When I heard the door slam shut, my body rocked with sobs. This was a long time coming, but it didn’t make it any easier. She was still my mother. But I had to think of myself first for once. I had to do what was best for me, and that was washing my hands of all of them.
Tech engulfed me in his arms, kissing the top of my head. “Shhh, I got you, Will.”
He soothingly ran his hand up and down my back while I soaked his shirt in my tears. I had so many questions, but I needed this right now. I needed to feel the safety that only hisarms could provide. So, I allowed myself to enjoy his embrace because as soon as I got myself together, he had some explaining to do.
Chapter Twelve
TECH
My mind was all over the place. I couldn’t believe someone had done this to Will. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Last night, I finally felt I was ready to come for him. I spent the entire night calling and texting his phone. I knew he wouldn’t respond easily to me, though. I was fully prepared to work for his love again.
A part of me wanted to go out and find him, but I was too afraid of what I might have discovered. I wasn’t an idiot. I knew Will had been entertaining other men. I didn’t know how far things had gone, and I didn’t want to know. As much as therapy had made me a better man, I would still kill any man Will thought could have him.
Yes, that was irrational, but it was how I felt.
I also knew I couldn't blame Will for trying to move on. It was his right after everything I put him through. Still, I held on to hope that I could win him back. I just needed him to give me a chance to prove that I could be the man he deserved.
When Red called me this morning, informing me about Will’s attack, my soul left my body. My feet moved before I could fully comprehend what he was telling me. I flew like a bat out of hell to get to the hospital.
Once I finally laid my eyes on Will, I wanted to set this world ablaze. Somebody had violated him, which meant they had violated me. Will’s soft, beautiful face was covered with bruises and cuts. His lip was split. I could tell he was in a lot of pain. Any time he breathed too hard or moved too much, he would wince. But the worst was that fuckin’ cast on his arm.
Somebody was going to pay.
I couldn’t even begin questioning Will about who had done this because of his family. Over the years, Will told me how they always mistreated him, but seeing it up close made me want to strangle Elliot. There was no way his mother was blind to the disdain her husband had for Will.
I was glad Will’s face was buried in my chest when they walked out. To see his mother grab Elliott's hand and let him lead her away without a backward glance broke my heartforWill. He loved his mother despite her flaws. I knew a lot of that was him holding on to the past. I couldn’t force Will to fully walk away, but I wasn’t allowing disrespect from his family anymore.
As Will’s sobs turned into whimpers, he pulled away from my chest. He stared at me in confusion, his head whipping between me and the guys.
“What’s going on? Why are you here?” he questioned.
“Someone attacked you. Why wouldn’t I be here?” I palmed his cheek, and he gasped.
His brows dipped, and he scoffed, removing my hand from his face. “Ohhhhh, I get it. It took someone trying to kill me for you to finally tell them?”
His words stung, but I couldn’t blame him. I hid him for a long time. I was sure there was a part of him that resented me. I was fully prepared for him to lash out at me. My therapist had already warned me that this might happen.
“Will,” Alice groaned in an admonishing tone.
I turned to her, shaking my head. “No, Alice. He has every right to say what he feels.Idid this.” I turned back to Will as he looked at me with uncertainty. “But to answer your question, no, I didn’t tell the guys because you got attacked. They’ve known about us for the past couple of months.”
His mouth opened, and then he closed it. He glanced around. Viper, Bear, and Red nodded their heads, confirming what I just said. Will whipped his head back in my direction, searching my eyes.
“W-why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I wasn’t ready.” I grabbed his hand, but he pursed his lips and snatched it away. I took hold of his chin again, forcing him to look up at me. “Not like that, Dimples. This wasn’t me trying to be secretive again.”
“Let's give them the room so they can talk,” Viper suggested.
Will opened his mouth to say something, and I knew he was going to protest. “Please just give me five minutes. If you still want me to leave after I explain everything, I will.”
That was a lie. I would leave his room, but I wouldn’t be leaving this hospital.
After a few moments of silence, Will nodded. As everyone made their way out of the room, I took a deep breath. The time to finally tell him my truth was here. I was ready to get this off my chest, but it wasn’t going to be easy.
As soon as the door shut, Will adjusted himself in the bed. “Talk.” His voice was stern and cold.
“So, about four months ago, Cara came to me. She told me she knew about us. I was out of it, Will. I was literally drinking from sunup to sundown. During the conversation, she suggested that I get therapy. My past had been weighing me down for a long time.”
