Page 98 of Knight

Neither is sucking out a poison.

“Earth to space cadet Jo.” A large brown hand comes in front of my face, my lips on a spiral straw in this mickey of Jameson. Nate pulls the bottle away from me, my eyes on the screen in front of us but I haven’t been paying attention. “‘Cell Block Tango’ is not to be ignored.”

The signs of heartbreak lay scattered around me. Bags of chips, candy and Bacardi coolers sit between my support group. Nate, Allie, Bella and Willow are all trying their best to keep my mind off the devil. They set up a movie night in my room, mattress on the floor, Nate’s projector pointed at the wall.

I want to say it’s working but it’s not. Damien is in every corner of my mind. Every nook. Every cranny. Our Christmas break is a stain in my brain and as much as I want that boy back, a King for my own, I don’t even know if he exists.

“You’re having a hard time, huh?” Willow asks. She’s in an oversized Versace t-shirt shoving more Doritos into her mouth. Bella sits on the bed behind her, working on a French braid.

“It’s the Damien King effect,” Allie groans, hitting pause on the movie, a gummy worm in her hand. She’s sitting on the floor with me, pushing up against the bed so she can pivot her attention.

“You know what they say,” Nate sings from the mattress above me. “The best way to get over someone …”

“What about Christian?” Willow asks. Allie looks back, her waves shaking around her head when she looks at Willow, her fingers swiping at her neck as if she already knows. “Or not.”

“He’s not impressed with me right now,” I groan, snatching the bottle out of Nate’s hand.

“And why might that be?” he asks.

When I don’t answer, they all say it in unison, “Damien.”

God, even they know I’m hooked.

Sitting the mickey between my legs, my head hits the edge of the mattress. Pulling the sleeves of my black hoodie to my fingers, I let out a sigh.

“You blew your shot with Christian?” Bella asks, scooting into the space beside Nate. She’s near my head, dressed in an expensive-looking off-the-shoulder top, red leggings. Her head comes close to mine, spiral ponytail flopping beside her. “So he’s like, emotionally available?”

“Ew,” Nate gives her a small shove.

“Ditto,” Allie says.

Willow moves next to me and I tilt my head to see her in two braids before she speaks up, “Here’s how I see it.” I arch an eyebrow but she smirks and I snort. “Wait, hear me out. If anyone knows my sister it’s me.” She takes the bottle from my hand, taking a sip and I let her before I grab it back, wondering where she’s going with this. “Christian?” She swallows, wincing. “See he’s a safe choice. A knight in shining … Armani. But Damien connects with you on that deep disturbed upbringing stuff. You’re a lot more alike than you think. For one, you both wear your heart on your sleeve.”

“Watch it,” I warn, hating the fact that she compared me to him. I’m nothing like him. Am I?

She continues, “You’re both stubborn. Both dominant and demanding. It’s like a constant power struggle between you two.”

I toss a Pringle at her head, trying to ignore her words but it’s hard. Are Damien and I so fucked up that we mesh together? He makes me feel things. Bad and good. But that doesn’t mean I can trust him.

“Speak of the devil,” Bella pipes. My body tenses and when I look, Bella’s on the bed on her knees, her phone in her hand. “King just walked into LOFT with Lea.”

“Really?” Willow snatches the phone from Bella. “The club at The Palace?”

Willow holds the phone out so I can get a better look but I regret it immediately. There’s a picture of Damien on his InstaShot that I didn’t even know he had. One with over fifteen thousand followers. I’m not one for social media but even I know that’s insane.

Not wanting to show how curious I am, I squint at the photo so I can get a better look. Damien looks as good as always, if not better. He’s tightened up his attire for this appearance, a black blazer over a black shirt and slacks. He’s giving the camera those ‘fuck me’ eyes, all sultry and grey, while he whispers something in Lea’s ear. My jaw clenches considering if that look, usually reserved for me, is now aimed at Lea.

Of course, Lea looks like the perfect doll beside him. She’s in a matching black dress that fits her small frame. Her hair is straightened and silky like a fucking Pantene commercial. She looks elegant, diamonds dripping from her ear and neck. She fits into this scene with Damien, his hand around her waist like the rich royals they are.

Looking down at the toothpaste stain on my hoodie, touching the side shave in my hair, I know I’m not a fit like she is.

“Should we go?” Nate asks.

“Yes!” Willow and Bella yell. Without a confirmation, they’re already dashing across the bathroom to Willow’s room.

“Wait!” I call but Nate’s on his feet too. Easing off the mattress, I look at him with wide eyes. “They’re not coming.” My little sister is not going to a nightclub. No way.

“Still helping you find an outfit!” Willow calls back.

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