Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

“Okay, we got you on speaker phone.”

“I need you to help me plan something very Xia specific.”

“And I’m sworn to secrecy?” Jas whispers.

“Yes.”

“Oh my God. Are you going to propose?”

I chuckle. “Well, I’m trying to.”

I hold the phone away from my ear as she screams.

“Whatever you need, we’re in,” Andy replies.

“Distraction and advice.”

“We got plenty of both to go around,” Jas says.

Her singsong voice makes me laugh. I can’t accuse her of being unenthusiastic. I might be insane by the time it’s all said and done, but it’ll be perfect for Xia. Which is all I care about.

Epilogue

Xia

“That’s the last box. I’m officially moved in,” Shayne says.

I walk from the kitchen to the living room and wrap my arms around him.

“This beats living in that month to month unit you never really saw.”

“Yeah, it does.” He kisses my forehead. “I have something for you.”

“A housewarming present? I don’t think it works that way in this case. I should be getting you something. You’re the new roomie.”

“Okay, a ‘thank you for everything you do, you’re amazing, and I don’t deserve you’ gift.”

Laughing, I kiss his cheek. “Well, I’m not going to turn it down.”

“Come on, you go out on the balcony and wait for me,” he says.

I arch an eyebrow but nod. He’s settled into his new life here. As Magical Munchies is settling in, he’s coming up with a new concept for his truck and attending regular meetings with his club called church. I was stunned when he transferred for me. No fuss or debate, just a simple informing me that he’d transferred to L.A. and would be training his brothers to run one up north. Any doubts I might’ve had were tossed out the window.

As I settle on the patio where we’ve taken to spending our evenings, I sink into the cushioned chair and relax. I smile when he walks toward me with a bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries, a silver container with champagne, and two champagne glasses. He sets the tray on the table.

“You’re really excited about this moving in thing, huh?”

“It’s a first for me. I’ve had a lot of those with you.” He kisses me sweetly. “I’ll be right back.”

“This wasn’t the present?” I ask, stunned.

“Nope. Get the bubbly flowing.”

I laugh as I pop the bottle and take a bite of a strawberry. I’m not sure why he’s ramping up the romance, but I won’t be complaining. When he returns with a copy of The Half Blood Prince, I can’t help but giggle.

“You bought me a book! I love you.”

He smiles. “I’m glad to hear you say that. Flip through it, take it for a spin.”