(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.
(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
(Vivian’s POV)Kai’s hand was warm against my thigh, fingers drawing lazy circles while his other hand rested on the steering wheel. I stared out of the car window, watching the morning traffic crawl by, feeling the slight squeeze of his fingers now and then. I knew what he was doing—comforting himself, claiming me without words.My phone buzzed on my lap. Darius. I swallowed, answering quickly.“Morning, Vivian,” Darius greeted, his tone smooth and friendly. “Where are you now?”“On my way to the studio,” I answered casually, ignoring the way Kai’s hand tightened immediately, his knuckles flexing.“Oh, perfect,” Darius said cheerfully. “Are you free for lunch? It’s been a while, and I’ve got something important to talk about.”Before I could answer, Kai leaned closer, letting his deep voice carry through the car, loud enough for Darius to hear, “Buckle up properly, baby, I don’t want you hurt.”I glared at him, nudging his hand, but Kai only smirked, pressing his thumb harder into my
(Vivian’s POV)Kai’s lips moved over mine like he’d been starved for me. His kiss was hungry—desperate, but so soft it made my chest ache. My fingers curled into his shirt, tugging him closer until there was barely any space between us. Every stroke of his tongue, every gentle nip on my bottom lip, made my heart twist painfully with emotion.I sighed into the kiss, my body relaxing completely in his arms. This man… he didn’t just kiss me, he consumed me. He kissed like I was air, and he was suffocating without me.Kai slowly pulled away, his forehead resting against mine, our breaths mingling. His eyes were half-lidded, but there was no mistaking the emotion swimming inside them—affection, longing, and something deeper… obsession.“I hate how much I love kissing you,” he whispered hoarsely, his thumb brushing over my cheekbone. “It’s like I can’t get enough.”I blinked up at him, my chest tightening. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough either,” I admitted quietly.His lips twitched in
(Vivian’s POV)I pressed my forehead against the cool car window, my lips still curled into a soft smile. Kai’s hand rested comfortably on my thigh, his thumb making lazy circles against my skin.“How long are you going to stay quiet, butterfly?” Kai’s low voice broke the silence, laced with amusement.I glanced at him, my heart swelling. “Just… thinking,” I murmured. “You’re very distracting.”Kai smirked, tilting his head. “Good. I like being the only thing in your head.”God, this man was impossible. I tried to scowl, but it melted into a smile. “You sound way too proud about that.”“Of course,” he said, squeezing my thigh. “I want to be the only man who owns your thoughts.”His words made my cheeks warm. I wasn’t used to this side of Kai—the affectionate, obsessed, doting man who wasn’t afraid to claim me. Six months ago, he would have laughed if someone suggested he’d end up like this. And now? He was practically glued to me.When we got back to my apartment, I kicked off my heel