“Jace?” she whispered.
“Keep going.” Sawyer was at their backs, steering through the kitchens and to the elevator.
“What’s happening?” she asked as soon as the doors closed. “We were on the plane for three hours.” She pulled out her phone. “Dammit.” It was dead.
“Your family is in the penthouse suite.” Sawyer glanced her way. “I think Hank wants to explain everything.”
She blinked. “But everyone is okay? Right? There’s nothing wrong?”
Sawyer was almost smiling. Almost. “Nothing is wrong, Miss King.”
The doors opened and she headed straight for the penthouse. But Jace hung back.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He smiled.
“You’re not coming?” She frowned.
He hesitated. “After last time—”
“Jace.” She swallowed. She didn’t want to think about last time. Last time, she knew what she had to say. Now? She had no idea what was happening. Having him at her side helped. “Don’t leave me, please.”
He nodded, following, Sawyer trailing behind.
“You good?” he asked, waiting for her nod before opening the door.
Inside, it was quiet. Her father was sound asleep in a recliner. Travis’s legs hung off the end of the couch, his arm thrown across his face. Emmy was curled up in the corner of the couch, wrapped up in a fleece blanket covered in unicorns.
She pressed a finger to her lips and shook her head. They’d been waiting up for her but…
The television was on. Muted. But that didn’t matter.
“That’s…” She stared, horrified by what was playing out on the television. “How did this happen?”
“Baby girl?” Her daddy sat forward. “We tried to call.”
She couldn’t answer, couldn’t look away.
“Her phone is dead,” Jace said.
Tig’s face, his mouth moving. She knew what he was saying. And then, she couldn’t watch anymore. At least she knew, the whole world knew, he started the physical altercation. Even though it had been a week, the force of his blow remained.
“When did this happen?” She sank onto the couch, trying not to see the television.
“A couple of hours ago.” Her father was standing beside her. “It got leaked to the press and, well, hell, it’s all over the place.”
“Daddy, turn it off,” Emmy whispered.
“You okay?” Travis sat up and slid closer, nudging her. “I mean, I know it’s been a week, but seeing it?” He put his arm around her. “No one can doubt you now, Krys. No one.”
It was a shock, yes. Seeing herself flopping around like a rag doll was one hell of a shock. But he was right.
“He said…” She was up, staring at Jace. “He said it was true. He admitted—”
“He did.” Jace’s jaw was locked tight.
“You knew?” She frowned.
“It didn’t feel right to say something without your family.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry.”