Knox raised his eyebrows. “The only person I’ve ever told this to is my lawyer. But even he doesn’t know all the details.”
“Why? Is it that bad?” I narrowed my eyes. “Are you, like, some serial killer who collects fingertips in jars or something?”
Knox’s head fell back, and he laughed. The sound echoed through the sterile infirmary, and it made fireflies dance in my chest.
“No,” he answered, still grinning. “I’m not a serial killer.”
“Well, that’s reassuring. I’ll add it to your file. Patient denies jar of fingertips.”
His grin widened before fading into something more serious. “I could tell you everything, but why would you believe a word I said?”
Great question. The truth was, I sensed he was always being honest with me. No manipulation. No spin. Just Knox.
“I’ll tell you this much, Harper.” His tone was velvet and steel, sincerity threaded with something deeper, something that made my pulse skip. “I didn’t randomly end the life of a man. The man I killed …” He paused. “Police didn’t stop him. And while I hadn’t set out to become some vigilante hunting him down …” His voice cracked. “When I found him attacking someone I love …”
Knox cleared his throat and shifted.
“Who?” I asked quietly.
“My daughter.”
“You have a daughter?”
“That surprise you?”
“Well, yes.”
He smirked. “Guess I don’t give off dad vibes.”
“Not really, no.”
“Need to get some khaki pants and an energy-efficient lawn mower. That’s major dad vibes.”
I chuckled despite myself. “Don’t forget the World’s Best Dad mug.”
“That goes without saying.” He tilted his head. “Maybe a fanny pack for weekend trips to Home Depot.”
“Now you’re getting it.”
The corner of his mouth twitched. “I’ll work on my dad jokes too.”
“Please don’t.”
“Why did the scarecrow win an award?”
“Knox.”
“Because he was outstanding in his field.”
I groaned, but I was smiling. Actually smiling. “That was terrible.”
“You laughed.”
“I did not laugh.”
“Your eyes laughed.”
I studied him, the moment of levity fading into something genuine. Warm. I realized I’d moved closer without meaning to. Close enough to touch if either of us reached out.
