Chaos Read Free Page A

his thoughts. “Does that mean Brett’s calling Kiley
and Jordan as we speak?”
    “No, despite what you think, Brett’s cool. He’ll keep his
mouth shut unless he catches us alone,” Shane sighed. “I was just thinking.”
    “Judging by your expression, I assume it had something to do
with me. You don’t have to worry, McKade. I’m not going to go all Fatal
Attraction on you.”
    Shane opted for the easy answer. “Phew, am I glad to hear
that.” He grinned, ignoring the way his heart skipped a beat. “Want some
coffee?”
    “Now? I was kind of hoping you would demonstrate some of
those combined sensations you were blustering about. Or did you only mention
that to distract me because you thought I’d lose it being chained to you with
no way out?”
    He finally noticed she was wearing one of his shirts,
unbuttoned. Raking her from head to toe, he leered. “Campini, if I didn’t know
better, I’d think I was starting to grow on you.”
    She stared at his groin. “Well, part of you definitely is.
Follow me, McKade.” She turned, sliding out of his shirt and strolled back to
the bedroom.

Chapter Three
     
    “I can’t believe that a big, tough badass like you uses
bubble bath.” Alyssa giggled as Shane poured something into the tub.
    “It’s not bubble bath. It’s an essential oil used to promote
peace and tranquility. It’s also good for your skin.” His swirled the water to
test the temperature.
    “Well, excuse me.” She giggled harder. “Essential oil,
that’s a hoot. As if you would know about that sort of thing.”
    Shane plainly heard the sarcasm. “Actually, I know quite a
lot about aromatherapy. Herbal teas and holistic spices too.”
    “Sure you do.” Alyssa rolled her eyes. “Next you’ll tell me
you used feng shui to arrange your furniture and pick the colors of the walls
and rugs.”
    “Not entirely. Want me to take a look at your apartment?
With the constant hostility you radiate, I can tell it’s not the right
environment for you.”
    “Wait a second, you’re serious here.”
    “Don’t sound so amazed, Campini. Not all things are as they
appear at first glance.”
    “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were gay.”
    “Why, you think only a gay man would admit to knowing these
things? That’s incredibly shallow of you. Surprising too, with the way you
delve into the lives of the people you photograph.”
    “So how do you know this stuff?”
    “I learned from a woman I dated a few years ago. Before you
ask, yes, we did spend more than a few hours together.”
    Alyssa stared, open-mouthed, unable to think of a quick
comeback. “You don’t have to get so touchy. I just had no idea you aren’t
really the narrow-minded brute you came across as when I met you.” When he
didn’t respond, she continued, feeling oddly nervous that she’d offended him,
“I’m sorry, okay? You’re right. I shouldn’t make snap judgments about your
personality even though you always go out of your way to bully me.”
    “When have I ever bullied you?” Shane turned off the water
and stepped into the tub, indicating she should sit in front of him.
    Alyssa joined him, relaxing between his thighs with her back
against his chest. “Only every time you talked to me before my birthday.”
    “You’re kidding, right? You think I was bullying you?”
    “It sure as hell seemed like it to me. And if you weren’t,
then what were you doing, coming on like a Neanderthal the way you did?”
    “I was trying to make you to see how dangerous what you were
doing was. It was irresponsible…”
    “Hey hang on here! What the hell do you mean irresponsible?
I didn’t ask you to get involved. If you remember, I’m the one who told you to
stop interfering.”
    “You still don’t get it, do you?”
    “Get what? I was fine before you started showing up all over
the place. Thank goodness I was wrapping up or I would have lost everything.”
    “Campini, are you naïve or just plain stupid? You