Page 5 of Shattered By Grace

Finally, a woman with dark, flowing hair and striking dark eyes stepped forward, her smile warm and inviting. She had a natural beauty, like something out of a classic movie. Confident but approachable, and every bit as stunning as a picture-perfect model. "I'm Taylor Guest, one of the lead nurses," she introduced herself, extending a hand. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Victoria shook Taylor's hand, feeling the firm grip. "Nice to meet you, Taylor. Thanks for the offer, I might just take you up on that."

Taylor chuckled, a sound that seemed to brighten the room. "Oh, I’m sure you will. I’m good at showing people the ropes around here, and finding trouble when needed."

Victoria raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "Trouble, huh? Sounds like we might get along just fine."

“Maybe a little,” Taylor admitted with a sheepish grin, earning a laugh from Victoria.

“Come on,” Taylor gestured playfully. “Let me show you where to change and your new office.”

Chapter Three

“Fuck! I’m sick of this nightmare,” Victoria shouted, bolting upright. Her skin damp with sweat, her heart hammered in her chest, each beat a violent reminder of the dream that wouldn’t let go. Sweat clung to her skin, cold and sticky, the terror still lurking at the edges of her vision. The same nightmare, always the same.

She grabbed her phone from the nightstand, squinting at the harsh glow. One a.m.

“Why does this keep happening?” she muttered through clenched teeth, frustration bubbling up in her chest. She threw the covers off and headed to the bathroom. The space was modern with light walls, gleaming countertops, and sleek tiles.

She splashed cold water on her face, hoping to wash away the remnants of the nightmare. The icy water sent a jolt through her, but it did little to calm her. Stripping off her damp clothes, she stepped into the tiled shower, letting the hot water cascade over her. It should’ve helped. It didn’t. Victoria knew she couldn’t stay in the apartment any longer. She dressed quickly, grabbed her gym bag, and headed out.

Maybe a hard workout could quiet the memories that refused to let her rest.

The cool air bit at her cheeks, and the city's usual noise had quieted to a rare, almost eerie calm. Victoria jogged down the empty street toward the gym she’d found the other night. Her footsteps echoed softly, her breath visible in the crisp air.

When she reached the gym doors, she hesitated, her hand hovering over the handle. She felt silly, unsure if she looked as ridiculous as she felt for coming here at this hour.Just go in, she told herself, but her feet stayed rooted in place.

“Are you going to go in?” The low, rough voice cut through the silence, making her jump.

Victoria spun around, her heart racing from the unexpected voice. A man stood behind her, tall and broad-shouldered, his hoodie casting half his face in shadows. His mouth curved into a smirk that screamed cockiness.

“Oh, sorry,” she replied, her voice soft but her eyes narrowing slightly. “Didn’t realize the sidewalk was your personal stage for dramatic entrances.”

He chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. “Just wondering if you’re lost or if you need someone to show you how to use the door.”

Someone is overly confident, she thought.

Victoria arched an eyebrow, a sly smile tugging at her lips. “Oh, I know how doors work… and I definitely don’t need lessons from someone hiding in the shadows and thinks he's clever for it.”

His grin widened, his arrogance barely contained. “Touché.”

Another man emerged from the darkness like a shadow, slightly shorter but with a commanding presence. He had sharp features and piercing dark eyes, his jaw was clenched, and there was a certain intensity in his gaze as he focused on the guy in the hoodie.

“Stop harassing the girl,” he said, his tone firm but calm. His hand gripped the shoulder of the hoodie-wearing guy with surprising strength, muscles flexing under his sleeve.

Hoodie Guy rolled his eyes, clearly unbothered. “Just having some fun, Tyson. Maybe she?—”

“Maybe she doesn’t need your kind of fun,” he cut in, his voice carrying a hint of warning.

Victoria watched the exchange, her curiosity piqued. This guy—Tyson, apparently—seemed different, like he was used to keeping the other one in check. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and wariness.

Tyson glanced at her briefly, his expression softening just a bit. “Sorry about him,” he muttered, still holding the hoodie guy in place. “He’s got more bark than bite, but it’s still annoying as hell.”

Victoria offered a faint smile, deciding to play along. “No worries,” she replied. “I’ve dealt with worse.”

Tyson nodded, his lips twitching into a slight smile before he turned his attention back to his friend. “Now, are you done acting like a fool, or do I have to drag you inside?”

Hoodie guy raised his hands in mock surrender, then turned to follow Tyson inside. He paused, holding the door open with a lazy grin. “Coming?” he asked.

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