Defiant Heir (The Heirs #3) - Michelle Heard Page 0,6

behind the wheel. There was another vehicle involved, but the driver is fine. She only has whiplash.”

Someone died.

Even though it was that driver’s fault, sadness still bleeds into my heart.

Then Dad’s words sink in, and I ask, “It should’ve been a head-on collision?”

“Yes.” Dad gives me a reassuring smile. “Luckily, it wasn’t. Kao’s a good driver.”

But.

But…

I remember Kao jerking the steering wheel to the right as his arm pinned me to the seat.

He kept me safe.

He knew the truck was going to hit us, and he chose to keep me safe.

Oh God.

I told Kao to take that route. The accident wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t…

I gasp for air as the thoughts shudder through me. “Daddy,” I whimper, my emotions sky-rocketing.

Dad moves forward, wrapping me in a hug again. “You’re both going to be okay.”

I try to shake my head, but again I’m stopped by the brace and pain. “What if… what if…” I sob.

Daddy pulls back and framing my face with his hands, his eyes lock on mine. There’s so much certainty in his gaze. “There are no what-ifs. Kao’s surgery went well. He’s stable. We found the best plastic surgeon for you. Everything will be fine.” Dad lifts a hand and brushes some of my hair back. “We’ll fix everything.”

I’ve never doubted my parents. Not until today.

How will I live with the guilt of telling Kao which road to take?

How will I cope with facial scarring?

And Kao?

Oh, God, please let him be okay.

I don’t know what I’d do if something were to happen to Kao. I’d never forgive myself.

Chapter 3

FALLON

It’s been a day since the accident, and I’ve finally convinced Dad to get me a wheelchair so I can visit Kao.

Jase, Hunter, and Hana have hardly left my side while Noah, Jade, and Mila are with Kao.

They said he regained consciousness for a minute, but he was out of it. That was last night, and since then, he hasn’t woken up again.

With every passing hour, worry consumes me. It feels like I’ve been thrust into the twilight zone. Nothing makes sense anymore. My emotions are all over the place, making me feel sick to my stomach.

“You should stay in bed,” Hana mutters, not happy that I’m moving. “You have a concussion.”

“I know,” I mumble. Yes, I’m dizzy and nauseous, but I won’t let anyone keep me from Kao a moment longer. “I just want to see him, then I’ll come back.”

Dad carefully lifts me from the bed and sets me down in the wheelchair.

“We can take her,” Jase offers. “Then you and Aunt Layla can get something to eat.”

“Thanks,” Dad replies. “We won’t be long.”

Mom presses a kiss to the top of my head. “Don’t stay out of bed for too long. Ten minutes then you’re back. Okay?”

“I’ll be fine,” I mumble, tired of all the attention. I love my family and friends, but right now, all I can think of is Kao. I won’t be able to rest until I’ve seen he’s okay.

Jase pushes me out of the room and down the hallway. Luckily, due to our families’ VIP status, we’re both in private rooms, so we don’t have to go far.

Hunter opens the door, and the moment Jase pushes me into the room, my eyes lock on the bed. “Stop.”

Mr. Reed gets up from where he’s sitting next to Kao, and the deep lines of worry etched on his face has my heart cracking.

I climb out of the wheelchair and slowly inch closer to the bed. There are machines hooked up to Kao, and the constant beeping doesn’t offer me any comfort. There are red patches under his eyes and over his nose, and the left side of his face is black and blue, which makes the bandage around his head look stark white.

Reaching Kao, I swallow hard on the lump of emotion in my throat. I slowly inch forward until I’m able to wrap my fingers around his hand. Feeling the warmth from his skin, my eyes drift shut for a moment.

He’s alive.

Gingerly, I lean over him, and I press my mouth to his cheek. Dark scruff has formed on his jawline from not shaving, and I feel the bristles against my lips.

“Sit, Fallon,” Mr. Reed says. He takes hold of my arm and helps me into a chair he must’ve pulled closer.

My gaze darts up to Kao’s father. “Is he okay? I heard he woke up?”

Kao got his blue eyes from his father, and looking into them, I feel the first semblance of comfort.

“Leigh