GRACE

"Did you notice anything out of place?"

I glanced at Dominic before replying. "Out of place? Uh... no. Everyone was busy with their work. Besides, I was occupied with escaping from those media dudes. I didn't get a chance to notice if anyone was observing me."

My tone was a little unfriendly, but I am truly getting tired. As if it was not enough that I was offered my job back because of Dominic, I just had to receive a threatening message that tells me that someone has been watching me.

After I received the text earlier, I shook off the shiver that overpowered me and headed for Hotel Pierre. With haste, I showed Dominic the text and he immediately dialled the number of his friend that supposedly owned a security company. That friend of his is now around and is asking me questions with the hope that my answers would help his investigation. Apparently, ever since we saw the strange word on my bathroom mirror, Dominic contacted his friend and launched a swift investigation.

After many seconds, the man named Dave asked, "How about when you were coming back to the hotel? Did anything seem off?"

"I did not," I took a second lasting deep breath to calm myself, "notice anything. Okay? I was too busy thinking hard to notice anything."

Dominic reached for my arm and gave my skin an assuring embrace. I looked up at him and a sigh left my lips.

Despite my slightly snarky tone, Dave remained calm. A patient smile rested on his lips and his eyes wore a smile brighter than the one on his morphed lips. After he adjusted his face cap which boldly announced his name, he continued, "Grace, I understand that you are tired right now. But if there is anything you remember, please let me know. It will help us tremendously."

I nodded in understanding and asked, "So, are you a cop or...?"

He adjusted the arm of his long-sleeved, patterned t-shirt, exposing more of his beautiful milk chocolate skin. "I used to be one. Anyway, is there anyone in your life that might have a reason to hurt you?"

"Not exactly. But, based on recent happenings, I suspect Regina. I don't know her personally, but she might be the one behind the messages." Once I was done answering the question, my eyes made contact with Dominic's which refused to blink until I looked away.

"Hmm." Dave scribed something onto his notepad. "What about Diane?"

"Well, I have reasons to believe that she is out of Dominic's and Ruby's life."

"What if she isn't? What if there is a possibility that she is the one sending you the threats?"

"I guess she is a suspect then."

He nodded slowly, his hand rapidly sliding over the paper. "Is there any other person?"

I instantly released a loud scoff and a short peal of laughter followed. "No." My head danced from right to left. "There is no other freaking person. Okay? I know what you are trying to ask. But n o one on my side would want to hurt me."

"Grace." My head swung to the side to answer Dominic's soft call. As his hand squeezed my shoulder pad, he said, "Stay calm Grace. He is just doing his job."

Dave paused his words for some seconds as though waiting for me to permit him to speak. After an arched eyebrow from my end, he resumed his talk. "Well Grace, uh... I have a suggestion that will temporarily guarantee your safety pending the time we sort this threat issue out."

"And that is?"

"You can relocate somewhere secluded and assuredly safe. We hope that wherever you will be, this person making threats will not be able to reach you. Meanwhile..."

"Where could this place possibly be? To be frank, I don't have anywhere in mind."

"I will take care of that, Grace," Dominic abruptly replied, interrupting Dave's incoming response.

"Okay. But is it just me that's relocating?"

"Oh no. You and Dominic."

I shifted until I was fully facing Dominic. Then, I asked, "And, what about Ruby?"

"I don't want us to drag her into this, so she cannot come with us," Dominic briefly explained, his voice low and steady.

Huffing in response, I moved until I was a bit further from his warmth. "I get that you want to protect her. But where on earth will Ruby stay? Will she stay here? Alone?"

"No." A short frown formed on his forehead and he reached for my hand. "Grace, I am going to figure out something. I assure you that Ruby will be safe no matter what happens. But we will be taking a risk if we take her with us. We might think the suspects are Diane or Regina. But what if they are not the ones? What if the person turns out to be very dangerous and figures out where we will be hiding? That will not be good for Ruby. So, what we need to do is find somewhere safe and potentially unknown to our suspects and other people in our lives. So, if you have anywhere in mind, you can let us know."

I shook my head dejectedly. "Why... Why are you...?" My eyes closed as my slightly shaky self began to feel at a loss for words. Dominic's hands went on to grip mine and I let a short smile slowly morph on my lips. "Why are you even helping me? This is my problem, Dominic. I am the one being threatened."

"You are facing these threats because of me, Grace. Because I chose to be with you, someone has decided to get rid of you. Let me be damned if I don't do everything within my power to keep you safe." He delved into my darting, searching eyes. "I am going to make sure I keep you and Ruby safe. I promise with all I have. But Ruby can't come with us."

I was still uncomfortable with his suggestion. So, I turned to face Dave who I momentarily forgot was around. I said, "I don't agree. Ruby has to come with us."

"Grace," Dominic called and our eyes met again.

"Your point is valid, Dominic. But protecting Ruby makes no sense if she's far away from us. We need to bring her with us, Dominic. That's the only way I can be at ease."

"But... What if she falls into danger because of us?"

"We will be there to protect her, Dominic. And that's the truth." I don't know why Dominic thinks keeping Ruby in an unknown place is a better option, but he needs to understand that it is better if we all stick together, especially since Ruby is still a little girl.

"Dave, what do you think?" Dominic asked his friend.

"You already know what I think, Dominic. If you had not insisted on doing things your way, I already suggested taking Ruby along. On my end, I can assure adequate protection for your family no matter where you decide to go. So, the ball is in your court. Are you going to bring Ruby with you or not?"

Dominic sighed and with a smile, I assured him that it was the best decision. So, seconds later, he nodded and said, "We will take Ruby with us. That is cool, right."

My smile widened. "Very cool. Thank you, Dominic. And you too, Dave. Thank you."

Dave got up. "You are welcome. Please prepare to leave before the end of this week. See you later." Dominic replied with a hum and we both watched as Dave swayed out of the living room.

"Did something happen back at the office?" Dominic asked once it was just the two of us.

"Why do you ask?"

"Do you always answer a question with a question?" His brow cocked and his gaze held me down.

Since I was well aware that it would be useless to argue his question, my eyes darted away from him and I replied, "I still can't believe that company. I shouldn't have gone at all. They wanted me back because I'm dating you. Bloody leeches."

"You are so cute when you are angry. Don't let their silliness affect you, okay? Come here."

Without hesitating, I delved into his beckoning arms and instantly, a rush of tranquillity flowed through my system. I felt at peace and quickly forgot about my anger, I forgot about the unknown person threatening me. I just enjoyed the feel of Dominic's arms around me.

"This feels nice," I said, and my eyes formed a cutesy expression as his fingers started to stroke my hair.

"Yes, it does." His deep voice vibrated my insides to my delight. "Grace?"

With my eyes closed, I replied, "Hmm?"

"I am going to do my best to protect you. You know that, right?" I nodded gently. "I mean my words."

"Good." I was already feeling sleepy, his hug was that powerful. "Thank you, Dominic."

His lips found my forehead and sent another form of calmness into my system. "No, Grace. Thank you," Dominic softly said.

And silence went on to govern the room for a little while. And while we stayed in that position, I started to dig into my imagination. My mind started to wonder how life would be without Dominic and Ruby. And without haste, my heart felt hurt and disgusted by that image. That surprised me so much that I opened my eyes and wondered if my thoughts were that bad.

But to be honest, a life without the Powers would be a difficult thing to experience.

My mind chose to recall Dominic's sweet manners and approach over the past few weeks and my lips formed a coy smile at that memory. For some reason, a part of everything still feels unreal.

Sometimes I sit down and find it hard to believe that I am actually with Dominic Powers. It feels just like yesterday that I was almost drooling over his beauty and here I am! In his life and his arms!

Wow.

Crazy shit does happen sometimes. And... I am happy and grateful for my kind of crazy shit.

"What on earth are you thinking of that has got you smiling? Is it me?" I chuckled lightly at his second question.

"Nope." I hit him playfully. "I am just wondering where the safe place we will be going to is." I looked up at him and noticed a few facial hairs resting on his chin. "Where are we going?"

"Oh darling, that is going to be a surprise." His hand reached for mine and he played with it, his long fingers intertwining with my slender ones.

"You just have a thing for surprises, don't you Mr Powers?"

His head drew closer towards mine and I smiled in anticipation of what his little motion would lead to.

"Yes, I do, Miss Sands. Yes, I do." And his lips went on to claim mine.