Fate (The Edge of Forever) (29 page)

Shawn was waiting at the door where I left him. 

“Hey, Gabs? You alright?” Shawn grasped my arms, holding me steady when I almost collided with him.

I shook my head. “No. Get me home.”

He nodded. Still clutching me, he hailed a cab. Thankfully, one pulled up immediately.

“Your mom came out to see me.” It had been silent for several minutes as we rode in the taxi. It smelled of stale chips and mildew. I barely noticed; my mind was preoccupied. “She was trying to convince me to persuade you to go home.” He gave me a look that said ‘yeah, that’s not going to happen’ before continuing. “She seems to think you’ve been staying with me for some reason.”

“Shawn...” I sighed.

“I’m just messing with you, baby girl. I know she’d flip her lid if she knew you were staying with Grayson. I kept my trap shut, but next time give me a heads up if I gotta lie. It’s really hard when you’re put on the spot.”

I took a deep breath calming my nerves. “Sorry.”

“No prob, Gabs.” After a few minutes of silence, he spoke again. “What happened?”

I let out a breath I didn’t even know I had been holding. It came out in a rush that sounded like frustration. My face was completely blank of all emotions. “He basically said I wanted it and he was just giving me what I asked for.”

I felt the vibe from Shawn instantly change. “He what?” he growled. His eyes lit up, turning a golden yellow. He was really pissed. I rarely saw his animalistic side come out otherwise.

“I hit him and got out.”

“You hit him?” Shawn smiled, his body visible began to relax.

“Punched him.” I motioned through the air with my fist, but otherwise showed no other expression. “Right in the face.”

The longer we were in the car, the more detached I became, until I was closed off in my own head. How was I supposed to continue on with this? The thought of seeing Anton made my stomach flip and not in a good way. 

Shawn had the cab driver stop a few blocks from Grayson’s apartment. He got out while I waited in the cab. Shawn stood there for several minutes; his eyes closed taking long deep breaths before climbing back in the cab. I knew he was making sure we weren’t being followed. Better to know now than before we pulled up to Grayson’s apartment.

“All clear,” he said as the cab pulled away from the curb.

The driver pulled up outside Grayson’s apartment moments later. I paid him before climbing out, followed closely behind by Shawn. I looked at him, confused.

“I’m following you up,” he spoke, pointing his finger at me. “No arguing.” I didn’t have the energy so I didn’t bother.

Shawn seemed to be on alert. He felt more like a bodyguard at the moment than a friend. He led me out of the elevator to Grayson’s door. He didn’t bother knocking; he just went in like he owned the place.

“What happened?” Grayson had been sitting on the couch. He jumped up when I entered.

Shawn held his hand up, silencing Grayson from any further questions.
 

“Bathroom?” Shawn asked.

Grayson gestured toward the bedroom. Shawn led me back through the master bedroom to the bathroom. He handled me like I was fragile and would shatter at the hint of pressure. Really, I had just hit a master vampire; fragile was the last thing I was. Once inside the bathroom, Shawn ran the water for a bath. After testing the temperature, he plugged the tub, allowing it to fill. I turned and noticed Grayson standing in the doorway. He held clothes out to Shawn. He gave me a sympathetic smile before walking away. I wanted to tell him not to. To stay with me, but I knew I needed a few minutes alone to get my thoughts together and I think he knew it too. Shawn helped me out of my clothes and into the tub. Part of me was glad he was there. I’d just as soon as crawl in fully dressed.

“We’ll be right outside,” he whispered gently. I nodded slightly.

I barely acknowledged the door closing. But when they started talking, my mind perked up, eavesdropping. I could hear their voices murmuring as I sat in the water, recalling the events of the day.

“What happened?” Grayson demanded.

I heard Shawn sigh, even behind the closed door it was audible. “He said some really shitty things to her, that I’m not going to repeat ‘cause it’s only going to piss you off. But I have to say, I’m pretty proud of the way she handled it.” He paused then began to laugh. “She punched him... In the face... A master vampire.” He spoke with disbelief.

“Is that why she’s upset? Because of what he said?” Grayson asked. His tone noticeably more relaxed, with a hint of amusement. I just didn’t see punching Anton in the face as big of an accomplishment as they did.
Men.

“I’m not sure. It could be the fact that she realized he’s never going to let her go. That she’ll never be rid of him without risking her freedom.”

“There has to be a way for her to get out of it.”

“I’m looking, Grayson, but so far the only thing I’ve seen is she either kills him or mates another.”

“Killing him is definitely growing higher on my list. I just wish it was possible.” Grayson mumbled. “But mating? That would kill me even more than this situation we’re in, but if it was her only option, I’d let her go.”

I lost it then. In a lightning fast blur, I was out of the bath. Grabbing the robe out of the pile Grayson had given to Shawn, I streaked into the living room. “That’s enough! Both of you!” They both gaped at me as I startled them by my sudden appearance. “I am not mating some vampire to get out of this thing Anton has me trapped in! Do you understand me?”

“Gaby...” Grayson started, his tone suggesting for me to see reason.

“No!” I shouted.

Shawn tried next, “Gabs we’re just...”

“NO!” I screamed cutting him off. “This is not up for discussion. Find another way, Shawn. Please? Before I find my own.”

I turned heading back towards the bathroom. I slipped out of my robe, submerging myself back in the water. I heard the front door open and close. After a few minutes, I heard it open and close, again. A moment later, Grayson stepped through the door of the bathroom.

“Shawn leave?” I asked.

Grayson nodded. “Baby, I’m sorry.”

“I will never leave you again. Not even to rid myself of Anton,” I whispered. “I did that before and it just made us both miserable.” I looked up at Grayson’s face. “I love you and he’s not going to win.”

Grayson looked down, but nodded once. When his eyes met mine, there was a glint in his eye. “You want some company?” He gestured to the tub.

I beamed at him. “I’d love some.”

He stripped out of his clothes, stepped in behind me, and wrapped me in his body. He just held and comforted me.

Chapter 15

The Alexander Hotel

Friday had been hectic. Saturday was proving to be just as crazy. I was overseeing all the last minute arrangements of the opening of the Alexander Hotel. Decorations were up. The DJ arrived early and had been led to where he could set up. The only thing left was the caterer who, of course, was running late, again. After he made a big deal about needing the menu options finalized, he was late for that meeting and was now late on delivery. I was just glad we had opted out of using his servers and had decided to let the hotel staff handle it. I’m sure if we hadn’t, there would’ve been more issues.

“Alright Rachel, let me know the minute he arrives. I’d hate to have to send someone to the grocery store to pick up finger food, but if they’re not here in the next hour, that’s exactly what we’re going to do. We can’t, not have food.” She nodded in acknowledgement. “Okay, then. I’m going to go get ready. Any problems, I’ve got my cell.”

“Go, Gaby. I got this.”

Grayson had given me a room in the hotel to get ready, that way I was close for all of the arrangements. Plus, he insisted that I be his escort for the event. I had agreed, knowing that the nest wasn’t into social news and the hotel was going to be big news. It also meant I needed to be a little more dressed up than what I would normally be when I worked an event like this. One good thing was Shawn would be here for emotional support. Grayson and I were going public with our relationship. After tonight, we would be official.

Butterflies erupted in my stomach. I was nervous-excited. On top of everything, I would be meeting Grayson’s parents. He had told me Friday in passing.

“Oh, by the way, my parents are excited about meeting you,” he had said as he walked out the door for work.

I knew I should be happy. When I had seen their names on the guest list, I had been afraid he was embarrassed by me. He’d proven that that wasn’t the case.

I had insisted on getting ready on my own. Grayson had offered to hire a styling team, but I knew I’d be faster by myself. Sure enough, thirty minutes before guest were scheduled to arrive, I was finished. I made my way down to make sure everything had come together seamlessly. The caterer had arrived fifteen minutes before the cutoff I had given Rachel, so no grocery store bought finger food. Thank goodness.
 

Everything looked exactly as I had pictured it would. I was admiring my finished product when strong arms wrapped around my waist. I smiled, leaning into the familiar body.

“You did a wonderful job, baby. I think I’ll hire you for all my parties and grand openings.” Grayson’s breath was warm against my ear sending chills down my arm.

“I think you’d go broke if you did, Mr. Alexander,” I playfully teased.

“Surely I’d get some kind of discount, after all the immense pleasure I give you,” he whispered seductively.

“Of course,” I stated. “I can give you the ten percent friends and family discount.”

Grayson tickled beneath my ribs. I squealed, wiggling in his arms. Getting free, I spun to face him. He stepped back, his eyes scanning me from head to toe, slowly taking me in. “You look beautiful.”

I was wearing a dress that was vibrant deep shade of crimson, the same color of a rose. It hugged my curves tightly until my hips where it flared out slightly. The skirt was covered in small ruffles that angled diagonally. They started at right my hip and met my at me left thigh. It was a strapless that laced up my back like a corset. My hair was pinned up in a neat French bun and I wore black stilettos on my feet.

I grinned at him. Grayson was wearing a black Armani tux with a charcoal dress shirt that was unbuttoned at the top. He had a red handkerchief sticking out of his breast pocket that just happened to match my dress.

“But you’re missing something,” he observed, eyeing me for a moment. I ran my hand nervously over my body, taking notes on anything that might be missing. “Ah yes.” He pulled a long black velvet box from his back pocket. I gaped at it in shock. With shaky hands, I opened the box and gasped. Inside was a heart shaped diamond pendent, resting on a white gold chain.

“Oh my God, Grayson!” I breathed.

He removed the necklace form its confines when it became clear I wasn’t moving I continued to stare at the miraculous piece of jewelry. “You said once that when we split up that you had nothing to remind you of me.” He stepped behind, me placing the necklace around my neck. “I wanted you to know that you always have my heart with you, even when we’re apart.”

I clutched my hand to my neck, feeling the diamond resting there. “Thank you,” I whispered. Grayson wiped away the single tear streaming down my cheek.

He smiled brilliantly at me. “Now you look perfect.”

I stood on my toes, which wasn’t much difference in my heels, and pulled Grayson by the nape of his neck down until his lips touched mine.

“Gaby!” I broke from Grayson and turned in the direction I heard my name. It was Ralph, my boss. He was making his way to us. “I just wanted to drop by before it got too busy and see how everything came together.”

“Everything’s good, Ralph,” as I spoke Grayson’s hand found its way around my waist. Ralph’s eyes glanced quickly at Grayson then back to me. “Uh… Ralph this is Grayson Alexander, the owner and uh…my…”

“Boyfriend,” Grayson finished for me. He extended his hand to Ralph, who paused before hesitantly taking it.

“Grayson this is my boss, Ralph.” The moment just felt awkward. I hoped once introductions were done we’d part ways. I had never officially told Ralph that Grayson and I were back together. I didn’t want him to think it was a conflict of interest. I mean if he could force me to work for a man he knew was my ex, why would it matter if I worked for my boyfriend.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Alexander.” Ralph’s glare was icy cold as he turned it on me. Great!

“Same here and please call me Grayson. I was going to call you Monday, actually, Ralph. I wanted to tell you what a fabulous job Gabriella did on the opening. She’s been working quite vigilantly.”

“Well that’s good to hear. I have to say, Mr. Alexander, I was a bit worried what with your history together that the whole thing might be a complete disaster, but it appears I had nothing to worry about.”

“No, you didn’t.” Grayson articulated his words pressing the meaning behind them. “Gabriella handled herself as a complete professional and, because of her, I wouldn’t mind sending more business your way.”