Defiant Heir (The Heirs 3)

When I get to the kitchen to grab Noah’s burger, which was delivered a couple of minutes ago, Jase and Mila come into the suite. They must’ve gone for dinner.

Jase’s gaze falls on my car keys as I pick them up. “Where are you going?”

“To visit Kao.” I begin to walk toward them.

“I’ll take you,” Jase says. Not waiting for my answer, he takes my car keys from me and throws them back in the bowl on the counter.

Knowing it won’t help to argue with him, I let it go. We all file out of the suite. If I’m honest with myself, I’m glad they’re coming along. Maybe then Kao won’t be as angry. He has a soft spot for Mila, especially after the attack.

Stepping into the elevator, I shake my head at myself. It sucks that I’m using my friends to hide behind. It’s just… I can’t handle much more. Kao’s rage is something I’ll never get used to.

Once we’re in Jase’s car, I stare out of the window at the landscape passing by us.

“How are you holding up?” Jase asks.

“I’m good.”

“Don’t lie to me, Fallon,” he murmurs.

My eyes meet Jase’s in the rearview mirror. He’s always been so damn perceptive, you can’t hide anything from him.

My shoulders slump as I suck in a deep breath. “I’ll be okay. It’s just hard right now,” I admit the truth.

“I saw Kao earlier,” Jase says.

“Yeah? How was he?”

“Angry.”

Yeah, that about sums it up.

“I just wish he’d go for the surgery,” Mila voices her hope.

“I don’t understand why he won’t,” I admit.

“I think he’s scared it might not be a success. He doesn’t want to get his hopes up,” Jase gives his opinion.

“But it’s worth the chance,” I argue.

Jase lets out a sigh as he pulls into the hospital's parking area. “I told him that.”

We all climb out, and Jase walks between Mila and me. We’re quiet until we reach the VIP floor.

Jase places his hand on my back. “Whatever happens, I’m here.”

I give him a grateful smile before I push open the door.

Kao’s sitting up, and Uncle Marcus is seated at the foot of the bed. Noah’s slouched in a chair, staring at his phone.

“Hey,” I say as I walk inside, and I first go to hand Noah his burger.

“Thanks, you’re a lifesaver.”

Kao’s head snaps in my direction, and a frown forms on his forehead. I have to gather all my strength to move to the side of the bed. The lines on his face deepen as I lean down. I press a kiss to his cheek, but a second later, he turns his face away from me.

As I straighten up, Jase places his arm around my waist and pulls me into his side.

I watch as Mila hugs Kao, and it hurts like hell when he hugs her back.

No matter how strong I try to be, it’s too much. Lifting a hand to my face, I cover my mouth as I pull away from Jase. I leave the room in a hurry, fighting to keep the tears back.

Darting down the hallway, I rush to the waiting room, praying it’s empty. The moment I walk inside, a sob escapes me.

“I’m so sorry, Fallon,” Mila says behind me, and then she comes to hug me.

I wrap my arms around my friend while I try my best to swallow the heartbreaking emotions back. I suck in a deep breath and then pull away from her.

“I’m fine.” I force a smile to my face as I meet her eyes.

I’m not okay. Not even a little.KAOIt kills me being cold toward Fallon. I so badly want to hold her but keeping her at a distance is best. She’ll get over me in no time, and then she can move on with her life.

“Why are you doing this, Kao?” Jase snaps angrily.

I shake my head, not having the strength to face off with Fallon’s cousin again. Earlier today was enough to drain me.

I feel Jase move closer to me, and then he grinds out, “Answer me.”

I let out an exhausted sigh. “Drop it, Jase.”

“Drop it? Seriously?” he growls. “You just fucking hurt Fallon in front of me! You’re walking around blind when you can get your sight back. I won’t fucking drop it.”

“Do we have to do this now?” I snap.

“Yes. Explain to me why you’re behaving like a total asshole? Why won’t you go for the surgery? Why did you push Fallon away?”

I press my lips together, refusing to answer his questions. The second Jase finds out why I’m doing this, he won’t back down. I’d rather let him think I’m a bastard.

I feel Jase’s eyes burn on me. “This affects the whole group, and Mila’s just been through hell. We all have. I won’t have you upsetting Mila and Fallon more. They’re worried out of their minds, and so are the rest of us.”