“Pictures.” I take a drink of water. I grip the treadmill so hard my knuckles turn white. “Pictures of my mom, then of Dakota and Daniel, and me in Gideon's basement. With Dakota cutting into me.”
The silence is heavy between us as the words sink in.
“Dakota and Daniel?” Jace gives me a confused expression. “Like together, as if she'swithhim?”
I lower my chin once, and I'm not sure I won’t gag if I open my mouth.
“Wait,” Jace’s hand shoots out to my arm. “There’s something I found out while undercover with Gideon.”
“Okay.”
“Gideon’s been working with Daniel for a lot longer than we thought. He’s the reason why Lucian couldn’t find you. Anytime anyone had intel on you, they would die on missions. Gideon was the reason why.”
“What?” I swallow the lump in my throat. Goosebumps breaking over my skin. His words sound like they're echoing in my ears.
They hit me so hard that I take a step back, my legs give out from underneath me.
“Isobel, hey!” Jace moves to catch me before I can fall.
The thoughts race in my head again. Jace is running a hand up and down my back as he holds me.
I breathe in his familiar scent, mixed with his sweat. My head starts to feel fuzzy for a whole different reason. I push against his chest gently.
“Isobel.” Jace's voice is rough.
“I still can't, Jace. I can’t trust you.”
“I understand that, but please give me the chance to show you. To earn your trust back. I know it won't be easy, but please don't shut me out.” I don't think I've ever heard his voice plead before. Well, only when we…ahem, never mind.
“The last time you asked me to trust you… I ended up being tortured for five months.”
The silence stretches between us.
“We should talk with Lucian,” Jace suggests.
I nod. “I'll meet you there after I shower.” I move to sit on a bench.
Closing my eyes, I take some deep breaths, feeling my feet on the solid floor.
“Isobel?”
I hum, keeping my eyes closed.
“Is everything okay with you?” Jace's voice is closer now. He must've crouched in front of me.
“Just a little dizzy.”
“Are you even supposed to be here?” He raises an eyebrow, giving me a knowing look.
“I was cleared yesterday.” I give him back my own look, “I'm following what Savvy said. She did say dizziness would be normal. I need a few minutes before I walk back to the house and upstairs.”
Jace's eyes search mine and then scan my body. He turns around, remaining crouched in front of me. “Hop on.”
“What?” I laugh. “You can't be serious.”
“I'm being completely serious.” Jace looks at me over his shoulder. “Weneed to talk to Lucian, the sooner the better. Let me just give you a ride back to your room. Save your energy for standing in the shower.” He smirks.
“Oh, fuck off.” I can't help the smile that grows across my face.
