Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

“Believe me I’m not playing, and I can back it up. You’re used to dealing with your brothers and your cousin. I’m an entirely different breed.”

Her pink tongue darts out as she licks her lips. The pause fills the small space. “So sanitization is a three step process. Since we’ve already taken out the garbage, and stored our leftovers, we’ll prep the water.”

I give her space and observe, taking everything in as I admire the way the pants cling to her thick thighs and rear end. With her hair in a bun, her long, slender neck begs to be nibbled. Moving in closer, I inhale the scent of sea and sunshine. It sends warmth through my body.

Xia Foley is the type of woman you take seriously. You win her over, settle down, and keep her happy. I never would’ve given her a second glance before. Women were used to scratch an itch. But this layered mystery packed in a body that has my fingers aching to explore is tempting me to mix business with pleasure.

“Do you think you’ll remember this?” She glances at me and arches an eyebrow.

“Two parts water for one-part cleansing solution. All the utensils and bowls need to soak in it for at least ten minutes a piece. We use that time to clean the surfaces and check our inventory before we head to Fresco to restock and finish our prep.”

“I’m impressed.”

“You should wait. I haven’t begun to show you what I’m capable of.”

“Psssh.”

Her attitude is a red flag to a bull. The more she fights, the more I want her. “Here I thought we were becoming friends.”

“If you’d keep the suggestive comments to yourself, we probably could be.”

I chuckle. “When I’m suggesting something you’ll know. Maybe that’s where your mind is headed.”

She spins to face me. “I don’t know what kind of women you’re used to, but I assure you there’s nothing easy about me. So you should save your breath.”

“How can I when you keep intriguing me?”

“Shayne. You’re here to learn a job and go back home.”

“You’ve never had a change of plans before?”

She opens her mouth and closes it shaking her head. “No. I make a plan and stick to it.” Her voice drops an octave and sadness fills her eyes. A heaviness spreads through the area, clinging to the atoms in the air like clouds heavy with impending rain. She peers down, hiding her eyes from me.

Placing a finger under her chin, I force her to look at me.“That’s no way to live.”

“I grasp that now.” The soft spoken tone touches a place inside of me that turns on my desire to comfort.

“So change it.”

“What?” She peers up at me.

“Life is short and unpredictable. You don’t want to look back and be filled with regrets. Believe me.”

“Easier said than done. You don’t understand what family responsibilities–”

“I know better than you think. I’m one of many in my family, and it’s always about the greater good. Which is fine, until you find what they need, and you need no longer mesh.”

“Yes,” she whispers.

We share a look, and for a moment we’re completely connected. Honk. She jumps as a semi rumbles by. The moment is gone, but not forgotten as we move to finishing our task in one-word questions and answers.

Chapter Two

Xia

I’m in trouble, thanks to the hazel-eyed blond who sees too much and has a deep, soulful voice that makes my knees weak. Most of my relationships have been casual; the only semi-serious one crashed and burned when he saw how much went into my work. It’s been a string of dating partners who don’t last more than three dates ever since.

None of these men affected me in the visceral way Shayne does. Despite his casual appearance, there’s an edge to him that makes him seem bigger than he is. If he thinks I’m hiding a personality, I’m not alone. It’s never smart to be involved with someone you work with. Just being related is hard enough. I can’t imagine how adding more volatile emotions into the mix would affect your work environment.