Only With You (Knights #2)

59

JULIANNA

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” Gabby sniffles, wiping away the tears that cling to her eyelashes.

I flit my gaze to my steaming mug of hot chocolate, my nail tracing the belt around the ghost. I smile, remembering how Landon randomly showed up to give it to me.

“If I see Sienna, it’s hands on sight,” Daisy gravely states.

“I’d never hit a woman, but I swear she’d make an exception. But for obvious reasons, I can’t hit a woman, but I’ll support you from a distance,” Darius adds, bumping his fist with Daisy’s.

We’re all gathered in the living room of our apartment for Frimance and before everyone heads back home for the holidays. Though most of us will be in New York for the CBS Sports Classic for the annual college basketball game.

I take a drink, holding back a chuckle at the seriousness in their expressions.

“She’s not kidding. She’ll one hundred percent throw hands for you,” Cara states matter-of-factly.

“And I’ll jump in,” El says, livid next to me.

I’ve finally told them about Cole and Sienna, not all of the details because it makes me feel anxious talking about it. I only shared what I felt l could talk about. It also made it on the news, so it’s all anyone has been talking about lately.

Especially The Unfiltered Three , it’s all they want to talk about. Even asked if Landon and I wanted to come on their podcast. It’s weird but when people found out we used to hate each other and are now dating, and Landon is the reason for Cole getting caught, they said they wanted to hear and share our story. I still don’t know how they figured out we didn’t like each other or why we even matter to them, but apparently we have everyone on a chokehold.

Now I understand how Lola and TJ felt when they started dating last year.

“She’s not worth it. I promise.” I don’t take violence lightly and I’d never encourage it, but it feels great hearing how much they care about me. Though they’ve always made it known, I just never paid attention to it. Because of my issues with Sienna, I’d kept my distance because I was scared and didn’t want a repeat. “She’s already facing the consequences anyway.”

It’s been two weeks since Cole confessed and I confronted Sienna. And two weeks since I went to the police.

It took a lot of convincing from Landon to finally get me to go.

My worry stemmed from whether or not the police would care and believe me. It’d been two years and even with the proof, I wasn’t sure it was going to be enough.

After I told them everything, it felt like a shackle I’d been tied to had been taken off me. The only unfortunate part about speaking up is hearing that I wasn’t the first person who said something about Cole. The police couldn’t tell me everything, but they said I wasn’t the first one, but I was the first to have proof.

I hate that it took me forever to talk about it. Those girls were and are so strong, and here I was holding back. Landon keeps reminding me that I’m still just as brave even though some days I don’t believe it. Some days, I hate myself for being so scared. Some days, I feel pathetic because I feel like I failed those girls and myself.

It’s an ongoing battle I have, but Landon refuses to let me fight it on my own. Whether it’s reminding me how brave I am, or hugging me because he knows I need it.

Because of him, I’ve decided to start therapy. Hearing him talk about it motivated me to do it, so my first session will be after winter break.

“Doesn’t feel enough. She deserves life.” Daisy’s lip curls in disgust.

Everyone simultaneously nods.

Since the investigation started, things have been chaotic and messy. Because Cole’s dad is a district attorney, it garnered the local media’s attention. You’d think they’d keep things under wraps, but Cole has done nothing but point his finger at Sienna, and now it’s a he-said, she-said situation.

They’re both facing Title IX from the university and criminal charges, but from what I hear, Sienna might just get community service. I’ve been hearing a lot of things, so I’m not sure, but everything is still falling on Cole.

It’s shitty that may be all that she gets, but I guess something is better than nothing.

Bre told me the Chapter didn’t take it lightly and de-pledged her after they found out. I didn’t anticipate for it all to happen as fast as it did, but I guess they’re worried it’ll taint the sorority’s image. Most of the girls also stopped talking to her and showed their support to me. But a few refuse to believe Sienna would do that and don’t talk to me. Which is fine with me.

I shift my gaze to the Christmas tree. “Trust me, I hate it, but I hear it might be a year’s worth of community service. So there’s that.”

El still looks displeased but then sighs with acceptance. “I can’t believe she did all of that because she was jealous of you. Over a guy who wasn’t even hers.”

“I didn’t even know she liked Landon. She never talked about him, at least not until this year when we started talking about semi. Even then I wasn’t trying to get with him. I just needed help with tutoring…” I trail off at the knowing smiles on all their faces. “Stop looking at me like that.” I hide my own smile behind my mug and take a drink.

“First TJ, now Landon. I wonder which starter will be off the market next. Jayden?” Darius beams and suggestively glances at Cara.

“I’ve already told you all, it’s not like that. We’re just…” she flips her long, thick curly hair over her shoulder. “Friends.”

Daisy snickers. “Yeah, sure Care. Friends don’t?—”

Cara cuts her off. “What about Jagger?”

“Not him,” Polly snorts, taking a sip of her own drink. “He’s not a fan of monogamy or relationships.”

“Malik?” he suggests next.

“Doubtful. I saw him making out with two girls at the party the guys hosted two weeks ago. Pretty sure he took them to his room,” Polly says.

“Saint?” He cocks a brow.

“He’s currently in an on and off relationship with Breanna. I’m not sure I can even call it a relationship,” I reply absently.

I still don’t know if Bre really likes him or just likes the attention he gets and it brings her.

“On and off?” Daisy asks passively, but something lingers in her voice.

“Yeah, they—” I stop at the subtle shake of Cara’s head. “I mean, I don’t think they’re?—”

Daisy interjects, shrugging it off. “I’ve seen them around. I was just curious.”

The knock on the door stops me from having to say anything and thank God for it because I wasn’t sure what to say.

“I’ll get it,” Darius announces and jumps up to his feet. When he opens the door, we’re flooded with familiar voices, but I only focus on one.

I’m immediately drawn to it and my lips lift upward and stretch wide uncontrollably. It only lasts for a mere second before it plummets at the sight of Landon’s face.

There’s a bright red bruise on his right cheek, a gash with dry blood on his bottom lip, and a cut starting from the corner of his left eye down to his cheek.

“What happened?” I’m up on my feet, set the mug on the coffee table, and move to him.

“Cole happened. He showed up, started shit, but Landon ended it,” Jagger summarizes, his voice elated.

“What do you mean Landon ended it?” Polly questions, asking what I’m sure we’re all wondering. “And why do you all look so happy right now?”

It was supposed to be a chill night before they flew out to New York, so the whole team decided to go bowling.

“Hey, Love.” The side of his mouth that’s bruised and bloody tugs ever so slightly in a small smile and his eyes alight.

“Why are you smiling? You’re hurt. We need to clean this up.” I grab his chin and inspect every inch of his face. Other than the most obvious cuts and bruises, he looks fine.

He grabs my hips, inching me closer to him as his roommates veer around us, and I assume take up any of the space that’s available.

“Because you’re here.” He leans down, kissing my forehead.

I pull back, eyeing him skeptically. “Lan, I’m serious. Should I be worried there’s going to be a warrant for your arrest? You didn’t kill him, did you?”

Jayden barks out a laugh. “Don’t worry, Juls, the only person’s wrath he’ll have to face is Warren’s. Other than that, he should be good. After all, it was Cole who attacked him first.”

My brows shoot up, jaw dropping to the floor. “How can you stand there and smile when he did that to you? Why are you so calm about it? Where was the police? Did they do anything?”

“You know, I’ve never seen you this worried for me. It’s turning me on,” he whispers so only I can hear.

“Are you serious right now?” I softly swat his shoulder.

“Yes, it’s hot.”

“Landon, stop playing around. I’m serious.”

“Just a few cuts, but nothing I’m not used to. I promise I’m okay.”

There’s a twinge in my chest at his words because I know what he means by that.

“That’s nothing. You should see Cole,” Malik says carelessly, sitting back on the couch with nonchalance.

“He’s right. I don’t know who the fuck would willingly want to fight him.” Saint points a thumb over at Landon. “I mean, I’d take you, but I’m afraid I’d hurt you.”

“You hurting Landon?” Jayden scoffs, bemused. “Saint, be for real right now. You’re acting as if you didn’t just see Mr. Six-Foot-Nine beat the ever living shit out of Cole.”

“And you’re acting like I’m not just two inches shorter than him,” Saint counters, looking offended.

The guys stare at Saint like he just said the most ludicrous thing in the world and the girls laugh.

“Oh, and don’t forget what Landon told him before he hit him. What was it again?” Jayden animatedly quizzes.

Landon rolls his eyes when the guys in chorus, mimicking his accent, say, “Thanks for giving me a reason to hit you. I’ve really been looking forward to this.”

“Chills.” Jagger dramatically shudders and breaks out into a laugh.

“You said that to him?”

He shrugs apathetically. “It was all in the heat of the moment.”

“And where were all of you when this happened?” Gabby asks and we look at all of them to explain because they look intact.

“Trust me, I wanted to do something, but Landon wouldn’t let me,” Jagger says, anger clouding his eyes, but when he looks at me, it fades. “But trust us, he had it. When we say Cole looks fucked up, we mean it. We also made sure his friends didn’t jump in because they were there too.”

“Please tell me you broke something?” Daisy enthusiastically asks. “And did someone record it?”

“Yeah, and it’s probably everywhere by now.” Jayden draws his phone out of his pocket and everyone gathers around him.

While they’re busy looking at the video, I take Landon’s hand and wince at the sight of his red knuckles and usher him to my room and into my bathroom.

“Please don’t worry. I’m okay,” he softly says.

He sits on the edge of the counter while I grab the cotton balls and run them under cold water.

“I can’t help it. I hate that he did this to you.” I stand between his parted legs and gently dab the cotton on his lip. Once it’s soaked with blood, I grab another and repeat the process.

“I let him hit me.”

I stop dabbing. “Why would you let him do that?”

“Because it gave me a reason to defend myself.”

“But—”

“Julianna.” He cups my neck with both hands. “Please don’t feel guilty. I wanted this to happen. I let it happen, and I promise I won’t get in trouble. If I do, the consequences will be worth it, because you’re worth it, okay?”

My bunched, tense muscles ease and I relax into his hold. “I—” He pins me with a look that says he won’t argue with me. “Okay. Can I finish cleaning you up?”

“I can do it.” He drops his hand, goes to take the cotton, but I pull my hand away.

“But I want to do it.” I smile at him. “Let me, okay?”

“Okay.” His gaze drifts to my lips. I lean into him, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him briefly before I resume cleaning the blood off.

“How’s your hand?” I grab his left hand, examining the red that surrounds his knuckles and the small gash on the middle one.

“Pretty good. It’s not my first fight, so I?—”

“You’re telling me people choose to willingly fight you?”

He chuckles. “Yeah, they do, but it’s fine. I never start them, but I always finish them.”

I shake my head in disbelief. “So, Cole…”

“I hadn’t broken his nose the first time, but lucky for him, I did this time. And I dislocated his shoulder, but other than that, he’s fine. Nothing some medical attention won’t be able to fix. I regret not doing more since the dumbfuck keyed my car.” His jaw clenches. “I saw it once we got out of the bowling alley, but it’s fine. It could’ve been worse.”

Anger sweeps over me, rushing in furious waves. “It’s not okay he?—”

“Hey.” He takes the cotton from my hand, sets it down the counter, and lifts me up. I wind my legs around his torso as he walks back into my room and sits on my bed. “I don’t like to dwell on things I have no control over and I don’t want you to either. It sucks, yeah, but it’s just a scratch.”

“How can you be so calm after all of this?”

“Because I see you and nothing else matters.” He rests his forehead against mine, words hushed and delicate.

Any ounce of resentment withers away, all of the anger that’s festered is long forgotten as I soak in his words. A fuse sets off in my stomach, followed by another until they blend and become hot sparks that go off all over my body.

Heat creeps up my neck to my cheeks. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing him say things like that.

I kiss him carefully, smiling against his lips. “I’m glad I was failing Calculus.”

“I’m glad your apartment burned down.”

I laugh. “I guess if that hadn’t happened, we wouldn’t be here, huh?”

“We would’ve eventually happened.”

I lift a brow, toying with his chain. I still have his old one on. I asked him if he wanted it back, but he said it looked better on me.

“You really believe that? We hated each other. We couldn’t be in the same room for a few minutes without wanting to strangle each other. And did you forget I was plotting your downfall?”

He pinches my ass. “I haven’t forgotten. Trust me, I’m very aware of how much we despised each other. My idiot friends like to remind me because they still can’t fathom we’re together. But I believe us happening was inevitable. Not sure how long it would’ve taken, but it was going to happen.”

My cheeks ache from how hard I’m smiling because he speaks so confidently, so sure, I don’t doubt it.