Custom Made (Fast & Fury #2) - Chantal Fernando Page 0,3
her voice. “Well, I bought some mustard bedsheets, and new pillows and a throw rug...”
“Mmm. I love mustard sheets,” I tell her, my eyes hooded.
“What are the two of you talking about?” Chains says as he walks in, eying the two of us. “Looks sexual.”
“Bedsheets,” I reply, standing straight. “I need to buy some.”
“You have a problem,” he deadpans, shaking his head.
“You really do,” Bronte adds, amusement etched on her expression. “Lucky Temper pays you well.”
She’s right on both accounts. I do get paid well, but I also do have a problem. If I’m not buying my feelings, I’m eating them.
But we all do what we have to do to get by, right?
Chapter Two
“What are you doing tonight?” Bronte asks, blowing on her coffee. Her dark hair is piled on her head in a huge topknot, and her brown eyes look tired, but as always she has a smile on her face.
I plop down on her desk, my jean-covered legs crossing at the ankles. “Honestly? I was going to work on my mural and order food in. Why?” I’ve been gradually painting the wall in my living room, the beautiful angel wings I had envisioned slowly coming together. I decided to use deep reds, turquoise and blues, and think of Billie every time I look at it.
“Because we are going to Divine,” she announces, emphasizing the we. “I missed the official opening night, so I need to make up for it, and you are coming with me. Everyone is going. Abbie, Sky, Izzy, Ariel...the whole crew. Abbie’s sister Ivy is visiting, so it’s a whole big thing.”
“I think the last time I went to a bar was when I dragged you out,” I say, amusement filling me. “And now you’re returning the favor, I’m guessing?”
“Exactly. It’s been a while. I have a sitter. So we can have some fun. What do you say? Save the painting and eating for tomorrow when you’re dying of a hangover.” She smirks.
I haven’t been to Divine yet either, and it would be nice to see Crow and his new workplace. I mean, he drops in here to see Bronte and bring her food, but it’s not the same. I miss the man.
“Okay, count me in.”
She claps her hands together in excitement. “Yes! We can pick you up on the way, so be ready around, say, nine?”
“Sounds good. Are you coming tonight, too?” I ask Trade as he walks up to us holding some bike parts.
“Nope, I’m watching the kids and letting Ariel have a little fun,” he replies, glancing between the two of us. “Make sure she stays out of trouble, please.”
The phone rings and Bronte picks up. “Fast & Fury Customs, Bronte speaking.” She hums a few yeses and looks up at Trade, eyes wide, so I’m guessing it’s an expensive order from some rich guy who has more money than sense.
I leave them be and walk back over to the custom pink Harley, my new pride and joy, and continue with the spray paint. Man, I love my job.
“She’s a beauty,” Chains murmurs as he walks past.
“She really is,” I agree, checking her out. I used to feel a little wary around Chains, but over time I’ve gotten used to him and his intense energy. “I can’t wait to take her out for a test ride.”
A song by the Weeknd plays over the speakers, and it instantly makes me think of my ex-boyfriend, and what feels like another life ago for me. I wasn’t always the person I am now, and I think it’s important for me to acknowledge that. It’s taken a lot to get me here, to be so strong, and when I think of the old me and the decisions I have made, it makes me cringe.
But I guess we all aren’t born strong—it’s something we are made into.
“Orion Stenton called up wanting a few custom bikes,” Bronte says to me as she approaches. “He’s dropped over two hundred thousand dollars so far. He must be loaded.” We buy the motorcycles, custom them and sell them as one package. It can end up being pretty pricey.
“Name doesn’t sound familiar,” I mutter, turning to Chains. “Who is this guy?”
“Orion Stenton owns half of the city,” Chains explains, stretching his neck from side to side. “Old family money, not all of it clean. Orion is the oldest out of four, and from what I’ve heard handles most of the businesses they own.”