Page 64 of Kings Don't Break

“Do I detect a hint of jealousy?”

Korine rolls her eyes, pushing herself up off the floor and retreating to the kitchen. It’s the first time I notice she’s clutching a drink that’s almost empty. The last couple swallows of amber liquid, she gulps down.

I cock a brow. “That what I think it is?”

“I found the bottle in your cabinet. You don’t mind, do you?” she asks. “I’ll replace?—”

“Anything in my home is yours to use without any expectation, Kori. You already know that. I’m more shocked you’re…”

“What? Drinking?” She unscrews the cap of the White Oak Whiskey I’d bought at a low point and then pours herself some more. “I guess I just… needed something to calm my nerves.”

“Anything bad happen today?”

She shakes her head, the glass grazing her lips during a moment of pause. “Things have been so… stressful lately, I’m still adjusting. A month ago I would’ve never imagined filing for divorce. I would’ve never been brave enough.”

I follow her to the entrance of the kitchen as she tosses back another mouthful of whiskey. Being around somebody drinking is nothing new to me; I’ve done it a thousand times since becoming sober. It’s a given when I spend most of my free time at the Steel Saloon.

But something’s different about watching the liquor touch Korine’s tongue. Her throat bobs as the whiskey works its way into her system. The stress I’d tried to shut out moments ago presses back down on me, reminding me of how much relief a simple drop could bring.

Just one tiny, insignificant drop.

Would it be so damn bad if I gave in and quenched this urge that’s only growing stronger? The more problems seem to pile up, the more burden that’s placed onto me, the harder it’s become to resist. I’ve got to find a release somewhere, in something.

Korine has no idea. She’s got no clue the effect she’s having on me. Why would she when she doesn’t know the full story?

She might know about Bill and what happened that night, but she doesn’t know the why…

I breathe through the urge with a deep, ragged breath and a clench of my jaw.

“It’s hard, you know,” Korine continues, wearing a contemplative frown. “Accepting failure and picking yourself up after it. But I have to be there for Mama. That’s my biggest priority.”

“The MC discussed your situation at our meeting. We’re paying for her insurance—for both of your insurance. We’ve got the funds.” She opens her mouth to tell me it’s not necessary, but since I know Korine and can predict everything she says, I cut her off before she gets started. “We’re doing it, Kori. So no use protesting. We’ll make you full time at the shop. For now… ’til you decide if you want to work somewhere else. Then at least you’ll be getting full-time benefits.”

She blows out a breath, a few of her short hairs swept across her forehead, flicking up as if a gust of wind has come through. It’s a sigh of relief and gratitude as her gaze meets mine and she thanks me.

There’s still something else. I see it as soon as she’s dared look over at me. Another demon that’s got a grip on her even if she doesn’t want to let me know what. I’m pretty damn good at figuring her out considering I’ve known her since she was a small girl.

“You saw him again,” I predict, tamping down on the instant rage. “Is that what else is going on? ’Cuz there’s something else, Kori. Something that’s got you tossing back whiskey.”

“I just needed a drink.”

“What’d he do this time? Pull you over again on the side of the road? Send more flowers? Leave a dozen more voice mails?”

“I want you to stay away from him,” she says.

My anger ratchets up even more. It dials up ’til my mouth’s snapped shut and I’m busting at the seams, seconds away from tearing off. She sees it in me, because the almond shape of her eyes widens, flickering with worry.

So Stricklin not only harassed me and the club today, but he’s been following Korine.

“He come around you?” I grit out. “He threaten you?”

“Blake—”

“I’ve held off, Kori. I’ve kept from going after him ’cuz you begged me not to. You begged me not to get mixed up with attacking a police officer. But I’m not gonna tolerate it—I’m not gonna let him fucking harass you! So tell me! What the fuck did he do this time?”

She flinches at the aggression, the volume in my voice. Her grip on the whiskey glass tightens, though she otherwise stands her ground. I’ve refrained from raising my voice and showing my temper around Korine, out of sympathy and consideration for what she’s been through with her shithead ex-husband.

But I’ve had my fill. I’ve let him get away with enough.