Destroyed Destiny (Crowne Point 4)

“We weren’t exactly on speaking terms, Story. Then it all spiraled out of control very quickly. Why do you think I wanted to get you the fuck out of here?”

I was so in over my head.

“Lynette tried to trip me?” I lifted my head, his words finally registering through the fog.

Thanksgiving came back in flashes. Grayson running up the steps and grabbing me, me pushing him away, angry that he’d had the audacity because I didn’t understand. I thought it was about him viewing me as his.

And I didn’t give him a chance to explain.

“Your grandfather?”

“Has never been so obvious but…” He and West shared a look. “I think he knows. It would be foolish at this point to assume otherwise.”

“So then does Lottie know? All this time has she fucking known?”

“She’s probably the only one who doesn’t know at this point,” West said under breath. A moment later, I heard him stumble—shoved.

I hugged my stomach harder.

Grayson got to his knees, pulling my hands into his. “Story—”

Grayson broke off as his phone went off. His jaw tensed, clearly wanting to ignore it, but we knew what would happen if he did.

He’d been caught outside the gates by Lynette.

“You have to go,” I said miserably. “I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Story, look at me.”

I did, as his phone continued to ring and ring. “Neruda.”

Tears burned the corners of my eyes. “Neruda,” I whispered.

Grayson’s jaw clenched, his eyes burned, but slowly he stood. He paused before West, and some kind of wordless communication passed between them. West rolled his eyes and exhale, then, without another word, followed Gray out of the room. The doors shut behind them.

Twenty-Seven

GRAY

When I got back to my wing, Lottie was on the ground, white as a sheet. I rushed to her, but she waved me off.

“I’m fine.” She struggled to stand and despite what she’d said, I helped her to my couch.

“You need to tell me these things.”

As I said it, I felt like sludge.

Have you helped Lottie?

No, I hadn’t.

“Why are you here?” Lottie asked.

“This is my wing.”

“You snuck out last night. I thought you would go be with Story.” No emotion. Nothing.

I dragged two hands through my hair. “I should be taking you to the doctor. I want…” I worked my jaw. “I want to help you through this.”