Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos Book 6)

by Shyla Colt

  “Wait. Is she black? That’s why you were asking me about your past … That’s a tough call, Charm.”

  “I know. Eventually, I have to tell her. Maybe … just not yet.”

  “I don’t think leaving it will make the telling any easier,” he says softly.

  “I want her to get to know me before I show her the darkness I know is going to stain my soul for the rest of my life.”

  “Jesus, give yourself a break. You were a stupid kid misguided by the one person who you should’ve been up to trust unconditionally.”

  “You knew the difference though.”

  “I fell for D’Rose. It changed my view of everything. She was my wake up call.”

  The reverence in his voice gives me hope. If they could overcome my racist father’s interference, and the pain of miscommunications and years of separation, maybe I’ve got a snowball’s chance in hell of keeping Xia.

  “How long has this thing been going on?”

  “A few weeks. It took some convincing. She’s lead a sheltered life, man. The baby of a three child family with traditional values, she’s always been expected to live up to certain expectations.”

  “Oh, they’re going to love you.”

  “You’re supposed to be supportive.”

  “I am. I’m also realistic.”

  “Buzz kill.”

  “Well, we can’t all be as charming as you, can we? Tell me more about this mystery woman.”

  He opens the flood gates, and I say everything I’ve been holding close to my chest. Sharing makes it more real.

  I end the conversation better for the telling and reconnection. I spent so many years at odds with him. We’re still making up for lost time.

  ***

  “You nervous, Xi?” I ask as she climbs on the back of my bike.

  “A little. Jas and Andy are more than best friends. They’re family.”

  “I get that. You think we won’t get along?”

  “No, I think you will. You’re a likable guy once you open your mouth.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.

  “You’re intimidating. I mean, you’re six foot twelve, and you have an edgy, commanding vibe.”

  I laugh. “Babe, I’m not that tall, and you’re five-ten.”

  “Which is why if I’m saying you’re tall, you’re huge to most everyone else.”

  I shake my head as she wraps her arms around my waist and I start the bike.

  We’re doing a double date. It’s laughable how domesticated I’ve become since relocating. My own studio apartment, a-nine-to-five, and now double dating. The brothers would bust a gut laughing at me. I’m shocked at how well I’m assimilating. I’ve fallen into a rhythm that allows me time to think. It’s a double-edged sword. The things I’ve run from are front and center, and the questions I’ve avoided demand answers.

  The predictability of the job isn’t dull. It’s a challenge to stay visible, create a buzz, keep up with the demand for food, and deliver top notch customer service. When I’m done for the day, I feel accomplished. I can only imagine how much that feeling will increase when I’m running a truck I’ve helped build from scratch. I can’t wait to see what Tinley comes up with. The final decision will be mine, but I’m not about to pretend I’m good with design. We have enough techy folks to handle that after I come up with a theme.

  My life is taking on a deeper meaning. I think that’s what I needed—to feel like part of something again. The time on the road toughened me up and kept me putting one foot in front of the other, but it was only a patch job. I’m happy with Xia, yet I know I’m on borrowed time. Eventually, the truth is going to come out. I won’t worry about it yet. We’re still in our fledgling stage. I have time. Even in my head, the statement sounds like a lie. The darkness I lived in for too long threatens to blot out the happiness I found. Pulling the throttle, I increase the speed, outrunning it on my bike, the way I’ve done a million times before.

  I turn into the parking lot of what looks like a warehouse. Smog City Brewery is well disguised. We remove and store our helmets, and I hand Xia her purse. As she climbs off the motorcycle, I see a couple approach. The man is a tall, lanky looking man with shaggy light brown hair, and his curvy wife has black and red hair, an easy smile, and milk-chocolate skin. Andy and Jasmine. This may be my first time meeting them, but I’ve heard plenty.

  Jasmine’s smile is huge and brilliant against her dark skin. Her eyes are full of kindness and I can’t help but feel welcome. “Shayne, it is so good to finally meet you.”

  “Likewise, Jasmine.” I return her smile.

  “Call me, Jas.”

  “Will do.”

  “This is my husband, Andy. Andy, this is Xia’s mystery man, Shayne.” She gestures with her hands. Constantly in motion, she’s a bundle of energy.

  He laughs. “Nice to meet you, Shayne. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “All good things I hope,” I say as we shake hands.

  “From what I could understand. There was a lot of giggling going on.”

  Jas slaps him playfully. “You are so full of it.”

  “Do not believe everything he tells you,” Xia adds.

  We exchange a glance, and the humor filling his green gaze leads me to decide I’m going to like him. His shake was firm. Laid back or not, I can see his backbone. It’s a good counter balance to deal with his wife’s upbeat and outgoing personality.

  “Have you ever been here before?” I ask.

  “No, but we’ve heard good things. I mean, you can’t really go wrong with a local brewery. Even if you don’t like the flavors, they are fresh and plenty of them to try,” Andy replies.

  “I like the way you think.”

  The girls pair off, whispering back and forth as they walk in front of us. When Xia peers over her shoulder and gives me a shy smile, something inside of me turns upside down. I wink, and she turns back to her friend.

  “Are they always like this?” I ask.

  “Pretty much the entire time I’ve known them. They met in kindergarten, and that was that. My family moved here in the middle of first grade, and I was sort of absorbed into their dynamic. The whole ‘girls aren’t gross’ thing came far later.”

  “Jesus, I can’t imagine having that sort of history with one person I’m not actually related to.”

  “It’s rare, especially around here where people are usually transplants.”

  We step inside the taproom, and I take in the rustic set up—long, wooden tables with black slabs and bright red chairs, wooden barrels with taps, and a small register. In this room, the beer is definitely the star. As we gather our samples and move to a table, I fall into the conversation. So this is what normal life is about. They talk about their jobs, what they plan to do to their homes, and things they want to do. It’s so normal and yet completely bizarre for me.

  I’m getting an education in everyday life, and it’s not the horror show I expected it to be. They like their jobs, and their brand of fun is one I can get into.

  “You’re from near San Diego, right?” Andy asks, drawing me back into the conversation.

  “Yeah.”

  “Have you ever been to Comic-con?”

  “The big Comic book show downtown? No.”

  “Dude, you have to go with us next year,” Jas says with her dark eyes dancing.

  They don’t even know me and yet they’re extending kindness. It’s the opposite of the secretive world I come from.

  “Is that something you’d want to do?” Xia asks cautiously. She’s a big girl, but she’s had a lot of disappointment recently.

  “I think it’d be fun,” I reply.

  She beams, and I know I’ve answered correctly.

  “Finally I won’t be outnumbered,” Andy mumbles.

  It’s easy to imagi
ne myself in their inner circle. It’s muddling my feelings about club life. Here among strangers, I’m finding a place I fit in. How long will that last when the truth comes out? It’s a question I have no way of answering.

  Xia’s laughter rings out, and I can’t take my eyes off her. Whatever I need to do, I can’t lose this. It’s been a life preserver in a rocky ocean. With her at my side, I have a shot at being a better man.

  Chapter Five

  Xia

  Wiping my hands on my black pencil skirt, I force myself not to fidget. Today’s the day I go to speak with a banker about getting my own business loan. I have money saved, but I’d be a fool to spend it all starting up my truck. There are so many expenses. I need a partner. Since my family isn’t willing to do it, I’ll go the usual route: a banker. My business plan is solid, and I have a good reputation on my side. It’s become painfully obvious as I prepared for this that too much of my life is tied into someone else’s dream.

  “Xia Foley?” The broad-shouldered blond with closely cropped wheat-colored hair and brilliant blue eyes is young. With his high cheekbones and cupid’s bow lips, he looks more like a model than a banker. Maybe he is. This is California. Everyone wants to be something else.

  “You got this.” Jas squeezes my hand, and I find myself eternally grateful that God saw fit to put us in each other’s lives.

  ‘Thank you’ I mouth. Rising, I place a smile on my face.“Good morning.”

  “Good morning, Ms. Foley. My name is David, and I’ll be helping you today.”

  I follow him inside the small office and school my features to hide my unease.

  “Tell me, how can our bank assist you today?”

  “I’m looking for a business loan. I want to start up my own food truck business. I’ve worked up a plan and listed my references. I’ve already helped operate and open two other trucks. My father is Chef Richard Foley, so I know a thing or two about running a successful food business.”

  “The owner of Fresco?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “I see.” His face relaxes, and a knowing spark fills his eyes. He’s heard of my father, so he knows I’m not completely broke or a clueless.

  Please let that help me.

  I hand him over the business plan. “I’ve worked up a business plan with expected growth and a detailed study of the current market. I’ve also mentioned I’ll be bringing a substantial amount of money to the table.”

  “May I ask why you aren’t getting the loan from your father?”

  “Certainly. It’s not a monetary issue. I’m trying to cut the umbilical cord, branch out on my own, and create a new legacy for the Foley family.”

  “I see.” Time stretches as he pulls up my account information and we go over the paperwork. After everything is submitted, the waiting game begins.

  “We’ve got everything in, and you’ll know within sixty to ninety days if it’ll be approved. I must say, you did your homework, which will definitely work in your favor. The food industry can be unpredictable, and the more evidence you show of how you plan to lead your business to success the better. Off the record, Ms. Foley, I hope you get it. Magical Munchies sounds like it’d be a delicious, trendy, and unique place.”

  “Thank you, David.” A number of emotions swirl inside of me like a brewing storm. I’ve cast the die, the wheels are in motion, and there’s no backing out now. I have to tell Shayne. Of all the things we’ve shared recently, this secret is one I’ve kept to myself. After shaking David’s hand, I step out of the office hopeful, and concerned about a completely different set of problems. I requested this day off, and they pulled a worker from Fresco to take over for me. It was a good test for Shayne, and a moment away for me.

  Working in close quarters and dating has filled my life, my head, and my heart with him. The time away is meant to bring clarity. I can’t think straight when he’s that close.

  As I return to the waiting room, Jas stands. “How’d it go?”

  “I have no clue, but we’ll find out in a month or so.”

  “Did he say anything?”

  Pride fills me. “He was impressed with my research and the plan we created. It’s a plus that I’m bringing some of my own money to the table. He also said he personally enjoyed the concept.”

  “Sounds like a win-win! Now we get to hang out for the rest of the day, and then we’ll hook up with the mystery man you’ve kept under wraps.”

  I roll my eyes. He thinks I’ve been helping her prepare an intimate surprise party for Andy, which is partially true.

  “He doesn’t know, Jas.”

  “You haven’t told him?” The shock in her voice causes a stab of guilt.

  I cringe. “No,” I whisper. It’s a huge secret to be sitting on. “It’s not that I don’t trust him, it’s just … It hasn’t come up.”

  “Because your mouths are too busy doing other things?” She wags her eyebrows, and I roll my eyes.

  “Stop.”

  “Am I wrong though?”

  “No,” I groan.

  “Have you sampled the goods yet?”

  “No, but I was hoping you could go shopping with me for the outfit I plan on remedying that with.” Shayne makes me bold.

  “What has this mystery man done to my caterpillar? You’re turning into a beautiful butterfly right before my eyes.”

  “With him, I feel like I can do anything. I’ve never been this comfortable with a man before. It’s shown me everything that was wrong in my previous relationships.”

  “We’re already using the R word?” Jas asks.

  “He made it clear he doesn’t do casual.”

  “Sexy, strong, and committed? Did he come from Mars?”

  I laugh. “No, apparently he came from San Mateo.”

  “Smartass. Come on, I know a place to go.”

  I clear my throat. “I actually have a place. I’m looking for something Vickies and Fredrick’s aren’t going to have.”

  “You naughty girl,” Jas whispers, wagging her finger.

  “This coming from Ms. I like to keep things from getting stale?” I tease.

  She shrugs. “When you’ve only had one sex partner, you have to get creative.”

  “Come on. We’ve got a lot to do after this.”

  ***

  “Okay, this place is adorable,” Jas squeals as we approach the small shop sandwiched between two bigger boutiques. Geek Chic is scrawled across the center of the front window in gold lettering. The decals surrounding it, say it all. Books, starships, and angelic symbols call to me like a mecca.

  “Just think, we haven’t even been inside yet.”

  “Oh, I feel my bank account weeping already.”

  We step inside, and I swear it feels like coming home. Bookish buttons, scarves, and headbands are displayed on a table in greeting. T-shirts, posters, and purses line the left side of the store. The Doctor Who, Supernatural, and Star Trek fandom sections jump out at me immediately. I could spend hours here, but right now, I’m on a mission.

  I walk through to the back where the lingerie is hung on the wall. The deep red corset with the golden Star Trek emblem stands out. Gliding my hands over it, a thrill runs through my body. I’ve always wanted to do role playing, but I never had the nerve to do it before.

  “Is he a Trekkie?” Jas asks.

  “No, but I think this may convert him.”

  I grab the matching thong and a garter.

  “My Uhura is going to be getting some Vulcan D tonight.”

  “Mechanic D actually. He used to work in his family’s garage before he came here. I asked him to wear his uniform for me tonight.” I bite my bottom lip.

  “I like you with him. I think you’re good for each other.”

  “It’s too soon to tell.” I don’t want to get used to having someone I know i
s here temporarily. I’ve had enough of being let down by the men in my life.

  “I think what you two have is special. Shayne is nice, but he doesn’t strike me as a man who takes to people easily.”

  “He said his family was a bit closed off. I know he lost his father recently and they weren’t on good terms. That kind of thing will change a person. I get the feeling coming here was a journey of sorts for him.”

  “Like the one you’re about to undergo?” She arches her eyebrow. “Seems like he could help you with it.”

  I can feel her censure. “I know you want me to tell him. I will, but not yet. You have to realize you and Andy are different. He was your best friend. I’m still getting to know Shayne.

  “I understand. But I know I’d be hurt if my girlfriend just quit out of the blue and left me behind.”

  “I’ve got time.”

  “Sixty days will fly.”

  “I’ll be ready,” I insist.

  “Uh huh.”

  Used to her meddling, I tune her out as I stock up on sexy underwear. After the stressful morning I had, I deserve a little retail therapy.

  ***

  I don’t try to hide the grin that covers my face as I watch Shayne approach. He must’ve run by his house after work. The jeans are hugging his thighs, and the white T-shirt highlights his shoulders, chest, and those muscular arms that make my belly flip like a pancake.

  “Did you find the house okay?”

  He nods and pulls me in his arms.

  Inhaling his masculine scent, I bask in his warmth.

  “Hi,” he murmurs against my hair.

  “Hi.” I pull back and take him in.

  “I missed you today. You made sure you weren’t far from my mind with that text this morning.”

  “Me?” I say, feigning innocence.

  “I hope you’re ready for what you set into motion to play out tonight.”

  I lick my lips as my heart rate rises. “Your place or mine?”

  “Yours. I’ve been daydreaming of doing dirty things on that king-sized bed in your room. Every time you lay down I want you thinking about me and the things we do.” He bites my earlobe and tugs lightly. I shudder. Moving his hand down to cup my ass, he massages. I can feel his bulge pressed against me, causing me to whimper. He pulls away, and I give a grunt of protest. He winks.