(Kai’s POV)
Steam curled around me as I stood under the hot spray of the shower, my palms braced against the tiles. My muscles ached in the best way—tired from everything we’d just done. Vivian… God, she unraveled me every time. The way she moaned, the way her body reacted to mine like it belonged there, like it remembered me.
I let the water run down my back a few more seconds, trying to cool the last traces of possessiveness burning under my skin. But the truth was, even after taking her over and over tonight, I still wanted more.
Tying a towel low on my waist, I stepped out, drying myself off before slipping into a pair of sweatpants. The room was quiet except for the soft rustle of the sheets where Viv
(Vivian's POV)“Hello, Darius?”My voice came out a little shaky, not because I was nervous about talking to him, but because I was walking back and forth in Kai’s bedroom wearing nothing but his white shirt and a towel wrapped around my waist. My hair was a mess, my body still sore, and I hadn’t even washed up yet. I stared down at my phone screen, the multiple missed calls and unread messages glaring back at me like silent accusations.Guilt pricked at me. I hadn’t meant to vanish. But Kai hadn’t given me a moment—literally—not even a second to breathe last night. Or this morning. Or…“Vivian?” Darius’s voice cut in sharply. “Where the hell are you? What happened? You didn’t even reply to a single message.”“I’m fine,” I replied quickly, though my tone probably didn’t convince him. “Really. I’m sorry. Things… happened.”“Things happened?” he echoed, his voice rising with worry. “Viv, you disappeared from the party. I called Martha—she said you left early. Then I tried calling all ni
(Vivian's POV)I groaned, pressing a hand to my pounding head. Everything hurts. My body, my brain, my pride—even my thighs complained as I tried to shift on the bed. My eyes fluttered open slowly, adjusting to the soft morning light that filtered through the curtains.Kai.He was right there, next to me, still fast asleep. Facing me.And God, he looked peaceful.He didn’t usually sleep like this—not since I’d known him. Kai was a light sleeper, the type to snap awake at the smallest sound. But now, with his face relaxed and his hair falling over his forehead, he looked younger somehow. Softer. I hadn’t seen this side of him in a long time.I blinked at the absurdity of it all. I was lying in his bed, sore from the night before, wearing his white shirt that swallowed me whole. My fingers itched to touch his face, to run along the sharp line of his jaw and tuck his hair back. But I didn’t dare. He was already starting to stir, his brows twitching just slightly."I love you, butterfly."
(Kai’s POV)Steam curled around me as I stood under the hot spray of the shower, my palms braced against the tiles. My muscles ached in the best way—tired from everything we’d just done. Vivian… God, she unraveled me every time. The way she moaned, the way her body reacted to mine like it belonged there, like it remembered me.I let the water run down my back a few more seconds, trying to cool the last traces of possessiveness burning under my skin. But the truth was, even after taking her over and over tonight, I still wanted more.Tying a towel low on my waist, I stepped out, drying myself off before slipping into a pair of sweatpants. The room was quiet except for the soft rustle of the sheets where Viv
(Kai’s POV)The door clicked shut behind us. The silence in the room was thick, charged with tension neither of us wanted to name. I didn’t say anything as I dropped my keys and jacket on the side table. Vivian stood near the doorway, arms crossed, her eyes unreadable—but she hadn’t run. That was enough for me.I walked toward her.She didn’t move.“Turn around,” I said, my voice low.She stared at me, lips trembling, but after a beat, she obeyed—slowly, silently. Her back faced me, her breath catching as I stepped behind her, pressing her against the door."You said yes," I caught my breath, her body shivering, "there's no second chance to stop. Do you understand?"Vivian nodded faintly.Her breathing quickened when I gripped her hips. I pressed my lips to her neck—sucking, kissing, biting—leaving marks of ownership I made sure wouldn’t fade anytime soon. With this, I made it clear she would be mine forever. To hell with any bastard who tried to take Vivian from me. I would reduce th
(Kai’s POV)From across the ballroom, I saw her.Vivian had just entered, her arm linked with Darius like it meant something. She looked stunning in that blood-red dress—so stunning it pissed me off. I clenched my jaw, letting my date, Clarisa, keep talking even though I wasn’t really listening. I had paid her to be here, after all.To smile. To touch. To be seen with me. And most importantly, to make Vivian jealous.And damn it, it was working.Vivian’s eyes found me, just for a moment. I saw the flicker in them. The way her lips tightened. The way her fingers flexed on Darius's arm. Good.When we entered the auction room, I turned up the act. Clarisa lean
(Vivian's POV)I was spinning slowly in front of the full-length mirror when the doorbell rang, abruptly breaking my rhythm. “Coming!” I called, smoothing the skirt one last time before padding across the living room in matching red heels.I swung the door open, and there stood Darius, looking impeccable in a charcoal tuxedo, his hair neatly combed back. He paused and took me in. His eyes widened slightly in delight.“Wow,” he breathed. “You look… breathtaking.” His tone was soft, affectionate. “And a little shy. That’s charming.”The blood-red dress clung to my body, slit high at one leg, hugging my curves tightly while revealing just enough skin to make me feel bold and vulnerable at once.I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, suddenly shy under his gaze.“You think it’s too much?”“Too much?” Darius smiled, stepping closer. “No. It’s perfect. You’re perfect. I just hope I can keep all eyes off you tonight.”I laughed softly, brushing off the sudden rush of warmth on my cheeks.