Ten Years Ago
Nate
Irecognised Grace through the windscreen when the car pulled up.
Her mother was there, of course, but she and Nick were too busy greeting each other to talk to me.
I slipped past the two of them and walked to the car, making a quick assessment of the girl I’d met so long ago.
Those striations in her eyes were bright, though the sclera were a little yellow.
I leaned in close, seeing that she was too thin by far, her pink cheeks gaunt with malnourishment.
Nevertheless, she was the beautiful creature I'd failed to save.
I was tempted to march to the driver’s side and tear out of there with her. But the Munchausen bitch had the keys, and Grace was staring up at me with something like fear.
“Well,” I prompted, “do you remember?”
She shook her head, those eyes darting to where my brother still chatted with her mother, as if it was the two of them getting married today. I reached out, my hand hovering near her face, drawing her attention.
“I think you do remember me, Grace. Because I remember every second I had with you in that park. I remember your lacy dress and your amber-brown eyes and the way you ran away from me at first. I remember how your mother screamed for you. And what you said about food. And especially—this is the important point, Grace—I remember that you agreed to come with me.”
“Nate,” she whispered, my name falling from her lips.
I wanted to answer her with a kiss. I contained myself, glancing at where my brother stood talking to the woman who’d been hurting my girl all these years.
“That’s right,” I said, my eyes returning to her. “And here’s something I want you to know before you make the mistake of marrying my brother.” I leaned close even as I sensed that Nick and her mother were watching us now, their voices no longer chattering back and forth. “My offer stands.”
She tried to shrink back, her eyes going wide with shock.
Christ, that look made me want to snatch her up and carry her off, regardless of what anyone said.
I could keep her for myself, hide her away where no one could find her.
I tucked the thought away as I tugged her up and out of the car, my hand finding her waist. I felt her ribs and I had to close my eyes to contain my anger at her condition.
Grace glanced at Nick then back at me, blinking fast.
“You’d take me with you,” she whispered, “when you don’t even know me?”
“Does Nick know you?” I lowered my voice, ensuring only she could hear me. “Does he know about your mother? Does he try to stop her—or does he encourage her to hurt you?”
“She doesn’t hurt me. She’s the best—she’s…”
Her voice faded as she looked away, refusing to meet my eyes. She shook her head, pulling out of my grip. I felt a heaviness settle in my stomach as I realised she was too far gone to accept what I offered.
I thought briefly of forcing her. Carrying her off and making her mine.
Impossible…
There was nowhere to take her. Nowhere to hide her. Not yet.
“Do you think marrying Nick will help you?” I asked, not bothering to hide my contempt for the notion.
“What are you talking about?” Her lashes fluttered with confusion. “I don’t understand—”
“I’m talking about you marrying my fucking useless brother.” I leaned in until I was offensively close. I wanted to press the truth into her before she made the mistake of both our lifetimes. “Do you think Nick is ever going to help you, Grace?”
“Help me with what?”
Nick called my name and I knew it was a matter of seconds before he’d come over here. I decided to risk it all.
“You’ve got this one chance, Grace. Leave with me right now, and I’ll do what I couldn’t do all those years ago. I’ll take you away. I’ll fix what’s wrong. I’ll protect you from your mother—and my brother—even if it costs me everything.”
“Nate,” she said, pressing herself against the car, clearly trying to get some space. “I can’t leave my own wedding. I barely managed to get here. I’m sick and Nick—he’s the only future I have.”
Disappointment flooded me. The worst of it was, Grace might have been right.
I was insane to believe I could rescue her from a situation she herself was choosing.
I didn’t know her, not really, and I had only vague notions of what she truly needed.
I faltered, finally looking away, knowing everything I offered was too little, too early… and too late.
“Graciously!” Nick called.
He was finally ready to claim his bride. There was nothing I could do but watch as Grace’s eyes went to him, to the better twin who would be the worse husband.
So I watched her walk away and marry my brother, the star jasmine trembling in her hands.
I watched the Munchausen bitch smile, knowing that she’d just put Grace exactly where she’d be most vulnerable.
But even as the ceremony began, I vowed to make a haven for my girl.
Someday, she might recognise the mistake she’d made—and when she did, I would have everything ready.
And, a dark part of me whispered, someday, I might just steal her after all.