Page 61 of Hart of Hope
I laughed. “You would’ve knocked me out. Regardless, you’re right. Whether Grace reciprocated my feelings or not, I should’ve told you. In all fairness to me, I’ve been in Boston less than two weeks, and things have moved at warp speed. I can barely keep track of shit at the moment. Are we cool?”
“It might take me time to come around, but yeah, we’re good.”
We exchanged a bro hug as the tension in the room deflated.
“I have to run,” I said. “Did Dillon fill you in about my convo with Grace?” I’d called Dillon on my drive to Boston.
“He did,” Duke said. “I’m up to speed. I understand you’re heading to Nashville for a couple of days. Is everything okay?”
“I hope so. I’ll explain when I return.”
As I was leaving, Duke said, “Brian, if you hurt her, you know I’ll kill you.”
I saluted him. “I wouldn't want it any other way.”
I left, feeling lighter and happier than I ever had. Now, to deal with Sabine.
22
GRACE
Idanced on the balls of my feet, punching and jabbing a bag at Duke’s gym, giving me that sense of power I wished I’d had when I was sixteen. Never again would I be that person who couldn’t defend herself. Even if I didn’t win a fight, I would feel content knowing I used every ounce of energy I had in me against my attacker.
Breathing heavily, perspiration covering my body, I continued my assault on the poor bag, inhaling the smell of leather and my own sweat mingling in the air.
The endorphins were making me feel like I had the world at my feet, that I could conquer anything. After the conversation with Brian two mornings ago, I could almost taste hope around the corner, within reach, like I could grab it if I could just close the door to my past.
He was trying to banish his past too. Before I left his hotel room, he’d explained why he was flying to Nashville. Why would anyone steal a folder containing someone else’s personal papers? Identity theft came to mind. Considering Sabine needed money for medical expenses, I guessed she was trying everything possible to get it.
I took a break, grabbed my water bottle, and hydrated. The gym was closed on a Sunday. Duke wanted one day off to spend quality time with his family. Since I had a key, I couldn’t pass up the chance to work out alone. Or, rather, with Knox standing at the door like a sentry holding down a fort. His posture was stiff, dark eyes straight ahead, hands clasped in front of him, and there was an aura about him that suggested that if I dared ditch him again, he would throw me in his trunk. His words, not mine.
I promised my brothers I wouldn’t rebel anymore. The whole idea of someone following me was tiring, and I continued to believe that it was all in my head. Still, I did feel better with Knox guarding me.
I downed the last of my water and checked my phone for messages. My heart skipped several beats when a text came in from Brian.
Brian:Just thinking of you. Want to have dinner?
Me:Are you home?
Brian:I was going to surprise you, but my flight was delayed, then the traffic to my condo was horrific. I’m ordering Chinese food, nothing fancy.
Me:I love Chinese food. Orange chicken and fried rice.
Brian:A woman after my own heart. How about seven at my place? It’s not the kind of dinner I want to treat you to, but I really want to see you.
I couldn’t stop smiling.
I didn’t care about anything fancy as long as I could spend time with him. I wanted to learn even more about him. I was sure there was more to Brian than the criminal in him. What did he like to do for fun? What was his favorite color? The best way to find out was in a quiet room, not a loud restaurant.
I glanced at the clock on the far wall. I had an hour and half, plenty of time to shower and make myself pretty.
Me:See you then.I added a heart emoji.
Brian:One more thing. Is Knox with you?
Me:Yes. Standing at the door to the gym.
Brian added a heart emoji as well then texted:I’ve given your name to the security desk. They should just send you up.
