Walton taps his chest. “That tattoo of his is all the proof I need to show you that he was once mine. That’s my brand on him. Once upon a time, Hunter vowed his service to me. Together, we were unstoppable.”
I clench my fist. “What the hell do you want? Quit pussy footing around and get to the point.”
He smiles, but there’s nothing friendly about it. “I want to hurt him, just as he hurt me.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Hunter was once one of my most loyal men. That all changed one day. The day I went to collect from your mother, as a matter of fact. All of a sudden, he had a change of heart and turned me in to the police. I’ve spent ten years rotting behind bars, and now I’m here to make sure he gets what he deserves.”
“Then what the hell do you want withme?”
“Nobody else has managed to catch on, but I can see right through you, girl. He’s got a soft spot for you, maybe more than he cares to admit.”
“So…what? You’re going to hurt me to get to him? That’s fucking stupid.”
“No, you idiot.Youare going to hurt himforme.”
I’ve heard enough. I raise my hand to strike Walton across the face. Before my palm can make contact with his cheek, he snatches me by the wrist and digs his fingers into my skin.
“I’d never hurt him,” I hiss, venom dripping from every word.
“Because he’s been nothing but kind to you?”
“That, among other things. He’s twice the man you’ll ever be.”
“Stupid girl,” Walton growls. “Who do you think introduced me to your father in the first place when he was looking for a loan? Why do you think Hunter was the one to save your mother from me?”
“I don’t… I don’t understand.”
“Because you’re notlistening.” Walton releases me and takes a step back. “I can see now that Hunter has a thing for the Spencer women. First it was your mother, now he’s moved on to a newer, tighter model.”
The world spins out from under me, like I was driving two hundred miles an hour and suddenly hit a patch of black ice. What the hell is he talking about? Walton has to be lying. I have no reason to believe a snake like him, yet…
Ask your mother.
I don’t give Walton the opportunity to get another word in. I know the doctor hasn’t discharged me, but I have to get away. My fight or flight instincts have finally kicked in. I shove past him, checking him hard with my shoulder before grabbing my things and dashing down the hall. I can’t leave through the front where I know Hunter is probably fending off paparazzi, so I follow the demarcated exit signs and find an alternate route.
I check my phone and find a handful of messages from Taylor.
Girl, you’re all over the news! There are videos of Hunter carrying you off like a damsel. Talk about swoon worthy!
Also, are you alright? That probably should have been my first question, sorry.
Several messages from Annabeth are also waiting for me.
Oh my God, Eden! I was getting my hair done when I heard. Please call me to tell me you’re alright.
I blink past the tears stinging my eyes as I manage to leave the hospital undetected, flagging down the first cab I see. I don’t know what’s going on. I’m so out of my element, lost and drowning in a sea of confusion.
Hunter was the reason Dad crossed paths with Walton?
Were Hunter and my mother having an affair?
Did Hunter hurt people?
And now I’m pregnant with his child?
“Where to, miss?” the cab driver asks me.