Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

She studies me for a moment. “I’m not the only one who hides. I see you, too … hidden behind the seemingly harmless façade you exude, there’s something hungry.”

***

I try not to swallow my tongue as she steps out onto her front porch and I take in the deep cut black dress with a tiny gold pattern. I can see the swell of her breasts and a long, graceful neck. Who knew a neck could be this damn sexy? Unlike some of the girls who hang around the club, her face isn’t shellacked with makeup, but she’s been transformed from the woman I work with. Her lips look like they’re coated with the juice from a dark berry. I want to lick them to see if they taste as good as they look.

I clear my throat. “You look amazing.”

She smiles up at me. “So do you.”

It’s the only date I can ever remember making an effort for. In a pair of dark jeans and a black button down shirt, I feel like I should be headed to a wedding. We don’t throw on duds like these unless we’re trying to stay out of jail or getting hitched. Sometimes, not even then.

“Thanks. Have you ever been on a motorcycle before?”

“I have. And,” lifting her dress, she sticks out her tennis shoe clad foot, “I’m prepared.”

I laugh, and the ice is broken. It’s a whole different experience. She’s relaxed and open. It’s like a light has been turned on from inside because I can only describe her as radiant. She hands me a large black wallet with cat’s ears and whiskers. My lips twitch.

“What? I like cats.”

“I said nothing.” I store it in my saddle bag. She climbs on behind me with confidence that assures me she’s not going to do anything stupid while I’m on the highway. “You have done this before.”

“One of my best friends, Andy, has a bike. I was there for his obsession and love fest from about fourteen on.”

“I hope he graduated to something decent now.”

“Oh, yeah. He’s got a Harley. He and his wife love to go for rides.”

“Are you friends with her?”

“Actually, yeah. They’re high school sweethearts, and the best friends I’ve hung on to from childhood. Having a front row seat to their blossoming romance was interesting to say the least, and stressful as hell until they figured it out.”

I laugh as I pull out of the drive and hit the highway. I like the feel of her thighs wrapped around me and her arms around my waist. Her breasts are firm and large where they’re pressed against my back.

When we arrive at our destination, I find parking and help her off the motorcycle.

“I hope you’re feeling adventurous.”

We make our way over to Chinatown, and she cranes that swan-like neck to take in the round, red paper lanterns hung on strings above our heads, and the ornate decorations on the buildings.

“I think we should get food, and take our photos first. From what I read, those two things become harder as the night goes on.”

“I can’t remember the last time I went to Chinatown Summer Nights. Probably a few years ago for research.”

“No work talk tonight,” I remind her.

“You like giving orders, don’t you?”

I shrug. “I prefer to call them gentle suggestions. I’m used to running things back home.”

“Yeah, I’m not.”

“I disagree. You could give a drill sergeant a run for his money on the food truck.”

“I meant in taking orders.”

“You haven’t been handled by the right person.” When she curls up her lips, I ignore her skepticism. It’ll be my pleasure to show her how well she can take orders. “I hope you like lobster.”

“Depends on the source.”