Ruthless knight

Sawyer

I’m so shocked my brain temporarily checks out.

It isn’t until I feel his tongue enter my mouth that I come to my senses and push him away.

“What is wrong with you? Why did you—”

“I’m go

“Come on.” Oakley points to his jaw. “Right here.”

“No!” Bianca screams.

But it’s too late, Lucky Seven is already in motion. “Backstabbing—”

Oakley side-steps him mid-swing.

He’s so drunk, he loses his balance and falls on the floor with a heavy thud. 

“That,” Oakley says as he points to a now passed out Cole. “Is why I kissed you.” He bends down. “You and Bianca each grab one of his legs, and I’ll get the rest. It’s time to blow this popsicle stand.”

“I think he’s bleeding,” I say as we begin hauling him to the door and I see a small trail of blood.

“He’s a big boy, he’ll be fine,” Oakley says. “But if he’s not…he kind of deserved it. Now didn’t he?” 

Cole starts yelling incoherent things at him.

“Love you too, man,” Oakley says back.

A few minutes later we place him in the back seat and drive off.

“Are you guys go

Since I left my car at school, Oakley has to drop me off first.

He waves a hand. “We’ve got this.”

Bianca nods. “We’re pretty much pros.”

Oh. “Well, in that case. Have a good night.”

I start to walk to my car, but Bianca halts me.

“The things Cole said before—”

I stop her right there. “I know you want to defend your brother because you love him, but you can’t bail him out of this. He hurt me and it’s not something I’m go

Not now…not ever.

“I know it sounds crazy, but those things weren’t about you, Sawyer. I mean, some stuff was. But not the long tangent he went on about no one liking you and being so much better than you.”

I’m so confused. He was definitely looking at me when he said all those mean things.

“If he didn’t say that stuff about me, who—”

“Liam. All those things he said were directed at Liam.” She frowns. “What you witnessed tonight wasn’t Cole. It was the evil twin.”

“Oh.”

I honestly have no idea how to respond to that.

I know Cole didn’t always get along with Liam and they weren’t particularly close…but that’s a lot of animosity to be harboring toward your brother.

“I have no right to ask you this, but please don’t give up on him just yet. You’re good for him, Sawyer.” 

That may be true, but after tonight, it’s clear he’s not good for me.