Page 76 of Embers of Torment

"I love you and miss you, Della. Just hear me out. Give me a chance. That's all I ask."

That was it. I couldn't take any more. Jace's pleas went straight to my heart. My knees trembled, my body threatening to collapse. Ripping myself from his grasp, I bolted from the plaza, heading the wrong way down Seaport Boulevard. Ducking into a parking garage, I hid between two cars and doubled over. Tears immediately gushed forth.

Jace said he loved me.

Why did he have to say that? Why, why, why?

If he wanted to break me, he more than succeeded, his words shredding me into tiny pieces. I hated him and everything he'd done to me when we were kids. He'd been beyond cruel, his bullying affecting not only me but my family.

My parents' distress was unmeasurable as they tried their best to counter the damage Jace caused to my self-being and emotional health. Their scars were still there and might always be since pain that deep, especially when related to your children, didn't go away that easily. Spencer had also been affected. He'd been riddled with regret and guilt because, in his mind, he'd failed to protect his little sister.

These were the byproducts of Jace's viciousness, which I was powerless to erase.

And on top of all the anguish, terror, torment, and tears, I felt something else—a betrayal of myself.

Because as much as I hated to admit it.

I loved Jace.

Chapter 23

Jace

Istuck my head between the bucket seats to speak with my Uber driver, Richard. "Hey, if you could take me to the Marriott on Long Wharf, that would be great."

"Sure. I can do that. It'll be easier than anywhere along Atlantic Avenue. It's crazy right now with that big foodie festival on the greenway."

"Yeah, that's where I'm going. I figured you could let me off in front of the hotel's lobby like I was a guest. That way, I only need to walk across the street. An acquaintance is one of the vendors, and his booth is in that section."

"Sounds too convenient. I should have charged you more money," Richard laughed.

"I don't think so. Besides, you'll have another fare before we arrive at my destination."

"Ain't that the truth? I already have one in my queue." Richard made a right turn off Seaport Boulevard. He pulled into thedrop-off area in front of the hotel minutes later. "Here, you go. Enjoy the festival."

"Thanks." I climbed out of Richard's Hyundai and closed the door while he typed something on his phone. As soon as I stepped away, I noticed a woman running toward his car. I couldn't help but chuckle as she flung open his passenger door and slid into the backseat. Richard was going to be busy today.

Walking across the street, I could tell this was a sizeable and well-attended event. It stretched over four blocks and was already jam-packed with people. Luckily, I knew where to go since Adam had mentioned earlier in the week that Theo would be stationed in a booth by the carousel. When we discussed it, I informed Adam I couldn't go because I'd committed to spending the day with Ree and Lily. But that changed when Ree's boss asked her to work, and James took Lily for the day.

I never told Adam my plans had fallen through and that I'd be coming to the festival. And as I walked toward the event, I hoped it wasn't a problem.

Scanning the vendor tents from a distance, I read their assortment of signage. I spotted Theo's, a giant canopy banner and two feather flags identifying his business as Elegance Catering.

Meandering through the crowd, I reached Theo's tent and perused the layout. It was both functional and impressive. He had decorated the table in front in black and gold to match his overhead sign, the top covered with promotional materials, and a tiered display of colorful paper baking cups filled with tempting goodies. A tabletop chalkboard listed the items as free samples of gourmet cookie bites. The back of his booth housed a worktable containing a row of roll-top chafing dishes with a commercial barbecue stationed beside it. Slabs of beef and chicken kabobs were on the grill, the smell drifting to my nose heavenly.

Theo had his back to me while he barbecued the meat, and a woman stood behind their makeshift counter, waiting on a group of customers. Adam meticulously scooped rice pilaf and grilled vegetables from the food warmers onto several plates.

Eyeing the dessert samples, I selected one from the middle of the stand and popped it into my mouth. "Oh, man, that's tasty," I mumbled, reaching for another.

"Uh-uh. Only one per customer," Adam teased, catching me as he handed the woman the last plate.

"Then turn around and don't look."

"Haha, very funny. Try that one." Adam pointed to a mint-green cup on the top tier of the display. "It's a piece of Theo's salted caramel chocolate chip. It'll melt on your tongue."

I savored the cookie bite, marveling at its taste and texture. These were indeed gourmet treats. "Damn, that's good. What was the other one I ate?"

Adam eyed the empty cup in my hand. "That was Della's favorite, the buttered toffee crunch." He turned his attention to a couple standing a few feet away, reading Theo's A-frame chalkboard sign. "Can I help you?"

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