Ruthless knight

Cole

“You said you were ordering pizza.” I glare at Jace as he walks through the door of Oakley’s guesthouse with two pizzas. “Not my former brother.” 

Oakley walks over to the fridge. “No, I said I was ordering pizza and someone was picking it up. I just failed to mention that the someone was Jace.” He looks down at me. “Are you go

I’m currently sitting on his kitchen floor bouncing a te

Sawyer said I needed to find a healthy way to manage my stress since drinking and beating up Stone isn’t.  

Yesterday she dropped off a package of te

They don’t really help, but they do take my mind off stuff. 

Or rather, they did. Until he showed up. 

Jace doesn’t say a word as he parks his ass at the kitchen table. 

I should have known Oakley would try to stage an intervention during boys’ night. 

However, I know how Jace is. He doesn’t just hold grudges…he chains them up for years and throws away the key.

There’s a small part of me that can’t help but think if it was Liam in my position instead, he would have already forgiven him. 

And since old habits don’t die overnight, I’ve decided I’m now holding a grudge against him—a stronger, better one—that will one-up the one he’s holding against me. 

Bastard. 

Jace doesn’t look bothered one bit as he loads a slice of pizza onto his plate. 

Of course the fucker went with pineapple. The topping no one in their right mind—except for him and Liam—would enjoy. 

“Fucking pineapple,” I mutter as I bounce the ball. Harder this time. “Surprise, surprise.” 

Cocking an eyebrow, he opens the second pizza box. 

Meatball. My favorite. “Asshole.” 

“Douchebag,” he counters. 

Oakley waves a hand as he strides over to the table. “This is good. Keep going. We’re finally getting somewhere.” 

Somewhere my ass. He only got my favorite pizza to make me look like an idiot for complaining. 

Self-righteous prick. 

“Why are you even here right now, motherfucker?” I bark. “I thought you wanted a break?”

A break from being my brother.

It would have hurt less if he told me I was dead to him. 

“I’m not here for you, shithead. Oakley called and asked if I wanted to swing by and chill. He didn’t mention you’d be here.” He shrugs one shoulder. “You can stay if you want though.” 

“Wow. Gee thanks, Your Highness.”

“You’re welcome, jackass.” 

Oakley cracks open a window and sparks a blunt. “I called you both over here because it’s time to end this…whatever the fuck it is.” 

It’s not my fault. 

“Blame him,” I say. “I’m not the one who asked for a break.” 

Christ. I sound like one of Jace’s exes. 

“I asked for a break because I needed time to process the bomb you dropped on me. Jesus, Cole. For years you let me believe I was the last person who spoke to Liam that night.” 

“Didn’t mean to take that distinct honor from you. My bad.” 

I’d gladly give it back if I could. 

Jace growls. “Swear to God, you can be such a selfish piece of shit sometimes.” 

“You’re right. The wrong twin offed himself. Maybe one day you’ll find your big boy balls and fucking admit it.”

Jace stands up. “What the fuck is the matter with you? Stop saying shit like that.” 

I get off the floor. “Make me.” 

Oakley’s gaze ping pongs between us. “Everyone chill.” He holds up his blunt. “Better yet. Take a few hits off this and calm your asses down.” 

We ignore him. 

“Why?” I shove Jace. “It’s the truth.” 

He shoves me back. “No, it’s not. Don’t put fucking words in my mouth.” 

“I’m only saying what you don’t have the guts to—”

The fist to my face has me staggering back. 

“Shut the fuck up,” Jace shouts. “It would have hurt just as much if you died, you goddamn prick.” He snorts. “But like always, Cole has to make it all about him. God forbid anyone mourns Liam.” He pats his chest. “He might have been your twin, but he was my brother too, dammit. You might not have gotten along with him, but I did. And I refuse to keep pretending I don’t miss him just because it upsets you. I’m through walking on eggshells around you.” 

Fuck. I never really thought about it like that before. 

I open my mouth to speak, but Jace isn’t finished yet. “I don’t blame you. I fucking hate that you kicked him out. But not nearly as much as I hate myself for fighting with him on the one night he needed me. He never would have gone to you if we hadn’t fought. He would have come to me…just like he always did.” 

His words hurt worse than the fist to my face. 

“Gee. Tell me more about what a shitty brother I am.” 

He opens his arms wide. “You were a shitty brother to Liam. I’m not go

The muscles in my chest draw tight with remorse. “I wish we did.” 

Sawyer told me it wasn’t too late to start loving him, but I don’t think it will ever be enough to absolve me completely.  

It’s all I can do, though. He isn’t coming back. 

Sadness lingers in Jace’s eyes. “I know.” 

“Are one of you go

Jace takes it from him. “Yeah. Fuck knows I could use it right about now.” 

I sit back down on the floor with my te

There’s still tension in the air, but not nearly as bad as it was before. 

However, it doesn’t take away from the damage I caused. 

The damage I keep causing. 

I’m about to grab a slice of pizza when there’s a knock on the door. 

Jace looks at Oakley. “Expecting company?” 

Oakley ambles to the door. “Nope. I put all my bitches on pause tonight.” He opens it. “This one is Cole’s.” 

Sawyer smacks his arm as she walks inside. “I’m not his bitch, you dick.” 

I waggle my eyebrows. “You will be tonight.” 

Crossing her arms, she stares me down. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m leaving for the airport in the morning, remember?” She looks at Jace. “By the way, if you’re looking for your sister, she’s still at Christian’s. I told her I was leaving to say goodbye to Cole, but she insisted on staying there.” Her eyes flick to Oakley. “With your bitches.” 

Oakley narrows his eyes. “That bi—”

Jace slaps the back of his head. “Watch your mouth.” 

To be honest, I don’t blame Oak for feeling that way. 

“Be easy on him. It’s not his fault Bianca keeps stealing all his girls.” 

Oakley jabs a finger in the air. “Just so we’re clear, she is not stealing anything from me.” 

“Don’t worry. I’ll talk to her,” Jace says. “Find out why she’s wreaking havoc on your life.”  

“Why?” Standing up, I grab a slice of my pizza. “If she’s messing around with girls, she won’t come home pregnant and we won’t go to jail for murder.” 

Jace thinks about this for a moment. “Good point.” He slaps Oakley’s shoulder. “Sorry, man. You’re on your own.”