“Everything okay?” I ask him, nudging him with my shoulder.
He looks at me, conflicted, before glancing back at the boys. “I’m sorry,” is all he says.
“What does that mean?” I ask, wondering what the fuck else it is I’m missing. And how the fuck does he know Lincoln? He doesn’t get a chance to speak again before Lincoln and the others are standing before us.
“Happy Thanksgiving, V,” East says, and I stand to give him a hug, being passed from him to Finley, before Maverick lifts me from my feet, spinning me around before putting me back down. I give Lincoln an awkward wave, because hugging just isn’t a thing we do.
“You guys, this is Lincoln, Maverick, Finley, and Easton,” I tell the others, making all of the introductions needed. When Lincoln moves toward Panda I’m still unsure what is going on.
“Evan, it’s been a while.”
My stomach flips as my heart races. I lean in to Maverick and ask, “How the fuck does Lincoln know Panda?”
Panda stands, offering his hand to Lincoln who looks at it before shaking. P looks at me quickly before settling his gaze back on Lincoln and nodding. “It has.”
“What am I missing here?” I ask the two of them, and Indi jumps to her feet beside me.
“Drinks, anyone? Let’s go harass Smithy for more, shall we?” She ushers everyone else inside, leaving me with the five guys who all look as guilty as the next.
Once everyone else is inside and the doors close, I fold my arms over my chest, waiting for someone to explain whatever the fuck is going on.
“V… I’m sorry. I should’ve said something before now,” Panda starts, and Mav begins to laugh.
“Said something about what?” I huff, already tired of the lack of fucking answers yet again.
“You didn’t tell her? Oh man.” Mav drops into one of the just vacated chairs and kicks back like he’s watching a goddamn show.
Panda’s eyes go wide as his gaze bounces from Mav to me. “I didn’t know how—”
“Tell me what, exactly?” I demand, and Linc’s smile turns dark, his eyes glinting with something sinister, reminding me of how he looked at me a few months ago.
“Evan here,” Linc says, turning to face me, “is a Knight.”
He is?
They’ve got to be fucking with me. I know Panda. He isn’t anything like them. He’s fun and laid-back. He’s had my back more times than I can count.
“No he isn’t. He’s a roadie.” I try to deny it, and it sounds stupid even as I say it but the way P looks at me tells me I’m only lying to myself.
“I was sent on tour to make sure nothing happened to you,” he confesses, stepping toward me as I step backward, away from him. I clasp my throat as I shake my head.
This can’t be happening.
Why does everyone lie?
Panda steps closer to me, and Finn shoulder checks him, putting himself between us. “V, I’m sorry. Will you let me explain?”
“What is there to explain?” I utter, shock making me stupid, but it does occur to me that maybe he will answer some of my questions. I open my mouth to speak but Lincoln beats me to it.
“Were you spying on her or Stone?” Lincoln asks, and I’m shook stupid again. I didn’t even consider that. This Knight shit is so out of this goddamn world. I was still half convinced—half hoping—that it was some bullshit, but everything seems to lead back to this shit. “Are you responsible for Stone’s death?”
I suck in a breath and the world tilts. My knees feel like they’re about to give out as ice fills my veins, and I grab Finn’s arm to keep myself upright
As much as I want answers, this is too much. I was having enough issues getting through today without wondering if my friend killed my dad. I can’t go down that rabbit hole right now. If I ask and he tells me something I don’t want to hear, I’m going to spin out.
“I didn’t!” His eyes go wide in panic, and he tries to move toward me, but Lincoln stops him. “You have to believe me. V, you know me! You have to know I wouldn’t do that.”
“Do I? I can’t do this right now, but, P, you and I are apparently due for a conversation. This isn’t over.” Leaving them to get the answers they’re obviously seeking, I step back into the house. Leaning back on the door, I take a deep breath. I want answers, hell, I crave them, but am I really strong enough to hear the answer to that question?