Echoes at Dawn (KGI #5)(64)

Don’t let me go. I don’t want to go.

This time, the voices were stronger. Louder in her mind. So very close.

No one’s letting you go, honey.

I’m here, Grace. I’m always here. Always with you, Shea said fiercely.

And then some of the pain and despair simply began fading away. Absorbed by Shea, who had the ability to take people’s pain and emotions and absorb them into her own body. Just as she’d done for Nathan when he’d been tortured. Just as she’d done so many times since. This was why she hadn’t wanted Shea to know. Hadn’t wanted her to see the depths of Grace’s pain and despair.

No! Shea, stop it! Don’t you dare take this. It’s enough that you’re here. Don’t do this. Do you hear me? Don’t suffer this for me. You’ve been through enough.

Tears of frustration burned her eyes. This wasn’t what she wanted.

Let her help you, Grace.

Rio’s command was strong. Compelling. He was firm and unyielding. He had a tight hold on her and he wasn’t letting go, almost as if he had a part of her captive.

I don’t want her to ever feel this, Grace choked out.

She has people to support her. She has Nathan there. She isn’t alone. And now neither are you. Don’t be so stubborn. Lean on us. Allow us in. Allow us to take it for you until you’re strong enough to bear it yourself.

More warmth and love po

ured into her through the connection to Shea. Grace felt herself enfolded by her sister, held tight and rocked back and forth as if she were a child in need of comfort.

She clung to her sister, hugging her back, afraid to let go for fear the connection would be broken. Shea pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and smoothed away the hair from her face.

Sleep now, Grace. Rest so your body can heal, so that when you awake, you’ll be stronger and yourself once more.

Then she felt the kiss of another. More intimate. Loving. The kiss of a lover. A warm caress. A gentle touch. His arms replaced Shea’s, pulled her into his embrace. Strong. Protective. A barrier between her and all the darkness.

It’s okay now, Grace. I’ve got you. You’re going to be okay. Sleep now and know that I’ll be here when you wake.

CHAPTER 28

WHEN Grace opened her eyes, she wasn’t entirely certain where she was. The ceiling came into focus and then she saw the high window and the soft light pouring into the bedroom where she and Rio had made love.

She then became aware that she wasn’t alone. Not only was she not alone, but Rio was wrapped around her as if he was shielding her from the world. His leg was thrown over hers. His arm lay possessively over her midsection and his other arm was beneath her head so that she was cradled into his side. And she was completely naked.

She smiled. She was back. She was alive. She’d made it through.

There was no doubt she was as weak as a newborn kitten. She felt as limp as a wet noodle and her mind was mush. But she had renewed strength. Strength she hadn’t possessed before and an awareness she hadn’t felt since before she’d severed the link between her and Shea.

Shea! The awareness was of her sister’s presence in her mind. Always there, just as she’d been before. Tears gathered in her eyes and she bit her lip, afraid to call out, afraid that she’d only dreamed that she’d been able to reconnect with Shea. I’m here, Grace.

The calm sound of her sister’s voice sent joy coursing through her soul.

I worried I’d dreamed it all. I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you so much.

I’ve missed you too, Grace. I love you. It’s been too long. We can be together now. Things are different. We can have a…life. I don’t want to be without you anymore. There’s no reason for it. Nathan and his family have promised to keep you safe. And now you have…Rio. You know you’re going to have to tell me all about him.

Grace smiled through her tears. Happy tears. So like old times when they shared everything.

Deal. Just as soon as you tell me everything about Nathan.

She felt Shea’s answering smile.

We’ll talk when you’re stronger, Grace. Right now I just want you to focus on getting better.

Love you.

Love you too.

Even though the communication ended, Grace could still feel the lingering presence of her sister. She hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed having her there until she’d been permanently gone.

“Have a nice chat with Shea?”

She turned, realizing that Rio was awake and had been silently watching her. She smiled. “Yeah. I can’t believe she’s back. I thought I’d never be able to talk to her telepathically again.”

Rio kissed her, his lips gentle and loving over hers. For the longest time he stayed there even when he’d pulled his mouth away. His forehead rested against hers and he cupped her jaw in his palm.

“I’m just glad you’re back,” he said. “You scared me, Grace. I thought I’d lost you.”

“I thought I’d lost myself,” she said honestly.

Rio pulled slightly away but kept hold on her jaw, tilting so she met his gaze. “Why did you do it?”

She sighed and closed her eyes. “I didn’t want to die if that’s what you’re thinking. I almost refused because I was afraid I would die.”

Rio’s face went hard and his eyes cold. “Browning said he didn’t threaten you. Did he? Did he hurt you?”