Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

He’s right. I’d be cutting off my nose to spite my own face. Drawing a shaky breath, I take a proverbial bite of the crow sandwich.

“Fine.” The four-letter word feels like a swear as I pry it free.

“What the hell did I miss?” Jas whispers.

“I told you. She’s not a huge fan of my family,” Shayne says.

“Oh yeah. It’s that simple,” I mumble. Shayne clears his throat, and I realize the cameras could be picking this up. The network would give their right hand for something like this. I won’t be reduced to a soap opera. Gathering myself, I straighten my spine. They’re just customers. Their money spends as well as anyone else’s, and if it gets me where I need to be, I’ll take it.

The men are a finely tuned machine as they line the streets, parking their bikes and walking toward us a sea of leather and denim. A blond man with an easy smile steps in front of the window.

“I heard this was the food truck to try while in L.A.” His voice sounds familiar. I study him and feign pleasantness.

“You heard right,” I say forcing a smile.

“You know who I am yet?” There’s a resemblance to Shayne in his face and the way he carries himself.

“Shayne’s brother?”

He laughs. “One in the same.” Shayne walks up behind me.

“Thanks for coming out, bro.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I love the T-shirt by the way.”

“Yeah, the unicorn rocks hardcore. His name is Twilight. He’ll be stopping by soon. You should hang out.”

“Are you serious?” Joel asks.

“As a heart attack.”

“A biker, a unicorn, and a food truck. Sounds like the start of an epic story.”

“Stop running your mouth and order, Echo. We’re starving.” Murmurs of agreement rise up around him.

“All right, keep your cuts on,” he barks. Turning, he offers up a bright smile. “Why don’t you recommend something?”

Seems like charm runs in the family. I have a line full of bikers. The other trucks are dead in the water for publicity. I see others coming to get in line to get a better look on the sly. The smile on my face is anything but fake as I return my attention to him. I’ve got a contest to win.

I’m neck deep in bikers pinning with thoughtful once overs as they order when I hear a buzz of noise generating through the cloud. “Is that a unicorn?”

I laugh. “Twilight is here. You want to go and greet him?” I ask Jas.

“Can you spare me?”

I glance at Shayne who’s busting his hump at the grill.

“Yes, but hurry back?”

She grabs a small megaphone, and I continue to take orders. The rest of lunch and into dinner is a blur. Sweat beads downs my back and I’m thankful for the hat that keeps it from running in my face. We’re nearly out of T-shirts, magnets, and buttons. The unicorn was a huge hit. As business peters off the final hour is called, and we begin the breakdown process.

“I didn’t expect that,” Jas mutters wearily, leaning against the counter.

“Yeah, me either. Holy crap. I feel like I’ve been running laps all day.”

“You ask, and I deliver,” Shayne says with a cocky smile.

“I think the best part is that she didn’t have to ask. You saw her need, and you fulfilled it. I say boyfriend gets all the gold stars today.”