Vivian's POV31,768 pieces of rice. That's how many pieces of rice that jackass had me count. I was fuming by the end of the day, and I just wanted a hot bath.Throughout the day, I couldn't shake off what he told me about my parents. I resolved to put off seeking answers until the weekend, provided I had days off. Despite my eagerness for immediate answers, I understood the matter of creating every possible question to ensure precise answers. I had a hunch that my father wouldn't willingly divulge everything. Our relationship was never one where we openly shared our thoughts and feelings.A hand on my shoulder had me snapping, my fangs slightly extending and spinning around.Chris stepped back. "Didn't you hear me calling you?""I'm sorry. No. I was too much in my own head.""What happened?""Don't worry about it. Just another rough day with Zeke.""Want to talk about it?"I rolled my eyes and turned away, determined to continue the silent trek home. "I just said don't worry about it
Vivian’s POV “Let me run you a hot bath.” I looked over at Chris, a look of appreciation crossing my face. “That would be amazing. Thank you.” He rubbed my arm as he walked by. I headed toward the kitchen to start the oven and casserole I had waiting in the fridge for dinner. It’d be ready by the time I was out of the bath. Maybe after dinner, Chris would want to watch a movie. I plopped down on the couch to start browsing Netflix while I waited for the oven. After finding a movie about a shark that looked interesting, the oven was ready and I slid the casserole inside. Chris came out of the bathroom at the same time. “Your bath is ready. I’ll keep an eye on dinner.” I grinned at him. “Thanks. Timer is set.” When I entered the bathroom, I was taken aback. The bathroom was dark and set with candles. And the bath had bubbles and I could smell scented oils. It was honestly kind of romantic. Did he honestly do this for me? I didn’t give myself a chance to think too much in
Chris’s POV Vivid was silent getting into bed, keeping her eyes from meeting mine. I did catch her eyes glancing over my bare chest briefly but look away just as quickly. That was interesting. I laid back on my side of the bed, letting my mind wander to the scene in the bathroom wondering what had been going through her mind as she had her hands between her legs. Had she called out my name? Or was that wishful thinking on my part? I groaned and rolled over, squeezing my eyes shut. I needed to sleep and get images of her out of my head. ***** Vivian’s POV Growling woke me up. Directly in my ear. My eyes shot open. I felt hands on my hands on my hips as a dick was being rubbed against my back side. Vigorously. A hand reached around and groped my breast roughly, causing me to cry out in pain and pleasure. The hand froze. Chris whispered in my ear. “Vivid?” I hesitated. “Yes?” “I…I’m so sorry. I was sleeping. I didn’t mean to…” I grabbed his
Vivian’s POV Decorating the banquet hall wasn’t as aggravating as counting rice off the floor. It still brought a stab of jealousy knowing it was for someone Zeke was screwing, despite the mate bond being severed. I just missed my friend really. Not really the idea of being his mate. He had killed those feelings about him. “Could you hold the ladder for me while I hung the lights over the stage?” I turned to see Caleb balancing a ladder on one shoulder and a string of lights over the other. I’d talked to Caleb a few times and knew was carpenter but guess he got put on decorating duty for the day. I smiled, glad someone wasn’t treating me like I had the plague. “Sure.” He turned, careful to not swing and hit me with the ladder. I followed him over to the stage. “Thanks for not treating me like I have leprosy.” He set the ladder down, barely shooting me a glance. “It’s not your fault Zeke is an idiot.” His words took me aback. “What do you mean?” Caleb started his way up
Vivian’s POV“How’s everything going over here, lovelies?” Samantha called in a singsong voice as she joined us.Caleb and I looked at each other, rolling our eyes. I felt relieved knowing he didn’t think much of her either. “Everything is great, Samantha. Vi and I just got done hanging some lights and we were about to go grab some lunch.”Samantha stopped and looked between us, her eyes assessing. “Together?”I narrowed my own. Why was this any of her business? Why did she care what I did? Caleb leaned in, wrapping his arm around me. “Yeah, I was going to take her over to Ruth’s to grab a roast beef.”Samatha clasped her hands together, as if excited at the news we seemed to be getting along. “I’m so glad after my mate rejected you that you were able to find someone to take an interest in you, Vi. Two someone’s if I’m not mistaken. I believe I just saw Chris a moment ago.”My back stiffened. Chris. I forgot we were supposed to be in a fake relationship. I shrugged out of Caleb’s arm.
Chris’s POVI was an idiot. That was the resounding thought in my head as I saw Vivian and Caleb kissing on the park bench.They thought they’d picked the perfectly secluded spot to have their lunch date, but not when I anticipated their every move first. I was too far away to hear what was said, but either 1) she told Caleb we were fake dating or 2) Caleb had no morals. Either way, Caleb was a dead shifter by the end of the week.The only reason I didn’t run out now and give myself away was that I was calm and knew I needed to be more discreet. Rock was gnashing his teeth to attack now, and it took every ounce of willpower in me to keep him reigned in.I watched as they stood, saying their goodbyes. And, of course, that asshole stole another kiss from my Vivid. Of course, he did—the sleazeball. Vi watched Caleb leave, not leaving the spot they were just in for a while before sitting back down. Part of me wanted to rush out and confront her, but I remained curious about what she would
Vivian’s POVChris’s lips crashed into mine. He gripped the back of my neck, pulling me into him, deepening the kiss. He was angry, punishing me with his kiss. I responded, pouring my frustration into this kiss.He stepped back, breaking our kiss. I whimpered, disappointed. He smirked as he tore his shirt over his head, displaying his broad chest and abs. My jaw dropped slightly as I felt in-between my legs tingle at the sight. I mimicked him and raised my shirt over my head, leaving myself in nothing but my bra, watching as his eyes lowered to my chest hungrily. I slowly removed my bra, exposing myself completely. He couldn’t hold back anymore, and his lips reclaimed mine as his hands went to my breast, pinching my nipples and sending shockwaves straight to my core.He broke our kiss to start kissing down my neck and then to my chest, where he captured my nipple in his mouth, sucking it into his mouth, flicking it with his tongue while his other hand continued to pinch and roll the o
Chris’s POVShe hesitated. She fucking hesitated. And when I’d told her there’d be no one else, she’d implied she’d go to Caleb later. Like she’d have fun with me now and put him on the back burner. Like I was just something to distract her for now while her life was in shambles.‘Tell her.’ Rock urged.‘She doesn’t want to be with me. I’d look like a fool.’ I snapped back.‘Coward.’I ignored him, not wanting to face the fact that he was right. I’d been a coward when it came to Vivid for years. I never made my feelings known, instead taunting her and letting her grow to hate me. It was my own fault. She couldn’t see me as anything other than her bully, who just happened to be helping her now.But she thought I had ulterior motives to get back at Zeke, and it wasn’t just altruistic. She didn’t think this was just to help her out of the goodness of my heart. Even though it wasn’t that, I wanted her close to me and to begin to feel for me as I felt for her.I needed to change courses. W