Page 85 of Kings Fear No One
“The last time it ever happened, he hit my mother. Something inside me snapped. It’s like I didn’t care about myself enough to leave him. But the moment he tried to hurt Mama… I knew I had to go.”
“And Blake?”
“He took us in. He stood by me every moment. He didn’t have to. I was so broken, I just wanted to curl up and hide forever.”
“But you seem so…” I pause, trying to sort out how to describe her. Korine with her coveralls and ball cap and the bikes in the Chop Shop she loves working on. “You’re so cool and laidback. You have it all going for you.”
“It took time to put myself back together. I’m just barely now… it’s taken work. My ex will be sentenced later this month, and he’ll be going away at least for a few years. I’m looking at it as a new beginning.”
I’m picking at the loose thread on the bed sheet, considering what she’s told me. If I’d been asked to guess Korine’s background, I never would’ve answered with abusive marriage. I would’ve assumed she was like Sydney, so confident and unshakable.
She stands up from the foot of the bed and slides her hands into the pockets of her coveralls. “The club’s a family. We have each other’s backs. Sydney told me that when I first left Ken. I found it hard to believe, but it’s true—we’re all here for you, Teysha. Come out when you’re ready.”
It takes a lot of nerve and fifteen more minutes to convince myself.
I get up from the bed, fix my hair, and give myself a pep talk in the mirror. My heart still aches being away from Logan and the discomfort in my chest pulls tighter when I think about Abraham and the Chosen Saints. But I push myself to leave the house and seek out the others.
I’m halfway toward the patio when my phone chimes in my hand. It’s the clerk’s office.
For a second, I consider letting it go to voicemail like the others times. Then I realize it’s no use ignoring the calls any longer.
Besides, I did promise Logan I’d contact them.
“I’m so glad you answered, Ms. Baxter,” says Rita. “I trust you’ve heard the voice messages I’ve left about your case? It seems we’ll be able to proceed with the annulment after all. I’ve been trying to reach your husband, but his voice message box is full.”
“Right,” I stammer slowly. “Err, about that… we’ve actually changed our minds.”
She pauses. “Changed your minds?”
“About the annulment. We’re working things out.”
“Oh. Your husband just seemed so sure?—”
“We appreciate you reaching out, but it’s not necessary,” I interrupt sharply, though under a thin layer of politeness. “Have a blessed day.”
I’m hanging up in the same moment Sydney spots me approaching and her face lights up.
“Here she is! I was just telling Tito to grill you a burger too.”
“One burger for Ghost’s girl coming right up.”
“Come sit, Teysha.” Korine scoots over at the bench. Her smile matches Sydney’s.
I return theirs with one of my own, grateful for their friendship.
Hopeful that I’ve finally found my place with Logan and the Steel Kings and their Queens.
20
TEYSHA
“Baby, you’re gonna have to let go so I can unlock the door.”
I bite down on a sheepish smile as I loosen my arms from around Logan’s torso. He steps forward to the door, twisting the key in the lock, then grabbing my hand to pull me inside with him.
“Are you sure you don’t need me to take you to the urgent care?”
“I’ll manage. It’s just a couple scrapes. Tends to happen when you’re caught up in a gunfight.”
