Page 44 of Grace of Spades

Well, that was a fun night out.

16

Grace

The band was great. It was a garage band with a female lead. Her voice was deep and smooth and she hadpower.I could see her being a blues singer too, she has that type of voice.

Keir has been so sweet all evening. It's been hard to keep my hormones in check. It's been a lot of fun even when some drunk jackass tried to convince Kennedy she's not actually gay. Yeah, I almost lost my cool there. Luckily, his buddy took him home before I could get to him.

We make our way out to Keir's hummer laughing and joking. God damn, I wish I wasn't Ace. Keir is a big sweetheart. We even danced tonight. It felt so good being in his strong arms and he was such a gentleman. It's a big fucking problem.

He drops Kennedy and Alek off first and then takes me home. We sit in the car for a bit longer outside the front of the house.

"Thank you for coming tonight." He smiles.

"I had fun. Thank you for inviting me." I admit.

"I know I said I would be okay as friends and I am. But... could I kiss you?" He asks sounding all sweet and vulnerable. Ugh!

"I... I don't think that's a good idea, Keir." I manage. He nods but looks so sad. "Thank you again," I say and get out of the car. Fuck, I am the worst.

I make my way up to my room in the silence of the house. I don't find sleep easily even though I am exhausted. My knives are myonly comfort tonight. Unfortunately, weapons can't protect me from my memories and nightmares.

I wake up feeling like I haven't slept at all. I must look like it because Ruby and Andras are giving me worried looks over the breakfast table.

"Are you okay, sweetie?" Ruby asks.

"I'll be fine. Just didn't sleep well." I shrug biting into a piece of toast.

"Well, have a rest after school before your fight," Andras suggests. I nod and eat before heading out the door to my bike.

Kennedy is very excited today and, God bless her, it's contagious.

Liam

I watch Grace get off her bike with Kennedy. God, she's beautiful, but she looks tired today. Beautiful but tired. I desperately want to get her on my bike. To have her hold onto me. This is torture.

I see Kier watching her from an archway like a lion watches a gazelle. All hunger as he walks up to her. He's so big next to her small frame. I feel a sick feeling start in my stomach. Are they together? Is that why she keeps denying me? God, I hope not.

"Whatchya staring at?" A voice says from very close behind me. I whip around to see a grinning Kennedy.

"Uh... I uh...." I stammer.

"Don't worry. She likes you. She's just stubborn." She assures me turning her gaze to a retreating Grace.

"You mean they're not..."

"No, she turns him down too." She sighs. "She destroys all my ships. She's lucky she's my best friend."

"Why?" I ask.

"She's been through some serious shit. I don't know all of it and I wouldn't tell you if I did. Just be patient with her." She assures me.

I've seen her scars but I've never asked. She can tell me when she's ready. Lord knows I have a few of my own from before I lived with my dad.

"You should come downtown to Rudy's tonight. Spend some time with her." Kennedy suggests.

"What time?"