“Good, they’ll be expecting you. Play it cool, visit with them, and keep it casual.”
Even here, duty calls. Talking one-on-one with Stone reminds me of the best part of the Kings of Chaos—family that’s always there to listen, guide, and kick your ass when necessary.
***
“What did you do?” Ellis asks.
I look up from the fryer I’m setting up for the day toward the entrance where Xia is boarding. Her curly locks are a deep green that stand out against her golden brown skin.
“What you’ve never seen hair dye before?” she counters.
“Tell me that’s a washout,” Ellis says.
“Well, I would, but I’m not in the habit of lying.”
“I think you look amazing.” The words are out before I can think of the consequences.
“I’m glad you went ahead with it. I know you’ve wanted to dye it for years,” Casper says.
“I figured it was time to take the plunge.” She shrugs.
Ellis shakes his head. “I don’t want to be there when Dad see’s it.”
“Guys, I’m almost thirty, not thirteen.”
“I don’t think it matters to him, though,” Casp says.
“Then I guess it’s time he gets over it. You too, Ellis. Crack jokes about my hair and watch how quick I go on strike.”
“Don’t even joke about that, Xi.”
“Then keep your trap shut. I have been bullied by the two of you long enough.”
“Bully is such a strong word,” Casp replies.
“You call it character building, and I’ll knee you in the balls and then walk out. You can run the truck with a three-man crew. It wouldn’t be fun, but I’ve got confidence in my trainee. Maybe we should do a stress test.”
“No,” Ellis and Casp yell.
She smirks. “Thought so.” There’s an extra sway to her hips as she makes her way inside. The self-assurance calls me to her like a siren to a sailor at sea. The woman I first glimpsed in the depths of her dark gaze is emerging, and I’m lucky enough to have a front row seat.
“Morning, Shayne. Thank you for the compliment.”
“Hey, Xia. I’m only speaking the truth.”
I feel Ellis’s gaze hot on my back. I ignore it. It’ll take more than an overprotective muscular pretty boy to deter me. They make her feel less than. I’m not okay sitting idly by while they do it.
“How’d you do without me here to help you this morning?”
“Good. It all felt like second nature. I guess your relentless training regimen was worth it in the end.”
“You got to trust me on this stuff.” She winks, and I stare.
“What?” she mouths.
I lean in. “You really do look beautiful with that hair.”
“Thank you.”