Page 173 of Guarding Grace

Constance’s wordshad sliced into me like a rusty knife and torn out my heart. How could Grace be about to leave?

“Fuck that,” I cursed as I pulled into the Hawk garage.

I was stuck between what I wanted to do and what I had to do.

CHAPTER 42

Grace

I quickly packedwhat little Zane had brought over.

Serena helped.

Deb kept saying I was making a mistake.

Constance only said, “I don’t think you know enough to make a clear decision just yet. You should wait and talk to Terry first. He might have something to say that changes your outlook on this.”

Deb also thought I was being too rash, too abrupt.

But if I knew anything, I knew following that advice was wrong for me.

Terry would come barging in, and we would argue—ifarguewas even the right word, in his house, on his terms. That was not for me.

I’d leave and change the status quo. Sure, he’d come over to my place, but at least then the conversation would be about me moving in with him, which was a completely different frame than talking about me moving out.

“Are you sure?” Serena asked. “I’m with Deb. This is like creating a fight where there doesn’t have to be one.”

Sighing, I stopped folding. “I’ve been independent my entire life, on my own. First it was just Pete and me, and then…” My voice threatened to crack. “And then, alone. I allow one high-testosterone male to claim me…” I added air quotes. “…and he starts dictating terms I have to live by. I’m not breaking up with him. I’m just not ready to be told I have to live with him.”

“Have you thought about how he’ll feel when he gets home and finds you gone the moment you don’t need protection from Russo?”

That did bother me, because I didn’t want to hurt Terry. In fact, I cared for him so much, it hurt me to do this.

Terry

SERENA: She is afraid you’re going to demand she live with you.

The text had comein after I’d found my house empty and was on the way to Grace’s place. It was a word of caution that I considered as I parked.

My heart hammered in my chest as I reached the door of her apartment and held up my hand to knock.

True to form, the door was open at her neighbor Millie’s.

“Is she in?” I asked.

“Sure is. First time in a while.”

I knocked hard. When I heard only muffled sounds inside, I knocked again.

“What’s the password?” It was Serena’s voice.

“I’m not in the mood, Serena.”

“What’s the password?” she repeated.

I looked toward Millie. “Password?”

“Please is the best one I know,” she answered.