Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

‘We got this,’ she mouths. I nod my head. It’ll take hard work, but the tricks we’ll pull will entertain. I’m making a mental list in my head.

“This is the last week, so we’ll give you all of today to prepare yourself for Tuesday.” We’ll bring out Twilight the Unicorn once more, along with swag. I want to get my brothers in on this. They’re creative. I’m itching to hit the stores and start texting. When Josh gives us the go ahead, Jas whips out her phone.

“Are we activating the wizards plan?” Jas asks.

“Oh, we have to.”

“Wait, is someone going to clue me in?” Shayne asks.

I snicker. “Potter head that I am, I dreamed up a mock-up menu, including smoking drinks for the world of Harry Potter that wasn’t copyright infringement heavy.”

“Which means all we have to do is execute it,” Jas says.

He peers over at the other team. “They don’t look like they’ve got an ace up their sleeve, huh?”

“Not at all. Hashtag Sorry, Not Sorry,” I murmur.

“Ruthless,” Shayne whispers. I laugh at our ridiculousness as we return to the truck.

“It pays to be a geek these days,” I say.

It’s a flurry of activity as we make a list and call in favors.

My feet ache, my fingers are swollen, and my favors list is exhausted as the day comes to a close and we finish our prep for the next day. The unicorn will come out to mingle sporadically, the drinks will smoke or light up, and our menu is solid.

“Pizza in front of the television?” Shayne asks.

“You read my mind.”

“Want me to drive?”

“Please, my head feels like it’s going to explode.” Closing my eyes, I massage my temple for a moment before we walk to the car.

I fade in and out of consciousness as he makes the drive back to my apartment. The pressure to succeed is intense and necessary. Going back to my brothers’ truck after this isn’t an option, and I haven’t come into any new collateral to make a loan request go differently. It’s only in my sleeping hours where I can turn off my head. Drifting in the space between I’m at peace and still cognizant of the man steering.

His hand rests on my thigh, and his warmth seeps into my leg and winds its way throughout my body. He’s my rock. The trip cleared out the blockage between us. We’re seeing eye to eye, and I’m happy with the direction we’re headed in. The car comes to a stop, and I swim to the surface, stirring in my seat. I pry my heavy lids open and yawn, stretching my arms above my head.

Stepping out of the car, I groan at the sight of my father walking toward me.

“Dad, I have my final week starting tomorrow, could we please not do this?” I mumble, rubbing my eyes.

“No, this is important. We need to talk.” He stares at Shayne. “Alone.”

I sigh. My shoulders slump. It’s like he waited to approach me at my weakest.

“Fine. Shayne, I’ll meet you upstairs.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I’m positive. I won’t be long.”

He runs his hand down my arm, and I give him a small smile.

“Walk with me?” my father asks.

There’s something different about his approach. He lacks his usual arrogance. It has me nervous.

“I owe you an apology.”