Page 103 of Death

Grace pulls back, and her eyes sweep over my face. She sees the progress I’ve made, and her lips part while her eyebrows draw together. She frames my face with her hands, then her features crumble, and tears spill over her cheeks.

“You look so good,” she says, her voice hoarse.

I take hold of her wrists and smile at her. “I feel good. A little like my old self but mostly a new and improved version.”

Relief and pride fill her eyes as she keeps staring at me. “I’m so happy. God, Ciara.” I’m tugged back into a hug, and when my sister practically smothers me, I let out a chuckle.

I’ve missed this most of all. Feeling Grace’s protective arms around me.

“You’re here,” I hear Dominik say.

“Just arrived,” Santiago replies.

I pull back from Grace and watch as the men hug, then I just wave at Dominik. “Hi.”

He moves closer and tilts his head, giving me a questioning look. “Are you okay hugging your brother-in-law? I kind of owe Santiago for all the hugs he’s given Grace.”

He’s important to Grace and Santiago.

I take a hesitant step forward and nod.

“Verbal consent,mi sol,” Santiago murmurs.

“Yes, we can hug,” I say to please my man.

Dominik closes the distance between us, and when he gives me a gentle hug, it feels all wrong. Luckily, he lets go quickly, then Santiago takes hold of my hand and I’m hauled against his side.

“Fine, I get it,” Santiago says jokingly, “I won’t ever touch Grace again.”

Dominik lets out a chuckle, but the sound fades quickly, and he gives me a serious look. “I was a dick when we first met. I’m sorry, Ciara.”

The corner of my mouth lifts, his apology meaning a lot to me. “It’s okay.”

Dominik turns his attention to Santiago. “The others are already here. We should head to the meeting and let the women visit together.”

Santiago presses a kiss to my temple. “You have your phone on you?” I nod quickly, looking up at him. “Call me if you need me.”

Lifting on my tiptoes, I give him a quick kiss, “I will. I love you.”

A smile spreads over his face. “I love you too,mi sol.” His eyes flick to Grace. “Don’t let her out of your sight.”

“Trust me, I won’t,” Grace chuckles.

We watch as our men walk into the main building, then Grace asks, “Do you want to go sit on the beach?”

“What about Kristian?”

“Evinka’s with him.” We begin to walk, then she asks, “Do you remember Evinka?” I shake my head, which has her explaining, “She’s Dominik’s second-in-charge.”

I think I remember her vaguely.

“I’ve learned sign language so I can communicate with her,” Grace tells me.

My eyebrows lift. “Oh wow. That’s really cool.”

We walk along the path Santiago took me on for my birthday, and I lift my hand to my neck, brushing my fingers over my diamond necklace.

“How have you been?” Grace asks and gestures to the ring on my left hand. “Are you really ready to take that big step with Santiago?”