Page 87 of Grace of Spades
"Come on in, boys," Ruby says. We walk in to see my Grace curled up on her bed.
"You okay, beautiful?" I ask. Liam is already climbing in behind her holding onto her.
"Not really. I... I don't know what to do." She explains.
"Do you want to talk through it?" Liam asks.
"That sounds like a good plan... just... don't hate me?" She pleads breaking my heart wide open.
"We could never hate you. Don't even think that's ever going to happen." Jai vows. It's true. I don't know how this all started with the others but I know we've all fallen hard for Grace.
"It looks like you're in good hands, sweet girl. Remember what I said." Ruby says gently stroking her hair before leaving us.
"What's going through that head, Grace?" Christian asks sitting down on her other side. Jai and I both sit down on the bed as well.
"I was going to do the same thing he did to me. Someone already had. I'm just like him. I hurt people. I getpaidto hurt people. I'm good at it." She explains.
"It's not the same thing, babygirl," Liam assures her. "He hurt you when you were a kid. He was bigger and stronger than you. I know that feeling. I never told you this, but my dad sent me to live with my mom's dad when I was little. He thought it would be safer for me than being raised by a mob boss in a bar. It wasn't." Fuck. Her eyes go wide and she immediately turns to face him wrapping her arms around him. She holds him tight to her chest.
"I'm so sorry." She whispers.
"It's okay, I got out and got help. He's in prison now but I was angry and hurt for a long time and did things I regret. But I've also learned that even if I fought or hurt people it wasn't the same. It wasn't me holding power over a weak person to prove I'm powerful. It was me getting power back to feel whole. It's not always healthy but it's definitely not the same."
"You don't think I... I deserved it for who I am now?" She whispers.
"Fuck no, Grace. You were a kid. No kid deserves that." I explain. "And if you don't like who you are now, what is the point?"
"What do you mean?" Her brows furrow in confusion as she looks up at me. Her green eyes are puffy and red from crying but she's still so unbelievably beautiful.
"I mean you should like who you are. You have to live with yourself every day." I shrug. We're all silent for a while cuddling into her as she mulls everything over, eventually falling asleep. It's been another long day for her.
32
Grace
I don't know when I fell asleep but I somehow managed. The guys are surrounding me in a warm pile and I've honestly never felt safer. Last night was yet another shit show but they didn't leave, they were there for me in ways I've never really experienced.
I untangle myself and put on some sweats and a tank top and make my way downstairs. It's still really early and I can't find Ruby so I start Mission: Secret Breakfast. I’ve been waiting forever to get a hold of this kitchen.
I started out with thoughts of pancakes but I know I need to think some stuff over and that means baking. I decidecheese and herb focaccia, muffins and scones are the better decision.
Once the smells start wafting through the air, I've already come to a few decisions. By the time I hear people waking up, I have a plan that I'm proud of.
Jai is the first one downstairs wrapping his arms around my waist kissing up the back of my neck.
"Good morning. It smells delicious." He murmurs against my shoulder as I flip some eggs.
"Want a breakfast sandwich?" I offer.
"That sounds fantastic. Yes, please."
"Well, have a seat it's almost done." I smile. He pouts but does as he's told. I hand one over to him and he takesa big bite and moans.
"So fucking good, Princess." Making me giggle.
"You better not be up to no good in my kitchen, Grace Jacobs!" Ruby scolds coming around the corner with her hand over her eyes.
"Not in the way you're thinking." I laugh. Her finger split apart to peak out and sighs in relief.
