Page 39 of No Mane, No Gain
“Mm-hmm,” she hummed, taking a leisurely sip of her margarita. “You know, if you’re into that whole forbidden love thing, I can recommend some great books. They might help you work through some of those... feelings. I hearMy Brother’s Keeperis quite the page-turner.”
“You little-” Tia sputtered, her hands clenching into fists. One of her friends, a tall stunning blonde, placed a restraining hand on her arm.
Sapphire cleared her throat, her lawyer voice in full effect. “Tia, dear, you might want to leave before you really make Olive angry. We wouldn’t want that pretty face of yours getting messedup, would we? I hear plastic surgery is quite expensive these days.”
Tia scoffed, tossing her long dark hair over her shoulder. “Please. I’m a lioness. I’m stronger than all of you pathetic humans put together.”
Athena and Sapphire exchanged a look before bursting into laughter. “Oh, sweetie,” Athena managed between chuckles. “Olive here is a black belt in three different martial arts and was a championship kickboxer. But please, go ahead and test that theory. I’m sure the other patrons would love dinner and a show.”
Tia’s bravado faltered for a moment before she rallied. “Whatever. Enjoy your little dinner. It won’t change the fact that Chaos is just killing time with you, Olive. He’s going to marry Vanessa.” She pulled the stunning blonde to stand next to her. The blonde who didn’t have to say anything to look down at Olive. “Vanessa is perfect. Exactly the woman for Chaos. She’s going to be his wife. My brother would never seriously consider someone like you for a mate. You’re just... practice.”
With that parting shot, Tia flounced away, her entourage in tow. The three women at the table watched them go, a heavy silence settling over them.
Sapphire was the first to break it. “What a raging bitch. I swear, if we weren’t in public...”
“Seriously,” Athena agreed, refilling their glasses. “Don’t listen to her, Olive. She’s just jealous that Chaos is actually happy for once. Was that Vanessa? I’ve never even seen that woman.”
Olive nodded, forcing a smile. “Oh, I know. It’s fine. Really. Tia’s just... Tia. I have to say, I’ve never seen someone dislike me so much.”
“Does she even know where our family stands financially?” Sapphire asked. “Because for her to call you a gold-digger was beyond ridiculous.”
“I don’t think she really cares if we are wealthy or not. She’s decided I’m not good enough for Chaos.”
“Too fucking bad,” Athena grumbled. “It’s not her choice to make.”
“Fuck her,” Sapphire said, raising her glass. “To my independently wealthy, smart, talented, and beautiful sister and the hunky lion making her heart do cartwheels.”
Olive laughed and they all cheered.
But as they toasted again, returning to their earlier lighthearted conversation, Olive couldn’t shake the nagging doubt Tia’s words had planted.
Was Chaos really just passing time with her? And why hadn’t he mentioned Vanessa?
She pushed the thoughts aside, determined not to let Tia ruin their night. But even as she laughed and joked with her sister and cousin, a small part of her wondered if there was any truth to what Tia had said. The seed of doubt had been planted, and Olive couldn’t help but worry about what might grow from it.
“Hey,” Sapphire said softly, reaching across the table to squeeze Olive’s hand. “You okay? You went quiet there for a second.”
Olive blinked, realizing she’d zoned out. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... thinking.”
“About what Tia said?” Athena guessed, her expression softening. “Olive, come on. You can’t let that harpy get in your head. Chaos is crazy about you. Anyone with eyes can see that.”
“Absolutely,” Sapphire chimed in. “The way he looks at you. That’s not a man who’s just ‘killing time.’ That’s a man who’s head over heels.”
Olive managed a small smile. “You’re right. I know you’re right. It’s just... sometimes it feels too good to be true, you know? Like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
“Well, stop waiting,” Athena said firmly. “You deserve this happiness, Olive. Don’t let anyone, especially not Tia freaking Amato, tell you otherwise.”
“Now,” Sapphire raised her glass. “I believe we were discussing Chaos’s illegal arms before we were so rudely interrupted. Please, continue. In excruciating detail.”
Olive laughed, the tension easing from her. As she launched into a story about Chaos’s latest romantic gesture, she felt the warmth of love and support from her sister and cousin wash over her.
Whatever doubts Tia had tried to plant, Olive knew one thing for certain - she had people in her corner, and that was worth more than any society girl’s approval.
TWENTY
Chaos stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his Manhattan penthouse, gazing out at the glittering cityscape. The sun had long since set, but New York buzzed with its usual nocturnal energy. He sipped his scotch, savoring the smoky flavor as he contemplated the past few weeks.
Olive. The name alone sent a jolt of electricity through him. Their relationship had progressed rapidly, each moment together only deepening their connection. Chaos couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so... alive.