Alex winced as a sharp sting spread across his cheek. He pressed his palm against it, his eyes darkening with anger. But what could he do? Fighting back wasn't an option. Gabriel was too strong. The rumors about him had never been exaggerated.
A sudden knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Alex, why haven't you come out of your room since you returned? Is everything alright?" Vinette Morgan's concerned voice came from the other side.
Alex tensed to hear his mother's voice. If she found out, then he would have to answer everything. That was the last thing he ever wanted.
"Yes, Mom. Everything is fine," he replied, but the ache in his cheek said otherwise. The wound was healing slower than he expected. It would take at least another day to completely disappear.
Vinette wasn't convinced. "Open the door once. Let me check on you," she insisted.