Page 32 of Unearthed Dreams (Sable Point #3)
Chapter Twenty-Seven
KAI
“Of all the gin joints...”
My head whipped up so fast I felt a discernible twinge that I’d be paying for later. The sight of my former dealer standing in my bar sent ice through my veins.
“Jared,” I growled. “The fuck you doin’ in my bar?”
“ Your bar?” He raised his brows, glancing around the empty space. “I heard you peaced out after Kels died. Was sorry to hear, by the way. She was good people.”
“You mean she was a good customer.” My jaw clenched as memories of Kelsey’s final days flashed through my mind. The contrast between that darkness and the light Charlie had brought to my life made my chest tight. “What are you doing here, Jared?”
“Relax, Kai. I’m just meeting a friend.”
Almost as if in answer, the door swung open, spilling afternoon sunlight into my bar and bringing with it Chase Everton. His eyes were already glassy, pupils blown wide. Fuck . He’d been using again .
“You’re not welcome here, Jared.”
By the time Chase took a seat next to Jared, we were locked in a glaring match. After what happened at the bookstore, the last thing I needed was him getting more ammunition against me.
“Well, if it isn’t the cradle robber himself,” Chase slurred, his usual charm replaced by something darker. “Jared. You know this asshole’s trying to fuck my baby sister?”
“Chase—” I started, but he cut me off with a bitter laugh.
“Or wait, maybe you already are? Is that why she’s always sneaking around?”
When I turned back from grabbing a glass of water—like hell I was serving him alcohol in this state—I caught the less-than-covert exchange between my only two patrons.
“Jared, get the fuck out.”
He threw his hands up in surrender. “I’m going, I’m going.”
He nodded in Chase’s direction before wandering out. When the door closed behind him, I fixed my gaze on Chase, remembering how Charlie had cried in my arms after he spewed those nasty and cruel words at the bookstore.
“Stay away from him, Chase. He’s bad news.”
“Like you’re one to talk.” His words dripped venom. “Corrupting innocent girls, playing the reformed bad boy...”
The bell above the door chimed, and Charlie walked in.
The transformation in Chase was immediate and terrifying—his glazed eyes suddenly bright with manufactured charm, his hostile posture melting into that easy-going slouch he was known for.
The speed with which he could flip that switch sent chills down my spine.
“Charlie.” Her gaze snapped between us, worry creasing her brow. Instead of coming to me, she pulled up a stool next to her brother.
“What are you doing here?” Chase asked, all traces of his earlier venom hidden behind a mask of brotherly concern.
“Oh, uh, I was looking for you,” she lied, though I caught the way her fingers twisted together—her tell when she wasn’t being truthful.
“Perfect timing! I’ve got a surprise!” The false cheer in his voice made my stomach turn.
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“I bought a motorcycle! Wanna go for a ride?”
Her reaction—wide-eyed—paled in comparison to mine. I was frozen, breath locked in my lungs. Time halted.
Charlie shot me one worried glance and a small wave before they were out the door.
The roar of a motorcycle springing to life jolted me into action. I sprinted to the door of the bar and flung it open.
But I was too late.
Chase revved the engine and sped down Main Street with my entire world on the back of his bike.