(Vivian’s POV)I couldn’t stop laughing as Summer dramatically tossed my phone onto the bed like it had personally offended her. Her arms crossed, a mock scowl on her face, but her eyes twinkled with mischief.“You need help,” she said, climbing onto the bed next to me, pulling a pillow into her lap. “That man has you wrapped around his perfect, veiny, tatted finger.”“Veiny?” I blinked, biting my lip to hide the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.“You know what I mean,” she groaned, tossing a pillow at me. “He’s a walking thirst trap, Vivian. And you—” she pointed accusingly “—you just fall into his trap every time.”
(Vivian’s POV)“Summer’s coming over tonight,” I said casually, slipping my shoes off by the door.Kai’s head immediately snapped up from where he was lounging on the couch, his phone forgotten in his hand. His brows furrowed.“Tonight?” he echoed, as if I’d just told him I was flying to the moon.“Yes,” I chuckled, already bracing myself. “You know, girls’ night? Pajamas, face masks, bad movies… She’s bringing that disgusting green popcorn she loves.”Kai stood slowly, like a cat ready to pounce. “I was going to ask you to stay over,” he murmured, stepping toward me. “I even bought your favorite wine. I ordered from the place you said you missed last week. I—” He stopped himself, jaw tightening. “You’ve been with her for years, Viv. But I just started dating you. Isn’t it my turn now?”I laughed, crossing my arms and looking up at him. “Are you… Jealous of Summer?”Kai didn’t laugh with me. His hazel eyes burned with something close to possessiveness. “She gets your smile. Your time.
(Vivian’s POV)I had just begun tidying up my desk—stacking papers into a neat pile, shutting down my laptop, and collecting my planner—when the office door creaked open behind me.I turned with a distracted smile, expecting maybe my assistant or a late colleague, but the sight before me froze me in place.“Kai?” I gasped.There he stood—tall, breathtaking, commanding the entire space as if it bent around his presence—with a massive bouquet of one hundred red roses cradled in his arms. My breath hitched. My heart did something strange and fluttering in my chest.He stepped forward, his smile crooked and proud. “You counted already?”I blinked rapidly, stunned. “Are you seriously carrying a hundred roses right now?”“For every time I think about you in a day,” he replied smoothly, placing the bouquet carefully on the edge of my desk. His dark eyes scanned my face, devouring every detail of my reaction like he was starving for it.I was speechless.Absolutely, utterly undone.My throat
(Kai’s POV)The sound of the bathroom door unlocking had me turning my head instantly. Vivian stepped out, hair damp, cheeks slightly flushed from the warmth of the shower. My heart kicked hard against my chest—God, she looked beautiful. Loose shorts, one of my shirts hanging over her frame, swallowing her up in soft fabric.She smiled shyly when she noticed my gaze. “What?” she asked, moving to dry her hair with the towel.I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. “Nothing… you’re just—” My jaw tightened. “Come here.”Her steps were slow, cautious. When she stood in front of me, I took the towel from her hands, set it aside, and let my fingers brush her damp strands away from her face.
(Vivian’s POV)This dinner was insane.In a good way… but still insane.I stood in front of the full-length mirror in Kai’s room, smoothing my dress down. This blood-red dress was something else. Tight in all the right places, backless, with a slit high enough to make me feel scandalous. And it was Kai’s fault—he had picked it out, practically ordered me to wear it tonight.“Vivian…” came that familiar deep voice.I turned, only to see Kai standing there, completely frozen in the doorway. His pupils dilated, lips parted slightly, like I was the first drop of rain after a long drought.“Oh… my… god,” Kai breathed out, stepping closer. His jaw clenched, and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “You are… breathtaking. You’re going to kill me tonight.”I felt my cheeks flush, but my lips curved into a small smile. “Too much?”“Too perfect,” he corrected instantly, walking until he was in front of me, taking my hand, twirling me slowly so he could admire every inch. His fingers ti
(Darius’s POV)I gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary, jaw clenched as I glanced sideways at Vivian, who sat beside me, fidgeting with her phone. My chest ached, but not from longing anymore—this was anger, white-hot and suffocating.She had chosen him.I forced a polite smile, my fingers loosening just enough not to leave marks on the leather. “So, how’ve you been?” I asked casually, trying to hide the sharpness in my tone.Vivian smiled softly. “Good… better, actually.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks slightly flushed. “I… I’m with Kai now.”There it was. The knife in the heart. The words I already knew but hated to