Spun (Kings of Chaos 1)

“You ready?” Wizard looks up from the corner of the couch where he’s sprawled out, watching television.

I’m still getting used to the sight of him in a domestic environment. He’s a slumbering dragon. Relaxed, but always vigilant and ready to jump to action at a moment’s notice. “Yep.”

He glances at my bag and nods his head. “I’m impressed.”

I roll my eyes. “You should know by now, I’m not the stereotypical girl.”

“I do know. That’s the problem.”

The mumbled last sentence makes me frown. I am tempted to ask him why, but I’m afraid of his answer. I’ve seen him looking at me with an expression I can’t quite place, and I’m worried he’s regretting his choices. I’ve been kicking up my cleaning and cooking skills, making things I know will please him. It has only made him watch me more. Clearing my throat I shift my weight. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah, my stuff is already packed in the saddle bags. Let’s get on the road.” He takes my bag and I trail behind him. I hate feeling like I don’t belong in my own skin. Things are changing so swiftly, it’s hard to know what’s up and what’s down. It’s like starting my period for the first time. Emotions are coming in from everywhere and I can’t handle them all. Wizard makes me happy, nervous, and uncertain. He’s such a powerful, confident man. I’m still trying to figure out why he tied himself to me without feeling guilt.

“Stop.”

“Stop what?”

“Thinking about whatever you’re thinking about.” He scowls. “You get this pinched look. I don’t like it.”

Maybe if you’d stop and tell me what I was doing to put you in a bad mood, I could relax. He packs my things away, and I climb up behind him, hooking my arms around his lean waist. I place my face against his back. My body is used to him now, but the sissy seat he attached for the longer journey makes me smile. He’s thoughtful that way. It makes his gruffness easy to take. The bike roars to life and I relax. I let the wind and the rhythm of the wheels on the pavement take away my tension and worries. I love being on the back of the bike, because everything else ceases to matter.

The further we get out of the city, the better I feel. The grays and glass of concrete of the congested streets give way to the lush green alongside the highways. The smell of nature cleanses my soul. Classes, the search for a storefront, and the strange tension that’s risen between us is gone. He covers my hands with his and the corners of my lips curve upward. A part of him enjoys having me here. It’s enough for me. We pull into the campground, and I lean back to hold onto the sissy seat as we go over the bumpy terrain.

He navigates us to the land we own on the far side of camp away from everyone else.

When we party, KOC doesn’t play nice with others. As I see the other bikes and tents already lined up, I begin to get excited. It’s been a long time since we did a get together like this. He pulls up into a spot and we climb off. Standing up on my tiptoes I spot Mimi and wave. She grins and returns the greeting, gesturing toward the available spot next to her tent.

“You want to scout out a place for us?” Wizard asks.

“Yes.” I’m off like a shot, rushing over to my friend. She opens her arms and I hug her tight. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“Me too! I told Riker to save you guys a spot. I haven’t seen you in forever. How are things?” she asks, pointedly glancing at Wizard.

“Girl, I don’t even know,” I admit.

“Oh no, what’s wrong?”

“It’s…tense.”

“Did you argue?”

“No. Then I might understand the problem. I try my best to please him, but I can feel everything ramping up. I don’t even know what’s causing it.” I sigh. “I don’t want to screw this up.”

“Maybe it’s not you. He isn’t used to sharing his space or his life. There’s going to be an adjustment period,” Mimi says.

Her reasoning is logical, but deep down I’m worried it’s me. That there’s something in me that turns a man sour. A girl’s first love is supposed to be her father, and yet mine couldn’t wait to escape me. What does that say about me? “It’s been almost three months. We never had this problem before.”

She frowns. “I’ll watch him tonight and let you know what I think, okay?”

“Thanks, Mimi.” Sharing the load lifts a weight from my shoulders. She’s good at reading people, especially men. I’ve always admired her natural ability to flirt and charm. It’s what makes her a stellar waitress.

She reaches down and holds my hand. “You know if you ever need anything, I’m here for you, right?”

“I know. I hope you know the same,” I say.

“I do.” She smiles. “I know you’re worried, but you look happy.”

“For the most part I am. School is amazing. I never would’ve thought of being a gemologist on my own, but I love learning about cuts, clarity, and the properties of all the different gems.”