Tears of frustration burned her eyes. This wasn’t what she wanted.
Let her help you, Grace.
Rio’s command was strong. Compelling. He was firm and unyielding. He had a tight hold on her and he wasn’t letting go, almost as if he had a part of her captive.
I don’t want her to ever feel this, Grace choked out.
She has people to support her. She has Nathan there. She isn’t alone. And now neither are you. Don’t be so stubborn. Lean on us. Allow us in. Allow us to take it for you until you’re strong enough to bear it yourself.
More warmth and love po
ured into her through the connection to Shea. Grace felt herself enfolded by her sister, held tight and rocked back and forth as if she were a child in need of comfort.
She clung to her sister, hugging her back, afraid to let go for fear the connection would be broken. Shea pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and smoothed away the hair from her face.
Sleep now, Grace. Rest so your body can heal, so that when you awake, you’ll be stronger and yourself once more.
Then she felt the kiss of another. More intimate. Loving. The kiss of a lover. A warm caress. A gentle touch. His arms replaced Shea’s, pulled her into his embrace. Strong. Protective. A barrier between her and all the darkness.
It’s okay now, Grace. I’ve got you. You’re going to be okay. Sleep now and know that I’ll be here when you wake.
CHAPTER 28
WHEN Grace opened her eyes, she wasn’t entirely certain where she was. The ceiling came into focus and then she saw the high window and the soft light pouring into the bedroom where she and Rio had made love.
She then became aware that she wasn’t alone. Not only was she not alone, but Rio was wrapped around her as if he was shielding her from the world. His leg was thrown over hers. His arm lay possessively over her midsection and his other arm was beneath her head so that she was cradled into his side. And she was completely naked.
She smiled. She was back. She was alive. She’d made it through.
There was no doubt she was as weak as a newborn kitten. She felt as limp as a wet noodle and her mind was mush. But she had renewed strength. Strength she hadn’t possessed before and an awareness she hadn’t felt since before she’d severed the link between her and Shea.
Shea! The awareness was of her sister’s presence in her mind. Always there, just as she’d been before. Tears gathered in her eyes and she bit her lip, afraid to call out, afraid that she’d only dreamed that she’d been able to reconnect with Shea. I’m here, Grace.
The calm sound of her sister’s voice sent joy coursing through her soul.
I worried I’d dreamed it all. I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you so much.
I’ve missed you too, Grace. I love you. It’s been too long. We can be together now. Things are different. We can have a…life. I don’t want to be without you anymore. There’s no reason for it. Nathan and his family have promised to keep you safe. And now you have…Rio. You know you’re going to have to tell me all about him.
Grace smiled through her tears. Happy tears. So like old times when they shared everything.
Deal. Just as soon as you tell me everything about Nathan.
She felt Shea’s answering smile.
We’ll talk when you’re stronger, Grace. Right now I just want you to focus on getting better.
Love you.
Love you too.
Even though the communication ended, Grace could still feel the lingering presence of her sister. She hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed having her there until she’d been permanently gone.
“Have a nice chat with Shea?”
She turned, realizing that Rio was awake and had been silently watching her. She smiled. “Yeah. I can’t believe she’s back. I thought I’d never be able to talk to her telepathically again.”
Rio kissed her, his lips gentle and loving over hers. For the longest time he stayed there even when he’d pulled his mouth away. His forehead rested against hers and he cupped her jaw in his palm.
“I’m just glad you’re back,” he said. “You scared me, Grace. I thought I’d lost you.”
“I thought I’d lost myself,” she said honestly.
Rio pulled slightly away but kept hold on her jaw, tilting so she met his gaze. “Why did you do it?”
She sighed and closed her eyes. “I didn’t want to die if that’s what you’re thinking. I almost refused because I was afraid I would die.”
Rio’s face went hard and his eyes cold. “Browning said he didn’t threaten you. Did he? Did he hurt you?”
She could only imagine what Rio had done to his teammate. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know. She shook her head, feeling the firm imprint of his fingers on her face. It was comforting. There was strength in his touch. And possession. A clear message that he considered her his.
“I think he was scared. And resigned. It was as if he knew the consequences of what he’d done. Knew you’d be furious. I was pretty pissed too. But I also understood why he’d done it. I can only imagine how I’d feel if it were my child and I couldn’t do anything to help her. I’d lie, cheat, steal, threaten or kidnap anyone who could help her, you know?”
“Is that why you did it? Because you understood?”
She leaned her forehead against his lips, liking the warmth of his mouth on her skin. “I did it because once I saw her, I knew she was dying. I knew she wouldn’t last much longer. Death surrounded her and I knew that if I didn’t help her, I wouelp onld be responsible for her death and I couldn’t look Browning and Sumathi in the eye and tell them I wouldn’t help their daughter because I was afraid of dying when I’d finally found a reason to live.”