Chapter 7

SEVEN

R elief flooded through Olive at the word sister , quickly followed by a renewed sense of wariness at Tia's obvious hostility.

"Charmed, I'm sure," Tia said, her tone suggesting she was anything but. "What a... quaint little event you've put together here. It must have been quite the undertaking for someone so... new to the charity circuit."

Olive bristled at the thinly veiled insult Tia gave her but kept her smile firmly in place. "It's been a labor of love," she replied sweetly. "But then, isn't that what all the best things in life are? I'm sure you'd know all about that, given your... extensive experience with social events."

Tia's eyes narrowed, clearly catching the subtle dig. Chaos coughed, a sound that suspiciously resembled a hastily disguised laugh.

"Indeed," Tia said, her voice cold. "Well, I'm sure you have many other guests to attend to. We won't keep you."

"Actually," Chaos interjected, "I was hoping to speak with Olive a bit more about the foundation's work. Why don't you go mingle, Tia? I'm sure there are plenty of people here you'd love to catch up with."

Tia's lips pursed in obvious displeasure, but she released Chaos's arm. "Of course. Don't let me keep you from your... philanthropy." With a final icy glare at Olive, she sashayed off into the crowd.

"I apologize for my sister," Chaos said once Tia was out of earshot. "She can be a bit... protective."

Olive waved off his apology with a smile. "No need to apologize. I have a sister too; I know how they can be. Though I have to say, your sister makes mine look positively angelic in comparison."

Chaos chuckled, the sound sending a pleasant warmth through Olive's chest. "I find that hard to believe. You seem far too charming to have sprouted from the same family tree as someone truly demonic."

"Flatterer," Olive accused, though she couldn't keep the pleased smile off her face. "I'll have you know I can be quite the hellion when the mood strikes me."

"Is that so?" Chaos leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low rumble that made Olive's toes curl in her designer heels. "I'd be very interested in seeing that side of you, Ms. Russo."

The air between them seemed to crackle with electricity. Olive's heart raced, her breath coming a bit faster. She opened her mouth to respond - with what, she wasn't entirely sure - when a throat cleared beside them.

Olive turned to find Athena standing there, an amused smirk on her face. "Sorry to interrupt," her cousin said, not sounding sorry at all, "but Olive, they need you on stage. It's time for your welcome speech."

Reality came crashing back, and Olive felt her cheeks flush. How had she gotten so caught up in flirting that she'd nearly forgotten her duties as hostess?

"Right, of course," she said, smoothing down her dress. "Thank you, Athena. Mr. Amato - Chaos - it was lovely to meet you. I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening."

"The pleasure was all mine, Olive," Chaos replied, his intense gaze never leaving her face. "I look forward to continuing our conversation... later."

The promise in his words sent a shiver of anticipation down Olive's spine. With a final smile, she turned and made her way toward the stage, acutely aware of Chaos's eyes on her the entire time.

As she climbed the steps to the podium, Olive took a deep breath, centering herself. The weight of hundreds of eyes settled upon her, but she found herself searching for one particular hazel gaze in the crowd. When she spotted Chaos, standing tall and imposing near the back of the room, a surge of confidence flooded through her.

Olive stepped up to the microphone, her dazzling smile illuminating the room. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice clear and strong. "Welcome to the annual ‘Love for Books' charity gala. I'm Olive Russo, and on behalf of the Russo Family Foundation, I'd like to thank you all for your generosity and support."

As she delivered her speech, highlighting the foundation's achievements and future goals, Olive found her eyes continually drawn back to Chaos. Each time their gazes met, she felt a jolt of electricity as if an invisible thread connected them across the crowded room.

"...and so, with your continued support, we can ensure that the magic of literature reaches every corner of our community," Olive concluded, her passion evident in every word. "Thank you all, and please, enjoy the evening!"

Applause erupted as Olive stepped away from the podium. She made her way from the stage, pausing to shake hands and exchange pleasantries with various guests. All the while, she was acutely aware of Chaos's presence like a magnetic pull drawing her attention.

As the applause died down and the band struck up a slow, romantic melody, Olive found herself face to face with Chaos once more.

"Impressive speech," he said, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. "You have quite a way with words, bella Olive."

She smiled up at him, a hint of her trademark snark creeping into her voice. "Well, I should hope so. It would be rather embarrassing for the chairwoman to fumble with language, don't you think?"

Chaos chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "Indeed it would." He paused, his hazel eyes intense as they locked onto hers. "Would you care to dance?"

Olive's heart skipped a beat. Holy Toledo, yes! "I'd love to," she replied, hoping her voice didn't betray the butterflies erupting in her stomach.

Chaos took her hand, leading her onto the dance floor with a grace that belied his imposing stature. As he pulled her close, one hand resting on the small of her back, Olive was struck by how perfectly she seemed to fit against him.

They began to move together, swaying gently to the music. Olive could feel the heat of Chaos's body, the strength in his arms as he held her. His scent enveloped her - a heady mixture of sandalwood, citrus, and something wild and untamed that she couldn't quite place.

"I must admit," Chaos murmured, his breath warm against her ear, "I didn't expect to enjoy myself quite so much at a charity gala."

Olive laughed softly, her hand tightening slightly on his shoulder. "Oh? And what changed your mind? The exquisite canapés? The riveting small talk about stock portfolios?"

"Something far more captivating," he replied, his voice dropping to a low rumble that she could feel reverberating through his chest. "A certain blonde in a stunning gold dress who seems to have the uncanny ability to see right through me."

Olive's breath caught in her throat. She pulled back slightly, meeting Chaos's intense gaze. "Is that so?" she managed. "And what exactly do I see?"

Chaos's hand on her back pressed her closer, erasing what little space remained between them. "Why don't you tell me?" he challenged, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

Olive studied him for a moment, allowing herself to get lost in the depths of his hazel eyes. "I see... a man who's used to being in control," she began slowly. "Someone who commands respect without even trying. But there's more to you than that, isn't there?"

Chaos's eyes widened slightly, surprise and admiration flickering across his features. "You're quite perceptive, bella Olive."

"It's a gift," she quipped, a sly smile curving her lips. "Though I have to say, you're not exactly an open book yourself, Mr. Amato. Care to share what you see when you look at me?"

Chaos's gaze softened, his thumb tracing small circles on her back that sent shivers racing up her spine. "I see a beautiful, strong woman," he said softly. "Someone who cares deeply, who wants to make a real difference in the world."

Olive's breath hitched, stunned by the accuracy of his assessment. "Well," she said, struggling to maintain her composure, "it seems we're both full of surprises tonight."

"Indeed we are," Chaos agreed, his voice low and intimate. "I find myself quite intrigued by you, Olive. I'd very much like to get to know you better."

The music swelled around them, but Olive barely noticed. The world had narrowed to just the two of them - the warmth of Chaos's body against hers, the intensity of his gaze, the electricity crackling between them.

"I... I think I'd like that too," Olive admitted, her usual quick wit deserting her in the face of the powerful emotions swirling through her.

"Chaos! There you are!"

Olive suppressed a groan as Tia appeared at their side, her perfectly manicured hand latching onto Chaos's arm.

"I hate to interrupt," Tia said, not sounding sorry at all, "but the Andersons are simply dying to meet you, brother dear. You know how important they could be for our upcoming project."

Chaos's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, but his voice remained polite as he addressed his sister. "Of course, Tia. I'll be there in a moment."

Turning back to Olive, his expression softened once more. "I'm afraid duty calls," he said, regret evident in his tone. "But I very much hope we can continue this conversation soon. Perhaps over dinner?"

Olive's heart leaped at the suggestion. "I'd like that," she replied, summoning her most dazzling smile. "You have my number?"

"I'll get it from my assistant," Chaos assured her. He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles that sent sparks racing up her arm. "Until next time, Olive."

As Chaos allowed Tia to lead him away, Olive remained rooted to the spot, her skin tingling where his lips had touched. She watched him disappear into the crowd, her mind reeling from the intensity of their encounter.

"Well, well, well," Athena's amused voice broke through her daze. "Looks like someone's found her very own romance novel hero. A lion shifter, no less. Your vlog followers are going to have a field day with this one."

Olive turned to her cousin, unable to keep the giddy smile off her face. "Whatever," she said. "Come on, we've got a charity event to run. You can tease me mercilessly later."

As they made their way back into the thick of the party, Olive couldn't help but cast one last glance over her shoulder, searching for a glimpse of Chaos's tall frame. Her heart fluttered as she spotted him across the room, deep in conversation with another guest.

As if sensing her gaze, Chaos looked up, his eyes finding hers unerringly. The heat in his gaze, even from across the crowded ballroom, made Olive's breath catch.

Whatever was happening between them, Olive had a feeling her life was about to get a whole lot more interesting.