Chapter 17

SEVENTEEN

C haos leaned back in his leather chair, fingers drumming absently on the polished mahogany desk. His mind wandered back to the previous evening - the cooking class, the shelter, that hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The night he'd spent with Olive.

He smiled as he recalled her sharp wit and the way her blue eyes sparkled when she laughed. She challenged him, kept him on his toes in a way no one else ever had. It was...refreshing. Exhilarating, even. His lion purred at the memories of them on the dining room table, then in her bed, the shower, and against the door before he went home.

His lion purred contentedly at the thought of her. There was no denying the chemistry between them. It thrilled him. She was his. His mate. And after last night, he had no question she was the perfect woman for him.

A soft chime from his phone pulled him from his reverie. A reminder - lunch with his parents at Eleven Madison Park in an hour. Chaos sighed, straightening his tie as he stood. Time to face the music.

The restaurant buzzed with the quiet murmur of New York's elite as Chaos strode through the dining room. Heads turned and whispers followed in his wake. He ignored them, gaze fixed on the table where his parents sat.

Marco and Isabella Amato cut striking figures even in their sixties. His father's silver hair was neatly coiffed, his mother's dark locks styled in an elegant updo. They stood as he approached, his mother's face lighting up.

"Chaos, darling!" Isabella pulled him into a warm embrace, the scent of her Chanel perfume enveloping him.

Marco clasped his hand firmly. "Son. Good to see you."

As they settled into their seats, a waiter materialized to take their drink orders. Chaos opted for sparkling water, needing a clear head for this conversation.

"So," Isabella began once their drinks arrived, "tell us about this mystery woman who's captured your attention. Olive, wasn't it?"

Chaos nodded, a smile on his lips. "Olive Russo. She's...unlike anyone I've ever met."

He launched into a description of Olive - her work with the family foundation, her popular romance vlog, her quick, wit and infectious laugh. As he spoke, he felt a warmth blooming in his chest.

"She sounds lovely," Isabella remarked, a knowing glint in her eye. "And clearly you're quite taken with her."

Marco nodded approvingly. "A woman of substance. Impressive."

Chaos took a deep breath. "Which is why I want to cancel the arranged marriage contract."

A beat of silence. Isabella and Marco exchanged a look.

"Chaos," his mother began gently, "while I'm thrilled you've found someone you connect with, perhaps we should wait before making any drastic decisions. These things take time to develop."

Chaos opened his mouth to argue, but Marco cut in. "Your mother's right, son. There's no need to rush. If this Olive is truly the one for you, a little time won't change that."

Frustration bubbled up in Chaos's chest, but he tamped it down. He knew his parents meant well. And truthfully, a small part of him appreciated their caution. This thing with Olive was still new, after all.

Before he could respond, a shrill voice cut through the air. "Chaos! There you are!"

He turned to see his sister Tia sauntering toward them, a willowy blonde in tow. Chaos suppressed a groan. This day just kept getting better.

"I've been looking all over for you," Tia chirped, air-kissing his cheek. "Vanessa and I were looking for you."

Vanessa gave him a coy smile. "It's so nice to see you again, Chaos."

He nodded politely, but inwardly grimaced. As the newcomers settled into extra chairs a waiter hastily produced, Tia leaned forward eagerly. "Vanessa and I were just talking about that new club opening next week. You simply must join us, Chaos. It'll be the event of the season."

"I'm afraid I'll have to pass," Chaos replied smoothly. "I have plans that evening."

Tia's perfectly plucked brows drew together. "Plans? With who?"

"Olive," their mother supplied helpfully. "The woman Chaos has been seeing."

Tia's expression soured. "Oh. Her."

The disdain in her voice set Chaos's teeth on edge.

"Yes, her," he bit out. "Is there a problem?"

Tia sniffed. "Oh, nothing. It's just...well, I did a little digging after you mentioned her. She's not exactly our usual crowd, is she? I mean, a vlogger? Really, Chaos?"

White-hot anger surged through him. "And what exactly is wrong with that?" he growled, struggling to keep his tone even.

"Nothing, if you don't mind being seen with someone so...common," Tia replied airily. "I just think you could do better. Someone more suited to our lifestyle."

Chaos's hands clenched into fists under the table. His lion roared, furious at the slight against their chosen mate. It took every ounce of his control not to shift right there in the restaurant.

"Olive is accomplished, intelligent, and kind," he ground out. "She runs a major charitable foundation and has built a successful brand entirely on her own merit. I'd say that makes her more than suitable."

To his surprise, his mother spoke. "I agree. From what Chaos has told us, Olive sounds like a remarkable young woman. I look forward to meeting her."

Tia gaped at their mom, clearly not expecting the support. "But, Mother-"

"That's enough, Tia," Marco cut in, his tone brooking no argument. "Your brother's personal life is none of your concern. Olive deserves a chance, and Chaos deserves to pursue his own happiness."

Chaos felt a rush of gratitude toward his father. It wasn't often that Marco took such a firm stance, especially against Tia.

Isabella nodded in agreement. "Your father's right, dear. I think it's time you stopped meddling in your brother's affairs. And perhaps focused a bit less on judging others."

Tia's face flushed an ugly red, but she pressed her lips together and said nothing more. Chaos could practically see the steam coming out her ears.

As the tension at the table slowly dissipated, Chaos found his thoughts drifting back to Olive. He pictured her warm smile, the way her eyes lit up when she talked about books. A sense of calm washed over him.

The rest of lunch passed in a blur of small talk and pointed glares from Tia. As soon as was polite, Chaos made his excuses and left, desperate for some fresh air.

He found himself wandering through Central Park, the autumn breeze rustling the trees. His mind kept circling back to Olive and the way she made him feel. It wasn't just attraction, though there was certainly plenty of that. She challenged him, made him laugh, and saw past the CEO facade to the man underneath.

For the first time in a long time, Chaos felt...seen. Understood. It both thrilled and terrified him.

As he strolled past the Bethesda Fountain, an idea began to form. He wanted - needed - to share more of himself with Olive. To let her see the parts of his life he usually kept hidden.

Before he could second-guess himself, Chaos pulled out his phone and fired off a text:

How would you like a behind-the-scenes tour of AmTech? I'd love to show you what I've been working on.

Her response came almost instantly:

Are you kidding? I'd love to! When?

Chaos grinned, already mentally rearranging his schedule.

Tomorrow afternoon? I'll send a car for you.

It's a date! Can't wait.

As he pocketed his phone, Chaos felt a surge of anticipation. He couldn't wait to share his passion with Olive and see her reaction to the innovations they were developing.

For the first time in years, he felt truly excited about the future. Whatever came next, he knew one thing for certain - he wanted Olive by his side for all of it.

With a spring in his step, Chaos headed back to the office. He had a lab tour to plan.