Page 24

It was 2 am.

Grace still hasn't come home yet.

I kept pacing around my room, my hand running nervously through my hair. My chest felt tight—like something was pressing down on me.

My mind racing over and over about what happened.

Why would she do that?

Why harm herself like that?

I couldn't even imagine it—how alone she must've felt, fighting whatever made her do it.

And the way she stood there, all self-conscious and fragile, made it clear she was definitely not ready to tell me what was hiding behind those scars.

I wouldn't force her to tell me why.

But if I could only hold her, I'd make sure she never had to hide again, even if it hurt.

Whatever it was—I got it, more than she could ever know.

But Grace won't and can't be with me right now.

She's with Nick Crawford.

My hands instinctively curled into fists, my nails digging at the thought of them together.

It was silent in my room, only my heart and my nervous pacing could be heard, until—

I heard voices—laughter coming from outside. I didn't waste a second and rushed to the balcony, swinging the door open.

I saw them.

But my eyes were only locked on Grace.

She was walking—more like stumbling.

Nick was holding her up, grinning like a fucking maniac.

It can't be happening again.

I won't let it happen again.

I rushed downstairs, taking the steps two at a time, and slammed the door open, just needing to get to her.

"You fucking bastard," I snapped at him.

Nick looked up at me and faked a laugh.

"Shhh, Maya... she's almost asleep..."

My eyes fixed on Grace, and it fucking hit me—she was wasted, she could barely stand on her own. Nick had his hands all over her, but not to help—he was holding her like she was a toy to play with.

My stomach clenched so hard it hurt.

My whole body screamed and rebelled.

I didn't think twice—I rushed towards her, but Nick stepped in the way, blocking my path.

"Let her the fuck go. Now," I hissed.

He just laughed, pulling her against him.

That infuriated me.

I shoved him off—pulling his arm from around her waist, but he kept hold on tighter.

"Get the hell out of my way!" I bursted out.

I took another step forward, urgency fueling my every movement. My hand shot out to grab Grace's arm, Nick tried to block me again, but he was slow, unsteady—guess he was more drunk than he looked.

"Get the fuck out of here, Russell, I'm warning you. I'm taking her safely to her room..." he grinned, his voice low, menacing.

"Over my fucking body," I seethed as I planted myself right in front of him to block the way.

I lunged forward, yanking his hand off her body with all the strength I had. He finally let go, but his other arm was still wrapped around her waist.

An uncomfortable sob escaped Grace's mouth and that little something ignited the fire within me.

That's it.

He wasn't touching her again.

"Get off," I threatened him. "Right the fuck now, Crawford—or I'll make you."

He smirked darker. "You wanna join us, huh, Maya? Or do you just wanna see what I've got planned for her?"

I lost it.

Rage boiled through me without warning.

"ASSHOLE—HOW FUCKING DARE YOU—"

I shoved him so hard he staggered back, lost his balance, and fell on his hip onto the ground.

I held Grace up, her arms instinctively wrapping around my waist as I pulled her closer, her body pressing against mine.

Nick let out a twisted laugh. But he was still in the ground—where he belonged to.

"You fucking bitch," he growled. "You're gonna regret it, this is just the start. Mark my fucking words," he menaced me.

I looked him down, my eyes twisting in disgust. His words didn't even faze me.

"You're so done, Nick," I shot back. "Touch her again, and I swear, you'll wish you never met me. Mark my fucking words," I retorted, meaning it.

I slipped my arm around Grace's back, giving her my attention as we stepped into the house—making sure to lock the door.

"Grace," I called softly. "Can you talk to me? Are you okay?" my fingers resting on her chin, raising it up.

She just shook her head slowly, helplessly, her eyes glistening with something that looked a lot like pain.

"It's all over now. I promise you. I'll walk you in your room," I reassured her.

She was barely able to keep herself up as we slowly made our way up the stairs, one step at a time. Her head kept dipping against my chest, making my whole body shiver.

She let out a soft giggle. "You're like my personal chauffeur," she mumbled, slurring her words. "So sweet..." she made a cute smile.

I felt my stomach do a flip.

"Grace," my voice firm. "I need you to concentrate for a second." Her blue eyes traced my face as she slowly nodded in agreement. "Can you remember what happened?" I asked softly.

"Uh..." she sighed deeply. "I couldn't understand things sober... so he poured the drinks... and... and everything went blur..." she murmured, squeezing to me tighter.

I knew it.

I knew he manipulated her into getting drunk—pushing her until she was too far gone to even realize what was happening.

But she wouldn't have done it if it weren't for him.

That's exactly what I've been trying to prevent at all costs.

That it happened AGAIN—right under my eyes.

"But-but after that, I just wanted to go home," she mumbled, her voice full of confusion and regret.

"It's okay, it won't happen again, Grace, I promise you. You're safe now," I held her close to me.

Her blue eyes were filled with emotion as I unconsciously caressed her cheek. "You promise?"

"Yes, I promise you," I said, my voice unwavering, without hesitation.

Grace let out a small nervous laugh. "You were so cool... yeah—with that attitude," she muttered.

"You think I'm cool now? That's a first," I said, my tone teasing but pleased.

"No..." she leaned in slightly, her words slow, like they were slipping out. "I... always... thought it..."

I shouldn't take her words for granted since she's drunk, but I couldn't help the little smirk tugging at my lips.

My arm wrapped around her like I wasn't planning on letting go. "Grace," I whispered, ready to tell her what I felt. "I'm sorry, for everything."

She froze for a moment, and I started to worry that I might've said the wrong thing.

"Can you repeat that?" she looked confused. "I don't remember what you said."

That hurted. So fucking much.

"Nothing," I murmured. "Doesn't matter."

I just had to keep moving forward, pretend this wasn't affecting me the way it was.

Grace stumbled again, and I tightened my grip around her waist, helping her stay up.

My heart was pounding, and I could feel her warm breath on my neck—way too close.

We finally made it to the top of the stairs. Only took us, what, ten minutes?

"Okay, let's just get you to bed," I muttered, barely able to control my own voice now.

I opened the door to her room and gently guided her to the bed, but she tightened her grip around my neck instead.

I froze.

Why did it feel like a thousand fireworks just exploded in my chest?

It was like everything around me was blurry except for her and the way she was holding on me.

Her face was closer to mine now, and she kept looking right into my eyes—that definitely wasn't helping.

Her blue eyes were captivating.

"Wow, why is everything moving...? Is it just me?" she asked out of nowhere.

"No, I can see it too," I reassured her.

She laughed softly.

"Now, please, Grace, lie down in your bed or..."

Or I might lose control of this situation.

She mumbled some weak protest, but eventually let go of me—and that broke me.

I wished we could stay this close.

I took off her shoes, and she began to undress, but before she could go any further, I stopped her immediately, gently holding her arms.

I saw the hesitation in her eyes, but it wasn't just that.

"Don't—please don't do it," I said firmly.

"Why?" she asked innocently.

"You'll understand it tomorrow," I repeated forcefully.

Grace smiled at me.

Her smile is just so beautiful.

"Sit," she asked me, patting lightly the mattress.

I sat on the edge of her bed, and her smile grew. She took my wrist and nudged me closer. I tried to resist, but I was losing myself in this.

I was fucking defenseless.

Grace kept tugging me toward her, guiding me until... I was hovering just above her body.

I stopped right in front of her face as my whole body electrified—my breathing quickened.

I might just explode.

"Why won't you came closer?" she asked, tilting her head.

An innocent fair question.

She might have this weird combination of sober thoughts and drunk actions.

"Don't ask," I said, staring into her eyes. They are so crystal blue—so damn beautiful.

My arms blocked our bodies from meeting, keeping me suspended in mid-air, just a few inches away from her face.

It felt like torture—but the most beautiful kind of torture.

Grace leaned closer, and I couldn't help it no more—I stole a kiss on her cheek, just near her lips.

Her cheek was so soft and warm, making me ache to feel more.

But I can't. And I won't. Not like this.

"You're beautiful to me, Grace," I said, the words leaving my mouth before I could stop them.

Her cheeks turned rosy and she giggled a little.

"I like y—I like your hair... it's so long, I like y—your face," she mumbled, slurring on every words.

She has to be very drunk to say something like this.

Suddenly, her fingers stroked slowly my hair as I tilted my face into her hand, desperately needing to feel more.

I just wished we could stay in this moment forever, without the drunk part.

But this was just a wishful thinking.

"I have to go now..." I muttered, trying to keep it together. I quickly pulled back.

"No-no," Grace protested. "Why... would you?" her voice soft and hesitant.

Because I'm not able to control myself anymore.

But no words left my mouth.

"Stay until I fall asleep..." she pleaded.

I stayed close. "You want me to?" I asked, like that was even a real option.

"Yeahhh," she smiled, relieved. "Very much..."

"Sleep, Grace. I'll be right here," I reassured her.

I gently covered her with the sheets and sat back down as she smiled and turned her body toward my side

I reached out and gently stroked her hair, my fingers running through it as she leaned into my touch, relaxing. Her light brunette hair, slightly messy on the pillow, made her look so innocent and graceful.

Grace fell asleep instantly, but I stayed a little longer, just taking in the sight of her sleeping peacefully.

After everything she's been through... she still managed to fall asleep like this.

I couldn't contain what I was thinking anymore.

"I wish you'd stayed with me," I murmured.

I couldn't bring myself to say it to her out loud.

I mean—I did say a lot of other things...

Jeez, it drives me crazy—I'm not usually like this, but she makes me feel completely defenseless to my emotions.

I glanced at her one last time before heading out and carefully closing her door behind me.

I went back to my room—collapsing onto my bed as if I'd just gone through the most overwhelming, yet painful experience.

My stomach fluttered. My body almost trembled.

I don't even know if tomorrow she'll remember this, or if she'll deliberately choose to erase it from her mind.

Please—just let her remember this.

That's all I need.

I feel so fucking helpless.