Truth settles into bone.
Sera turns slowly, taking in the suite.
“Trey…”
I move toward the kitchen island before she can study me too closely, pulling out my phone.
“We’ll stay here a few nights,” I say evenly. “Until everything settles.”
I type quickly.
Clothing. Medical kit. Ice packs. Her tea. Her vitamins. Red dahlias. Secure line.
No press.
Send.
Pain flares again.
I shift subtly, masking it.
She walks to the window.
“You didn’t have to do all this,” she says.
I look at her reflection in the glass.
“I did,” I reply.
Because I will not risk her again.
Because I underestimated once.
Because I would rather burn money than bury my wife.
My knuckles sting as I flex my fingers.
Nothing I can’t function through.
Nothing she needs to see.
Might consider munching on some aspirin like smarties.
“I’m going to shower,” I say casually.
“You’re okay?”
Nope. I’m fucked, sweetheart.
“I’m fine.”
Not entirely a lie.
I step into the bedroom, closing the door softly.
Then I exhale.
The pain sharpens as I lift my shirt. Bruising spreads deep across my ribs.
