Page 68 of Grace of Spades
"I can't... I'm so sorry." He sobs. We sober at the sound of footsteps down the hall. This time we each take a punching bag. Now we both have emotions to get out.
We start throwing combos as my grandparents arrive.
"I told you we are interrupting," Grandpa says pointedly. But Grandma just scoffs at him and pulls me into a hug. She's all decked out in a black pantsuit and Grandpa is looking smart in his own suit.
"It's time to get ready, you two. The car leaves in twenty minutes." She explains before pushing us out the door. I make my way up to my room, where I find Christian waiting for me.
"Are you okay?" He asks, bringing me into a hug.
"I'm not sure right now," I say honestly. "I may have broken Andras. I told him about some of my scars." I explain.
"Shit."
"Yep."
"Well, it's better that he knows." He shrugs as I head into the bathroom and head in for my second shower today.
"I guess. I just feel bad for ruining his memories of his sister." I explain watching as he sits on the counter.
"I have a feeling that she was a different person for you than she was for him." He poses. He's got a good point. I manage a quick rinse before towelling off and sliding my knives and bra and panties on.
Christian comes up behind me laying a kiss on my shoulder and sliding his arms around my waist. I sink into his embrace feelingloved and safe for... probably the first time in my life.
"Thank you, Christian," I whisper as I tilt my face up to set a quick kiss along his jaw. I move away and put on my dress. I take a deep breath as I put on my armour for the day. I'm going to need it. I can't wear my boots so I store a knife between my breasts and find the little necklace I love so much. It's small and the pendant hides a small blade as well just in case.
When I finally feel prepared enough to face my parents' bodies and all the things that come with them, I grab my purse.
"You look beautiful, Grace."
"Thank you. Can you see my knives?" I ask turning slowly on the spot.
"No, but I'd like to." He grins stepping close enough to press his chest into mine.
"Play your cards right and you just might." I tease him with a wink before I walk away, leaving him to follow groaning.
25
Grace
We arrive at the cemetery and it looks too green. It's too quiet and people from my past are here. Even Marconi and Harry fucking Reid. And they're all staring at me. Fucking vultures.
I keep my eyes on the ground as we walk to the side of the parallel graves. I can't look at them or I will lose my goddamn mind. I can feel it. The rage eating at my mind, worming under my skin. I sit quietly in my seat staring at my hands and grinding my teeth until they feel like they are going to crack under the pressure. Like me.
The priest does his thing and talks about the magic of life and God's part in the circle of it all. How my parents will be judged by Saint Peter and all that shit. All I know is that I will see them in Hell.
A different man starts talking about how wonderful they were and how they didn't deserve what they got. He explains that they will live on through me and I feel sick.
I get up on shaky legs and walk away from the funeral. Once I'm far enough away, I throw up behind a tree. The bile burns up my throat until tears burn my eyes and I'm heaving and sobbing.
"Gracelyn? Gracelyn Jacobs?" A man asks from behind me. I straighten wiping at my mouth before turning around. Pain erupts from my head before everything turns black.
Well, shit.
I wake up tied to a goddamned chair in afucking basement. I amnotin a good mood right now. Keeping quiet, I keep my head slumped to my chest and wait to hear something. I can feel my knives still strapped to me so I have a chance to fight my way out if I can get out of this chair.
The door swings open with a loud bang and I fight to keep still and loose. Then I hear it. Russian. Thank God for Rosetta Stone. I learned basic Russian and Japanese. It seemed like a smart plan if I'd be working with them. Turns out, I was right!
"We are just waiting for Ace. She will make this bitch talk." A man says.
