Page 2 of Siren's Salvation

She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out.

Just another choked sob.

"See?" Bronco says, spreading his hands in a gesture of innocence. "Girl's just upset about somethin'. Probably woman troubles or some shit."

I clench my jaw so hard I can hear my teeth grinding. "Why don't you back the fuck off and let me talk to my sister?"

Bronco's eyes narrow, but he takes a step back. "Sure thing, Shiver. Didn't mean to step on any toes."

I watch him saunter away, my skin crawling at the smug look on his face.

As soon as he's out of earshot, I crouch down next to Grace.

"Hey, kiddo," I say softly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her tear-stained cheek. "What happened? Did that asshole do something to you?"

Grace shakes her head violently, but I can see the lie in her eyes. "N-no," she stammers. "It's nothing. I'm f-fine."

"Bullshit," I growl, my anger rising again. "You're sitting here crying your eyes out, looking like you've seen a ghost. That ain't nothing."

She flinches at my tone, and I immediately regret letting my temper show.

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down.

"I'm sorry, Gracie," I say, gentler this time. "I'm not mad at you, I promise. I just want to know what's going on so I can help."

Grace looks up at me, her lower lip trembling. "You can't help," she whispers. "No one can."

My heart sinks. "What do you mean? Grace, please, talk to me."

She shakes her head again, wrapping her arms tighter around herself. "I can't. You'll hate me."

"Never," I say fiercely. "There is nothing in this world that could make me hate you. You're my little sister, and I love you. No matter what."

Grace's face crumples and she lets out a wail that cuts me to the core.

I gather her into my arms, holding her close as she sobs against my chest.

My shirt is soaked with her tears in seconds, but I don't give a shit.

All that matters is comforting her.

"Shh, it's okay," I murmur, stroking her hair. "I've got you. You're safe now."

We stay like that for what feels like hours, the storm raging outside while Grace pours out her pain.

Gradually, her sobs subside into hiccups, and she pulls away slightly.

She sniffles, wiping her nose on her sleeve. "I'm sorry."

I give her a lopsided grin. "Hey, what are big brothers for if not to be human tissues?"

That earns me a weak smile, and I count it as a victory. "There's my girl," I say, tapping her nose lightly. "Now, you want to tell me what's got you so upset?"

Grace's smile fades, and she looks down at her hands. "I... I can't."

I bite back a sigh of frustration. "Grace, come on. Whatever it is, it can't be that bad. Did you crash Dad's truck or something?"

She shakes her head. "No, it's... it's worse than that."

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