I recently finished reading the first book, All Fall Down, in the Embassy Row series. My mind was spinning and I had the urge to write a fanfiction based off of it. To be honest, I expected Grace to have some feelings for Alexi and was a little disappointed when that didn't happen (I totally ship it)! This takes place after the excitement from the first book dies down.

I hope you enjoy and please review!

This morning when I awoke I had no plans and besides the traditional worries of my life, nothing new to care about. That was shattered before noon.

I smile at Thomas, the man stationed at the gate. He returns it and closes the gate to the United states embassy behind me. Dipping my head against the glare of the sun I pull on a pair of sunglasses that cover half of my face. I meander down the streets of Embassy Row, heading to the city. There is still a couple hours until the sun is at high noon and already the heat of the day is leaking through my shorts and t-shirt. Passing the Brazilian embassy I have half a mind to see if Noah is home. Wait, no, he's in Israel...I can never keep track of where that boy is. This is where I first notice somebody walking not to far behind me. Their footsteps are in time with mine.

"Stop following me." I freeze, knowing already who it is without turning.

"You shouldn't be out alone with everything that's happened," Dominic comes to a stop directly behind me.

Raising one eyebrow slightly and tilting my chin up I say defiantly, "I'm a big girl now, I can take care of myself." He smiles and raises a hand to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. My head jerks back at his touch and his hand withdraws. He stands gazing at me for so long I finally have to ask, "what?"

"Your mother never told you, did she?" He shakes his head at that, "Of course she didn't. But your grandfather didn't say anything, either, which I find rather surprising as well as insulting." What in the world is this man talking about? Tell me what? Dominic scratches the back of his neck. "No, now's not a good time. Forget that I brought it up." Now I am really intrigued and he knows there is no letting it go. He answers my question with a deep breath before beginning, "There's no easy way to put this. We're related, Grace."

I snort at that. "Ok, how?"

"I'm your father."

At that I laugh out loud. "My father is overseas fighting as a major in the United States Army. I don't believe you for one second."

"I am. Your mom and I grew up together here on Embassy Row. When we got old enough I asked her to marry me. You were born two years later and were a beam of sunshine in the family. About the same time I became head of security for the prime minister of Adria. But your mom was in danger. There were people who were beginning to see her as a personal threat. I can only guess it was because she was the daughter of a powerful American ambassador and her involvement in the secret organization. Ms. Chancellor told you about it?" He waits for my nod before continuing.

"We talked about going into hiding, but there were too many issues, things that could go wrong. We didn't see any other option but filing for a divorce. That way she was out of the line of fire. We never wanted to; even afterwards we were always hoping for a time when we could safely get back together. But even after the divorce, she was being watched.

"She remarried your father but we kept in constant touch. She sent me frequent letters and pictures of you. It killed me to have to leave the two of you. The night she died, I was going to take her somewhere where she could hide and come back for you. But...the plan did not work out as hoped." His eyes drift downwards for a fraction of a second. Add Dominic to the long list of people who blame me for killing my mom-which, I suppose, they should. "Please, Grace, let me back into your life. Its been years since the last time I laid eyes on you. Look at how strong and brave and beautiful you've become."

"Do not touch me," I snarl and back away. His plea dangles in the air. "You liar. My dad is in the army. My dad is the one who tucked me in each night and held me when I was scared. He taught me how to shoot a gun and tie knots. You are not my dad." The last insult is hurled with the force of a charging elephant. It smacks Dominic in the face. "Nothing you say can make me believe you."

So he doesn't say anything; he pulls a ring off the fourth finger of his left hand and holds it out to me. The gold band has an inscription: Caroline my one true love. Stowed safely under the collar of his shirt, a chain is removed, on it another ring. This one says, Dominic my one true love. No.

I feel the shaking but not Dominic's hand. See the unraveling of the rest of my petty, insignificant life but not the face in front of me. "Grace-"

"Get away from me! Just go!" I turn and race down the street, the calls of my biological father following behind.

Everything in my life has now officially been a lie.