Falling with Grace - Page 165

Dark tendrils lanced my spine, my breaths raspy and echoing off the walls. My chin trembled as an invisible force pressed in on my chest, fighting my erratic heart, tripping into a chaotic rhythm.

I stepped onto the patio, my bare feet padding towards the pool, a storm brewing in my belly.

There’s no choice.

I have no choice.

My world caved in, my skin slicked with sweat.

He has to let me go.

He won’t.

I covered my face with my palms.

I can’t walk back through his gates and into Andrés’ arms again.

I can’t.

My tattoo burned behind my ear, the heat rushing through my skin as bile ate at the back of my throat.

I need it gone.

Digging my nails into the ink behind my ear, I dragged them down with a muffled cry, clawing at his claim on me.

“Are you okay?”

Leaping in place, I swiped away the tears tracking down my cheeks, crimson-tinged beneath my nails.

Alba placed a tray on the table surrounded by metal patio chairs and lifted the lid.

“I’m fine.”

“I brought you some food.”

“Thank you,Alba.” I turned my back to her, hiding the damage I’d created and the tears.

“Let me know if you need anything.”

Her footsteps retreated inside, leaving me to my destructive thoughts.

Jorge’s rosary burned in my pocket.

Who will give her the rosary if I’m gone?

I need to think.

I walked closer to the rippling, heated pool.

“You’re not going in there again.” Elias stepped up behind me, his hands sliding down my shoulders. “Are you?”

“I was thinking about it.”

His lips trailed down my neck and paused. “You’re bleeding.” He pulled away and spun me to the side, my limbs limp at my waist. “What happened?”

A strangled sigh escaped me. “I…I must have scratched myself.”

“This is more than that.” He spun me around, his chest to mine, his hands cupping my cheeks, forcing me to look at him. “You’re crying.”