Falling with Grace - Page 181

The bullet wound on my leg tingled. “Not right now, Mamá.”

“Ack.” She tossed her hands in the air. “Where’s Grace? We’re so close to finishing our puzzle.”

My stomach churned as I met her pleading gaze, my jaw clenched tight. “She’s not here at the moment.”

“Well, tell her I’ll wait for her at the table.”

Mamá turned and walked away.

“You should be resting.” My voice chased her out into the hallway.

Nadia stood in the doorway, a vision of allure with her black, silky hair cascading down her back, her long, toned legs bare and commanding attention.

I squared my shoulders, meeting her gaze. “What do you want, Nadia?”

She clutched her purse against her front, her fingers picking at her cuticles. “I heard about what happened.” She raised her chin.

“And what is that exactly?”

Her eyes darted around the room. “People are saying there was a break-in, an attempt on your life.” She moved further into the room, and Javier backed away.

I leanedon my desk for support, taking pressure off my leg. “Well, as you can see, I’m still breathing.” I motioned for her to exit.

“Dammit, Elias.” She stomped her foot, her hand skimming a chair’s back. “I was worried sick.”

I straightened my spine. “Worried, or just eager to worm your way back in?”

“What are you talking about?” Her brows knitted together, her mouth drawn taut. “I thought you might be hurt. I came to check on you.”

I rounded the desk, closing the distance between us. “And what business is it of yours? You forfeited any right to be here when you insulted my family.”

“I’m sorry.” Her chin quivered, a nervous tick twitching the corner of her eye. “For what I said.”

“And there it is.”

Javier slipped out of the office, clicking the door shut behind him, leaving us with thick tension in the air.

“You make things so damn difficult sometimes.” She sighed. “We’ve been together for three years. Why can’t I just check on you?”

“Because there’s always another motive with you.” I glared, stepping towards her. “It’s always about you and what you want.”

She shook her head and cocked her hip. “All I’ve ever done is love you, Elias. And yet, one careless comment about your mother, and you kick me out of your life.”

“You made me realize how much I didn’t need you in it.”

“That hurts.” Her chin trembled, and her eyes glistened.

“It was meant to.” I gestured towards the door. “Now leave. I don’t have time for post-breakup pity parties.”

She set her jaw and turned towards the door but stopped before exiting, my fist clenched hard at my side. “What makes you think you’ll find her?”

I reared back and shook my head, my lips firm. “What makes you think I can’t?”

Her hand rested on the knob as she leaned into the door. “I didn’t say you couldn’t.”

“But you implied it.”

“Believe what you want.” She opened the office doors and walked into the hall. “I hope he gives her everything she deserves…” she muttered.