Locked Hearts

Chapter Eleven

GRACE POV

My hand reached to the spot next to me, only to find it empty. The clock showed 3am, where was she? I got up, threw a shirt on my naked body and walked out of her room. Fuck, it was too damn early to be up. I heard a voice whispering and I followed it to the living room.

The dark haired woman sat on the couch, her sweats and sports bra on while she rapidly spoke in Italian. She had a soft smile on her face as she did so. I knew some of the language but with how soft and fast she spoke, I couldn't tell what she was saying. Yawning, I walked to her and sat. Rae glanced at me and smiled before turning away again. She continued her conversation as I waited with my head on her shoulder.

I hated to admit it, but I had gotten used to her. To her being around, her cooking, her dominance, her changed behaviour with me recently. Heck, even her smell became something permanent around my apartment. Still, I had my doubts. Rae was a womanizer, I tried my best to remember that. We were friends with benefits and nothing more.

She hung up and faced me as best she could with my head on her. "Did I wake you?" She asked while caressing my leg.

"No, I just woke up and realised you weren't there." I lifted my head.

She hummed and leaned in for a kiss. For the first time ever, we kissed at a slow pace. She wasn't kissing me like she was starving for something. Her hands pulled me onto her lap without detaching our lips. I snaked my arms around her neck, enjoying her tenderness. I loved her being rough, but this was something foreign and intoxicating. Our tongues didn't even come into play but I didn't mind. Slowly she pulled back, tugging at my buttom lip as she did.

"Let's go back to bed." She stood with me hanging on like a koala bear would a tree.

"Who was that?" I couldn't help my curiosity while she walked to the room.

Rae laid me on the bed and got in. "My aunt, cara mia. She's in Italy and she didn't remember the time difference." She held me closely. "Sleep."

I didn't protest and soon was falling asleep, enjoying the warmth of her body.

●●●

"So, you're still telling me that you're just 'fuck buddies'?" Kelly scoffed.

We were sitting in Kelly's office, talking about my latest piece for the magazine while the t.v. played in the background. We somehow got on the topic of Rae and I and I had just finished telling her about Rae's change in behaviour recently. I really wasn't sure what it was or how it made me feel. I wasn't ready for another commitment, not that Rae asked for one.

I'm probably over thinking this anyway.

"Yes, we are." I rolled my eyes, crossing my legs.

She looked at me through squinted eyes. "That woman is falling for you and whether or not you admit it, you're falling right back."

I stubbornly shook my head. "No, she's not, Rae is a major player. I definitely am not falling for anyone. If anything I'm whipped over the sex, that's it."

She really was good in bed. Fuck, I needed her right now.

She fucks women like her life depended on it, of course she's good in bed.

I mentally groaned at my thoughts.

"I know you're scared of giving someone else a chance, but babe," she reached for my hand. "Not everyone is Connor."

I pulled my hand away. "You know that's not what hurts about it the most." I spoke bitterly.

My bitterness wasn't directed at her and she knew that. I didn't have to worry about Kelly thinking otherwise, she understood me. More than anyone else ever could.

"I know, Gracie. I know, but please don't let this keep consuming you." She spoke softly.

I nodded and mustered up a small smile for my friend. "I don't want to and I know I can't keep holding on. I just can't seem to trust anyone with more. It almost broke me the first time." I blinked back the tears that formed.

"Hey, come here." She opened her arms and I didn't hesitate to melt into her embrace. "You don't have to push yourself, I'm just happy you're starting somewhere. At your own pace, babe."

"Okay." I whimpered out.

We parted and I adjusted myself, I didn't need to be crying over that anymore. I deserved way better and I knew that much.

"Whoa." Kelly muttered.

"What?" I asked, looking over at the television too.

The news was on and they were talking about two recent murders. They flashed pictures of two burly looking men but that's not what caught my attention. It was the location they were found, not far from Rae's club. They stated that witnesses saw them leaving Rae's club not long before.

"Fuck, that's the third time and fifth person to die." Kelly whispered.

My head pounded as a headache came full on. I started worrying about Rae, about her business. This was definitely bad for her.

"I'm going to call her." I didn't wait for an answer and walked out while dialing her.

"I'm busy at the moment, bellissima." She answered.

"I just saw the news." I ignored her attempt to not talk.

I heard her sigh before she replied. "Yeah, of course." I could imagine her puffing her cheeks out, it was something she did a lot. "That's why I'm busy, cops are here. Can I call you back?"

"Sure, but you will, right?"

"I promise, cara mia." She softly replied before hanging up.

"Everything okay?" Kelly voice was heard from behind me.

I clutched my chest before facing her. "What the hell, don't do that." I breathed out.

She chuckled, leaning against the wall outside her office. "You seem pretty worried on that call. You know, like someone who like someone."

I groaned. "Kel, don't." I warned.

"Alright, fine. What'd she say about it?"

"Cops were there, she'll call when she gets a chance." She hummed eyeing me. "What?" I frowned.

"You blush everytime she uses her sexy Italians words on you." She smirked.

"I do not." I denied.

"Sure," she came closer to me, leaning right by my ear. "Cara mia." She mimicked an Italian accent, badly.

I backed away, laughing at my friend. "Whatever, I'm going back to work."

"Have yourself some Italian tonight, babe." She called after me.

I kept walking, lifting my hand in the air and gave her the finger.

-E