She clenched her fists under the table, her nails biting into her palms as she stared him down.

“Oh,nowyou decide to show up? Months of radio silence, and you waltz in here just to tell me something I already know?” Her voice was low but sharp, laced with the frustration that had been simmering for far too long. “I’ve been calling you. I’ve been waitingfor you to call me back. Where the hell have you been, Adams?”

Adams let out a slow breath, his gaze steady, unaffected by her outburst. He didn’t flinch, didn’t bristle, just absorbed her anger like he expected it.

“I get it,” he said, his voice even. “You have every right to be pissed. But I didn’t have a choice.” He tapped a finger against the worn file between them. “I was out. Medical leave. Surgery.”

His eyes flickered with something unreadable, just for a second, before he continued. “And before you ask, no, I didn’t ignore your calls on purpose. I wasn’t in any shape to help you then.” He exhaled, leaning in slightly. “But I am now. And I need you to listen to me, Victoria. This is bigger than you think.”

Victoria scoffed, shaking her head. “You didn’t think to text someone and let them know? Or better yet, switch me to someone who could’ve actually helped?” Her voice was sharp, frustration curling around every word.

She let out a long breath, the fire in her gaze dimming just slightly as concern slipped in. “Everything okay with you? Are you okay?”

Adams exhaled slowly, nodding. “I’m okay now, thanks for asking.” He leaned forward, his gaze locking onto hers, intensity darkening his features.

“I’ve gotten word that the Grand Reaping is happening in two weeks.”

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