Page 72 of Shattered By Grace

I am no one’s property.

Another punch.

You had to sign it. Of course, you did. But did you ever really plan to keep that deal, Dad?

Her father’s signature flashed in her mind, scrawled at the bottom of the contract like a death sentence. Her jaw clenched as she launched another strike, this time letting a sharp breath escape through her teeth.

Did you think you could outmaneuver Cassian? Did you think you had time?

Her fists pounded into the bag, her movements gaining speed.

Or were you just desperate?

A final, brutal cross sent the bag swinging wildly. Victoria planted her feet, chest heaving, hands shaking.

She didn’t know which answer hurt worse. The idea that her father had believed he could win or the possibility that he’d known all along that he wouldn’t.

A sharp knock at the door yanked her back to the present, breaking her rhythm mid-swing. She let out a breath, shaking out her hands as she rolled her shoulders back. That was fast.

“Coming,” she called out, peeling off her gloves. She grabbed the kitchen towel that had been tossed onto the counter thatmorning, wiping the sweat from her forehead as she made her way to the door.

Looking through the peephole, a familiar sight greeted her… Taylor, standing there with a bottle of wine in one hand and a smug grin on her face. A small smile tugged at Victoria’s lips as she unlatched the door.

“God, finally,” Taylor huffed, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “You look like you just beat the shit out of someone.”

Victoria let out a dry chuckle, tossing the towel aside. “Just a bag.”

Taylor waggled the bottle. “Good. Because I come bearing alcohol and absolutely zero judgment.”

Taylor kicked off her shoes the second she stepped inside, plopping down onto the couch like she owned the place. “Alright, spill,” she said, setting the wine bottle on the table. “Your text had major ‘the world is on fire’ energy.”

Victoria let out a heavy breath as she took off her gloves, running a hand through her damp hair. “It’s been a day,” she muttered, grabbing two glasses and pouring them both a hefty amount before sitting down across from Taylor.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Taylor said, taking her glass. “I mean, I was expecting some bad decisions, maybe a questionable ex situation, but this feels… heavier.”

Victoria let out a dry laugh. “If only it were just that.” She took a sip, bracing herself before she started. “After you left the Dirty Beans coffee shop yesterday, Detective Adams showed up out of nowhere.”

Taylor’s brow furrowed. “Adams? The one who’s been ignoring your calls?”

“The very one,” Victoria said. “Except apparently, he wasn’t ignoring me. He was on medical leave.” She exhaled sharply,gripping her glass tighter. “And that’s not even the worst part. He told me Justin has been lying to me.”

Taylor stilled. “About what?”

“About being one of the good guys,” Victoria said, her voice sharp with frustration. “Justin was let go because he went rogue. He wasn’t some noble cop looking out for me. He was playing his own game.”

Taylor leaned back, shaking her head. “Damn. That’s… a lot.”

“Tell me about it,” Victoria muttered, swirling her wine before downing another sip. “And if that wasn’t enough, Adams gave me a folder. I don’t even know what’s in it yet, I haven’t had the nerve to go through it.”

“You? Not looking at something shady and mysterious? Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?”

Victoria huffed a small laugh, but it faded just as quickly. “I couldn’t. My head was a mess. So I ran.”

Taylor’s brows shot up. “Ran?”

“In the pouring rain,” Victoria added. “Didn’t even realize where I was going until I was a street away from my old house.”

Taylor’s teasing expression faded, replaced with quiet understanding. “Shit, Vic.”

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