Page 19 of Knight

“Isn’t he always?”

“Yeah but,” I pause, that lump in my throat again. Allie rests a hand on my shoulder. “I thought things would be different.” My throat starts to tingle and I’m yelling at that tear to not drop from my eye.

Allie takes a moment before she sighs, “Yeah, well. I’m not surprised King would fuck up a good thing. Fucking shit up is what he does.” She lets up after that and does her best at distracting me from my woes with complaints about her parents.

We draw out coffee as long as we can before we head to the Academy and I’m hoping this day is quick to go by. But when we get to school, it’s clear this long day has only just begun. As Allie and I approach the front steps, Christian stands at the top with Damien, my body tensing at the sight.

The King of the school doesn’t look any more put together than he did yesterday. He’s not even in uniform and considering what happened, I’m surprised he’s here at all. He’s in a crumpled tee and his leather jacket, black joggers and hair greasier than these boots. Even then, Damien King still manages to pull off that sinfully seductive look. That chiselled jaw stands out even from here and his skin, while pale, still looks smooth and soft to touch.

I knew Christian said he wasn’t going to ditch his best friend but after he kicked me out of his house, seeing them together makes me want to punch them both. I know he’s grieving but so am I.

We’re waiting for Nate when a girl nudges my shoulder as she passes. “Grim Reaper,” she mutters.

“What?” I snip back, but she looks over her shoulder and keeps walking up the stairs.

As she walks away, I hear more whispers as other students pass us.

“Can’t believe we go to school with a murderer.”

“Wonder who else she killed?”

“I hear she’s hiding out here.”

“Don’t listen to them,” Allie says. Christian’s eyes catch mine and he looks down, hockey stick in his hand, duffel bag on his shoulder. He fits in with the jocks. Always has. I’m kidding myself if I think he can be a friend.

Isaac stands next to his fellow Kings, leaning against the brick wall, a hockey stick beside him. He looks as dishevelled as Damien, if not worse. They’re passing a bottle between them and it’s like they’re still on their party train. Damien catches my glare next, eyes droopy, a twist of that perfect mouth.

God, why did he even bother to come here? Why did I?

He’s spinning that coin between his fingers but he drops it, stumbling when he leans over to pick it up. Christian helps balance him before he glances my way again, a fresh cut on his cheek.

Allie’s rummaging through her tote when she lets out a, “Fuck.” She pulls out her keys. “I forgot my homework in the car. Do you wanna wait here or do you wanna come with me?”

The longer I stare at Damien and his friends, the harder my nails dig into my skin. I don’t need a bodyguard. And as more people pass me with their shitty whispers, I’m getting tired of standing here and taking it.

“Nah, you go ahead, I’m gonna head inside.”

Allie nods and lets me go before I take off up the stairs, my boots thudding with every step. I’m not looking at the boys as I climb up to the main entrance. I don’t even notice Lea’s with them until I hear her voice, “The bitch came back.”

“Looks like she didn’t learn her lesson,” Georgina’s snarky voice is next. So much for being cordial.

It’s like nothing has changed. So why should I?

I stop in my path, turning to face Lea and Georgina in matching headbands, expensive jewelry added to their uniform. “Here’s a lesson for you. See how far you can push a girl from The Grove before her fist goes through your nose.” I don’t usually sink low but with the way I’m feeling, I do. “You can finally get that rhinoplasty you so desperately need.”

Isaac lets out a laugh, joint hanging from his wide mouth, “Shit, still feisty.”

“Still can’t trust her,” Damien mumbles.

What? Me?

His words pierce my heart again, but I’m happy I still have my voice. At least for a little bit. “Still an entitled fucking asshole. Who are you trying to impress now that daddy’s dead and gone?” I’m almost shocked at my own words. Almost.

SMASH!

The bottle he’s holding explodes when it hits the ground and before I know it, my back hits the wall. His cold fingers come around my throat. “You wanna play, Medusa? Let’s play.”

Five

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