7.8

His words stun me into open-mouthed silence.

He's right. He's wrong. I should tell him. I shouldn't.

Instead I slap him across the face.

Adam's shock mirrors mine but he still doesn't touch the red mark starting to form on his cheek. It was a hard slap. At least, when I pursed my lips and felt my skin hit his, it seemed like it was. Now, with the adrenaline pumping through my veins, I can't tell. My hand doesn't hurt. I look down at it, flipping it palm up, as though I'm not really sure I really just slapped him.

"Piper..."

I look up and meet his eyes. His face has completely changed - he's not angry with me any longer. He's worried.

"What I said," he mumbles slowly, almost tripping over the words. "What people are saying...That's not what happened, is it."

He's not asking a question.

It's the look on his face that finally breaks me down into tears. Not because he's worried, or angry, or a mix of unpleasant emotions. Not even his grimace. It's because he knows.

Adam knows what really happened with Lionel.

And I didn't have to say a word.