Chapter 68

GRACIE

"what are you doing here?" I voiced out, unable to keep the disbelief out of my expression. I took a quick scan of the mall. Hayden was nowhere in sight, my gaze directed back to Shawn, it felt like forever since I had last seen him.

A tickling second went past.

Then another.

"Do you know how long I've been looking for you? " His voice sounded soft mirroring his gaze.

I felt a wave of guilt consumed me, one that I tried very hard to suppress. I just couldn't help being so jumpy.

A huge part of me was happy to see him here, even so, my heart melted knowing he had cared enough to look for me.

"Grace Smith ... or should I say, Graciela Evans? "

My gaze snapped to his at the mention of my name. I had almost forgotten that I equally lied to him about my real name.

The name had been very easy for me to go by when I had been hiding from being discovered.

"You've always kept to yourself, do you know how I felt finding out the little you had opened up to me had been all lies .. even your name "

The hurt and betrayal in his made me feel a hundred times even worse.

"I'm sorry I lied "

It was the only thing I could say at this moment.

A sigh escaped his mouth as his gaze turned suddenly serious.

"I knew something was wrong instantly, so I've been keeping a track of you, so many things just didn't add up, he just appeared out of nowhere and you...., why didn't you just tell me everything, I would have been able to help you... I can still help you now "

I sucked in a breath when he clasped on my shoulders gently

"I don't need help Shawn, we are perfectly fine... With him " I added the last part while staring into his gaze meaningfully.

He didn't appear to believe me in the least bit, the hand on my shoulders tightened, even more, his gaze soft and convincing.

"You don't have to be afraid of him, We've been trying to get him, just a little more time we'll finally get enough leads to nail h... "

His words sent a spike of fear and panic through me.

"Don't do it !"

He stared at me strangely as he slowly lets go of his grip on me.

It would seem as if I was worried about Hayden, but in truth, the anxiety weighing in my heart was mainly directed at Shawn.

Somehow Hayden just seemed so untouchable... Different from when he had been in his teens.

I knew Shawn was a good cop, but going against Hayden? I couldn't help but be worried.

"What's wrong with you Gracie? He isn't a good person! He hurts people. I don't know how you suddenly changed your mind about him. I already have a few leads against him and don't intend to back down now I'm already so close...."

The rest of his words drowned out as I caught sight of Hayden. He appeared to be searching for me. I couldn't control the way my heartbeat sped up.

"You have to go....please " I spoke in haste.

My words were sharp enough to hurt him, I sucked in a sharp breath trying to get my nerves back in control.

He's the good friend who cared for me for six years, he even came this far in other to save me from the bad guy he thought was holding me captive. I understood he must be hurt by the way I was reacting but I only wanted to protect him. Although Hayden wouldn't hurt me I couldn't say the same about anyone else, especially someone he considers his enemy.

"There's something I found out, it's not safe, even at this moment...

"He wouldn't hurt me, Shawn, believe it or not, I'm staying with him willingly and we are really happy together " I replied after taking a glance behind me, I took it he still was talking about Hayden.

"No, this isn't about him!"

If I wasn't mistaken he suddenly looked uneasy, judging by the glance he casts around at our surroundings.

His nervousness spiked up my insides with tension. If it wasn't about Hayden then what was he talking about.

"What do you mean? "

"it's about your sister. I can't tell you over here.. I'll find a chance to meet you later today and explain everything " He disappeared before I could utter a word.

I stared after him more confused than ever.

Sister?

Was he talking about Ashley?

I didn't even get a chance to tell him that meeting me today wasn't possible.

"Who was that? "

I nearly jumped out of my skin when his voice sounded behind me.

I turned around and schooled my expression to what I hoped was neutral, his question sounded innocent, his gaze seemed casual so I would bet that he didn't see the both of us together.

"Just an old friend " I replied holding my breath. I decided to go with a half-truth just in case he'd seen him.

His gaze left mine as he stared at the direction in which Shawn had just left. He nodded and didn't pursue it further. The relief that overtook me was exhilarating.

"Shall we go back now? "

I nodded eagerly as he put his hand on the small of my back.

"I want ice cream! " Hazel interrupted and his attention drifted towards her.

"Then let's go get one princess..and you too"

I nodded distractedly at his words

I couldn't avoid looking towards the spot where Shawn had been.

What had he wanted to tell me about Ashley?

I tore my gaze away when I realized Hayden had been staring at me intently.

I just hope I haven't given away anything, even if I did would he be so bad? He never mentioned that I couldn't speak to Shawn or anything, perhaps I was just overreacting about this whole thing.

HAYDEN.

I made my way into the bedroom slowly, I couldn't help notice the difference in her since we returned from the mall, she tried to hide it but I could always tell when she was bothered about something.

I wrapped my arm around her waist from behind as I stole a kiss from the crook of her neck.

"What's wrong " I murmured.

She slowly turned around to face me giving me a view of her face.

Today was a different experienced for me. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had everything that had been void to me for so long.

Love.

Happiness.

"it's nothing, I'm just a little tired I guess " she replied with a smile she probably thought was reassuring.

It wasn't, because I knew very well that she was lying, but still, I decided to go with it.

I kissed the sides of her temples gently.

"Then you should have some rest "

A yelp escaped her mouth when I scooped her up and walked her to the bed.

"Have some sleep, I don't want you to be tired of later "