Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

“Yeah, she is. I’m trying to convince her I’m good for her.” Watching her laugh at something D’Rose says, I have to admit I want nothing less than forever with her.

“You got her here, so I think you’re doing a decent job of it.”

“I don’t know how the hell you got D’Rose to agree to marry you after everything.”

“Persistence.”

I scowl. “That’s your advice? Lame.”

“Sprinkle in some romance and thoughtful gifts, and there you have it.”

“We both know it wasn’t that easy.”

He laughs. “Hell no, it wasn’t. She’s a stubborn hell cat. Your girl can’t be too weak since she’s running her own truck and went against her family to do it.”

“She’s come a long way since we met. Her father has a particular view on what women, and her in particular, should and should not be doing. He has her all wrong.”

“Is he screwed up or something?” Joel asks.

“No, just ignorant and opinionated. He made her feel bad about being herself, so she hid away behind work and what appeared to be agreeing with his beliefs. Now neither of them knows how to approach each other.”

“What does he think is wrong with her?”

“You can take one look at her and see my girl has a love for the darkness. He wants her to be some Southern belle focused on family and staying close to home. He’s always tried to push her toward the business and marketing side of things. It’s not where her heart is. I think this contest forced him to give up on a dream and see her for who she is.”

“Who the hell is mad at the fact that their kid is motivated?” Joel scoffs.

“Rich people, brother. I think he forgot that there were things money couldn’t control. Their mom’s a real push over, too, so he’s gotten used to always getting his own way. They put their boys on a pedestal. It put her in a shit position. I was all for her rebellion. She deserves a chance to live her dream.”

“So what happens when you come back home?” He drops the million dollar question.

“We haven’t talked about that yet. Her business is portable.”

“But her life is set, isn’t it?” he asks. “If you ask her to move everything for you, aren’t you just as bad as them?”

“I have a promise to fulfill to Stone. She’ll understand that.”

“Best hope so. Women can only be so understanding.”

The sliding door opens, and the girls step through.

We stay a few more hours before we pack up to hit the road.

“So what did you think?” I ask as she climbs on behind me.

“Surprisingly normal. It could’ve been a weekend over at Jas and Andy’s. Minus the insanity of the club party.”

“Accurate.” I start the bike and pull out lighter for the unveiling and purging.

Chapter Thirteen

Xia

“This week we’ll be embracing the season. Halloween is upon us, and we want to see a cohesive Halloween menu.”

I’ve got this. A look comes over Sunny Side Eggery, and I feel like a shark who smells blood in the water. I live for this. I have a number of themes running through my head. My truck isn?

??t called Mythical Munchies for no reason. I had plans already written up for theme days. My mind instantly goes to wizards and magic. Fall screams Harry Potter, and while I don’t have the rights to make butter beer, there are ways around it. Grinning, I turn to Jas.