Chapter 12: ALMOST GIVE IN
GRACE
Nick’s eyes flick back to me. “Did you hear that?” His voice drops.
I nod. “Yeah, I did. But that’s not what we’re talking about right now.” I sound braver than I feel inside.
His gaze slides to the bedroom door one more time… then back to me slowly again like he's trying to convince himself otherwise.
“Why do I suddenly feel like something’s going on with you?” he asks curiously. “You keep saying I’m the one with secrets, but right now it feels like you’re the one hiding something.”
I fold my arms, forcing my posture to stay relaxed. “Are you seriously turning this around on me now?”
He shakes his head. “No. I’m just saying you’re acting strange, Grace.”
My pulse thuds harder. This conversation might escalate further if I let it drag on. I know Nick, he’ll definitely find a reason to stay and satisfy his curiosity.
I glance at my wristwatch, then back at him. “Nick, I really think we should continue this tomorrow. I’ve had a long day, and this…” I gesture between us “...isn’t helping.”
He frowns. “That’s not fair. I’ve been stressed too. The Grace I know would’ve let me crash here instead of trying to push me out. Or…” His eyes sharpen. “Are you hiding something in here?”
My breath almost stops. Is he serious right now? Have I been caught?
I don’t look away. I can’t even afford to give him the slightest hint. “Stop joking around and listen to me.” I finally say.
He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. “Okay. I’m sorry. But I still want to stay.”
I give him a flat smile and gently, but firmly start nudging him toward the door. “In your dreams.”
He chuckles under his breath as we walk. He does sleep over sometimes. Just not often. Ever since Grandma died, I’ve learned how to be alone and how to protect my space. So, letting people in still feels like letting them take something from me.
I open the door. “We’ll talk tomorrow after work,” I say softly.
He steps outside, then suddenly leans back in before I can react. His lips brush my forehead in a quick kiss.
“I’ll come pick you up,” he whispers with a wink.
Then he turns and walks toward his car. I close the door the moment I see his car drive off.
I drag both palms down my face, breathing out hard. It barely lasts a minute before my bedroom door creaks open.
My skin nearly jumps off my body. “Oh my God—fuck,” I whisper under my breath before shooting a glare at Dominic.
“Has he gone?” he asks quietly as he strides toward me ignoring the look on my face.
Of course he does. Of course he walks around like this is his space too. Like he owns the air in my apartment, and he makes the rules.
When he stops in front of me, almost too close, I pretend it doesn’t affect me. That my pulse hasn’t just spiked up.
“First,” I say tightly, “I’m not even going to ask what you were doing in my bedroom that made that noise. You were supposed to stay in there quietly. Is that really so hard?”
His jaw tightens. He looks like he’s holding something back. Not rage exactly, but something just as dangerous.
I’m already at my limit tonight. I refuse to let him push me over it.
“I don’t think he figured anything out,” he says, like it's just a normal thing to say.
“You know what?” I cut in. “Can you just leave my house?”
Instead of moving away, he steps closer. His eyes don’t leave mine this time, not that usual teasing, or playful look. Just this steady and heavy one.
“I need you to answer something before I leave,” he says firmly. “I won’t go until you do.”
My patience snaps. “Fine. What?” I almost shout but my voice rises just a little.
His voice drops. “Why did you turn my brother down?”
The question hits me so hard, my stomach sinks.
His eyes still lock with mine, almost making my knees give in.
Why is he asking that all of a sudden?