Defiant Heir (The Heirs #3) - Michelle Heard Page 0,17

blind, but I’m pretty sure I know what you’re going through.”

I knew it was only a matter of time before we had this talk. Truth be told, I dreaded it. Dad’s been through his own hell, and I won’t be able to turn a deaf ear. Not when it comes to my father being so close to dying. Just thinking about it sends a shudder down my spine.

“I know how hopeless and frustrated you feel. I know how angry you are.” Dad’s words make emotion build in my chest. “I also know how alone you feel.”

I shut my eyes against the wave of despair.

“But you’re not alone,” Uncle Jax says. “You have so many people who love you.”

I nod, and lifting my head, I whisper, “I know.”

“Why won’t you get the transplant?” Uncle Jax asks.

Even though I know the reason won’t hold much ground with them, I answer, “There’s a chance it won’t work.”

“Ten percent, Kao,” Dad pleads. “There’s a ninety percent chance of you seeing again. Fuck, I didn’t even have a five percent chance of surviving.”

Bringing my right arm up, I rub a hand over my face. “I know, Dad.”

Fallon.

I can’t bear to see what I did to her.

“What’s the real reason?” Uncle Jax asks.

I swear he has a built-in bullshit detector.

I shake my head, not willing to admit my guilt to them. I’m too fucking ashamed.

“Fine,” Uncle Jax mutters. “What do you plan on doing with your life if you’re so fucking intent on not ever seeing again?”

Nothing. Just fucking nothing.

My silence makes Dad grab hold of my shoulders. “Stop this shit, Kao.” His breaths sound angry, and I can’t blame him. I can’t blame any of them for losing their patience with me. “Christ! You still have your whole life ahead of you. Don’t fuck it up like this.”

Needing them to back off, I lie, “I’ll think about it. Okay? I just… I need time to process everything.”

Dad pulls me into a hug, and his voice is raw by my ear, “Please, Kao. If not for yourself, do it for me.”

When Dad pulls back, I turn my head in his direction. “Give me a week.”

By then, I should be able to discharge myself and lock my pathetic ass in a hotel room.

“Just one week?” Dad asks. The hopeful tone in his voice kills what’s left of my spirit.

“Yeah.”

Chapter 7

FALLON

Walking into the suite I share with my friends, it feels empty even though Hana and Hunter are with me.

“Want me to order you something for lunch?” Hunter asks.

The corner of my mouth lifts slightly. I’m so thankful I have such caring friends. “A salmon salad would be nice.”

“On it,” Hunter grins at me while pulling his phone out of his pocket so he can call the order into the restaurant.

“Is Fallon home?” I hear Jade call before she and Mila come rushing down the hallway. The moment they see me, Jade lets out a happy shriek and then wraps me up in a huge hug. “It’s so good to have you back.”

When Jade pulls away and Mila moves closer, wrapping her arms around me, emotion pushes up my throat. We haven’t hugged much since she was attacked, so this means a lot to me.

Mila pulls back and asks, “How do you feel?”

“Better.” The left corner of my mouth lifts a little.

There’s a knock at the door, and Hunter goes to open. He lets out a bark of laughter, and when my mom and Aunt Kingsley come in, I understand why.

A chuckle bubbles over my lips when I see the arrangement of chocolate flowers in Aunt Kingsley’s arms.

They both kiss my left cheek, then Aunt Kingsley holds the gift out to me. “I figured you could do with some comfort food, and seeing as you’re allergic to flowers, I thought this would be a good replacement for the real thing.”

“Thank you so much,” I grin at my aunt. Taking the basket from her, I go to set it down on the kitchen counter.

Mom comes to place a hand on my lower back. “Did you just get back?”

“Yeah,” I nod as I turn to her. “We stopped by Kao’s room before leaving.”

Mom’s eyes settle on the bandages. “Did they clean the cuts before you checked out of the hospital?”

I nod. “I only have to clean them again tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll come over and help.”

I give Mom a thankful smile. “Thanks.”

“Have you all had lunch?” Aunt Kingsley asks.

“Not yet,” Hunter answers his mom. “I was just about to order in for