Defiant Heir (The Heirs 3)

“It’s just a brace for the whiplash,” she immediately answers.

My fingers skim over the foam until I feel her left ear, and then I move my hand into her hair and pull her closer. When her lips touch mine, I soak in the feel of them for a moment.

She’s safe.

I cling to the relief as I let go of her.

“I’ll wait for you to come back,” Fallon says.

I open my eyes hoping – praying I’ll see her beautiful face – but still, there’s only darkness.

Shutting them again, I nod. “Later.”Chapter 4FALLONI stare at the covers on the bed as a nurse removes the neck brace.

Kao can’t see anything.

The thought shudders through me for the hundredth time since Kao woke. They’ve done numerous scans and tests but haven’t found the cause yet.

God, what if he’s permanently blind?

I shove the thought away as soon as it pops into my head. They’ll find out what’s wrong and fix it. They have to.

Whatever the outcome, I’ll be there for him.

I’ll take care of him.

The nurse peels the bandage away from my skin on my neck. “The cuts are healing nicely. No infection.”

“Good,” I murmur. I haven’t seen the gashes yet. I can’t bring myself to look at the mess on my neck and face.

The nurse cleans the wounds and changes the dressings, and when she doesn’t put the neck brace back on, I ask, “Am I done wearing the brace?” I freaking hope so. I’m tired of how scratchy it makes my skin feel.

“You’ll need to wear it until your neck’s better,” she answers.

“Can I take a little break, though?”

“Just for a short while.”

One small mercy, at least.

I let out a relieved sigh. “Thank you.”

Dr. Menard, the plastic surgeon, will come to see me next Tuesday. I’m just hoping he’ll be able to remove the scarring.

“It looks much better,” Mom says, giving me a comforting smile.

Not wanting to talk about my injuries, I mutter, “I’m worried about Kao.”

Mom reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

“I’m going to check on him.” I slip off the bed.

Mom glances at her watch. “I’ll head out then. I need to stop by the store, or your brother won’t have anything for dinner.”

“Forest’s visiting tomorrow, right?” I ask.

“Yes, Aria and Carla will probably come with him.”

The corner of my mouth lifts slightly because anything more will painfully pull at the cuts on my face.

I hug Mom before we leave the room. Walking down the hallway, I feel a little dizzy. The nurse said the sensation will come and go, but it will get better.

I push Kao’s door open, and then I hear the doctor say, “Both corneas were damaged during the accident. It’s probably from the force of the airbag deploying.”

My gaze darts around the room, and I see Mr. and Mrs. Reed standing on one side of the bed. Noah and his mom, Mrs. West, is on the other side, with the attending doctor at the foot.

I slink into the room and softly shut the door behind me.

“Do you have corneas in the hospital’s eye bank?” Mrs. West asks.

“I’ll have to check, but if we don’t, we can get a pair from another hospital,” the doctor replies.

“Let me know. I can check with other hospitals as well,” Mrs. West offers.

Kao lets out a bitter sounding chuckle, and everyone's eyes snap to him. His voice sounds deadly calm as he asks, “Can everyone leave?”

There’s a moment's silence, then Mr. Reed places his hand on Kao’s. “We’re discussing the treatment.”

Kao pulls his hand free, and there’s no emotion on his face as he snaps, “I want to be alone. Just for a minute.”

“It’s all overwhelming, I know,” the attending doctor sympathizes with him.

“Oh, do you?” Kao asks, his voice tight with anger. “I wasn’t aware you’re blind.”

He doesn’t get angry easily, so seeing him like this is unnerving.

“Let’s give him a moment,” Mrs. West says.

I stand to the side as they all file out of the room, then glance back at Kao. His eyes drift in my direction, and for a moment, it feels like he can actually see me.

My heart skips a hopeful beat, only to shatter once again when there’s no recognition in his gaze.

“Should I leave as well?” I ask softly.

Please say no.

Emotion ripples over his face, then he asks, “Has everyone left?”

“Yeah, It’s just me.” I walk a little closer. “And you.”

Kao lifts his right hand, reaching in my direction, and it makes me dart forward. I take hold of him and ask, “Want to talk about it?”

He shuts his eyes and shakes his head, letting out an exhausted sigh. “I just… it’s too fast, too much. I need to think.”

“My hermit,” I tease as I sit down on the side of the bed. “You’ve never liked a lot of people hovering around you.”