“No more surprises. But there are some things I want to talk to you about. Where are you? I’ll come pick you up now.”
“I need my car, so I’ll drive to the clubhouse.”
There’s a gush of air through the phone. “When are you going to get here?”
My chest warms at his need for me. “I’ll see you soon, Knox.”
I drive to the clubhouse, faster than I should. I pull up off to the side of the house so that I’m not blocking any cars or motorcycles in. Knox waits for me, leaning against the pillar on the porch.
As I open the door and stand, he rushes over, stands next to the car, and pushes my door closed for me. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me to his chest. My body tenses. He pulls back and cups my chin in his hand, forcing eye contact. His stare is intense.
“The only thing I knew about was Misty and Kane sleeping together. Nothing else. I promise.”
I stop resisting and embrace him, tightening our hold as he kisses the top of my head.
“I’m sorry, so sorry, precious.”
I blink rapidly as I force those emotions down and pull back. “What are your plans next?”
“Me and Demon are going to see the investigator tonight. Twitch is looking into the house plans because I want to visit Audrey, to catch her off guard, but that won’t be tonight. I wouldn’t mind capturing her security guard. He would know what’s going on or what happened.”
I’ve noticed him calling his mom by her first name. “That security guard has been by her side for as long as I remember.”
“Yeah,” he answers, glancing away. “Pretty sure they were having an affair and that’s why my parents split.”
I rub his back. “I’m so sorry.”
“I heard Dad slip up in conversation once, but there was no need to bring it up again. Dad’s happier without her.”
“What’s with the security guard, anyway?” I ask.
“Audrey’s always felt she needed one, whether it’s because of our wealth or because she somehow thought she was popular enough to need one.
“Come inside.” Knox tilts his head toward the clubhouse. I follow him in a daze, though catch sight of Ava and Elena by the front door, as if they’re waiting for me.
Ava’s lips curve up into a big smile, her eyes brightening. “Are you okay?” mouths Elena.
Their compassion and empathy makes me smile back. “I’ll catch up with you two later.”
Knox and I move briskly up the stairs and to his room, where he shuts the door behind us. We sit on his bed as I think back, linking Audrey as the main denominator. As if the jigsaw puzzle was slowly coming together, revealing the story. My brain zaps. “Well, I guess that’s why Audrey sorted out a psychiatric center in the city for me.”
His frown deepens. “She paid your fees as well,” he answers.
I gape. Anger surges through my veins. He places his hand over mine. “She encouraged me to join the military and...” He looks away from me, before turning back with eyes full of emotion. “I believe she influenced your parents to make us break up, with the intention of sending you to the facility to keep you away from Crown Village, and from uncovering the truth.”
I shift backward. “My parents asked you?” It was as soft as a whisper. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Everyone, including myself, thought you needed it, and I told you... I will always put you first.”
His selfless act saved and destroyed me. “If only you had told me, I would have still gone and we could have stayed together.”
His eyes search mine. He doesn’t look convinced. “Tell me the truth. Would you have left to go if we were still together?”
I lean back, away from him. “I guess we’ll never know. You took that choice away from me.” There’s an undercurrent of frustration in my voice, but I deserved to have a say in our relationship. I shouldn’t have had it forced on me without my knowledge.
A small, bitter laugh escapes him. “I’ve doneeverythingin my power to protect you.”
My mind scatters. “Protect me? You left me...”
