Hard to Fight (Alpha's Heart, #1)(61)

Before I can answer, or even kiss him, Don takes Raide’s arm and pulls him from the car. He cuffs him, and Raide cries out in pain and I lose it. I shove my door open but I don’t even manage to get my footing before Vance wraps his arms around me. “You need to let Don do his job, Grace.”

“Raide!” I cry out as Don leads him to a car, “I love you!”

He looks over his shoulder at me and he smiles.

My legs give out and I cry.





Chapter Twenty-nine

“Do you trust me, Grace?”

I lift my head and stare over at York, who is kneeling in front of me. I’m still at the office. It’s been two hours since Raide was arrested. My head is a jumble of emotions, but my body feels numb. My dad is here now, but even he can’t get through to me right now. I feel strange inside. I know this is for the best, but Dean has proved to be smart and that means there’s a chance we won’t get what we need, and the very thought of that makes my stomach twist.

I love him.

Dammit, I love Raide Knox.

“Grace, honey?”

I blink and realize York is still talking. I force a smile. “Pardon?”

“Do you trust me?”

I nod slowly. “Of course I do, but—”

“Hey,” he says, reaching forward and cupping my face in his hands. “You have to let me do this my way now.”

“He took the wire, he made it look like he had no part in any of it, he’s going to get away with this and—”

“That brings me back to my beginning question,” York interrupts. “Do you trust me?”

I sigh. I know I have to let York take over now, but letting go also means understanding there’s a solid chance I’ll never be with Raide again, and that scares me. “Yes,” I finally whisper.

“Then let me deal. You need to go, get some rest, and get checked out.”

“I’m fine,” I say softly.

“Then go home.”

My father chooses now to interrupt the conversation. “Come home with me, Gracie. Stay with your family for a few nights.”

I huff. “I don’t think Mom will want me there.”

My dad’s eyes soften. “Of course she will. Come on.”

I nod weakly. “Fine, yeah, of course.”

The very idea of being alone right now scares me enough for me to want to be with someone. My dad is the best person I can think of. Vance has barely said a word to me and Kady is working, so that leaves my family. I push to my feet and York gives my arm a gentle squeeze before turning to Dad. “I’ll keep you updated.”

Dad nods, wrapping his arm around me and turning me toward the door.

Don stops us before we step out. He reaches out and places a hand on my shoulder. “I know you’re hurting, but this is the best place for him to be.”

I nod. I don’t have the energy to give him any more.

“Things will be better soon.”

“Thanks, Don,” I squeak.

I let my eyes flick to Vance as I exit the building. He’s watching me with an expression on his face that shows his pain and his confusion. He doesn’t smile, so I don’t either. I just put my head down and let Dad lead me out to his car. We slide in silently and begin the drive home. Everyone has said their piece, except Vance that is. I don’t want to hear any more about how it’s going to be okay.

This is what I wanted.

I wanted Raide to turn himself in. I wanted him not to kill Dean.

I got what I wanted.

So why the hell does it hurt so bad?

*

“Oh, honey,” Mom says as soon as I step through the front door. “I was beside myself.”

She wraps her arms around me, but her hug feels cold. I know she’s worried, I know she loves me, but she’s not the comfort I need right now. I’m holding it all together, but I’m only just hanging on. One more word about Raide and this situation, and I might not be able to hold on any longer. I let her hug me for a long moment before pulling back and forcing a smile. “I’m just going to go and lie down. I’m exhausted.”

“Of course. I’ve made up your old room.”

I nod, giving Dad one more look before disappearing down the hall. I go into my old room and see she’s really done it up for comfort. I’m grateful for that. My old double bed is covered in my favorite purple comforter. There are soft, fluffy pillows stacked neatly on top. The window is open and a soft breeze blows through. I kick off my shoes, then I strip down to my bra and panties and crawl into the bed.

I close my eyes and fight against my hurt.

It’s the only way to get through this.

I have to be strong for Raide.





Chapter Thirty

I don’t wake until early evening. My entire body aches like I’ve just finished running a marathon. I force myself to sit up and I crawl out of bed. My legs feel like lead balloons as I walk to my bathroom. I freshen up, change into a pair of cotton shorts and a tank, and then head out toward the sounds of chattering voices. I step into the living room to see my family all eating in front of the television.

My chest clenches.

I feel so outcast, so different, so horribly alone.

“Hey, baby,” Dad says, putting his food aside and standing. “We weren’t sure if you were going to be up in time for dinner. There’s some in the fridge for you to heat up if you’re hungry.”