As she goes on explaining what happened the previous day, I inspect the damage. I can move my right hand completely. I can raise my legs but stop halfway as I assess the bandage draped around my upper body.

I try to lift again, but the nurse halts my movements.

“You were very lucky, Mr. Spencer, but let’s not overdo anything. You’ve undergone surgery to remove the bullets, and you’re still in recovery. Please don’t stress yourself. If you’re up for it, I can send in some of your family.”

I nod, not sure which family she means. My mind wanders to the Teagers, who consider me their fourth brother. The guys at Kings Security, who have known me for years. Or…the one person who’s officially and legally bound to me.

The door to the room opens. A ray of hope flickers before I hear the squealing sounds of Connor King’s wheelchair above the beeping noise of the hospital machines.

“So, the daredevil can get hurt?” The light words barely hide the tightness behind his voice.

“I’m sure you know by now who did this.” My voice comes out in a groan, softer and lower than I expected.

“I sure do,” he all but growls. Before I can ask him more, he adds, “That’s not for you to worry about right now. We’ll handle it, and that fucker will be put behind bars.”

As I remember the incident, a jolt of pain shoots through me, as if the bullet once again pierced my rib cage.

“Lukas, calm down.” Connor puts his hand on my arm, and the nurse rushes closer.

“I think Mr. Spencer should rest now, Mr. King.”

He nods but leans forward. “There’s someone outside. She claims…she’s related to you. Her name is Autumn.”

My consciousness begins to slip away once more, and Connor’s face fades, but I grab his hand. “Sh-she’s…my…mi-mine.”

There’s the faint sound of rolling tires as Connor leaves the room, but…I tune everything out except my thoughts.

My mind drifts to the first time I heard from her. It was six years ago.

* * *

Six years ago

From: autumnthefallqueen

To: lukasspencer

MY DAD JUST TOLD ME YOU AGREED TO ALL OF THIS TEN YEARS AGO!

I WAS SIX AT THE TIME!!

SIX, YOU FUCKING MORON!

YOU WILL BURN IN HELL!

WHAT KIND OF SICK JERK ARE YOU?

What the fuck? I jerk out of bed. My hands on fire as I think of typing out a fitting reply to whoever this fucker is, until I read…

autumnthefallqueen

A teenager no doubt.

I should have guessed that by her excessive use of expletives, not to mention the ridiculous exclamation points that appear at the end of every sentence.

From: lukasspencer

To: autumnthefallqueen

You’ve got the wrong email, kid, and I’d advise you to work on your use of exclamation points.