Page 49 of Bitten By Chaos

But before he could chase after the other me, a figure appeared in the doorway beneath a black umbrella. Hair molded into a sleek bob, and eyes outlined in charcoal, Elsa was simply stunning. She had on gloves and a huge mink stole that swept over her shoulders. Her lips were stained red as they coiled upward in a seductive smile.

“When I heard you bought a restaurant, I couldn’t believe it. It appears the little human I paid was right. Too bad I already killed him.”

“Elizabeth.” Julian’s gaze darted once to the window where he’d watched me cross the street then settled back on the woman before him. “I haven’t seen you in quite a while. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Well if you find it so pleasurable, at least step out of the doorway and let me in before my hair is ruined.”

Julian slid to the side and opened an arm toward his cozy little establishment.

Elsa’s heels clicked on the floor as she sauntered by, closing her umbrella and handing it to Julian who set it near the door. She examined the small tables and the workers who bustled around the open kitchen in the back.

“Italian?” she asked, removing her stole to reveal a low-cut flapper dress of white fringe that hugged her body like a glove.

“People here seem to prefer it to French,” Julian quipped, guiding her to a table in the corner.

I frowned as she leaned her elbows on it and dipped forward, displaying the bulge of her breasts and the deep valley between them. I didn’t know a lot about the 20’s, but I thought flat chests were the style. At some point since the 1600’s, she seemed to have decided her preference was flaunting her natural tendencies. To his credit, Julian kept his eyes on hers.

“I assume this is more than a personal visit?” he asked politely, gesturing to someone on the other side of the room with two fingers raised.

“You know me so well. And yet, is it so unbelievable that I may have sought you out for another go at that magnificent c?—”

The waiter placed two porcelain cups and saucers on the table and began tipping coffee into each. Surprisingly, she didn’t finish the sentence, just waited for him to serve and leave.

“While I appreciate the compliment, I’m sure you can and have found lovers elsewhere. What brings you to Chicago?”

Elsa sipped her coffee, watching him. “I look for a bit of excitement, and rumors of the…nightlife here reached me. When I found out you were here as well, I simply had to come so you could introduce me around. Show me the ropes.” She popped the p on her last word and wiggled in her chair a bit.

“Sadly, I live a rather boring life in your terms, currently. I am focused on pursuits other than jazz clubs and moonshine.”

“Come now, Julian, do you think I’d know about this place and not the sordid things that go on, below ground after hours?”

Julian shifted in his seat, pursing his lips in annoyance. “Gambling and alcohol are quite lucrative pursuits in the current political climate.” He sipped his coffee.

“If a lady were to want in on such action?—”

“You are welcome to join us tonight. But I am not looking for a business partner.”

“Very well.” Elsa stood and wrapped herself in her stole with a dramatic flourish. “Perhaps a personal one then. At least for a short time.”

“I’m afraid that’s impossible.” Julian stepped in front to open the door for her. “You see, my mate is currently incarnated. I shall see you this evening, then.”

The fury on Elsa’s face grew smug as the scene around us changed. The space we were in had no windows, low lighting, and smelled strongly of tobacco and perfume. Soft jazz competed with the buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses. One glance toward the small stage showed a live band, and to the right sat a small but shiny bar with servers in poufy white sleeves and scarlet armbands busy behind it.

Julian wore the same suit and leaned against the corner of the counter, watching Elsa stride toward him in a tight black gown with a slit all the way up the thigh. A thick white boa draped her arms, and her breasts looked like they may pop out of the top at any second. When she reached him, she lifted a cigarette in a long black holder and waited for him to light it. Then she puffed out a cloud of smoke between them.

“Enjoying yourself?” Julian asked.

“Delightful. Though this swill you call alcohol smells detestable.” She wrinkled her nose at the man next to her as he tossed back a glass.

Julian laughed then knocked on the bar, getting the immediate attention of one of his servers. “Two from my private collection.”

In moments, two glasses of amber whiskey sat before them, and he lifted his in a toast. “When people are desperate, they don’t care about quality, cher.”

Elsa sipped. “Better. Now, what say you and I find a little privacy?”

Julian slammed his drink and straightened. “I told you, Elizabeth, not available.”

“Well, where is she then?” Elsa asked, peering around. “Surely you can’t stand being apart if she’s actually your mate.”

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