Grinch (Cerberus MC)

“I will be,” I confirm.

“Peaches misses you, but I’ll take really good care of her. I promise.”

My already bruised heart takes on another jab of pain at the mention of my geriatric dog. Aunt Diane kept her while I was in training and a lot of the time while I was enlisted, but I’ve enjoyed my time with her these last four years.

“I know you will,” I say, my voice hoarse now with more than just the damage done to it before I was found safe.

“You always have a home here, Grace. I just want you to know that.”

“I know. Listen, I have to let you go. We’re getting ready to head to the airport. I’ll call you when I get a cell phone.”

“Please do that. You know I worry.”

“Bye,” I whisper, hanging up before she can grill me about my emotional state. I don’t want to lie to the woman, but at the same time, I’d never be able to explain how I’m feeling, specifically because I don’t understand any of it myself.

I try to lie down and get some rest, having been up longer than a full day, but my mind just won’t allow it.

The walls of the hotel room seem to come to life, pulsing as they move in on me. Knowing I can’t stay in here without going insane, I get dressed, grab the keycard, and practically sprint out of the room.

I’m breathless, aching all over from not taking my injuries into consideration as I hit the call button on the elevator. Normally, I’d take the stairs, especially since I’m heading down, but I can’t waste the energy. Plus, just the thought of being in that level of isolation makes my heart pound.

I press the button to the lobby, but my hand snaps out, hitting the three before the doors even close.

Going to him is foolish, and I know it won’t be received well, but as angry as he may get, I know I can at least breathe when he’s near.

I knock softly on the door to room number three-twenty-five, but it goes unanswered, forcing me to bang louder.

Expecting to see Trenton fresh out of the shower, the only reason I can fathom for the delay in answering the door, I gasp and take a step back when Legend pulls the door open.

“Grace,” he says, taking a step forward with a hand out like he intends to steady me.

I move away from that as well, not wanting him to touch me.

“Are you okay?”

“Trent—Grinch. I need him.”

Desperate much, Grace?

Legend’s brows draw together. “He’s not here. I haven’t seen him since you two left the hospital.”

I shake my head, not wanting to think about my visit with Alyssa Dansby. The poor woman was in complete shock, eyes focused across the room as I explained who I was and how sorry I am for playing a role in her abduction.

“You can come in and wait for him.” He holds the door open wider, but my head begins to shake immediately.

Deep inside, I know this man wouldn’t hurt me, but being alone with him in the room would do more damage to my emotional state right now than going back to my own room and letting the walls close in around me.

“No,” I snap, but he simply nods as if he knew how the offer would be received, and he’s not offended by it.

“I can call him and tell him to come up here,” he offers, but it’s received with another shake of my head.

“It’s not important,” I say, trying to manage a smile that I know looks more like a grimace. “It’s not important.”

I walk away. Since I don’t hear the door closing, I know he’s watching me.

I have no idea what I was thinking going to look for Trenton. What could I have possibly said to him when I found him?

I head back up to my room because I know this hotel isn’t big enough to have a bar, and fear would never allow me to step outside in hopes of spotting him.

Thankfully, the room doesn’t feel quite as claustrophobic when I reenter, but I still can’t manage to get any sleep. Maybe I’ll be able to rest once we get on the plane.

Chapter 19

Grinch

Keeping my distance from Grace is impossible. We ended up sitting side by side on the plane ride back to New Mexico. She ended up plastered to my side in the SUV on the drive to the clubhouse, the sexy scent of her skin invading my nose the entire time.

My skin feels alive by the time we walk inside the clubhouse. Even the brush of my own clothes sends jolts of electricity through me. It’s making me restless, but I can’t run away or head out to the bar for a beer with the guys.