Page 20 of Chaos
A woman materializes at his side. It’s Kandi with akand ani. Her hand slides up his arm, and she presses her body against his side as she whispers something in his ear. She’s like some half-naked succubus.
Jealousy, hot and unexpected, flares in my chest.
Chaos pushes her away, but it's half-hearted. He's drunk and she's persistent, immediately pressing closer again.
"You need to go over there," Mama Pat says quietly.
"What?" I tear my gaze from the sight of Kandi's hands on Chaos's chest.
"You need to stake your claim. Show these girls that you're not gonna let anyone disrespect what's yours."
“Me?”
"I can't do it for you, baby.” Her voice is firm but kind.
“I can't?—"
“Oh, yes. You can. This is a bit like the animal kingdom. You show weakness, they'll walk all over you. You show strength, they'll respect you."
I watch as Kandi presses herself against Chaos's back, her arms wrapping around his waist. He peels her hands off, but she just laughs and tries again.
Something primal rises in my chest. Mine, a voice whispers. He's mine.
"Go on." Mama Pat gives me a gentle push. "Show ‘em who you are."
My legs feel shaky as I stand, but I force myself to walk across the room. The crowd parts slightly, brothers watching with interest as I approach.
Chaos is seated on a barstool, Kandi pressed against his side. He's completely ignoring her when I arrive.
I have no idea what I'm doing. No idea how to "stake a claim" or assert dominance or any of this. I swallow hard.
Kandi shoots me a venomous look as I step between Chaos's spread thighs. His eyes widen in surprise as I press close, laying my head against his chest and wrapping my arms around his waist.
For one terrifying moment, I think I've made a mistake. That I've overstepped or misread the situation or?—
His arms come around me, pulling me flush against him. One hand cradles the back of my head while the other spans my lower back.
"There's my girl," he rumbles, his voice rough with alcohol. His lips brush my temple. "Missed you, sweetheart."
"I was only across the room." My words come out muffled against his chest.
"Too far." His hand tightens on my back, possessive and warm. "Way too fucking far."
Around us, I hear whistles and catcalls. Someone—Fury, maybe—shouts something crude that makes the others laugh. But I'm too focused on the feeling of Chaos's arms around me,the solid warmth of his body, the way his heart pounds against my ear.
"Chaos." Kandi's voice is sharp. "We were talking."
"Were we?" He doesn't even look at her. His attention is completely on me, his eyes slightly unfocused but intense. "Pretty sure I was tellin’ you to fuck off."
More laughter from the surrounding brothers. I feel Kandi's glare burning into me.
"This is bullshit," she snaps, but I hear her high heels stomp off.
Chaos's hand moves to my chin, tilting my face up to his. "You came over here to let everyone know I’m yours?” His thumb traces my lower lip, sending sparks of heat through me.
"Mama Pat said I should." The admission makes me feel foolish, but his eyes light up.
"Smart woman, Mama Pat." He leans down, his breath hot against my ear. "You wanna know something, sweetheart?"
