Page 46 of Viktor's Temptation
Viktor listened intently, occasionally interjecting to clarify or redirect. He addressed each division leader individually, ensuring they knew the weight of the situation wasn’t on their shoulders alone. He made it clear that their primary mission was to catch the killer and prevent further harm.
But even as he engaged with his leaders, part of his mind drifted. Thoughts of Gracie surfaced unbidden, softening the sharp focus he usually maintained during these meetings. In less than a week, she had become an integral part of his life. Her quick wit and determination fascinated him. Her bravery, despite everything she’d endured, inspired him.
Viktor forced himself to focus back on the conversation at hand. There was work to do. Gracie’s safety, and the safety of everyone under his protection, depended on finding this killer. But deep down, he knew he’d do anything to ensure her happiness—even if it meant sacrificing his own.
Chapter 25
Gracie stepped into the living area, her restless energy nearly vibrating through her. She wasn’t used to this—waiting, sitting idle while the world felt like it was moving around her. The luxurious comfort of Viktor’s penthouse only added to her sense of being trapped, each plush surface and elegant furnishing reminding her of how far removed she was from her old life. The thick carpet muted her footsteps as she paced, her eyes darting to the elevator every few moments.
When Trent entered the room, she turned sharply, her frustration bubbling over. “I need to go back to my house,” she announced, her tone firmer than she’d intended.
Trent stopped in his tracks, his sharp eyes locking on hers. He didn’t say anything—just stood there, watching her with that infuriatingly calm demeanor.
Gracie huffed, folding her arms across her chest. “Seriously, Trent. I could just pop over to my house and be back before Viktor even knew I’d left.” Still, he said nothing, his stoic silence only fanning the flames of her irritation. “You’re waiting for me to say I should stay here and wait for Viktor, aren’t you?” Silence. “You think I’m being impetuous because I’m bored and nervous.” More silence. The way he just stared at her, unwavering, was starting to creep her out. “Trent, talk to me! Tell me I’m being ridiculous, or agree with me! Tell me I’m just antsy because I don’t fully understand how this relationship with Viktor is going to play out and I’m…maybe…running away.”
One of Trent’s eyebrows lifted ever so slightly. The silent confirmation was more infuriating than words.
She threw her hands in the air. “I just answered my own question, didn’t I?”
“Exactly,” he replied smoothly, offering her a knowing wink.
Her glower deepened. “Why do you doubt your relationship with Viktor?” he asked, his tone almost casual, as if he were discussing the weather.
Gracie faltered. Talking about her relationship with Viktor felt strange, especially with Trent. But she was also confused.
“Maybe I’m trying to run away because I don’t trust myself,” she admitted, the words feeling raw as they left her mouth.
“And why wouldn’t you trust yourself?” Trent asked, his irritating logic slicing right through her defenses.
She groaned, running a hand through her hair. “Because I stayed with Warren for so long. And he was a horrible human being. I should have kicked his ass to the curb years ago.”
“Why didn’t you?” Trent asked, his voice free of judgment but piercing all the same.
Gracie hesitated, the answer sitting heavy on her chest. “Because I didn’t want to be alone,” she finally whispered. “And being with Warren was better than being alone.” Saying the words out loud made her feel pathetic, her voice trailing off as shame tightened her throat. “Except…I would have kicked him out eventually. Soon.” Even as she said it, she felt the hollownessof the excuse. Trent’s unrelenting gaze told her he wasn’t buying it either.
Her voice softened, raw with emotion. “I was getting tired of his abuse. And he must have known that because…!”
The flash of pain came without warning, sharp and brutal. Gracie doubled over, clutching her head as a cascade of memories surged forward, their intensity nearly overwhelming.
“What’s wrong?” Trent’s voice lost some of its detachment, a thread of concern weaving through his words.
“Just…give me a moment,” she gasped, her body trembling as she tried to ride out the onslaught. Each memory that surfaced felt like a jagged shard cutting through her mind. Finally, the pounding began to ease, and she straightened, testing the waters cautiously. The pain receded to a dull throb, and she opened her eyes to see Trent watching her intently.
“What did you remember?” he asked, his voice steady but softer now.
Gracie gripped the back of a nearby chair, grounding herself as her breath came in shallow gasps. “I think…I remember the man’s face!” she said, her voice a mixture of astonishment and fear. The image was burned into her mind—a cruel face with dark, piercing eyes, dripping blood into her mouth as she writhed in pain.
Trent’s hands gripped her arms, steadying her as her knees threatened to buckle. Despite his support, Gracie’s mind was elsewhere. The memory felt vivid and raw, as if it had just happened. She didn’t know why, but she wanted Viktor.This revelation—this moment—felt too significant to share with anyone else.
Another wave of pain crashed over her, not as intense as before but enough to make her double over again. Trent guided her to the sofa, easing her down into the cushions as she curled into a tight ball.
“Just relax,” Trent said, his voice low and steady.
“Viktor!” she whimpered, her hands clutching her head as the pain lanced through her skull. “Where is he?”
“I’ll call him now,” Trent assured her. “Just breathe slowly until the pain eases.”
She heard him move away, his voice low as he spoke into the phone. But Gracie couldn’t focus on his words. The image of the man’s face loomed large in her mind, vivid and terrifying. She hugged her legs to her chest, desperate for the pain to subside and for Viktor to return. Only his presence, his steady strength, could calm the storm raging within her.
