A Taste of Kaos Part 2 Chapter 3

A Taste of Kaos - Part 2


Chapter 3

“Oh for the love of God. Stop that Honey! You’ll throw out your back!” Grandpa Luke Kelly cried, as he watched his wife attempt to move his recliner closer to the television. Gram looked up and glared at him, fixing him with an icy stare. Grandpa gulped.

Chrys held back a giggle.


“You are just as bad as Jeannie. I am not going to break you know. I have been pushing and lifting heavy objects all my life. One silly little chair isn’t going to hurt me. Now shoo, we have some programmes to watch.” She made a dismissive motion with her hand. Grandpa shrugged and left the living room.


“Mum, come on. Dad is just trying to be helpful.” Jeannie commented.

“I know dear, but I’m not going to break you know. I wish the both of you would stop looking at me as though I was going to shatter into a million pieces. I am not made of glass. I am perfectly capable of lifting and moving heavy objects by myself. If I need help I’ll ask for it. Do you understand?”


Jeannie nodded and watched Samantha move the chair into place.


“Now, we’re ready? Chrys push play and let’s get settled. Samantha you’re too young for this. Go to bed!”

Sammy pouted.

“I never get to see anything. You teach me how to swear, but I don’t get to see nothing about sex. That’s not fair!”

She stomped toward the stairs and rushed up them, creating a racket as she went.

“She does have a point Gram; perhaps it’s time to talk to her about the birds and bees?”

Chrys remarked, before shoveling a handful of popcorn into her mouth. The programme’s theme music played on screen.

Jeannie shook her head. “We’ve already had that talk. But, you do have a point Chrys. Mum, it’s time we treat her more like a grown up.”

Jeannie grabbed a handful of popcorn and chomped on it.


“I’ll start treating her like an adult when she acts like one. She can’t throw a temper tantrum just because she’s can’t get her way. Once she acts properly, then she’ll be included in our marathons. Until then, it’s off to bed with her. Besides, it’s a school night.”

“That sounds reasonable, Gram.” Marissa said, as she took a sip of her drink.

“See, Marissa agrees with me. Someone, pass me the gummy bears.”

The sweets were passed to Gram and she settled back into Grandpa’s chair.


“Did you hear her going on and on about her Phys Ed teacher? You’d think she has a crush. ‘He’s so dreamy’, she says. ‘He’s so tall’, she says. ‘And he’s Scottish’, she says. Then she turns round and says, ‘He’d be perfect for you Chrys. You’d like him.’ Can you believe her?” Jeannie asked.


Gram laughed. “She’s trying to play match maker. Sounds like someone I know.”

“Who Mum? Why are you looking at me?”

Gram chuckled. “Oh, the memories I have of this little one.” She said, as she reached out and ruffled Jeannie’s hair, “She always tried to fix people up. When she was younger she set up a matchmaking booth outside the house. Some children had lemonade stands, she charged people to go out on dates.”


“I did no such thing!” Jeannie exclaimed, blushing.

“Ah ah! See, see, she’s blushing.” Gram said pointing and laughing.

“You have no proof of this.”

“Yes, I do. I have the pictures to prove it. She was so cute. She matched me up with Grandpa. Mrs. Nesbit with Mr. Nesbit; and so on and so on. All the married couples were matched up. But the funniest thing was Chase. Oh God, it was so funny. She matched him up with her Barbie dolls. The look on his face was priceless.”

“Tell me you have a picture of this. I must blackmail Dad.” Chrys pleaded.


“That was pretty funny. But I only did it because he was so mean to me. He and his friends would play football in the street and they wouldn’t include me. So, I paid him back. He was hoping I’d match him up with Raquel Welch or Gina Lollabrigida.” She started laughing. Chrys grinned.

“Oh, this is great ammo to use against him. Gram, when you find those pictures, can you give me a copy?”

“Of course, my love. I always love being part of a good blackmail scheme.”

They all laughed.

“Would you Ladies please keep it down? Some of us are trying to play poker in the other room.” Grandpa asked, leaning in the door, whilst looking at the group of amused women.

“Yeah and don’t you even think about using those pictures against me little Irish. I have just as many incriminating photos of you.” Chase pointed out.

“Oh, of course Da! Wouldn’t dream of it.” Chrys said, grinning mischievously. Chase felt uneasy, but didn’t say anything.

“We’re bothering you? Oh, I’m sorry your Highness. We’ll keep our gossiping and giggling to ourselves. Does it please your Highness and Son?”


“Yes my love, it does please us very much.” Grandpa replied and walked over to his wife.

He kissed her on the forehead. She grinned up at him.

“Since it pleases you so much, Your Highness, would you please honor your dear wife by doing just one thing for her?” She asked, smiling sweetly at him. He brushed away a strand of reddish blond hair from her face and softly smiled at her.

“Anything, my love. Anything!”

“Wonderful, just wonderful. You are so gracious and kind. Hear that Ladies. ‘Anything?’. Well, Your Highness. You, your son and your son-in-law put out those damn cigars! They are stinking up my house. Now off with you to your precious poker game. We women have men to ogle and drool over.”


She made a shooing motion and watched in amusement, as the men ambled out of the room. As soon as they were gone, all the women laughed and turned back to the television

screen.

A Taste of Kaos Part 2 Chapter 2

For Jan (Feel better hon and Thank You), Shar and Caye.

Chapter 2


Kaos paced back and forth, in front of the high windows of the living room. Looking out, he saw a sea of green. The beautifully manicured lawn and fountain were there, but he didn’t see them. He took a drag from his cigarette and exhaled the smoke. He shook his head and turned around, putting the cigarette in the heavy crystal ashtray that he had brought with him.

He waved away the cloud of smoke and placed the ashtray on the nearest table; then walked out of the room. Cutting through the dining room, he headed for seclusion. He had made it to the stairs, when he heard his name being called. His shoulders tensed; then he relaxed. He turned around and faced his sister Tigress Bella. Her long black hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, her face free of makeup showed her high cheekbones, full lips and jade-silver eyes, framed by dark lashes.

He was surprised that she didn’t have a long line of boys following her. She had grown into a beautiful young woman. He plastered a smile that didn’t reach his eyes and walked toward her.
“Ti, sweets, what do you wish of me?”
He tried to sound happy, but his face looked strained and tight.
She frowned, as she watched him. He wore jeans and a sweatshirt - nothing special.
She rolled her eyes. “You promised that you’d take me shopping, remember?”
She sounded annoyed. Kaos groaned inwardly. All day being at her beck and call didn’t appeal to him. If it was Chrysalis Kelly, it would be fun. The things he’d love to do to her in those dressing rooms, made him shudder inwardly. He felt his dick hardened and lengthen in his jeans. Kaos was thankful that the sweatshirt was long enough to cover that part of his anatomy.

“I’m sorry Ti. I forgot. Let me change and we’ll go. Should we take the SUV or the Hummer?”
He teased.
She shook her head, her hair swishing from side to side.
“We’re not going if you’re going to be miserable. I know that Roar is barely talking to you. He’ll come around; you just have to give it time.”
Time. Kaos thought. He didn’t want to give Roar time. He wanted his silly, smiling brother back. Not the man that replaced him. Roar was coldly distant, yet civil to him and that was only for the sake of Ti.

Roar went out of way at times to avoid him. If Kaos entered a room, Roar would leave it. Roar would ignore any question Kaos directed at him. However, at least he was here in England. Trace had been told the news, before Kaos had left for England and all he had done was get up and leave the room. Calla had promised to talk to him. So far, Calla was the only one he was speaking too. She told Kaos that Trace had to think. Calla asked him to give Trace time. Well, Kaos was sick of being the bad guy and he was sick of giving everyone time.

It hadn’t been easy for him keeping the family secrets. It ate away at him, not telling his brothers, trying to decide whether they were ready or not to hear the truth. He was just tired of the responsibility. For now, he wanted to shrug it off his shoulders. All the anger directed toward him wasn’t fair and all the silence was pissing him off. He was getting angry at his brothers and he was even angrier at his Father.

Ti laid a hand on his forearm and rubbed it, trying to soothe him.
“They’ll come around. Don’t worry.” She gave him a sad smile and he knew she wasn’t thinking about Roar; she was thinking about Trace. Kaos had seen the look of disappointment on her face, when she arrived at Vasya’s mansion, and didn’t see Trace. She had wanted to get to know her brother, whom she had pushed away for the sake of her Father. Ti absorbed the information about Trace’s life. He had a girlfriend that he was deeply in love with. She asked a thousand questions about Calla, even begging for her phone number to talk to her. She smiled when she heard Trace was working with horses and laughed, hearing that he hadn’t changed too much from the serious and stoic man she had known, before he ran away.

Kaos put his hand over hers and squeezed it. “Let me change and we’ll go okay?” She nodded. Shopping with her would take his mind off of Roar, Trace and Chrysalis, whom he had learned was in Ireland right now. Vasya had received a call from her, informing him that she and her cousin Marissa had arrived safely. Kaos had been jealous of Vasya getting the call but was thankful she was only a boat ride away.

In his room, Kaos changed his shirt, put on his leather jacket and grabbed his sunglasses. He tied his hair back and stuffed a pack of cigarettes in his jacket pocket. He picked up the house keys Vasya had given him. He rushed down stairs to hear laughter in the foyer. He heard Roar’s voice float toward him along with Ti’s. Taking a deep breath and steeling himself for an icy reception, he walked toward the direction of the voices. Roar looked up and saw him; then the laughter melted from his face. Vasya frowned and Ti pleaded with Roar, using eye contact to please be nice. He walked up to the group and focused his attention on Roar.

“You can keep sulking and acting like a little shit all you want. I don’t care. Think well about the fact that I had to keep the secret and I carried the burden of knowing all of this. Think about the fact that because of Father, we didn’t get to know our brother and we were forced out of our community, away from our family. You want to be pissed, so be it. But it is Father you should be furious with, not me. I, at least, told you. I may have waited, but it was for the best, to protect you.”

Kaos faced Roar. “What I did, I did to protect all of you. I have always protected you. So, who protected me huh? Who protected me from Father’s wrath, when Trace left and I was blackmailed into staying with the family? Who protected me, when I was protecting you? Do you think about all those nights Father and I argued? Every damned argument wasn’t because of Trace or my career choices? No, it was for him to swallow his pride, tell you what he had done and beg for forgiveness, as well as acknowledge Vasili as flesh and blood. I may have waited to tell you, but he would never have said a word. Think on that.”
Kaos growled, brushed past Roar, bumping him in the shoulder and walked toward the door.
“You coming Ti?”
“Yes!” She squeaked.
She quickly kissed both her brothers and ran after Kaos.
Roar’s hands balled into fists. He turned and ran after him, only to be jerked back by Vasya.
“Let it go brother, let it go. He is angry that you are shutting him out. Come, let us sit down and talk. Come on.” Vasya pulled Roar back and Roar let him. Roar knew Kaos was right, but he was too hurt to admit it. He was angry at their father, but he was hurt that his brother felt he couldn’t have told them about Vasili.

Vasya pulled him into the dining room and went into the kitchen to start making tea. Roar sat at the dining room table, staring out the tall windows, looking at the endless green sea of grass, but not seeing it.

A Taste of Kaos Part 2

A Taste of Kaos Part 2

For Jan, feel better hon, Shar, Tasha, Ro, and Caye. Hugs to you all.

Chapter 1

Chrysalis Kelly stood in her Grandmother’s kitchen, watching her cousin Marissa Lewis stir the mix for brownies. Her Grandmother was making trifle and trying to tell a story to her Aunt Jeannie and her daughter, Cousin Samantha.


“That whore . . .”

“Mum, Samantha’s in the room!” Jeannie hissed.

“What? She’s going to have to learn that word sometime. Anyway you’re interrupting my story, so shush!”

Jeannie shook her head and continued to break up chocolate.


“Where was I? Oh, yes that gutter snipe from the pit of Hades!”

“Gram!” Chrysalis groaned, as she shook her head.

“What? She’ll have to get use to my colorful turn of phrase, so you can shush little Irish. Now where was I? Oh yes! Anyway, we’re standing at the checkout and what?”

“Shouldn’t there be fruit in that trifle mum?” Jeannie remarked.

“No, it’s my trifle dammit and I’m going to do it how I want.”

Chrys, Marissa, Jeannie and Samantha all watched in shock as Sharon Vivienne Kelly poured a large dose of Sherry into the glass dessert bowl.


“Whew, Gram what proof is that Sherry? I think I’m getting drunk, just from the fumes.” Chrys waved away the scent of Sherry and Chocolate, as her Grandmother continued pouring the liquor over the chocolate cake. Gram stopped for a moment and thought.

“What is the highest proof for sherry?”

Everyone groaned.

“What?”

“Just continue with your story Gram.”

Jeannie rushed over to the window and opened it. Fresh air streamed into the room; along with the smell of fresh cut grass. Grandpa Luke Kelly’s pipe tobacco filled the air, weakening the smell of the sherry.


“Oh yes, anyway, so the mad cow started going on and on about how her daughter, Irene, was all virtuous and pure. Ha, that ninny wouldn’t know virtuous or pure if it came up and bit her on the arse.”

“Why was she bragging about Irene, Gram? Hmm I mean Irene had that pregnancy scare last year didn’t she?”

“Exactly! She was running around town with as many men as she could drop her drawers for. If she had been pregnant, she would have undoubtedly had a ‘whose the daddy’ moment. Anyway, do you want to know what set her off this time?”


Everyone, with the exception of Marissa, knew that if they didn’t say ‘yes’, then Gram would annoy them until she got to tell her story. They all nodded and Gram smiled.

“Because our dear Butterfly here was linked to that handsome American Football player, what’s his name? Doug something or other.”

“Doug Stormer, Gram.”

“Ah yes, Doug Stormer. It’s too bad he’s taken. Anyway, she was carrying on about how it was disgraceful for a woman to flaunt her relationship. So I told her that it was even more of a disgraceful to have daughter who slept with so many men, that she couldn’t keep track of their names. Well that witch refused to give up, saying that our Chrys should be ashamed for not being married at her age.” Gram rolled her eyes.


“As though you’re washed up and in spinster hell at 26. I said, if my Butterfly should be ashamed then her Irene should be appalled, being 30 and carrying on like a bitch in heat. You should have seen her face. It got so red. She had the rage on her that I swear, she started puffing up like a bullfrog.” Gram started giggling like mad.


One of Gram’s joys in life is making Mrs. Catherine O’Reilly’s life miserable. The family gossip was that Grandpa had been dating Gram and Mrs. O’Reilly. Catherine Smythe, that was, had had her eye on Grandpa Luke and wanted to steal him away. She even went so far as to claim that she was pregnant by him. Gram soon nipped it in the bud and Catherine was forced to marry Jerry O’Reilly. Although Jerry was rich and she lived a comfortable life, Catherine never forgave Gram for marrying Grandpa.


“Okay Mum, that’s enough Sherry for you. ….MUM! Put down that bottle, you’re not supposed to drink it!”

“Why not?” Gram wiped away some Sherry from her lips.

“Because it’s cooking Sherry! Give me that!” Jeannie grabbed the bottle and headed for the pantry with it.


As soon as she was out of earshot, “I swear I don’t know where I went wrong with that one. She won’t even let me wear two-inch heels; swears I’ll break an ankle. Bah! Now are we going to have a Sex in the City Marathon tonight? We need to celebrate my two angels coming home.”

Gram smiled at both Marissa and Chrys.

“Okay, but if you start going word for word on the dialogue, we’re going to have to watch something else.”


“Okay luv. Oh Marissa sweetie, easy does it. Now it’s time to pour the mixture. I’ll help you. Sammy, watch the door. Don’t want your mother coming back and claiming I’ll break a hip or something, just for lifting a bowl.”

Samantha scooted off the stool and headed for the door. Gram and Marissa lifted the heavy mixing bowl and started to pour the brownie mix into the baking pans. Once that was done, they slid the pans into the oven.

“There now, that’s for the clean up and then we start on dinner. Who wants beef stew?”

“Oh, oh; I do, Gram. I want to help. Where are the potatoes?” Chrys exclaimed, she shrugged off her sweater and pushed up her sleeves. Gram laughed.

“That’s my butterfly. They’re in the usual place. Marissa darlin’, go sit at the table and relax.” She sighed.

“It’s so nice to have my family back together. Now, if only your silly father would introduce me to this ebony goddess he’s dating then, I’d be really happy.”


Chase Kelly took that moment to walk into the kitchen. On hearing what his mother said, he turned around and walked right back out. Everyone laughed.

“What did I miss?” Jeannie asked as she came into the kitchen.

“Nothing dear! Go get the carrots. We’re making beef stew.”

The buzz of activity in the kitchen increased, as everyone started preparing ingredients for the stew. Marissa couldn’t help but feel like she was home. Chrys couldn’t help but feel it was good to be home.

A Taste of Kaos Chapter 15

This chapter is dedicated to Shar, Pam and Caye. Hugs guys.

Chapter 15

A week later . . .

Kaos sat on his motorcycle, outside Chrys’s apartment building. He needed an escape from Roar.

Roar had come out of his room and made it clear he didn’t know how he was going to deal with this revelation. He knew that he wouldn’t ignore Vasya, like their Dad had done. He spent a lot of time with this new found brother and ignored Kaos. He didn’t leave at the end of the week, as planned. Instead Roar extended his stay, but Kaos was persona non grata. Now that Vasya had taken over the role as confidant, he explained that Roar was eager to meet their Grandmother. Roar stated he would be going to England with Vasya at the end of the week.


Kaos sighed. He hated the way things were now. Vasya had become Roar’s comrade-in-arms and Kaos was now the enemy. Having been forced into this awkward situation, Vasya acted as middleman between his brothers. Kaos suffered Roar’s disapproval in silence. Feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, Kaos pleaded with Vasya for Chrys’s phone number. Vasya empathized with Kaos and gave it to him.

Kaos didn’t want to talk to her on the phone; he wanted to see her. He needed to talk to someone, anyone. He convinced Vasya to give him her address. Remy had sequestered himself in his apartment and was in communicado. Dane was with his family and Spike was traveling. He would have gone to see Marissa, but was hesitant to just show up without an invitation. Trace was with Calla on a vacation for two. So that left Chrys.

He hungered to see her. Between worrying about Roar and trying to figure out if he would be going with them back to England, Kaos knew that Chrys would be able to sooth him with her presence. He got off his bike and made his way into the building. Vasya had told him that Chrys lived on the sixth floor. He stepped into the open elevator and pressed the button. A woman called out to him to hold the door. He reached out and held the door back, while he watched the blond-haired woman rush in, huffing and puffing.

“Thank you hon. I’m not as young as I use to be.”

Kaos grinned. “Nonsense! You look like you’re twenty five.”

The woman giggled. “If I weren’t married I’d be all over you. So, are you moving in or are you visiting someone?”

“I’m visiting a friend.”

“Oh, who?”

“Her name is Chrysalis Kelly.”

The woman looked him over. “Oh, so you’re a suitor huh? I hate to tell you this, but she’s got a young man already. Very handsome, not as handsome as you are, mind, but good-looking. I believe he’s an athlete.”

She leaned over to him and whispered conspiratorially, “He’s over there right now. I’d be careful if I were you hon. I wouldn’t want a stud muffin like you getting hurt.”

Kaos considered this piece of information. The idea that she was seeing someone, bugged the hell out of him. Then again, why would she respond to him if she was attached? The notion that she could cheat was like being drenched with ice cold water. His eagerness to see her cooled, but the urge still remained. Despite everything he had been told, he was compelled to be with her.

“Don’t worry; I’m not interested in her in that way. I’m just a friend who’s stopping by before I leave the States.”

“Oh. Well you’ve been a good boy. Have fun on your trip.”

Smiling, the lady beckoned to him. Kaos leaned down towards his newfound admirer. She kissed him on the cheek. Kaos smiled at her and she returned the smile with interest. Turning around, she exited the elevator.

Now all he had to do was see Chrys and leave.

* * * * * *

Kaos got out of the elevator on the sixth floor and walked down the hall, looking for the apartment 26C. When he found it, he raised his hand to knock, but his hand never made contact. The door opened. Chrys stood in front of him, her face covered in a green face mask and her hair was wrapped in a black kerchief. She wasn’t looking at him; she was looking at someone in the apartment.

“Thanks for stopping by Doug. You’re a life saver. Say hi to Roni for me.”

She turned toward the door and saw Kaos standing there. Her eyes widened, as her jaw dropped.

Kaos suspected that she was blushing, despite the green goo.

“What’s up Chrys? Who’s out there?” A deep voice from within the apartment asked.

A tall man with broad shoulders and dark brown hair came to the door. His jacket was on. The stranger looked at Kaos and then turned to Chrys.

“Looks like you have company. I’ll go now. Can’t keep Roni waiting, you know how she is.” The guy leaned down and gave Chrys a careful hug. He nodded, as he passed Kaos and walked down the hall.

Kaos shifted from one foot to the other waiting for Chrys to say something.

“How did you find me?”

“You’re not going to ask me in?” he enquired.

Chrys paused for a moment, looking annoyed, but then stepped back reluctantly.

Kaos walked past her and stopped. Her apartment was nothing like he expected.

It was open plan with the kitchen, dining area and living room all sharing the space. While his apartment was simple in decoration and furnishings, hers was cluttered with many souvenirs from her travels. The Irish influence was evident amongst the things displayed. She had a large fireplace of dark red brick and above the mantel was a sword with a red and green kilt, as its background. He looked to his left, a small open kitchen with dark, rich, red tiles and cream moulding, gleamed from the recessed lights. The counters were a dark wood. The kitchen seemed cozy and used. He could smell the remnants of cinnamon buns. He looked back at the living room. It looked comfortable and homey with overstuffed couches in dark chocolate leather and chairs of cream cloth. Pillows were arranged neatly on the couches; chairs were grouped around a low dark wood coffee table. It had an Eastern feel with Celtic overtones.

The walls were a rhubarb color with the base board painted cream. The crown mouldings were also cream and the chair rail painted gold. The same wood used for the counter tops, were also used for the bookshelves, displaying rows and rows of books. A plasma screen TV was mounted on a wall in the far corner of the room. A large, overstuffed wing back chair was covered by a cream blanket, decorated with a Celtic knot pattern sewed on the edges. Pictures of Ireland and Scotland sat on the walls, along with pictures of couples in erotic poses. The name ‘Nora’ was signed in red at the bottom of each picture.

A doorway to his right was draped in a diaphanous fabric of reds, gold’s and cream, all pulled back to reveal the bedroom. Her bedroom continued the East meets Celtic design theme. The bed was large and piled high with pillows. Tapestries from the East and West hung on the walls. It looked just as cozy in there, as it was out in the living room. He liked what he saw. It didn’t reflect the cynical and aloof woman, who many in the industry were wary of. He looked to his left at Chrys, who had picked up a cloth and proceeded to take off the face mask. She looked annoyed.

“Don’t yell at Vasya, I begged him to give me your address.”

She didn’t say anything; instead she wandered over to a mirror, hanging to his right on the wall next to a coat tree. She was trying to remove the patches of green that were still left.

“So I have Vasya to thank for your visit. You must have really worked on him to get my address.”

“Well, let’s just say I begged and pleaded and he took pity on me.”

“Does it have to do with that guy that grabbed your arm at the restaurant? The one that didn’t know Vasya was his brother?”

Kaos ran a hand through his hair.

“Can I sit down?”

He watched her roll her eyes in the mirror and then nodded. He walked over to the couch, moved the pillows and settled himself.

“Would you like some tea?”

“Uh sure.”

“Any particular brand?”

“Nope, whatever you’re having is fine.”

He turned around and watched her movements. She looked at ease. She prepared a tray with all the essentials required to make afternoon tea. She looked so domestic. It was almost funny. He would never have figured her for the domestic goddess type.

“What?” she asked, not looking over at him. Chrys opened the microwave and took out a plate of cinnamon buns, covered in thick icing.

“I just never pegged you as domesticated? Do you clean this place yourself?”

“Not when I’m away. But yes, when I’m home I do my own housekeeping.”

He looked around, impressed. A large banana plant stood tall, gently leaning toward the light, streaming in from the window. Stalks of bamboo were grouped around the potted plant and he now could hear the quiet tinkle of water.

It was a peaceful and cozy place. He could picture her reading a book, while lying on the couch or maybe, watching Football on the goggle box. He couldn’t help but grin. The tea kettle whistled and she was soon making her way over to him.

“What are you grinning at?”

She placed the tray before him on the coffee table.

“I’m just trying to picture you cleaning this place.”

“Uh huh.” She shrugged and handed him a plate with a cinnamon bun.

He watched her pour him a cup of tea. He inhaled the aroma of Earl Grey. It brought back long buried memories of tea time with his Mum and Trace. Roar had been too young to participate. If Roar behaved, he would be treated to biscuits.

Kaos grinned and bit into the bun. The taste exploded in his mouth. He had never experienced anything so delicious in his life. He looked over at Chrys, who was sipping her tea slowly, savoring the taste. He wondered if she had made the buns or if she had gotten them at a bakery.

“What? You look weird.” Chrys watched Kaos curiously.

“Did you make this?” asked Kaos.

“Yeah! What about it?”

“This is amazing.” said Kaos appreciatively.

“Well it better be amazing. I made it from scratch.” Chrys said.
Kaos balked. Wow, if this was anything to go by, Darina Allen had nothing on her.

“What? Do you think I sit around thinking of ways to increase my status as ‘ball breaker’? No, I have a life. Besides, if I didn’t make those buns from scratch, my Grammy would tear a strip off me!”

A slow smile spread across her face and she settled back into the large chair, looking so small among the pillows, cradling her tea cup.

“Grammy wouldn’t let anyone into the kitchen if they couldn’t cook or bake. And if you baked, you had to know how to do it from scratch. You wouldn’t get all the misshapen fairy cakes, biscuits or buns if you didn’t know how to reproduce them. It was an extra treat for helping her and our reward. We’d get first dibs and guests got the perfect ones.”

She took a sip of her tea and smiled. Apparently, she had a good relationship with her family. He felt another pang of envy. Kaos decided right then and there to go to England and see his Grandmother.

“Where is your Grandmother?”

“Ireland.”

There was an inordinate amount of pride when she said ‘Ireland’. Based on all the pictures and treasures around the room, she was proud of her heritage.

“So you’re Irish and African American?”

She nodded. “What did you think? I used contacts to get this look?”

He couldn’t tell if she was teasing, so he shook his head.

She laughed and mirrored Kaos’s head-shaking.

“What?” he enquired.

“Nothing!” She poured herself another cup of tea. “So Kaos, I’ve always wondered about your accent. I’ve been to some Eastern European countries. It sounds as though there’s a hint of Russian.”

“Yup, your right! But I don’t really remember Russia. I moved away when I was very little.”

“Too bad, it is a beautiful country.”

“It sounds like you liked it.” Kaos observed.

“I did enjoy my time there.” There was a sly smile that he didn’t like. It was the expression of a person who had enjoyed herself a little too much.

“You’re scowling,” remarked Chrys. She laughed. “Would you ever go back and explore some of it?”

“Perhaps one day. Would you go back to Ireland?” Kaos asked.

She grinned. “I’m going back there soon, at the end of the month.” She took another sip of tea. Her face softened even more. Soon she would be home.

“I’m going to England shortly.”

“England is wonderful. I have friends there.”

“Vasya?”

She laughed. “No, not just Vasya! My friends, Shara and Jan live there, plus a few of them from the Rising Sun U.K. branch. You’ve heard of Mick Peters right? Also there’s my writer friend, Jezebel Saunders. Before I head over to Ireland, I’m going to stop in and see them. When is Vasya going back?”

“At the end of this week.”

She looked thoughtful. “I guess I’ll see him then. So, why did you stop by?”

“I wanted to be around someone who didn’t hate me!”

Chrys raised an eyebrow.

“Long story short, the guy you saw tugging me away from you is my brother Roar. He had no idea that Vasya was our half brother until he heard you mention it in the restaurant. He was pissed, when he found out the whole truth. Now he’s ignoring me. At least, he’s spending time with Vasya. I don’t know how I’m going to tell my brother Trace.” He took a sip of tea and sighed.

“So, tell Trace. It’s better to tell him now rather than have him find out later. And besides, your brother Roar could tell him before you get a chance to explain things. Do you really want that?”

Kaos thought about it. He finished the cinnamon bun and drank more tea. The sun was slowly sinking behind the clouds and dusk was fast approaching. She was right. He looked to find her reading a book quietly. A blanket covered the bottom half of her body. She had turned on the lights sometime while he was lost in thought. He would love to come home from a tour and see her like this. He smiled softly.

“I’m going to go. I have a few things to take care of. Maybe we’ll run into each other when we’re both in the U.K.”

She shrugged. “Maybe!”

Chrys stood up, letting the blanket fall to the floor and walked Kaos to the door. For the first time he saw what she was wearing. It was an oversized, old white Football jersey with a large Shamrock on the front. She had on a pair of large green sweat pants. Her hair was no longer covered and hung down in a low pony tail. She looked adorable. Without thinking, he leaned down and softly kissed her lips. She gasped, as he pulled away.

“Later Babochka.”

He unlocked and opened the door himself. He walked away, grinning, when he heard her call down the hall, “What does babochka mean? Hey!”

He stepped onto the elevator, turned around, hit the button for the ground floor and waved at her, as the doors closed.

A Taste of Kaos Chapter 14

This one is for Shar. Happy Birthday hon. Hope you get all you wish for and more.

Chapter 14

Chrys raised an eyebrow. Uh oh, trouble in hunk land. Apparently, Roar didn’t know that Vasya was their brother. She studied the scene before her. Vasya had joined his brothers, trying to instil calm in a tense situation.

Both Roar and Kaos looked alike, except that Kaos was taller. He had silver-jade eyes whereas Roar’s were silver. Both had golden skin and similar facial features. Except for the eyes, they’d be twins. Vasili on the other hand was blond; his bone structure was somewhat alike. He had the same strong square jaw and forehead, but his cheeks were sharper, more defined. Vasya definitely had the cheekbones of celebrity James Marsters. Gorgeous!

She didn’t want to get too deeply involved in this confrontation. Chrys knew she had to leave before Kaos remembered her. She unlocked her car door, opened it, slid in and slammed the door shut. Chrys didn’t look up to see if they’d noticed her. She turned on the ignition, put it into gear and backed up. She looked over at Kaos for a split second and could see he was too busy dealing with his brother to care that she was leaving. Manoeuvring the car, Chrys took off, relieved that she wasn’t in the spotlight.

* * * * *


Kaos gritted his teeth. Roar looked angrier than he’d ever seen him.

Taking a deep breath, Kaos responded warily. “Roar, let’s go back to my place, where we can talk about this. I can explain everything, okay?”

Roar looked thoughtful. “Fine, let’s go, but I want to know everything. And I mean everything.”

Roar turned and headed for Kaos’ car, with Vasya in tow. Relief swept over him. He was going to finally tell at least one brother everything. Kaos was still hesitant to speak to Trace, but he’d cross that hurdle when he came to it.

Roar was silent throughout the entire ride over to the apartment, which worried Kaos. He was normally so animated. Now his silence proved unsettling.

Oh Shit! Chrys!

Kaos had been so preoccupied with his brothers that he momentarily forgot about her. He realized that she must have snuck away. He smiled, thinking of their brief but sensual encounter.

Another time babochka!

The smile faded as Kaos pulled into the car park.

Once they had stopped, Roar was the first one out. Slamming the door shut, he headed straight for the elevator, not bothering to wait for anyone. Kaos and Vasya rushed, ensuring that they wouldn’t be left behind. They rode up to Kaos’ apartment in silence.

Once inside, Roar finally spoke. “Spill it. Now!”

He sank down on the couch and looked pointedly at Kaos. Kaos gulped and headed for the kitchen to grab a beer. He was going to need some liquid courage for this mess. After his first swig, he sank down on the chair opposite Roar.

Taking a deep breath he started the story.

“You were just two years old and Trace was five when we were exiled. Ti- Bell wasn’t even born yet. Anyway, I was eight. I remember the fight Mum and Dad had, like it was yesterday. They didn’t know I was there. Apparently Dad had gotten drunk and slept with Vasili’s mother, Lidiya. Mum found out, but she didn’t know about the pregnancy. When Lidiya told him, she was carrying his child, Dad promised to help her and accept Vasili as his son. When the time came, he refused to acknowledge him. Mum kept hearing rumors about a child with Lidiya. Eventually, she confronted Dad, but he denied them. Grandmother had her suspicions. They were confirmed when she saw the baby’s eyes.”

“Even though she did not have DNA proof she knew whose son he was. Dad continued to refute it. When Grandmother found out Mum was pregnant again, she decided to take a risk, to avoid bringing shame to the family. She gave Dad an ultimatum, hoping family meant more to him than exile. She told him he must acknowledge Vasili as his son before the entire clan or he and his family would be exiled. You already know the rest.”

Roar was dumbfounded. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

Confusion mixed with anger. Roar continued. “Wait, how did they know that Vasili was in fact related to them? For all they know he could be the son of an uncle that they had never met.”

“Dad has no brothers. A DNA test was done, confirming that Vasili is in fact related to us”

Kaos watched as Roar retreated into his own private hell.

Roar ran a hand through his hair. “This is going to take me some time to get my head around this. I just don’t know how to deal with this right now.”

“Will you at least be willing to hang out with Vasili while he’s here? You have a week left visiting me. Do you think it’s possible to . . .?”

Roar held up his hand. “Right now I don’t know anything. You just told me Dad is pretty much an uncaring, hypocritical bastard. In the same breath you tell me that I have a brother I didn’t know existed. I need time.”

Roar rose from the couch. He walked to his room and shut the door.

“Well, that went well…. right? At least he didn’t deck me.” Vasya said, with a little laugh.

Kaos looked up at him and shook his head. “I would have felt better if he had decked me.”

A Taste of Kaos Chapter 13

This is for you guys. Happy New Year.

Chapter 13


Chase harrumphed. Chrys opened the door, slid out of the car and put her father’s food on the seat. After slamming the door, she watched him start up the car, put it in gear and drive off. She brushed back hair that had blown in her face and looked up to see Kaos leaning against a lamp-post.


His expression was unreadable. Chrys didn’t bother to walk toward him. She was curious to know how long he had been standing there, but she wasn’t in the mood to go through another confrontation.


She got to her car and sighed. She could feel him right behind her. Why? Why did the fates hate her so much? She just wanted to go home and decompress, but the fates were laughing. She turned around and squinted, as the sun shone directly behind him, making him look imposing and menacing.


“What?”


Kaos shoved his hands in his pockets and bowed his head. “I’m sorry. I baited you.”


Well this is different; she’s never had a guy say sorry to her. Well, not since primary school when she pinned Darren Daniels to the ground and made him apologize to her for calling her a cheat, when they had played Dodge Ball. How exactly does a person cheat at Dodge Ball?


She brushed more hair out of her face and sighed. He looked so sorry. She was actually feeling bad about dragging out the Rachel Desi incident. Everyone in the music industry knew about Rachel. She liked to fuck the rockers and sell their dirty secrets. Rumor has it that she had a deal with ‘Riffs’. They paid her at least ten grand for every story she brought them. How could Kaos have been so stupid? Of course, Rachel had an hour glass figure and looked like a fresh-faced farm girl, so men tended to think she was innocent. Or at least, they wanted to think she was innocent until they got her into the bedroom.


He looked up to gage her reaction to his apology. She seemed defensive, tired and wary. He surmised that she was resisting the urge to apologize. She wasn’t exactly known for her willingness to back down for anything.


“You don’t have to say sorry. I fired the first shot, you just responded.”


Chrys was shocked. Kaos had let her off the hook and so easily. He stepped closer to her, invading her personal space. Now the sun was blocked out completely. He reached across and brushed back strands of hair that had again blown into her face. His finger tips brushed her cheek.


She shivered at the contact.


“Cold?”


“No.”


Kaos stared at Chrys. “Then why did you shiver just now? It couldn’t have been because of my touch. So either my touch affected you or you’re cold. Which is it?”


Chrys felt cornered. “You’re provoking me again.”


“It’s just a simple question.”


“Why do you want to know the answer?” Chrys was biding her time, looking for an easy out.

Kaos whispered “Because I want to know if you feel this attraction just as much as I do.”


She couldn’t escape. She had already said that she wasn’t cold, so she was responding to his presence. She cursed herself silently.


“I’m not leaving until you tell me the truth.” He continued.


Frustration and heat encompassed her body “Why do you do this? Chrys countered.


“Do what?” Kaos replied, hunger surfaced, ready to devour her.


“Why do you try to get me to say certain things?” Why do you bait me? Is it some kinda game? Chrys’ anxiety was boiling over.


“You mean why do I ask you about things I already know? Because I want to hear you admit them. Now say you want me and I can leave.”


Dammit it was so easy. Admit she was intensely attracted to him and he’d leave, but her stubborn streak reared its ugly head, demanding that she must not surrender to his whim.


“Say it and I’ll leave.”


He lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers. The contact was so soft. It was like a caress. The result was enough to make her want more. He touched her lips, inducing a tingling sensation.


“This would be so easy if you’d just say it.”


Fire intensified throughout her body. His lips feathered her cheeks, nose and forehead, moving back down to her lips.


“Say it babochka. Say that I want you and no other.”


‘Babochka’… what did that mean? Her mind asked. It was the last cognizant thought she had before her mind turned to mush. His lips lightly pecked her neck. Dammit! He was going to think that she wasn’t saying anything because she enjoyed his kisses. Or he would think that she was admitting that she was attracted to him. She balled her hands into fists, resisting the urge to grab a hold of his shirt.


“Say it.” He urged.


He continued to kiss Chrys across her décolletage. Kaos revelled in the softness of her skin against his lips. The scent of her perfume was intoxicating. She smelled like lavender, vanilla and jasmine. He slipped his hand around the nape of her neck, bringing his body closer to hers. Indecision crept into his mind. Kaos wasn’t sure what he wanted. Either he needed her to admit she wanted him or he would continue to kiss her.


Suddenly he felt a hand tug him from behind, forcing him to step away from Chrys. Kaos turned around to face a confused and angry looking Roar.


“What did she mean by ‘Vasya is your brother?’ huh?”


Crap, the shit had just hit the fan, thought Kaos.

A Taste of Kaos Chapter 12

Thanks Jan. Happy Holidays everyone, this one is dedicated to you!

Chapter 12

Dad? That man was her father? He was taller than she was. He had reddish blond hair, blue green eyes and porcelain skin. Anger engulfed him.

Chrys’ face paled. She looked guilty. “Dad . . . I . . .?

She didn’t get to finish. “Chrysalis Honor Darina Kelly you get your arse to the car this instant! Move it young lady! Get a wriggle on now!”

He was seething, and it was evident to all. Chrys looked as though she was about to cry. Her shoulders slumped. Without a backward glance, she headed toward the door of the restaurant. The spectators looked on in surprise. The Queen Bitch had just been brought to heel by ‘daddy’.

Her father turned toward the table. His eyes narrowed. They zeroed in on Vasili.

“Vasya, I expected you to have controlled this fracas! Why would you permit this public slanging match? I thought you’d have better sense?

Vasya opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Kaos decided to intervene. After all, he had provoked her.

“I’m sorry sir. I started this row.” Chase Kelly looked at Kaos, and then shook his head.

Without a word, he turned around, walked over to the counter, paid for his lunch and walked out.

Kaos felt horrible. His need to push Chrys had resulted in the trouble she was facing from her dad.

* * * * * *


Chase Kelly got into the car and handed the brown bag to Chrysalis, who put it in her lap. She ignored the heat emanating from the bag. She felt as though she had regressed to being five years old, having been caught with her hand in the biscuit tin before dinner. Only this time, her father was the one meeting out punishment, not her Grammy.

“Dad, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have behaved like a fishwife in public. I know it’s unseemly. You taught me better than that.” Chrys said quietly as she waited for his response.
Chase remained silent for a long time. Chrys thought he wasn’t going to say a word. Eventually, he spoke.
“Yes, little Irish I taught you better than that. You were brought up, not dragged up like some no account! How could you let this individual provoke you like that? Hmm, I have never seen you lose control in that way.”

She opened her mouth to respond, but couldn’t find the words. Instead she mumbled. “I don’t know! He just pushes my buttons.”

Chase laughed and shook his head. She looked over at her father, confused.
“What?”
“What? You don’t know little Irish?”
When she shook her head, he chuckled.
“You’re running little one and I always taught you not to run away, didn’t I?”

Chrys was confused. She was running away? Oh shit! No he didn’t think that . . . did he?
“Daddy no, it’s not like that.”
“Then what is it like then, féileacán?”
Hearing her father speaking in Gaelic comforted her. He wasn’t too mad at her. She looked into his blue-green eyes and saw amusement there.
“You’re going to laugh.”
He shook his head.
“Scouts honor.”
“Dad, you were never a Boy Scout.”
Her father laughed. “Just tell me and be quick about it, my food is gettin’ cold.”

She sighed, took a deep breath and said, “He’s a man-whore!”
Her father’s reaction wasn’t what she expected. He burst out laughing. Chrys looked at her father in horror. She couldn’t get him to stop. He laughed so hard that he was holding his stomach for support. Tears streamed down his face.
“A man-whore. Oh God, that’s a good one. A man-whore!”
He wiped his tears away and continued to chuckle.

“Daaar!” She whined. Chase wouldn’t stop laughing. When he looked over at her again, he roared with renewed merriment.
“I’m getting out of this car, if you don’t stop with the laughin’.”
“Okay, okay little Irish, calm down. Goodness, so sensitive is my little one. Explain to you’re old man what a man-whore is.” He chuckled after saying it, but stopped when he saw the look she gave him. Chrys watched her father try to gather himself. When he seemed to regain control, she proceeded to explain her definition of a man-whore.

“A man whore is something you are not. A man whore is a man who can’t keep it in his pants. That sums up Kaos!”
Her father started to laugh again.
“Oh Lord, this is too funny. Man-whore, that’s so priceless.”
“Daaar!”
Chase tried to get some control.
“Okay, okay. So he can’t keep it in his pants. That doesn’t explain why you’re running from him. Is it because you find him attractive? He is a good looking fellow.”

“Dad, are you trying to play match maker?”
“No, I’m just trying to point out, that the reason you got so riled up back there is because you were trying to run from your attraction to that young man….. by fighting with him.”
“Young man? Dad, he’s 41!”
Chase looked over at his daughter in shock.
“He’s 41? He’s far too old for you.”
Chrys giggled. “Are you saying you’re old Daaar?”
“I’m not old, but he’s too close to my age to be dating any daughter of mine!”
“Says the dad who went out with a, how old was she again? Ah yes, she was 28 years old. She’s two years older than me. Remember I’m your daughter who recently turned 26.”

Chrys grinned having made her point, but Chase wasn’t ready to concede just yet.
“But that’s different! Kait isn’t my daughter. You are and you are far too young for him.”
Chrys rolled her eyes. “What? Stop with the 'eye-rollin'. I forbid you to date him.” Chase said indignantly.
She started to laugh uncontrollably.
“Dad, I’m old enough to make my own decisions. Besides, if I can’t date him, not saying I will mind, then you can’t date Kait, on the same principle.”
“Fine then, I won’t date her.”
“Okay, call her and say that your date for tomorrow night is off.”
“How did you know that?”
“Never mind that! Just call her and tell her you’re cancelling your date because you are too old for her! I’ll even give you my phone.”

Chrys dug her phone out of her purse and handed it too him. He seemed too hesitant to take it.
“If I can’t go out with older men then you can’t date younger women.” Chrys declared.
Chase sighed. Chrys had heard firsthand that her dad and Kait had had fun on their first date. Kait had told her that she couldn’t wait for them go out again. Kait also let slip that she was transferring to an agency closer to the city. Chase sighed and Chrys knew she had won.

“All right little Irish, you win this round. But if you do date him, he better be good to you. I mean it. Now get out of the car, my food is cold and I’m grumpy.”
She laughed, leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“See you later Grumpy!”