Page 26 of Knight

Okay, and the key burning a hole through my leather jacket.

“You okay?” Christian’s hand comes to my lap, his Jag coming to a stop. It’s warm as always, even through the denim. He takes a peek through the window. “We can always go back. You know what? You’re right. We should go.”

We’re in the driveway at the King mansion and from where I’m sitting you couldn’t tell anyone died. What I’m seeing reminds me of the first time I came here. Students scattered around the lawn. I can already hear the bass booming from inside, the splash of a pool even though it’s almost winter.

Turning to Christian I try to give him a reassuring smile, “Thought you were a King.” My booms as loud as the music but anymore stalling and I’ll second-guess my decision. I’m trying my best to remind myself why I’m here, and it’s not for Damien or Christian. I’m here for Willow.

Flipping down the mirror on the passenger seat visor, I make sure I don’t look as tired as I feel. I don’t want these rich pricks thinking I’m weak. Letting my hair down from my bun, I wipe a finger under each eye. I can do this.

Christian parks at the top of the driveway like the supreme ruler he is. So even before my Docs hit the pavement, eyes are on us.

“Holy shit, she came … with Perez!”

“I heard she laughed when she did it.”

“We might be in for a show.”

Ignoring them, I’m marching towards the door, Christian beside me. We’re about to head inside, grand double staircase in view, but it looks like the predators are already out.

“No way, Medusa!” Lea comes between us and the door, a headband with sparkling jewels on her dark strands. She has a black coat over her shoulders, a dress with a white collar that makes her look like one of the twins from that Stephen King movie. “I know King didn’t invite you.”

Rolling my eyes, I try to move around her. “I’m not here for you, or him. I’m here for Willow.” But Georgina and the bitch with the pixie step beside her, arms crossed. Beth’s nearby, watching this all go down.

“Or are you here for new clothes?” Georgina asks with a smirk. I didn’t bother changing the shirt I had on earlier with more important things in my mind. “What happened, Rowland? Did King cut you off?”

“Is that why you’re here? You gonna get him for that?” Lea blinks, fuelling off her recovered power. “Run along, Ho-elle.”

My fists clench, and I don’t know if I can stop my arm from flying before Christian’s voice comes from behind me.

“Get out of the way, Lea.” He already sounds as tired of her bullshit as I am.

Her jaw hangs, glancing at Christian then back at me before she arches a thin eyebrow. She straightens her posture. “Failed to hook one King so you’re after another?”

“I’m sure that’s your path to success but Jo isn’t like that,” Christian eyes her up, speaking like a true King. “Move. Now.” I don’t need Christian taking up for me but while she’s stunned, I use that time to nudge her shoulder as I head through the doors.

I’m a mix of emotions standing in this foyer again. Students sit along the staircase, a popular rock song booming through the home. The golden chandelier above shakes with each thud.

“Go, Bella! Go, Bella!”

The mention of Nate’s sister makes me whip my head to the living room. Bella’s dancing in the middle and I’ll admit, the girl has moves. Jordan and Willow sit in front of her, egging her on. My sister has a glass of wine in one hand, Jordan with a beer. Jasper is nowhere in sight. Neither are any other freshmen.

While this confirms what I thought, I’m not sticking around to see the King. I have other plans.

“Looks like she’s alright,” Christian appears next to me and I finally get a chance to take in his full outfit. The green hoodie he’s wearing matches his eyes almost too perfectly and the blazer over it makes him look ready for a date. Wait, does he think this is a date?

“I’m gonna use the bathroom,” I say, running the key along my finger. “Then we can get my sister and get outta here.”

“What?” Christian takes my hand, pulling me towards the kitchen. “We just got here and you need to relax.”

A nudge makes me stumble before Lea’s in front of me, heading up the stairs. “I’m going to check on King.” She smirks when she looks over her shoulder and when I watch her go in the direction of his room, I feel a knife in my gut.

“I’m so relaxed.” Turning to Christian, I attempt to give him my best smile but the cringe on his face tells me it’s not working.

“You look worse than I do before a big game,” he smiles, pulling me towards the kitchen again. “C’mon. Have a drink with me.”

Fuck it. I could use it.

People slide out of Christian’s way as we head for the big table of booze and snacks in the large kitchen. He doesn’t even have to ask before someone hands him a cup.

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