Hello readers, I know it's been a while since I updated. I hope those of you waiting can forgive me for the lack of update but at least I'm happy to say there is only one chapter left. So, with that in mind, please enjoy! :)


Chapter 6: Trust


"Grace, it's just me." The voice, while a whisper had been familiar enough for her to recognize it as Sam. If he hadn't said as much there was no way she would have been able to see him in the dark shade of the hedge. Although, her heart remained pounding due to the frightful events of the evening.

While her heartbeat was speeding ahead, she managed to reason that she was in no immediate danger. She calmed at his voice, her initial struggle ceasing as she nodded in understanding. Sam removed his hands from her and shifted away slightly.

"Samuel, there must have been-" Grace whispered still out of breath but was interrupted.

"A better way, well there wasn't." There was no reaching Grace at the party, not unless he wanted to risk getting caught by Rafe and his guards that would be crawling all over the place. That and he knew for sure Rafe wouldn't leave her alone at all during the night, be it for his selfish purpose or because he was really interested. The way he had handled her in such a possessive manner to his face had his blood boiling all evening.

"I honestly thought, you were going to invade the party." Grace couldn't help but admit what she had wanted. Some part of her wanted to be rescued from the entire scenario.

Sam hesitated at her words, they sounded like a plea. Perhaps if he had heard the same phrase before he would have gone after her but things were complicated. "Not if I didn't want to die or worse." He thought reasonably.

"Torture." Grace said quietly, afraid of being too loud to be overheard by anyone else.

"No, you'd have been killed." All he could do is make sure she at least got back home safe so they could talk.

"That's why you're here?" She felt the fear of the moment still looming and found the closeness between her and Sam comforting.

The darkness in the sky that had them covered seemed to dissipate, and the full moon above was full of vivid light that pierced through the hedge. They were able to get a glimpse of each other.

Sam smiled regardless if she could see it or not. "You are the main reason." He hoped the bit of light wasn't playing tricks on him when he saw her smile slightly. "And I need a favor." He added seriously.

She shifted again, he felt her closer to him and shivering. He instantly reached for her hand, "it's nothing dangerous, unless you count a midnight visit to the library as a perilous journey."

She slid her hand away from his and looked away from his gaze. "I think we'll be safer there anyways."

Safer, that word was a red flag to Sam. In the way she phrased it and looked so uncomfortable at the moment, she must know something more, that reaction warranted his concern.

"He bugged my place you know." Grace continued to say, disbelief taking her voice. She brought her hand to her chest in a pacifying fashion. She really didn't know what else to do, the uncertainty of the night looming in again. Her hand bald into a fist over her heart, somehow this motion was the only thing keeping her from running in fear.

"I know." Sam was surprised she knew but that meant one of two things.

"Can we go now?" The subtle shake in her voice seemed to fuel his thoughts. As she turned to look at him again, a gloss covered them.

He moved closer to her, "did Rafe tell you something?" He asked, she kept quiet but he could feel her trembling slightly. "did he?" He pressed.

She lowered her gaze again and this time her hand took his. "Please Sam, we'll talk about this later, at the Library please." He didn't shy away from her hold regardless of the near freezing temperature radiating from it.

"Alright." He slid the small shrubs of the hedge away from them as they exited their cover.

Hand holding firmly, he guided her to the gated door leading to her backyard.

He couldn't help but sigh as he looked at her again. He never thought he would live to see her so uncomposed, the usually foul tempered librarian he had come to know and enjoy the company of was reduced to something so different, so consumed with fear.

Sam usually had a lot to say and was quick at responding but it was proving difficult to find words that would ease her, even if just a bit. "Just so you know, I removed all the wiring, I'm sure I got them all." Privacy seemed like a big thing to her ever since they met and he hoped it was now too. His confirmation came when she squeezed his hand firmly; it felt like a gesture of gratitude.

He unlocked the back door and just as she laid eyes on the motorcycle, her hand let go of his.

"On that?" She took a step back, her eyebrows furrowing.

Sam looked at her, she was still wearing the form-fitting dress and thought of her comfort. "Do you want to change first?" Grace broke visual contact with him and focused her attention on her gown. She grabbed ahold of the fabric quite viciously and began to crinkle it at her side.

This time a siren went off in his head, Sam rushed to her side, and his hand soothed the one tearing at her dress. She looked at the contact of their hands and he didn't want to force her into looking at him.

"I couldn't bring a car, it would've been far more obvious." He reasoned.

She accepted his words but stood ridgid. There was no way she was going back into a place that had been invaded by Rafe, it was unthinkable at the moment.

He waited for a moment beside her to relax and when he was convinced he went into the backyard.

Sam pulled the bike from the hiding place and mounted it first. He handed her a helmet and placed his own on. While part of the situation called for urgency on his behalf, he didn't have the heart to rush her. Although she sprung from her spot, not wanting to think much on what she was about to do and got on. He felt her timid body brush against his, he knew it would be uncomfortable to be riding in a side seated position. "I'll drive slow and-" He was about to inform her that she could grab onto the side rail when he felt her wind her arms around his torso snuggly.

"I promise." Was all he managed to say as he turned the bike on and drove at an even pace.

Even while going at a safe speed they managed to reach the library promptly.

Grace quickly unmounted the bike and handed the helmet to Sam. "It wasn't that bad." She said with a slight smile playing on her lips.

"I'm glad you thought so. It was very fun for me too." He returned her smile with one of his own and gestured for her to walk ahead of him. He was glad that she seemed to be back to normal.

However, as much as the library looked to be a semblance of peace, he couldn't help but be cautious. He hid the bike behind the symmetrical line of trees and took great care to keep vigilant to any noise around them.

Although Grace had calmed for the most part she mirrored his high alert, looking both ways before opening the library door. As they entered they held still, hoping that the only breathing heard was their own.

After another few minutes, Sam felt it safe enough to say," I've been here everyday for a month, you'd think I'd be able to find the office without any lights on."

He heard Grace a ways from him. "Goodness Samuel, you are hopeless."

Seconds later the small light from the office turned on and he saw her silhouette waiting at the door frame. He caught up and she was already digging through some boxes. "I'm guessing we're going with the sneaking approach."

"Yeah, don't need everyone to know you work overtime Grace."

She chuckled at his remark and continued to look through the boxes. "What are you looking for this time?" He had tore through almost every section of this library, she couldn't imagine what he needed now, especially at this hour.

"I need myself a good map."

"Section H it is." Grace commented softly. She knew that if he needed her to find the office, he might as well need her to find the section in the dark.

"Finally!" At the bottom of the box she had found a pair of flashlights. She went to hand him his, but as she did, Sam noted the unusual dark mark on her wrist. Sam took hold of her hand instead of the flashlight given, he pulled up gently to get a better view. He had hoped it was a lighting trick on his eyes but as her bracelet rolled down her arm he saw the bruise and reddening of her skin.

"Grace what happened to your wrist?"

He almost lost balance of the flashlight as she yanked her hand away from his view, covering it safely behind her. "I bumped into something."

"I didn't take you for the clumsy type." He countered.

"Well it happened." She murmured.

"Not ever." He reinstated.

"Samuel." Her tone sounded exhausted, she felt like no strength was left to argue. "I'm gonna go to the locker room, I have some spare clothing to change in." She didn't wait for him to answer, as she turned her own flashlight on and sped ahead into the locker room.

As she closed the door, she felt like the air was purer. Grace allowed herself to breathe a couple of times before heading toward her locker. She felt her feet drag as she walked over to it, her hand rising lazily for the locker dial but as she did she noticed her wrist too. A reddish, purple ringlet covered it, and she could see the indentation of the pearl bracelet still on her skin.

The moments with Rafe replayed in her mind; his forceful nature, his anger, his intent… Her face crinkled in disgust and she felt that a change of clothes wasn't enough, a shower was in order.

She stripped down and hung the dress on the shower hook. She left her spare clothing on the opposite side of the stall on a nearby table. She tested the water for warmth before entering. As the first water droplets fell on her, she felt a brewing in her, sobs threatened to tear from her chest. Her bruised hands lay gently over her chest and she looked down to avoid the water spilling over her eyes. She felt like she couldn't shut her eyes, in fear of the scene playing behind closed eyelids.

The water doused her for what felt like a short eternity, time had become irrelevant until she remembered she hadn't come to the library alone. She entered another sudden frenzy at the realization and jumped out of the quiet, warm shower. She struggled to dress, not wanting to lose any more time, hoping that she hadn't provoked Sam into delving deeper into tonight's problem.

She pulled her head through the white v neck and tugged the long shirt down. She went to the bathroom mirror, her vestments were as normal as could be. She unwrapped the towel around her hair and let her drying blonde strands frame her face. Something else was brought to her attention, the shirt's slight cleavage did nothing to hide the red marks circling her neck. She brought her hand to brush against it, but she retracted as the flesh was tender at the touch; another wound left by Rafe's grasp. She had to find something to cover it up.

She recalled that she had a light cardigan in her locker. While it would drape over her wrists and the sides of her neck she needed a little more protection. Letting her hair down would also add to the concealing of the red ringlets. She combed through her hair delicately and left some of her drying strands loose around her neck. Glad that her cautious nature would help cover up the evidence, she exited the bathroom but halted at the sight of Sam seated on the small bench across from her.

It didn't help that she was directly under a white light, Sam's eyes flashed to her wrist once more and then her neck. "I'm sure that one wasn't caused by you bumping into something." His tone grave.

Grace debated whether to move from where she stood or say anything at all. It was unlike her to be evasive and there was no running from this conversation anymore, like she had said to Rafe before, "Sam, you're much too smart for any lie." She went to her locker to get her cardigan regardless.

Sam remained seated, but he had pulled out a cigarette and lit it.

She had no right to tell him to stop right now, perhaps it was the only thing keeping him calm and seated. She came to sit at the other end of the bench. She felt no point in putting on the cardigan and fidgeted with it in her hands, tracing the small floral pattern with her fingertips.

Grace looked so sad and muted to him. A knot began to form in his stomach but he took another drag to help pacify himself. She sat on the end of the bench and while the distance was short it still felt like miles away, her expression revealed her to be that distant. He breathed out the smoke and it fluttered in the air before dissipating. The cigarette bud played in his hands while he waited another moment but it soon became too small for comfort and he discarded it by throwing it in a nearby trash can.

He came back to sit next to her once more but she was still stuck in the trance of tracing the design on her clothes. "Grace." He called out softly, she was still out of it.

He had to be careful in his approach, although her reaction was driving him crazy. He opted for a subtle approach to get her attention, he brought his hand to brush against her. "Grace…" She looked up again, startled but conscious of her surroundings. "What else did that miserable ass do to you?" He tried not to sound as angry as he was.

"Just threats." Her eyes settled on the contact of both of their hands. Sam shook his head, beside her bruising he really hoped she wasn't hiding anything more but he had to hear it from her.

"Grace, I just need to know. Trust me enough to tell me." He had closed the distance between them and it was getting harder for her to keep composure as the fear began to sink in once more.

She knew Sam wasn't Rafe, she didn't know how to deal with this sudden emotional spiral, she had always been alone and unperturbed. She made a pause, her gaze rising trying to prepare herself to look at Sam but when they met, her eyes gleamed, threatening to release tears. His earnest expression compelled her to tell him the truth but as she opened her mouth, it was nearly caught in her throat, "He… he tried to kill me because," Her throat ran dry but she felt her hand being held gently and that gave her courage to finish her sentence. "I refused to give you away."

Sam, while relieved, still clicked his tongue disapproving, "You should have told him, your suspicions are right anyways." By this point he had a solid plan and that included ditching Rafe this very night but he never expected Grace to be involved as far as she had gotten. He also knew that she perhaps had more information on him than he ever had on her and that was dangerous for both of them. For her to protect him meant that she went out of her usual way to do so and he felt that he wasn't worth her suffering. "It would have saved you a lot of pain to say anything."

"But it wouldn't have saved you." Grace's voice shook, she had finally faced the truth. Countless tears trailed down her face. "And that frightened me Samuel, I'm still afraid." Acknowledging his flirtatious nature, there was still so much more to Sam. While he had been evasive in some things, he had been for the most part honest with her, as much as he could be. He had also been protective of her physically against assailants and now his protection was for her very soul, right now was the perfect example of the best in him.

In response to the tears slipping from her tired eyes, he suddenly wrapped his arms around her. She let herself sink into him, his warmth shielding her from her terror.

It was safe enough to let herself feel.

Grace gathered enough courage to wrap her hands around his strong frame.

She began to tremble, "Grace it's alright, I'm here and we're okay." Sam voiced. He patted her back but it felt like a rough gesture, he rested his hand on her shoulder and soothed it to the small of her back. She seemed to relax slightly at his touch but she still wasn't without distress.

It dawned on him again that her fear might not be for her own person but for his sake. His hand smoothed over her arms and he pushed away gently. Sam wanted her to take a good look at him, "look at me I'm fine."

He looked over her soft features, her eyes while rimmed with red, the harsh color enhanced the blue hue of her irises. Her stare was so sad as she looked him over, he scratched the back of his neck. He came to another realization, he wasn't any good with grief.

"I'm not sure how to deal with tears." He tried to wipe some of the fallen tears clinging to her cheeks with the touch of his fingertips.

He was becoming flustered, "I'd rather deal with the angry librarian." He couldn't help but admit he enjoyed her wit while he teased.

"How can you always joke about everything?"

"I don't joke, I choose to view the positive within the negative." He wiped another tear, "you remind me of my little brother. I once wanted to leave, well, go work a couple of towns over and he argued that I was abandoning him. He cried and now I realize I'm such a pushover when it comes to tears."

Same pulled Grace into his embrace once more.

"What happened afterward?"

"Well prior we had gotten into some mischief and we left in a hurry."

Sam felt Grace shiver once again, he tightened the embrace. But the shivering wasn't in fear rather, it was a low chuckle. "Why am I not surprised."

She gave another small chuckle which Sam joined with one of his own.

A long silence loomed over, "Well I don't mind this one bit." He patted her back softly, his hand sliding through her loose hair.

"You're taking advantage of this situation." Grace, still held steadfast to him and was grateful that her hair covered the blush she could feel rising to her face.

"I'll let go then."

"Don't." She had felt a looser hold on her but she refused to release him.

Another span of time passed.

Grace felt enough composure return to her and finally felt herself able to sit on her own. As she released him, he now seemed to object to her movement. So she felt it necessary to voice, "I think I'll be okay."

She pushed away from him, her gaze low. He took hold of her chin between two fingers and pushed up. It took a moment for her eyes to settle on him.

"Just okay?" He sighed, "I want you to feel rejoiced that I saved you." He settled his other hand on top of hers.

"You scared the last of my sanity when you pulled me into the hedge."

"You didn't complain when I held you close and," the hand that had rested above hers, traversed the length of her forearm and settled on her cheek, reinforcing their visual contact. "Not so much now either."

He took notice of the rose color blooming onto her cheeks, how her eyes went from gazing at his and then lowering. She teetered slightly but settled closer to him, it was very clear to him what she wanted.

"Not now either." She confirmed.

Sam took the invitation and leaned in to kiss her. As their lips touched, Grace's arm's braced up and coiled themselves around his neck loosley, he peaked his eyes open but noticed her complete complacent features. As the kiss deepened she brought herself closer to him. He shut his eyes and enjoyed the moment, he wound his own arms around her.

Her hands soon found their way into his hair and tugged gently at it, at this gesture Sam responded with wandering hands that settled on the mid of her back and pulled her closer, he wanted to feel her.

The moment was long and tender but it finished in a rather brusque manner as Grace pulled away. Sam feared he had done something wrong but she was breathing heavily and a smile played on her lips.

He wanted to say something especially when she rose ahead without him, she stopped at the door of the locker room.

Grace wasn't a bit embarrassed by what had transpired but rather the urgency they had come here with. She waited for Sam to rise but when he didn't she turned and offered him a smile. She opened the door, "let's go get your map."

She didn't need to tell him twice, when he was right by her side, shuffling over words, but now she noted the intense way in which he viewed her lips and that had her turn rather abrasive.

"Not a word. Or you're stuck on your own in aisle H." They had shared an intimate moment but she wasn't about to address it.

The flush was still present in her features and Sam took that he still had some sort of victory but he had to humor her. "Not a peep."

She was happy with his response and didn't continue forward until he was beside her.

He had brought along one flashlight and thought it best to just hand it to her, they walked quietly forward but in this darkness, he was rather concerned he would lose his way.

He tried to snake his hand around her waist discreetly but it was caught mid attempt by her hand. Instead, she had him in her firm grip, that he well felt was a combination of affection and of care against his forwardness.


Honestly, this was my favorite chapter to write. It was a little of a challenge to write for the various emotions but I'm really happy with the results.

I'd love to hear you readers' thoughts on it.

Again I would like to thank all of you who have supported this story by reading, favoriting and following. Thank you especially for your patience.

Till next update!

-roseimagine