His protective hold relaxes me, as it always does, and I respond quietly, keeping my eyes low.
"I'm good."
He walks me to the passenger-side door and opens it before releasing me.
“Get comfortable. There are some blankets in the back if you want to sleep on the way. It’s going to take a couple of hours to get there.”
I give a silent nod before climbing up to get into the tall truck, but as soon as Chaos grasps my waist to help me, my entire body tightens, and I halt. I cast a side look as he immediately lets me go, likely assuming I would not approve of it because I haven't been the slightest bit intimate with either of them since my return. It's not that I don't want to be touched, because I do. It is simply that every time a man places his hands on me like that right now, my body stiffens unexpectedly, but I am working on it and gradually accepting his kiss on my forehead and his arm around my shoulder.
“Sorry, Char, I—”
I tilt my head to look down at him while balancing on the ledge, and he glances away, tucking his hands into his sweatpants pockets awkwardly. I hesitate for a minute as I examine him, not wanting him to feel uneasy about touching me; neither Chaos nor Reign were the source of what that monster did to me, and I know they would never hurt me.
“It's fine, Chaos. Please don't apologize.”
Before he can react, I turn forward and continue to enter the spacious, spotless truck until I am comfortably seated on the leather seats. He gently closes the door behind me, and I observe through the tinted glass as he wanders back inside the mansion, leaving the front door open. As I wait for his return, I reach into the backseat and grab one of the cozy grey blankets, draping it over me before raising my knees to my chest.
When he comes back, I watch him through the window as he opens the rear door, tosses a bag onto the back seat, and then gets in alongside me. I lay my head back, facing him, and our gazes meet as he settles into his seat and closes the door behind him. He reaches out, takes my chin, and tenderly swipes his thumb across my cheek in a loving gesture before withdrawing and starting the truck.
While we drive in quiet for some time, I gaze ahead, taking in the landscape, feeling calm and satisfied, now pleased to be out of the house and not staring at the same things repeatedly. I expected to be stressed out, but I am content and relatively happy. As I feel my eyelids dropping with exhaustion due to feeling so comfortable, Chaos slips his big, tattooed hand into mine, causing me to look at him, and he tugs on it, glancing between me and the road.
I follow his lead before lying on my side, resting my cheek on his thigh, and snuggling up into the blanket, his arm wrapped around me with our fingers entangled and locked. As his thumb draws circles on my palm, I sink into a peaceful sleep.
After a while, I cautiously open my eyes when I feel the truck halt and Chaos' car keys jangle. I gradually let go of his hand and sit up to see the sea in front of us, the beach vacant, and the sky grey, as if it might rain as Chaos predicted. I observe the waves crash on the coast in an aggressive manner while speaking.
“It's going to rain.”
From the corner of my eye, I notice Chaos nod before responding.
“It's the best time to ride.”
I turn my head to look at him.
“You like riding your bike on the beach in the rain? Why?”
His eyes meet mine, and he shrugs his big shoulders.
“It's fucking exhilarating and makes you feel unfettered. What better time to visit the beach than when it’s angry and empty, allowing you to do whatever the fuck you want, in whatever way you want? It is a great place to come to clear your thoughts and enjoy things in the moment.”
I gaze ahead once more, realization kicking in as I murmur.
“It makes you feel free.”
While we stare forward for a few minutes, I notice the raindrops begin to splatter on the windscreen, and he talks beside me, placing his hand on his door.
“That’s my que.”
As he opens the door, I stop him.
“Can I get on with you?”
He pauses without looking at me, but when he finally turns to face me, his eyes scan mine as he responds.
“Of course.”
He almost appears surprised that I asked, given that we both know I have never been a thrill-seeker, but he tries not to make a big deal about it and continues to depart the truck. I throw the blanket that is covering me onto the backseat and exit as well. I stand back in the rain for a moment, covering the tops of my arms with my palms as he lowers his bike from the truck. My hood is blown down by a burst of wind, and I inhale deeply as I lose myself in the beauty of the waves, the powerful breeze whipping my long hair in all directions.
“Here.”
