Read an excerpt from Saving Grace by Gigi Aceves
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Grace Carmichael’s world was turned upside down when she was fifteen. The convent became her home. The Grotto her safe haven. She lived, breathed, and learned a life she never chose. Ten years later, freedom came knocking and she took a chance she never thought she would.
Phoenix Hayes experienced a double dose of heartache when death tragically altered his life at seventeen. Being the ultimate warrior he has never doubted a mission. Except for one — saving Grace.
Sometimes to find yourself you have to risk everything including your heart — even your life.
Excerpt
“Come in, Grace.” Joe stretches his arm, welcoming me.
Nix’s broad shoulders, large frame, and sinewy muscles are intimidating yet magnificently striking. My eyes are immediately drawn to him, which makes for a stupid move since his fierce glare is aimed at me.
He doesn’t waste a single second before starting his barrage of words. “Do you know the shit storm you’re putting them in? Isn’t it enough that I got you here in one piece? You didn’t learn from what happened the other day?” He points at me and sneers in anger. “Let me tell you something; two of the beating hearts in this room are mine to protect.”
My eyes volley from Joe to Mama Ada, both wearing somber faces.
“You’d better pack your bags before shit hits the fan and more people end up dead because of you!”
“Phoenix Matthew Hayes!” Mama Ada bellows.
His words hurt. They cut deep.
But aren’t they the truth? Mother Gertrude and the rest of the nuns were lucky to survive the past ten years.
We both ignore Mama Ada as our eyes duel in a stare-down standoff.
“I am sorry for upsetting you; it wasn’t my intention. Mama Ada wants company. We go to church together. I give in to her whims to somehow repay her and your family for protecting me—a nobody in your book. If it puts them at risk, I will leave. I am sorry, truly sorry, for not thinking about the danger.”
I turn to face Joe, my tears blur my vision. “I’m sorry for causing a rift between you and your family.”
Turning to face Nix again, I say, “Give me a few minutes to get my stuff, and I’ll go wherever you want me to.”
“You could have been killed! Rachel could’ve been killed! How could you be so irresponsible?”
My lips itch to confess the truth. But throwing Rachel under the bus is not an option. “If they get lucky enough to kill me, then so be it. No one can save me forever, Nix. Not even you. I don’t care anymore.”
“Well, I fucking care! I put my life on the line for people like you!” He jabs his finger in my direction. “I put Mama Ada through hell and back each time I go on a mission.” He points his finger at her. “So, please…do not cheapen what I do by saying stupid shit!”
“I’m not cheapening anything. I’m just tired of running. I don’t know why you can’t at least understand that.”
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About Gigi Aceves
I grew up in the Philippines but now live in California with my husband, two girls, and Loki, the house cat. If my husband is the yin to my yang, Andrea is the Marlin to my Dory while Allysa is the Buzz Lightyear to my Woody.
I love the beach, but I hate the sand. I love to travel, but I hate to fly. I love to eat, but I hate gaining weight—all women can relate to this. These are a few of my little quirks in life.
In addition to writing, I enjoy reading, binge-watching a new series on Netflix, watching action-packed movies, listening to my youngest sing, and observing my oldest cook. I’m an avid fan of The Walking Dead, The Brave, The Good Doctor, Scandal, and Stranger Things. I love watching reality shows, too. I love Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Big Brother to name a few.
