Locked Hearts

Chapter Eighteen

GRACE POV

The rain beating against the window only worsened my mood. I had to see Rae today and I wasn't ready. The pass few days without her was brutal, and I hated that I was already so fucking attached. Whether or not I was going to end things, I didn't know yet.

"Grace, someone's here to see you." Maggie, the receptionist informed me.

I glanced at the time, seeing that it was too early to be Rae and Lena.

"Send them in."

I finished typing the last of my story piece just as my door opened. Without looking up, I closed my laptop.

"Hi, how can I help you?" I asked putting away my scattered papers.

"Hey, Gracie." A familiar voice came.

I froze. My eyes stayed glued to the papers in my hand, I didn't dare look up. I couldn't, instead I focused on keeping my breathing leveled.

"I just want to talk." She spoke again.

Finally gaining the courage to look at her, I spoke in a cold tone. "I have nothing to say to you."

"Gracie, please." The brunette came closer. "I-I need money. I won't bother you again."

I scoffed loudly in disgust. "Now, why the fuck would I give you money?"

"I need it." She sat down. "I know you hate me but just help me out. Deep down you must still care about me."

I stared hard at the woman across from me. She was right. I did still care, no matter how hard I tried not to. But sometimes, it didn't matter how much someone meant to you, toxic was toxic. You had to let them go for your own well-being.

"No, you need to leave. Now!" I got up and turned to the window.

"Gracie,"

"Stop fucking calling me that!" I turned around seething in anger. "You're a fucking snake and a coward. I trusted you and you betrayed me. You don't deserve anything from me. Get the fuck out!" I shouted.

I noticed someone in my periphal. Looking towards the door, I saw Kelly, Rae and Lena. I ignored the two latter.

Kelly angrily made her way closer. "Who the fuck let you in?"

"This had nothing to do with you, Kelly."

"The fuck it doesn't. Get out now or I'll have you thrown out." Kelly said through gritted teeth.

She looked over at me. "This is my number, call me Grace." She said and walked out.

I noticed her eyeing Rae on her way out. Clencing my jaw, I grabbed the card and tore it up.

Kelly placed her hand on my shoulder. "Gracie?"

I nodded. "I'm good." I swallowed thickly and sat.

"Lena come with me. Rae, you and her need to talk." Kelly said on her way out.

I sat with my head in my hands. I could feel Rae's eyes on me before her footsteps came closer. I knew when she knelt in front of me, then her slightly rough hands took mine in hers.

"Bellissima?" Her voice was softer than I ever heard before. "Talk to me."

My eyes stayed shut as I shook my head negatively. "You don't get it." I whispered. "I can't get hurt again."

"You won't. I would never hurt you, I just want you." She whispered back.

"I can't take that chance." I moved away from her and walked to the seat by the window. "This has to end, we have to end." I still hadn't looked at her.