Walk the Line (Kings of Chaos 5)
“Oh, honey, you’ve really fallen from grace haven’t you?” the woman whispers.
“Excuse you?” Jesslynn says.
“Are these two upsetting you, B?”
“We’re her friends. You’re the scum taking advantage of a woman during a vulnerable time. Is he holding you hostage? Do you need help?”
“Is she fucking serious?” I ask.
Blanche nods and licks her lips. I can practically see the waves of anxiety pouring off her. “Unfortunately. Joyce, I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine.”
“Clearly you’re not,” the man says.
“Charles—” She takes a shaky breath.
“Listen, Charles. Blanche is just fine. I’d say appreciate the concern, but I don’t. I can take care of my woman just fine. The only one in danger right now is you.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“No, I’m promising you.”
“We got a problem, brother?” Stone asks. I glance back proud to see my family behind me.
“No, just a case of mistaken identity. They though they knew my woman, but they really don’t.”
“Apparently not,” Charles says.
“Shameful, Blanche.” Joyce shakes her head and clucks her tongue. I put a hand on her shoulder, squeeze and pull her back to stand behind me. “We’re done here.”
“Connie and James will not be pleased when they hear this,” Charles says as they walk away toward a set of mini clones playing skeeball.
“I’m sorry about that. I had a nasty divorce, and I’m currently the thing to gossip about.”
“Oh my God, you’re Blanche Birling,” Dixie Rose whispers.
“Yes, I am.”
“Wait. The chick whose old man—” Echo begins.
“Ex-husband,” I correct.
“Something I need to know?” Stone asks.
“I’ll fill you in later,” I say willing him to let me handle my woman.
Stone nods. “Alright. Let’s play games. I didn’t buy all those tokens for nothing,” Stone says effectively ending the conversation. The others start to disperse.
“You okay?” Jess asks.
“I’m not going to lose it just yet. But I could use a walk outside.”
“Take her?” Jess asks.
“I got her,” I say as I meet her gaze. We’re talking about more than me walking her outside for fresh air. Jess is leaving here next week, and she’s entrusting me with Blanche’s care.
Chapter Seven
Blanche