Page 45 of No Mane, No Gain
And who knew? Maybe their story really would make for one hell of a romance novel someday.
TWENTY-TWO
Olive Russo stared at the sleek private jet before her, her blue eyes wide with disbelief. “You’re joking, right?” she asked, turning to Chaos Amato with a raised eyebrow.
Chaos grinned, his hazel eyes twinkling with mischief. “Why?”
Olive snorted, playfully swatting his arm. “I figured we’d at least spring for business class.”
“There’s no need when I have a jet at my disposal.”
As they boarded the jet, Olive couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement in her stomach. The interior was all plush leather seats and polished wood, more luxurious than any first-class cabin she’d ever seen.
“So,” she said, settling into a ridiculously comfortable chair, “are you going to tell me where we’re going, or is this some elaborate ploy to whisk me away to your secret lair?”
Chaos chuckled, taking the seat across from her. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, now would it?”
Olive narrowed her eyes playfully. “You know, in most of the books I review, this is where the heroine starts to suspect the hero might be a secret agent or international jewel thief.”
“Who says I’m not?” Chaos winked, reaching for a glass of champagne as the flight attendant passed.
The long flight passed in a blur of laughter and witty banter. Olive found the stress of Tia’s schemes and work pressures melting away with each passing moment.
As they began their descent, Olive peered out the window, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized the sprawling cityscape below. “LA? We’re going to Los Angeles?”
Chaos nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. “That’s just the first stop.”
They touched down smoothly, and before Olive knew it, they were cruising through the sun-drenched streets of Beverly Hills in a sleek black town car. When they pulled up to the iconic pink facade of the Beverly Hills Hotel, Olive’s jaw dropped.
“You cannot be serious,” she breathed, taking in the lush gardens and elegant entrance.
Chaos helped her out of the car, his hand warm and steady on her lower back. “Only the best for you,bella mia.”
The term of endearment, spoken in his deep, rich voice, sent a shiver down her. She tried to play it cool, but her heart was racing as they entered the lobby.
“Welcome to the Beverly Hills Hotel, Mr. Amato,” the concierge greeted them warmly. “Your Presidential Suite is ready for you.”
Olive’s eyes widened. “Presidential Suite?” she hissed as they followed the concierge to the elevator. “Chaos, this is too much!”
He simply smiled, pulling her closer as the elevator doors closed. “Nothing’s too much for you, Olive. I want this weekend to be perfect.”
The suite was... well, presidential. Olive wandered from room to room, marveling at the opulent decor, the stunning views of the Hollywood Hills, and the sheer size of the place.
“I have a decent-sized penthouse, and this is bigger than my entire apartment,” she murmured, running her hand along the smooth marble countertop in the kitchenette.
Chaos appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Do you like it?”
Olive leaned back into his embrace, relishing the warmth of his body against hers. “It’s incredible. But you know you don’t have to impress me with fancy hotels, right? I’d be just as happy in a cozy cabin somewhere.”
He pressed a soft kiss to her neck, sending tingles across her skin. “I know. But you deserve to be pampered sometimes. Now, how about some lunch? I’ve made reservations at the Polo Lounge.”
Lunch was a decadent affair filled with delicious food, flowing champagne, and easy conversation. Olive found herself opening up more, sharing stories from her childhood and her early days as a vlogger.
“I can’t believe you started your channel because of a dare,” Chaos laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that made Olive’s heart skip a beat.
She grinned, taking a sip of her champagne. “Well, Athena bet me I couldn’t get a thousand subscribers in a month. I never could resist a challenge.”
“And now look at you,” Chaos said, his voice warm with admiration. “A successful vlogger with a massive following, running a charitable foundation... You’re incredible, Olive.”