Page 97 of Falling for Grace

Just one quick breath.

It feels like it takes all of my strength to do it, but once I’ve made that initial intake I know I can do it again. Mind over matter and all that.

I do it again, and again.

I bring myself slowly into a sitting position with the support of his hand under my arm.

The man helps me get to my feet and Brandon struggles out of the hold the second guy has on him and staggers over to me.

“Dude, seriously, you need to back the fuck off,” the kind photographer says.

“Gracie, ple—”

My slap connects with his cheek with such force that my palm burns.

“Do you need me to call someone?” asks the paparazzi.

I give him a watery smile, shaking my head. I turn back towards the car park, my back to the crowd and Brandon Holder.

I’ve barely taken five steps when I hear his voice. I can hear people telling him to stop, and then I see a car pull hastily into the space that I’m walking towards. It’s Ava with a guy who looks like he could be Vin Diesel’s brother.

I mean, the dude is huge.

She runs towards me and pulls me to her. “Are you okay?”

I shake my head.

“Help him, not me,” I say as she looks at me with her sparkling blue eyes. “I’m going home.”

Chapter 35

Iwake up to darkness.

I'm on the bedroom floor’s plush carpet, a soft grey blanket has been thrown over me. I lie there for a second, barely able to open my eyes they’re so puffy. Part of me really doesn’t want to move from the floor.

But I need to go home.

This trip has been a disaster.

Ben’s words come back to me. Brandon isn’t ready to accept help, so I can’t do anything for him.

I let out a huge sigh and kick the blanket off me.

“You’re awake.”

I jump twenty feet in the air.

Fucking Brandon Holder.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I demand.

The curtains are open and I can see his large form on the bed.

“Get the hell out,” I say, stalking to the door and throwing it open.

“Listen.”

“No. NO!” I yell. “You fucking listen. You get the hell out.” I have no idea what the time is but I am screaming like a banshee. My whole body is shaking.

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