You need to eat more, Sister.
Grace made a strangled sound.
Im serious, Jason said.
She was too light in his arms. And while most men wouldve probably found that satisfying, for him, it just reinforced her
frailty.
How easily she could be hurt or taken from him.
That fall it couldve killed her.
The night he met her those men could have killed her.
That asshole at his country club could have drowned her.
The electric bike couldve run her down.
And he shuddered just how many times did she face death while in prison?!?
Her face pressed against him and she nestled closer as if seeking his warmth.
I cant remember the last time someone carried me. In my memory, when I was a child, Mom was the only one who ever did this for me. Her voice was wistful. My memories of those times are too vague.
He made a soothing sound.
Jay, youre so nice, she murmured.
She could all but feel him smiling. When she glanced up, his mouth remained in a straight line, but his eyes glowed mischievously. Are you going to say that Im a nice person again, sister? he asked.
Yes. I want to say that youre a good brother. Im very lucky to have a brother like you, she replied.
Brother He shook his head.
Jason carried Grace to the entrance of the hospital and Linas car appeared not long after.
After the two of them had gotten into the car, Lina launched
into a tirade.
Dont you dare even interrupt me, Grace, because this shit
has gone on long enough!
With barely taking a second to draw a breath, Linarelayed the events that had transpired that day.
Although Jason had already heard the rough account of the incident from Terrence, his expression darkened dramatically at hearing Linas telling of it.
That Zoe went too far! Not only did she have the malicious
intention of having the store attendant kick us out, but she
also intentionally tripped Grace! Can you believe that!?! Grace
couldve been seriously injured. She couldve died. This wasnt
just a minor fall. That bitch tripped her down an escalator!!!
Let it go, Grace said tiredly.
Are you insane? Grace, what part of you-could-have-died did you not hear!?
Lina slammed on the brakes at an intersection and Jason threw out his arm to halt Graces forward momentum.
His hand caught her shoulder and he gently guided her back against the seat. Seeing as how Lina was driving aggressively, no doubt a reflection of her mood, Jason slung his arm around Graces shoulder to cushion her back and better hold her against the seat.
Its all because Zoe is a Stevens Lina seethed.
What does that mean? Jason asked carefully.
Surely, youve heard of the Stevens Family. They own a good portion of this city. Real estate, businesses, commerce. Its like they have their greedy hands in everything. And Zoe shes the worst! Acting like shes so entitled and as if everyone else is dirt beneath her feet. Lina slapped the steering wheel. If it werent for Graces good luck, she might have been seriously
injured!
Im fine, Lina, Grace said.
Your foot is broken! You have bruises all over. She eyed Jason
in the rearview mirror. Is she crazy?
Lina turned back to the road ahead. Lina gnashed her teeth with hatred. Zoe relies on the Stevens Family which allows her
to act so brazenly!
The Stevens Family Jason mumbled softly with a hint of mockery in his tone. So what if shes from the Stevens Family?
Oh, Jay, you really shouldnt look down on the Stevens Group. Her voice was tired. Look, I can complain about them, and they are a bunch of elitist assholes, but that doesnt change the fact that theyre one of the ruling families in this city.
Ruling family? Jason scoffed.
Money buys a lot of things, Grace said quietly.
Exactly, Lina agreed. And given their reach and influence, if this were to go to court, who do you think would win? She shook her head and hit the brakes hard at a yellow light. If not for her injured passenger, she probably wouldve floored it through.
You werent there before, Grace said softly. When the accident happened, it brought in the Reed Family. The Atkinson Family. Her dark eyes drifted to his. I was an attorney, Jay, and I swear I was not under the influence. It
made no difference.
So you think the court case wasaltered by these families? he asked carefully.
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Grace glanced away and stared out the window. It doesnt matter now. Whats done is done. I cant get back my life. And
neither can Jennifer Atkinson.
Grace, that doesnt give Zoe the right to harm you, Lina
argued.
Taking her to courtwhat difference would it make? Even with the mall surveillance video, what would happen? Shed pay a small fine? Grace shrugged. It isnt worth the effort.
Then lets not go to court, Jason said.
Then wouldnt Grace be at a disadvantage? Linas voice was outraged. No, they have to compensate her for all the medical fees and her lost income. Even though these fees wont mean much to them, we still cant be on the losing end, Lina explained.
Jasons hand unconsciously tightened on Graces shoulder. Your suffering will not be in vain, sister. Whoever hurts you will have to pay for it, Jason replied coldly.
In an instant, rage bloomed within his eyes.
Grace gasped. There was fear in her eyes as she stared at him, almost as if she was seeing him clearly for the first time.
She had the abrupt sensation that the Jay sitting before her was a stranger.
A dangerous stranger.
And yet, in the next moment, the rage in his eyes disappeared
and they returned to their usual calmness.
His lips opened and closed. Whats wrong?
Noth-nothing. She shook her head and told herself that she was imagining things. When they arrived at Graces
apartment, Jason carried her once again.
She cherished the way he held her, but part of her wondered what sort of violence those same hands were capable of.