Chance Lost

by Jo Larue

  Trey had nothing but a description to go on since he was not at the bar when the fight went down. That description was tall, good-looking female with long raven hair and was maybe in her mid twenties and she wore leather. It was all the pack could remember, well, other than the obvious. She was a martial artist, a pool hustler, beautiful, and drank beer. How many of those could there be on the east side?

  Chapter 11

  Chance turned around from cloud watching and noticed Sylas and Jack talking. It appeared as if she might be the subject of the conversation. Every so often, one of them would turn towards her with a look of worry etched on their face. This tiny bit of information was disconcerting and she was not comfortable being the object of anyone’s worry. Besides, the only people to show any concern about her in the past were Gus and Sensei. Right when the thought entered her mind, her phone vibrated.

  “Thinking about you.

  Hope you’re okay and enjoying

  your new jobless freedom!

  Miss you, Gus”

  Chance giggled while reading it.

  Sending a quick reply back saying she was great and hoped he was too, Chance returned her attention to the two men talking.

  It wouldn’t be right or proper to stare at them for too long so she turned to watch some of Jack’s staff playing beer pong. Far be it for her to butt into their business. If they wanted her to know, she figured they would say something eventually.

  Unable to help herself, Chance turned to look at them again, wondering if Sylas intended on coming back, when the wind picked up. Her hair blew in her face and she heard the staff fussing about the game getting messed up, but what she saw kept her rapt attention. As she brushed the loose strands back, something started to shimmer in front of Sylas and Jack. Chance rubbed her eyes to see if she was hallucinating, but it was still there. It appeared to be a woman but she couldn’t make any other distinctions.

  As quickly as the shimmer appeared, it was gone. You’ve had far too much beer to drink if you’re seeing things. Chance fussed at herself, Way to impress a man. Getting snockered on your first outing with the hot biker. Chance shivered, wishing she had dressed a little warmer. The same moment she went to reach for her jacket, she felt a warm solid body next to her. Sylas was back and sitting beside her.

  “You looked cold, so I came back to offer you some warmth. I can get your jacket for you if you want it.” Sylas looked at her with the question in his eyes. Chance realized he was asking her permission to touch her.

  Somehow she trusted this man and that realization shocked her. She’d not allowed physical contact from anyone, other than Gus, since she stopped living in foster care. With Sylas, she felt protected, not fearful, and it was a new, but strange feeling. To answer his question, she reached out for his hand, keeping eye contact with him, and placed his arm over her shoulder. She leaned into him to gather more of his warmth and sighed as it spread through her.

  “I’m not doing this just for the warmth,” she thought as electric pulses shot through her again. The restless feeling started again, only this time it felt more insistent, as if there was something in her head wanting out. Chance closed her eyes, willing it to stop. “Not now, please. Lets not lose the nice guy over your craziness!” Finally it relented and gave her some peace.

  The wind died down and the beer pong game restarted after the table was reset with cups. Together, they watched the game until Jack declared the eats were ready. He moved two picnic tables together, making enough room for everyone to sit comfortably. He served steaks cooked to perfection, baked potatoes with all the trimmings, corn on the cob, salad and fresh baked rolls. It didn’t take long for all the food to disappear.

  When everyone finished and helped clear the mess, Jack led everyone down towards the lake. The sky darkened while they were cleaning, and it was near sunset. Near the waters edge, Jack had a fire pit lined with rock and surrounding it was a round rock bench lined with pillows. Nearby there was a dock with more seats under a gazebo and it was where Sylas led her. Jack lit the fire and pulled out a guitar. Soon everyone was singing along to “The Dock of the Bay”. Chance leaned into Sylas again, as it seemed to be colder there by the lake.

  Sylas was singing along with them. Chance closed her eyes and sat back to listen. His voice was deep and clear, with perfect pitch. Chance opened her eyes and blushed, not realizing until that moment he was singing to her. The words caressed over her like a long lost lovers touch.

  When the song ended, Sylas whispered in her ear, “But I don’t feel like I’m wasting time Chance, not since I met you. I’ve laughed more with you in these last two days than I have in years. You continue to delight and surprise me. I hope you’ll give us both more time to learn more about each other. There is no rush and no demands from me. Will you allow me to spend more time with you?”

  Chance looked into his glowing green eyes… deep into the soul of them. She knew then there was nothing to fear from this man and he meant every word. She knew at some point she would have to conquer her fears. Men didn’t scare her any more, but giving one her trust was another beast. Looking deep within herself, Chance knew now was the time to let down a few walls. She did like Sylas a lot and did want to know him better. She took a deep breath and replied, “Yes, I think I’d like that too, Sylas. It isn’t easy for me to say it, much less do it, so I hope you’re a patient person. I don’t give my trust lightly.”

  “I knew that about you from the first night I saw you, Chance. I saw the anger and pain in your eyes when that bastard touched you. I will never do anything without your permission and I need you to know and believe that.”

  Chance nodded slightly in agreement. “My past has not always been sunshine and roses. I will explain someday, but I’m not ready yet. My demons have been bottled inside for a long time and I’m afraid to let them out. I hope you can understand.”

  “I can be as patient as you need me to be. Like I said… no rush or demands. You’re a special person, Chance, and you have my permission to kick my ass if I get out of line, because I know you can.” Sylas chuckled as he said it.

  Jack was still playing his guitar but the music and singing were lost to her as she gazed into his green eyes. Chance made up her mind that there was one more thing she needed to know. She grabbed her courage and shyly asked, “Sylas, I… would you kiss me?”

  “I thought you would never ask,” Sylas stood and reached out to gently pull her up closer. He wanted to feel every inch of her body molded to his. He leaned over and looked deep into her eyes. She could see the question burning there… the “are you sure” plain as day in those emerald eyes. She nodded and closed her eyes as he leaned in the rest of the way to place his soft lips on hers.

  Sparks flew between them as he lingered there, waiting for her to take the lead, and she did. She slipped her tongue out to taste him and he gave her access. His hand moved from her shoulder, delving deep into her tresses, cupping the back of her head. With his free hand he caressed her cheek then moved it to her neck, pausing there before he pulled her even closer.

  Sylas groaned with pleasure as her hands roamed to his back and cinched themselves around his waist. It was if they both needed the intimate contact of body on body and they were a perfect fit. With her boots on he could look directly into her eyes and it pleased him. Their tongues danced and tangled with each other, heating them both from the inside out.

  Chance moaned when Sylas gently pulled her head back with her hair and then delved his tongue deeper, asking silently for more. She was lost to him as he took control. She felt no fear, just hunger for more.

  The heat from his kisses went straight to her core and moisture built between her legs. Sylas pulled back and looked into her eyes again. She blushed, suddenly feeling very shy. He smiled and caressed her cheek with his thumb. “You are so beautiful, Chance. Thank you for this. Honey and wine,” he whispered as he leaned in to kiss her again. Chance was overwhelmed with the tenderness in his touch. She’d made the right
decision. With the emotional release that came with it, a single tear silently coursed its way down her cheek. She’d come for fun and found so much more.

  Chapter 12

  The party continued into the wee hours of the morning. Chance and Sylas stayed behind after everyone else left. Once again, they volunteered for cleanup duty, since Jack told everyone else he would take care of it. The time spent cleaning gave the three of them more opportunities to talk about Chance’s plans with the property without interruptions. Cleaning also gave her time to ponder the kiss. Granted there were many kisses since then, but the only one that mattered at the moment was the first one. Her first kiss… ever.

  When all was picked up and put away, they each took one more beer out to the fire pit to watch the last of the logs burn down to embers. Jack reached under a hidden compartment in the bench seats and tossed Sylas a throw blanket. Sylas deftly snatched it from the air and placed it around her, easing closer to add his body warmth.

  “It’s pretty late. If you aren’t up to driving back, I have plenty of room for you both to stay. I don’t condone drinking and driving, but it’s still up to you,” Jack said smiling at them both. “I am really interested in hearing more about your property and building plans, Chance. I’ve lots of experience in that department. I designed the bar and hired a crew to build it for me.” Jack yawned and raised his arms over his head in a long stretch, before looking back at her. “Just offering my help to the prettiest lady I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in quite a while.” He glanced at Sylas as he said it.

  Chance wasn’t sure what the silent look between them was or what it meant. She guessed it was something to do with the conversation from earlier in the evening. It didn’t matter though, since now there were two wonderful and extremely hot men offering their expertise. It would be foolish to turn it down and she was no ones fool. Chance also knew that this would mean telling them the rest of her secrets concerning the house plans. As the thought hit her, she instantly brushed it aside. These two people had her trust and to question it now would be stupid on her part. With the trust issue put aside, she vowed to not bring it up out of the recesses of her mind again.

  “I have a confession to make.” Chance shifted her position so she could look at both of them. It meant moving away from Sylas and his warmth, but it was a necessary move. Sylas adjusted the blanket for her and gave her a wink. Taking a deep breath, she plunged forward with her admission.

  “I am building more than what I told you about. It will contain a complete underground two-level substructure. I have plans on two safe rooms, one on each sub level, a strategically placed emergency exit, and complete martial arts training center. It will be all self-contained. The second level down will also hold my well pump, back up generator, a wine room, and extra food pantry.”

  Jack gave a long whistle and Sylas just stared at her. She looked at them both shyly and said, “There’s more but I think that’s enough for right now. From the looks on both of your faces, I’m sure you both have plenty to say.”

  They both spoke up and quit talking at the same time. Chance just giggled at their shock. Jack was finally the first to speak back up. “Planning on World War III, Chance?”

  “No, not exactly. I want a home I can call mine. I want something I’ve designed and had built from my own imagination. I guess I’m a survivalist at heart, but I want somewhere I can live out the rest of my life and be truly happy. If the hard times come, I want to have no worries about leaving it or losing anyone I care about.” Chance whispered the last part more to herself than to them. In her mind, at least someday, there would be people in her life that she would care enough about to keep safe. Shaking her head to wipe the morose thoughts away, she asked them both “So… you still want to help?”

  She watched as Sylas and Jack exchanged another of their silent looks. Sylas reached out his hand to rub her shoulder and said, “We’re both here for you, babe. Whatever you need, ask and it’s yours. When’s your builder coming back?”

  “Well since it’s now a new day, tomorrow at my house, noonish. You both want to come?”

  They both replied with an enthusiastic yes. Chance took a deep breath, not realizing until then that she’d been holding it. It felt like for the first time since her Sensei’s passing that she was experiencing a family again, and it felt good. They asked more questions and she answered them all as best she could. She wasn’t ready yet to tell Sylas her personal secrets, but these questions, for now, were about the property.

  They talked until the sun peeked over the horizon. Chance yawned and leaned into Sylas. He must have sensed she was about to fall asleep. Sylas picked her up and moved towards Jack’s house. Chance had to fight the need to pull away and protect herself. She hoped he could not feel the tension in her body while he effortlessly carried her inside the house. She felt like a feather in his strong arms.

  Jack led the way to one of his spare rooms. Sylas thanked him, closed the door, and set her on her feet. He removed the blanket and her jacket. She looked up and he placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. “No worries, babe. I can sleep in another room. You’re safe from unwanted advances.”

  Chance was seriously conflicted. Her emotions were running rampant and felt she was losing control of them. She wanted to let go of her fears and enjoy the moment. On the other side of the coin, she was scared witless of what could happen if she did. She was not prepared for the different emotions hitting her from all sides. Be alone forever or learn to trust. Chance found herself trembling as she fought the need to run.

  “I… I don’t want you to go, but,” was all she could manage to get out, lost in his glowing gaze again. Sylas seemed to understand and set her on the edge of the bed. “I understand, babe. No worries. I will tuck you in under the covers and sleep on top of them. I promise to behave while you sleep. Scouts honor.” Sylas waited while she debated it in her mind. Finally nodding her assent, he pulled her boots off, noticing her weapons as he placed them to the side.

  “Always ready for a fight, Chance? Remind me not to piss you off anytime soon.” He chuckled. Giving her another chaste kiss, he gently pushed her back onto the pillows and tucked her in under the blankets. She studied him as he removed his boots and jacket. He was the perfect example of the male species; all muscle, strength, and he exuded boundless power, yet he treated her as gently as a newborn. Sylas joined her on the bed, on top of the covers. Reaching under her, he pulled her into him, with her back to his chest and she fell asleep with his arm as her pillow, feeling like she was home.

  Chance woke up disoriented and stiffened. There was a man wrapped around her and she started to jump up, when she realized she was still fully dressed and under a blanket. Then she remembered Sylas putting her to bed. “Easy babe. It’s just me. Good afternoon, beautiful, sleep well?” he whispered as he placed a kiss on top of her head. Chance turned her body around to look at him. His eyes were half lidded and glowing a dark emerald green. She could stare at those eyes forever if he let her, and it was funny, but the glowing eye thing didn’t seem to register as something wrong, just different. It was what made him Sylas to her.

  “Yes, did you?” she asked after a moment.

  “Better than I have in… a very long time. Thank you for asking me to stay with you last night, but I honestly didn’t think you would.”

  “Why? Because we didn’t…” was all she could get out before Sylas stopped the protest with his fingers caressing her lips.

  “No, I don’t want you to think that, Chance. I know you’re not ready for a more intimate relationship. It’s far too soon. When you said you didn’t want me to leave, I understood exactly what you meant, because I felt the same. You wanted to feel closeness without sexual pressure and I wanted to feel you in my arms for longer than a few minutes. It was selfish of me, but I took advantage of your needs.”

  “You always seem to know what I’m thinking. I kind of like that,” she whispered into his fingers that were still roaming. “I like t
hat you wanted more, Sylas, and you’re right, I’m not ready yet. Can I give you one more confession?”

  “Only if you want to tell me, Chance.” He reached over and replaced his fingers with his lips for a quick kiss.

  Chance hesitated; unsure of how to tell him she had never been with a man before, much less kissed one before. “I’ve never… you know, been with anyone before. Last night, with you, was magical.” She blushed and looked him directly in the eyes. “That was my first kiss and I’m glad it was with you.”

  Sylas smiled at her and pulled her closer. Lightly pulling her hair to expose her neck to him, he whispered between kisses down her chin and onto her neck. “Just the first of many more to come, if you will let me, Chance. Just one of many.”

  Chance moaned as he tugged her hair. Who knew that having someone gently tugging on her mane could be so erotic! Her only experience from the past was yanking it with full intent to harm her. It had been yanked out, used to throw her across the room, and just recently in the bar it was used to try and trap her. As far as she was concerned, after today, Sylas could pull it all he wanted and she secretly hoped that he would want to pull it, a lot.