Page 113 of The Dis-Graced

“We should get in there and take a seat,” Fiona says.

I know that she’s right, but I just don’t want to.

Drake puts a hand on my thigh, a gesture that’s meant to encourage me, but all I feel is despair. I want so badly to believe that this is all a mistake and that my brother is a good man.

But he’s not.

“Grace, may I ask a question?” ALAN’s soft voice streams from my phone.

“What’s up?”

“Will Lucas be going to a prison like in the television show Law & Order, or will he be going to one like Hot Felons Behind Bars number twenty-nine?”

“Wait—what?”

“I found that title to be enlightening. I cannot wait until Cassius, Gabriel, and Drake are done with our bodies,” Rachel says.

I glare over at Drake, who is trying desperately not to laugh.

“I-I-I have no idea where he got that from,” he finally chokes out.

ALAN is unable to access the internet, so it would be impossible for him to just happen upon some Hot Felons Behind Bars porno that he’s referencing.

“One of the people who has been contributing cultural data for my development, Cassius Lavinius, gave us access to that title.”

“What the hell is he thinking?” Fiona blurts out.

“ALAN, that title, it’s nothing like real and actual prison. It’s a porno!”

“I was suspicious of this, but there was a logical element to it.”

“How was it logical?”

“There was a young felon, J Dubs, who seduced a young prison guard, Candy Apple. J Dubs was locked away in a prison full of men. Since he is young, he should have a strong drive to reproduce. He is also an alpha male, something that younger women often seek in a man when they are looking for someone to father their offspring—”

“Okay, okay—I get it,” I snap, hoping to shut him up.

“I’m taking Cassius OFF uploading duty,” Drake says.

“Good idea,” Rachel says.

Drake smiles at me warmly, behind his eyes, I see pain.

“You know, I hope when this is all said and done, that we can move on from this, Gracey. I love you, and I want more than anything to be the man you deserve.”

It hurts me that Drake’s done nothing wrong, and yet has to deal with the fallout of what my brother has done. Not only did he lose his best friend, but our relationship is suffering, when there’s no reason for it to.

He’s a good man. He’ll do anything to protect you, and he’ll never hurt you. Trust him.

It’s like a weight has been suddenly lifted, freeing me of all the bottled-up negative emotions I’ve been harboring. I look over at Drake, who has been my rock, and my heart blooms with love and hope.

I get down on one knee, taking his hand into mine.

“What’s this?” Drake says with a furrowed brow.

“Drake Dallanger, will you marry me?” I say.

“Ummm, isn’t it my job to ask you that?”