Page 85 of Twisted Truths

Hours later, I step into the hospital room where my dad is sleeping. He had to undergo surgery to repair the damage caused by the bullet, but he’ll be fine.

I had to have X-rays done, and they wanted to make sure I didn’t have a concussion. None of my ribs are broken, just badly bruised, and it hurts to move, but I’m alive and that’s what matters. Everyone who matters is alive.

The cops wanted to speak with me after all my tests were done. I spoke to them because I didn’t think I could put them off, but the whole time, I just wanted to lay eyes on my father and see for myself that he’s all right. Some of the tension leaves my body when I see his chest moving up and down in slumber.

Bastion sits in a chair in the corner of the room, but stands when I walk in. “You get checked out? Everything okay?”

“Yeah, my ribs are bruised. Fine beyond that. How’s Dad?”

We both look at him.

“Should wake up soon. Surgery went well, and he should be fine after some rehab.”

I nod, the full brunt of everything that’s happened in the last twelve hours hitting me full force, and I wobble on my feet.

“Here, sit.” He helps me over to the chair he vacated. “Did the police already talk to you?”

I nod. “You?”

He frowns. “Yeah.”

“So much for staying off the cops’ radar,” I say with no humor in my voice.

“What do you think will happen?” Bastion asks. “You think that boyfriend of yours will use his influence to make any repercussions disappear?”

The mention of Obsidian makes my chest ache more than my ribs. “He’s not my boyfriend. At least not anymore.”

“Ari.”

Something in Bastion’s tone causes me to look at him.

“I saw that man when he thought something was going to happen to you, and I’m telling you, he hasn’t written you off.”

His words plant a small seed of hope inside me, but I push the feeling down, unwilling to believe that Obsidian could ever move forward with me. I saw the devastation on his face when he learned the truth about me. There’s no coming back from that.

“We’ll see,” I say to put Bastion off the subject.

“I know I told you a man like him wouldn’t go for a woman like you, but I was wrong. When I got on the plane, I regretted telling you that. It’s hard to see the world differently from the one we were raised in. I think I got kind of jealous that you’d get out and have an amazing life, and I’d be banded with Dad forever. But Obsidian should forgive you because you’re too good for him.”

A smile tips my lips.

“You’re good for one another. Love and all that shit, you know.”

I laugh. “Thanks, Bastion.”

“And if he doesn’t forgive you, find another lucky billionaire bastard.”

I grab his hand and squeeze. “Thanks.”

Dad groans, and his eyes flutter.

I tense and cringe when the stabbing pain in my ribs hits me again. “Dad?”

His head moves side to side, then his eyes open. It takes a moment for him to focus, but when he does, a small smile tilts his lips.

“Kids…” His voice is hoarse.

“Do you want some water, Dad?”

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