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“I wasn’t completely honest about Knox,” I said quietly. “He was cheating on me, but that’s not the only reason I left.”
When I paused, my dad said, “Take your time. We’re not going anywhere.”
I nodded. “He had begun to get physical…”
“That bastard hit you?” Dad seethed.
“John,” Mom warned. “It’s not the time.”
My dad took a deep breath and nodded.
“It was moving in that direction. If I’d stayed, I know it would’ve gone that way.”
I had the bruises on my back and stomach to prove it.
“Last night, he showed up at my apartment. He said we weren’t over, that we’d never be over. If Smoke hadn’t come in when he did…”
I watched understanding dawn on my parents’ faces.
“Who’s Smoke?” Dad asked. “Does he belong to the biker club Tavy’s father is in?”
“Smoke is Tavy’s father…he’s also the man I’m dating.”
Dad stood up from his chair. “He’s what?”
“John, take a walk,” Mom commanded.
“Stella—”
“Now.” She threw him a pointed look.
“No,” I insisted. “It’s okay. Dad has the right to be…Dad.”
My father’s expression softened ever so slightly.
“Knox stabbed him. Smoke was rushed into surgery, but he’s in recovery.”
“And Knox?” Dad asked. “Is he in recovery?”
I shook my head. “He’s dead. Smoke shot him.” I rubbed my temple. “I know this is a lot to take in, and I’m sure you have a ton of questions. But can I answer them later? I’m really tired.”
There was still so much I hadn’t told them…Knox’s criminal past. My miscarriage. I just didn’t have the bandwidth to talk about it. I barely even had the bandwidth to think about it.
“We’ll go down to the cafeteria and get something to eat,” Mom said. “And give you time to rest.”
“We’ll be back before visiting hours are over.” Dad leaned over and kissed the top of my head.
Mom gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear before she let my father guide her out of the room.
I rested against the pillows and closed my eyes. I didn’t think I’d be able to fall asleep with my mind whirling, but somehow, I did.
When I woke up, both my parents were sitting in the chairs next to my bed. Mom was reading on her e-reader and Dad was watching TV on mute.
“Hey,” I croaked, struggling to sit up.
Mom rose from her chair and set her device aside. “Easy there. What can I get you?”
“Water, please.”
