Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 12

Heat burned her cheeks, but she kept walking, shoulders squared. A man walking his dog gave her a polite nod, but she caught the smirk tugging at his mouth before he looked away.

She was used to it—stares, whispers, words meant to cut. She’d grown up under their weight, carried them like stones. But tonight, it felt heavier. For five years she’d lived free of scorn, built a life without judgment. Now it was back—sharp, merciless—and all the harder to bear.

Kaelani quickened her pace, fixing her eyes on the glowing sign of the pub ahead.

The pub was already alive when Kaelani pushed through the door, a low hum of conversation layered over clinking glasses and the thrum of music from the jukebox in the corner. Warm light spilled across worn wood floors, the air thick with hops and fried food.

Tessa spotted her instantly from a booth near the back, waving her over with both arms like Kaelani might somehow miss her. Ryan and a couple of his friends were already there, pints in hand, laughing at something Kaelani couldn’t catch.

“Finally!” Tessa beamed as Kaelani slid into the seat beside her. “I was about to send a search party.”

Kaelani gave a faint smile, tugging her jacket tighter around her shoulders. The noise, the press of people, the curious glances—it all scraped at her nerves. She wasn’t built for this. Not anymore.

Ryan leaned forward from across the table, his grin easy. “Glad you made it. Tessa always says you’re too busy working.”

“She exaggerates,” Kaelani replied smoothly, though her hands twisted in her lap beneath the table.

Tessa nudged her with a wicked little smile. “Don’t let her fool you. She needs a night of fun.”

Kaelani forced a small laugh, though it didn’t reach her eyes. All she needed was for the night to pass quickly—without more whispers, without more stares.

Still, one drink turned into two, and by the time Ryan ordered a round of shots, she let the burn slide down without protest. The hum in her chest eased the knot of tension she always carried.

When Tessa challenged her to a game of pool, Kaelani surprised herself by saying yes. Even more surprising—she was good. Really good. Her cue cracked sharp against the ball, sinking shots one after another with calm precision.

“Damn,” Ryan whistled. “Hustler energy.”

Tessa laughed, proud. “Told you.”

“You’re a fucking asshole!” Tessa snapped, shoving herself between them. Her voice cut through the noise like a blade.

“Hey, be cool,” Ryan added quickly, stepping forward, though his tone carried more appeasement than anger.

Ryan’s friend only sneered. “What? I’m just saying what everyone’s already thinking. Looks like we’ve got ourselves a new town whore.”

The laughter doubled, meaner this time, echoing off the walls.

Kaelani’s throat burned, shame rising like bile. Without another word, she turned and pushed through the crowd, the sound of their laughter chasing her like hounds.

“Kaelani, wait!” Tessa called after her, voice sharp with worry.

But Kaelani didn’t stop. She couldn’t.