Chapter 15

FIFTEEN

O live was so engrossed in her task and in watching Chaos that she didn't notice the new arrival until a familiar, grating voice cut through the din.

"Well, well. Isn't this quaint?"

Olive turned to see Tia standing there, her designer outfit looking comically out of place in the shelter's humble surroundings. The younger woman's hazel eyes, so similar to Chaos's, swept over Olive with thinly veiled disdain.

"Tia," Chaos said, his voice tight with barely concealed irritation. "What are you doing here?"

Tia pouted, a practiced expression that Olive was sure worked wonders on most men. "Can't a girl surprise her big brother at work? Though I have to say, Chaos, this isn't quite what I expected when I tracked your phone."

Olive bristled at the implied insult in Tia's tone. Before she could stop herself, she found herself speaking up.

"You know, Tia, some people actually enjoy helping others. It's this crazy thing called ‘having a heart.' You might want to try it sometime."

Tia's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Excuse me? Who do you think you are, you little-"

"That's enough, Tia," Chaos cut in, his voice hard. He moved to stand beside Olive, his hand coming to rest on the small of her back in a gesture that was both protective and possessive. "Olive is my guest, and I won't have you insulting her."

Tia's mouth opened and closed a few times, reminding Olive of a particularly indignant goldfish. Finally, she huffed, tossing her long dark hair over her shoulder.

"Fine. I can see when I'm not wanted. Enjoy your little... charity project."

As Tia stormed out, Olive let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She turned to Chaos, apology already forming on her lips, but he beat her to it.

"I'm so sorry about that," he said, his expression a mixture of embarrassment and concern. "Tia is young. She can be... difficult."

Olive shook her head, offering him a small smile. "It's not your fault. Though I have to say, if that's what you deal with on a regular basis, I'm impressed you haven't gone gray yet."

Chaos chuckled. "Give it time. I'm sure it's coming."

They shared a laugh, the awkward moment passing. As they returned to their tasks, Olive couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in her chest. Chaos had stood up for her and put her first even in the face of his sister's disapproval. It was a small thing, perhaps, but to Olive, it meant the world.

The rest of the evening passed without incident, and soon they were bidding farewell to the shelter staff and residents. As they stepped out into the cool night air, Baxter clapped his hands together.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I could use a drink after all that excitement. Anyone up for hitting a bar?"

There was a general murmur of agreement from the group. Olive glanced at Chaos, raising an eyebrow in silent question. He nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"I know just the place," he said. "It's a little hole-in-the-wall not far from here. Best whiskey in the city."

As they walked, Olive fell into step beside Chaos, their hands brushing with each stride. After a moment's hesitation, she slipped her hand into his, her heart skipping a beat when he immediately interlaced their fingers.

The bar Chaos led them to was quaint, tucked away on a quiet side street. But as soon as they stepped inside, Olive fell in love with the place. The atmosphere was cozy and intimate with warm wood paneling, soft lighting, and the gentle strains of jazz playing in the background.

They settled into a large booth, Olive nestled comfortably against Chaos's side. As conversations flowed around them, punctuated by laughter and the clink of glasses, Olive found herself relaxing completely for the first time in ages.

"So," Chaos murmured, his lips close to her ear, "what do you think? Was this a successful second date?"

Olive turned to look at him, her breath catching at the intensity in his hazel eyes. "I'd say so," she replied softly. "Though I have to admit, it wasn't quite what I expected for a date."

Chaos chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "I like to keep people on their toes. Especially beautiful, intriguing women who've completely captivated me."

Her face warmed, but she held his gaze. "Captivated, huh? That's a pretty strong word."

"It's a pretty strong feeling," Chaos replied, his voice dropping to a low, intimate murmur that sent shivers down Olive's spine.

For a moment, they just looked at each other, the rest of the world fading away. Olive felt herself lost in Chaos's eyes, in the warmth of his body pressed against hers, and the heady scent of his cologne.

Athena's voice finally broke the spell. "Oi, lovebirds! Are you going to stare into each other's eyes all night, or are you going to join the conversation?"

Olive blinked suddenly aware of the amused looks being directed their way from around the table. She buried her face in Chaos's shoulder, torn between embarrassment and laughter.

"Sorry," she said, lifting her head to grin sheepishly at the group. "What were we talking about?"

As the conversation picked up again, Olive settled back against Chaos, a contented smile on her face. She didn't know what the future held, but in this moment, surrounded by laughter and warmth and Chaos's arm around her, she felt like anything was possible.

The night wound down slowly, people drifting away in twos and threes until only Olive, Chaos, Athena, and Baxter remained. As they stepped out into the cool night air, Olive found herself reluctant for the evening to end.

"Well," Athena said, stretching languidly, "as much fun as this has been, I should probably head home. Some of us have work in the morning."

Baxter perked up at this. "Allow me to escort you. These streets can be treacherous at night."

Athena rolled her eyes, but Olive could see the smile on her cousin's lips. "I suppose I can tolerate your company for a few more blocks. But don't get any ideas, Lennox."

As Athena and Baxter headed off, their banter fading into the night, Olive turned to Chaos. "And then there were two," she said softly.

Chaos smiled, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The gentle touch sent a shiver through Olive. "Can I walk you home?" he asked.

Olive nodded, not trusting her voice. They set off at a leisurely pace, their hands finding each other almost instinctively. The city hummed around them, but in that moment, it felt like they were in their own little bubble.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, Chaos," Olive said as they neared her building. "Thank you for an amazing afternoon and evening."

Chaos took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers. The intensity in his hazel eyes made Olive's breath catch in her throat. When he spoke, his voice was low and confident, filled with a raw honesty.

"I know this is all happening fast, Olive. And I understand why you might be cautious. But I need you to know something." He paused, his jaw set with determination. "I'm not just playing around here. This - us - it's real for me."

Chaos stepped closer, his broad frame towering over her. But instead of feeling intimidated, Olive felt wanted and protected. His hand came up to cup her cheek, his touch gentle despite the strength she knew those hands possessed.

"You're unlike anyone I've ever met, bella mia ," he continued, his thumb caressing her cheekbone. "You challenge me, you make me laugh, you see past all the bullshit that usually comes with my position. And I want to see where this goes. I want to explore every facet of what we could be together."

His eyes flickered to her lips, then back to her eyes. "I know you've been hurt before. I know trusting doesn't come easy. But I'm asking you to try. With me. Because I'm certain what we have could be something extraordinary."

Olive felt tears prick at her eyes, overwhelmed by the sincerity in Chaos's voice and the unwavering certainty in his expression. This powerful man, this alpha who commanded respect with his mere presence, was asking her to take a chance on him…on them. The realization sent a rush of warmth through her body.

She reached up, placing her hand over his on her cheek. "It scares me how much I want that, Chaos. I've never felt this kind of connection, this... pull toward someone. It's like you've awakened something in me I didn't know was sleeping."

Chaos's eyes darkened at her words, a low growl rumbling in his chest. The sound sent a jolt of electricity straight to Olive's core. "Olive," he murmured, his voice rough with barely restrained desire. "You have no idea what you do to me."

Olive nodded, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. Instead, she rose onto her tiptoes, pressing her lips to his in a kiss. She pulled back and sucked in a breath when she saw the need in his eyes.

He groaned and he brought his head down and plastered his lips over hers in a desperate, soul-sucking kiss that took her breath away. She shouldn't want him this much, this desperately. But her body refused to listen.

The kiss set off detonations of hunger exploding through her veins. She breathed through his mouth, sharing his air and letting him possess her to the point she forgot everything but that moment of his lips taking and his hands holding her. He rubbed his tongue over hers, twirling and sucking and making her lose all control. Pleasure intensified with each swipe of his tongue on her lips. Every nip and nibble sent a shudder down her spine.

He tore his lips from hers and inhaled a short, harsh breath. "You want me."

She licked her lips, still staring at his too-sexy mouth. "I do."

"I want you, Olive."

Why did he have to sound so good saying that? Why did his words make her heart flip-flop her and blood heat up? They both breathed heavily. Olive cleared her throat and smiled, hoping to tamp down some of the desire to get him naked. "You know," she said, her voice breathless, "for a second date, this was pretty spectacular."

Chaos grinned and his eyes flashed gold, his arms still wrapped around her waist. "Trust me, beautiful, this is nothing." He took her hand and led her outside. "Let's get you home."

Chaos drove her home. They parked outside her building and she licked her lips staring at his gorgeous face. She raised a hand to touch his lickable jaw but settled on his shoulder.

"Chaos, I…" she gulped and stared at his lips. "I really can't believe how much I want to get you naked."