KNOX
I told Dante I'd forgotten something inside the hall and needed to grab it. He stayed back in the car, waiting.
But that was a lie. There was nothing I left behind. The truth was, I only wanted to check on Tessa.
I found her near the door by the women's restroom, leaning against the wall, her body stiff, and tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Come with me," I said, grabbing her hand and pulling her into a quiet corner of the room.
Once we were alone, I dropped my hand. My eyes scanned her—head to toe—for any signs of injury. She was cradling her wrist. I caught it gently, turning it over to examine the bruise. It wasn't serious—just red and tender.
Still, it pissed me off.
I let go, exhaling sharply. The silence between us stretched a moment too long before I broke it.
