Page 30 of Unearthed Dreams (Sable Point #3)

Chapter Twenty-Five

KAI

The lightness I’d felt before Billy’s death was slowly returning, and it had everything to do with the woman I was on my way to see.

She’d handed me her body, and in turn, I’d handed her my heart, trusting her to care for it.

In truth, loving Charlie was as easy as breathing.

She didn’t demand my time or attention; she’d simply woven herself into the fabric of my life with an inherent understanding of what I needed and when—whether that was being called out on my bullshit or just her quiet, gentle presence.

She was my peace, and I was never giving her up.

But every day, I was scared shitless that someone would find out what we’d been up to, and I’d become the town pariah. That the citizens of Sable Point would pull out their pitchforks and come for me for corrupting sweet, innocent Charlotte Everton.

The bar wasn’t set to open for a few hours, and with my morning to-do list completed, I swung by Books and Crannies to visit my girl. The familiar scent of old pages and peonies wrapped around me as I pushed through the door, the bell’s cheerful jingle announcing my arrival.

Charlie looked up from where she was arranging a display of new releases, and her whole face lit up. The sight of her joy—uncomplicated and pure—made my chest ache. She practically skipped across the empty shop floor toward me, vibrating with excitement.

“Perfect timing!” She bounced on her toes, clutching my biceps as my hands rested on her hips. “You’ll never believe what just happened!”

I grinned at her enthusiasm. “What’s got you so worked up, pretty girl?”

“Matthew emailed me the sample edit!” The words tumbled out in a rush. “He said—oh my god, Kai—he said, and I quote, ‘This is some of the best writing I’ve seen from a debut author in years.’”

She squealed, throwing her arms around my neck and nearly knocking me off balance. I steadied us both, my heart swelling at her unbridled happiness.

“That’s fucking amazing, Charlie.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I knew he’d see what I saw in your writing.”

“You’re biased. He had some great suggestions too. Like this one part where?—”

The bell above the door rang, cutting her off mid-sentence. We jumped apart on instinct, but not fast enough.

“I thought I saw you coming in here.”

Chase’s voice, rough and slurred, made my blood run cold. I turned to find him stumbling through the doorway, nearly knocking over the front display. His eyes were bloodshot, hatred burning in their glassy depths as he jabbed an unsteady finger between me and Charlie.

“I fucking knew something was going on between you two,” he spat.

What the fuck had happened?

The stench of alcohol rolled off him in waves as he advanced, and I automatically shifted to put myself between him and Charlie. “You drunk?” I asked, though I already knew the answer. “Or high?”

His face twisted into an ugly snarl. He stumbled forward, jabbing his finger into my chest. “You don’t fucking know shit, Kai.”

“Chase, what’s wrong?” Charlie’s voice was small behind me. “Are you really”—she whispered the next word—“high?”

“You need to stay away from him, Charlie.” Chase swayed on his feet, that wild look in his eyes setting off every warning bell in my head. “He’s bad news.”

Charlie moved to stand beside me, her small frame radiating defiance. The same fire I’d seen when she’d first demanded I kiss her blazed in her eyes. My protective instincts warred with my pride as she confronted her brother.

“Oh, and you’re such good news right now?” Her hands planted firmly on her hips, mirroring the way I’d seen their mother stand when she was about to lay down the law over the last couple years. “Look at you!”

“I’m fucking fine!”

“You’re not.” I stated it as a matter of fact, because it was.

“Fuck you, Kai.” He swung his gaze from me to Charlie, nearly knocking himself off balance with the abrupt motion. “ Careful he doesn’t knock you up, Charlie. Would hate to see you throw your life away.”

The words were hateful and nasty, but I knew better than anyone what kind of venom drugs and alcohol could make you spew.

What I didn’t know was why he was spewing it.

With one final snarl, Chase stumbled his way out of the store.

I turned to look at Charlie as tears welled in her eyes.

I pulled her into my arms, letting her bury her face against my chest as her shoulders shook.

“Hey, pretty girl. Look at me.” I tilted her chin up, my thumb brushing away a stray tear. “Your brother’s not himself right now. That wasn’t him talking.”

She sniffled, those big blue eyes swimming with hurt. “I’ve never seen him like that before. Chase drinks, sure, but drugs?” Her voice cracked. “What’s happening to him?”

Fuck, I know that spiral all too well. The memory of Kelsey’s descent into addiction flashed through my mind—the mood swings, the erratic behavior, the vicious words designed to push everyone away. Chase showed all the same signs.

“Something’s clearly wrong. Has he been acting strange lately? Besides just now?”

“I don’t know. He hasn’t been around much.” Charlie’s fingers twisted in my shirt. “I thought he was just working.” She pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes. “What do we do?”

“I’ll talk to him,” I assured her.

I couldn’t help Kelsey, but maybe I could help Chase.