by Lex Martin
He sinks his teeth into his bottom lip before releasing it and replacing his expression with a cocky grin. “That depends. Are you offering to be my appetizer or my dessert?” He leans against the wall with his arms crossed, both brows raised. It’s easy for him to throw words back at me—lots of practice.
My jaw drops at his audacity, especially in front of Drew. I know it’s a game I have to play, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let him make all the moves without a fight.
“Well, you know what they say. Save the best for last.”
“Then I’ll choose to eat dessert first.” His smug look burns into me, and it takes all the willpower in the world to walk away.
“You two shouldn’t be left in the same room together,” Drew interrupts our stare down. “And dude,” he says, turning to Travis, “you fracture your ribs, and you’re still hitting on my sister?”
He shrugs with a smirk.
“You’re lucky you’re already hurt, or I’d break the rest of your ribs.” I know he’s joking, but the way he says it sounds like a genuine threat. Travis may be his best friend, but he’s made it known he’d never approve of Travis making a move on me.
“I bet I could take you, broken ribs and all,” Travis teases, pushing him with his good shoulder.
Drew flashes him a look that says otherwise. “Oh, please.” He goes back to reorganizing the cupboards as Travis and I stand awkwardly. He’s looking intently at me like he wants to say something, but there’s nothing else to say—especially with Drew around.
“Well, I need to make sure I didn’t forget anything around the house before I go. I have class bright and early.”
I begin walking away before Drew speaks up again. “Ten in the morning isn’t early. Join the Academy if you want to understand early.”
I scoff and glance at Travis, desperately needing to put distance between us before things look suspicious.
As I walk out of the kitchen, I hear footsteps behind me. Before I make it to Drew’s room, Travis grabs my elbow and turns me around.
“What are you doing?” I whisper, feeling the beat of my racing heart in my neck, knowing that Drew is in the next room and could round the corner at any second.
“You make me want to do really bad things to you.”
“Travis!” I hiss between gritted teeth. “We can’t do this. We have to keep up the act around Drew until he’s in the loop. He really will break your other ribs if he walks in on something.” I look into his eyes, and then past them, to make sure we’re still in the clear. My nerves are on edge, and my emotions are going haywire. As his mouth dips in close to my ear, a bolt of electricity forces its way through my veins. Travis is my drug, and when I’m getting my fix, it’s hard to concentrate on anything at all, but I know I have to.
“You know I don’t mean any of those bitchy things I say, right?”
He gives me a side grin. “I know it’s just an act. It always has been.”
His words bring me back to reality.
“Princess...I want to be the one to tell him. I owe him that.”
I swallow hard and nod in agreement. “What are you going to say exactly?”
“I’m going to say, ‘Oh, hey Drew. Your sister and I have been having dirty raw sex for the past week, and we want to keep doing it.’”
I smile and slap his arm. Travis winces.
“Shit, I’m sorry. It’s a reflex.”
“I’ll let you make it up to me later.”
Chapter 5
Travis
Locking eyes with her, I find the strength to wrap an arm around her waist and pull her to my chest. It’s dangerous, and I know we have to keep our secret for now, but I have to touch her. Her breath hitches as she feels the warmth of our bodies, and it’s the first time I’ve had her this close since before the accident. If I didn’t feel like I’d just gotten hit by a truck, I wouldn’t be so gentle.
She lowers her eyes so I can’t look into them, and I squeeze her hip to grab her attention.
“Viola, I’m going to tell him the truth,” I whisper, and she looks up at me.
I know the risk of the game we’re playing. I know what we have to lose, but there’s so much more to win. Viola Fisher has always been mine and finally being together is the endgame.
“I’m going to tell him I can’t live without you, and I’d like his blessing,” I whisper, brushing my thumb across her cheek. My touch forces her eyes to mine, and I don’t let her go. I’ll never let her go again. Fuck that.
“You mean that?”
“Yes.” I don’t miss a beat with my response.
She takes a deep breath and rests her head against my chest before breaking the electric current of our bodies being so close. A smile fills her face, and it’s everything I need to know. I want to kiss the fuck out of her, but I know it’s too risky.
She bites her lower lip and releases it before speaking. “Just know, if you break my heart again, Travis King, I’ll break your balls.”
“That’s my firecracker.” I smirk. Though my face is bruised and broken, it still causes her body to react. I press my lips against the softness of her neck, and she sighs.
Knowing it’ll drive her mad, I place a soft kiss on her cheek and release her. Stepping away, I walk toward my room, feeling her eyes burn holes in the back of my head. We’ve been standing in the hallway for way too long. Viola’s right, though; Drew can’t find out by walking in on us. I have to find the right time to tell him.
As I walk to my room, I focus on taking small, calculated steps. Before I can make it to my bed, Viola enters, and she’s all worked up. Slowly, I manage to climb into bed and lie down. With my hands behind my head, I smile at her. She’s so predictable. I love that about her.
I look at her nipples. Hard. As. A. Rock. As my eyes roam down the rest of her, she notices and crosses her arms and huffs.
“It’s going to be really hard pretending to hate you when you look at me like that.”
I can tell she’s fighting back a laugh.
“So does that mean you don’t hate me anymore, princess?”
She groans loudly and finally cracks a smile.
On cue, the door barely opens and Drew steps in. “What the hell?”
Viola turns and glares at him with her hands on her hips.
“What damage did he manage to do already?”
Without a beat, she responds, “He knocked my toothbrush off the counter, and it fell into the toilet.”
My eyes widen at the story she creates. I know she wouldn’t lie to Drew normally, but she’s good at playing the part, so he doesn’t get suspicious before I have the chance to tell him.
“Dude…” He looks behind Viola and stares right at me.
“Genuine accident,” I say, knowing he’ll think I’m full of bullshit.
Viola turns to scowl at me, knowing Drew is watching our every move. “Was it a genuine accident when you didn’t tell me until after I brushed my teeth?”
I hear Drew snort behind her, and I can’t help cracking a smile at her performance.
“Sorry, man. Can’t help you out of this one,” he says to me, and then shuts the door, leaving us to rip each other apart, or at least that’s what it looks like. In any other circumstance, it might seem odd to him that Viola’s in my room, but considering her reaction, it just looks typical.
“Great acting. You really should have pursued that theater degree,” I say.
She scoffs. “I’m much better at reading words than reciting them.”
Patting my hand on the bed, I motion for her to come closer. Hesitantly, Viola comes closer and sits on the edge. Her voice drops to a whisper, and she leans into me. “I have to go, but I'll be back tomorrow after my morning class.”
I cup her cheek and brush my lips across hers. “You better.”
After grabbing my bottom lip in her mouth and tugging, she forces herself to stand before I’m able to take it any further.
“So, tomorrow,” I begin, “I’m
going to need some help taking a shower.” I lift my eyebrows, hoping she gets the hint.
I know she wants us to work as much as I do, and I’m determined to spend as much time with her as I can. Fuck the rules. I’ve never been one to follow them anyway.
“I’m sure Drew can help,” she teases.
I smile at her sweetly and lift an eyebrow. “Don’t think so, princess.”
She’s contemplating it, and I wish I could read her thoughts right now. When she breaks a small smile, I know she’s on board. “I don’t really have a choice, do I?”
“So it’s a date?”
She fights back her laughter. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re beautiful.”
The mood shifts and she stills. Viola searches my face as if she’s memorizing it, and I can’t seem to take my eyes from hers.
“If you’re trying to win me over...”
“I’ve been trying for years,” I say, cutting her off. “Nothing’s going to stop me now.” I wink, knowing it’ll drive her nuts.
“You’re relentless,” she says before flashing a quick smile. After a moment, she glances over at the clock, then back at me. I know it’s time for her to leave, and I’m half tempted to beg her to stay and climb in bed with me. But that’s a horrible idea.
“Good night, Travis,” she says as she walks across the room.
Before turning off the light, Viola turns and smiles at me. The door clicks shut, and as I close my eyes, the only image I can see is her.
The sun peeking through the blinds wakes me up sooner than I’d like. Sleeping in the same position all night sucks ass. My neck is stiff, and my back is tight. With all my strength, I move my legs to the floor and try to stand. Once I’m finally up, I slowly make my way to the bathroom. I didn’t realize something as natural as pissing could be so difficult and painful.
When I step out, I hear music echoing down the hall, and as I walk toward the kitchen, it gets louder. Rounding the corner, I see Viola dancing around the kitchen in a T-shirt that says Dumbledore is my Homeboy on the back. I hold in laughter as I watch her shake her hips and bob her head. She’s holding a bowl and stirring it as she sings along with the music blaring from her phone.
Leaning against the wall, I balance myself while silently watching her. She’s so distracted by what she’s doing, she doesn’t even notice me. This is the Viola I love. The one who’s wild and free, who doesn’t give a shit about anything. Her hair is up in a messy bun, and she’s wearing her black-rimmed glasses.
I clear my throat, letting her know I’m behind her. She goes frigid, and the smile fades from her face. I can see her pulse beating rapidly in her neck.
“I wouldn’t mind waking up to this every day.” I offer a smile, and she blushes.
She swallows hard. We’re alone at last, and she notices it, too.
“I’m baking banana bread. Thought you might be hungry for something besides Jell-O.” She pulls in her bottom lip before releasing it and flashing a small smile.
There’s a shift between us, and I can tell she feels it as well. No longer at each other’s throats, the sexual tension is more intense than ever before.
“Starving,” I reply, gently pushing off the wall and walking toward her.
She licks her lips as she watches my every step. I cup her face and press a soft kiss on her lips. Her breath hitches as she anticipates more, but I don’t give in. “How’d you sleep?”
She blinks. “Uh, fine, but Drew’s bed is way more comfortable than my dorm bed. You?” She turns and shuts off the stove before sliding the pan from the burner.
“Like shit, but at least the pain meds helped knock me out for a few hours.”
She turns and offers a sincere smile. “Well, good thing the only items on your agenda today are to eat and rest.”
“Oh, don’t forget my daily required lap dance.”
She points a finger at me, trying to act strong. “Breaking the rules before breakfast?”
“Rules? What rules?” I tease, knowing it’ll get her riled up and maybe she’ll loosen up a bit.
“You know exactly which rules I’m talking about. The ones we discussed when we had our little chat in your bed yesterday morning.”
“You were in my bed yesterday? We had a discussion?”
“Yes, after you got home from the hospital.” She looks at me, waiting for me to tell her I remember. She sighs. “Quit playing.” Her shoulders tense, and she’s staring intently at me.
“Viola, I’m sorry, but I don’t remember talking to you yesterday morning. I was on a ton of painkillers when I left the hospital. The last thing I remember is Drew waking me up sometime in the afternoon and saying he went grocery shopping.”
She studies me, waiting to see if I’ll crack. “Then why’d you kiss me just now?”
I shrug. “Habit, I guess. Gorgeous girl in my kitchen baking seems like it requires a morning kiss.”
“Are you freaking kidding me right now?” I can see her lips trembling, and I know I’m going straight to hell for this.
“What? Why’d you kiss me back?” I try my damnedest to keep my stance, but the fire brewing in her eyes is just too fucking much. She sees me cracking, my lips fighting the smile that soon appears.
Realization sets in, and soon, she’s pointing a wooden spoon right in front of my face. “I’m going to murder you!” she says between gritted teeth.
I burst out in laughter, taking a step back to avoid her murder weapon.
“You don’t mean that.” I flash her a charming smile, and she glares at me in return.
I watch as she pours the mixture into a bread pan, carefully scraping the bowl and leveling out the batter.
I’m grateful Drew bought food for the week, but I’d much rather wake up to Viola baking in my kitchen.
She grabs a coffee cup from the counter and sips it.
“You went to Starbucks and didn’t bring me anything?” I arch a brow, knowing damn well I don’t drink her fancy lattes and whatever.
She glares while flashing a crooked smile. “No. Drew’s paying for my services.”
“All it takes is Starbucks?” I smirk. “Duly noted.”
She playfully rolls her eyes at me, and I laugh. The oven beeps, and she places the bread pan inside, which gives me a nice view of her ass as she bends over.
She notices and immediately frowns. “No mischief,” she warns.
“I never agreed to that.”
“I’m here to help you with your recovery, and that’s all,” she states in a firm tone, but I don’t believe a word of it. I know her way too well. She’s only saying it aloud to convince herself.
“You’re the worst liar I’ve ever met.”
She furrows her brows, keeping a safe distance from me, knowing damn well that if I were able, I’d show her exactly what I mean.
“How is it that you bruise your ribs and get all cut up, and you’re still unable to behave yourself?”
I step toward her, trying to ignore the pain in my rib cage, and wrap my arms around her waist. She watches my every move, her breath hitching the closer I lean into her. My lips brush against hers, tasting the sweet coffee flavor against mine.
I hear her groan as I deepen the kiss, but pull away before going any further.
“Nothing could come between my lips and your body, princess. Bruised ribs or not, I’ll suffer through just to be close to you.”
She smiles up at me, but it’s soon replaced with a frown. “I bet you were the worst patient ever.”
“Only around the hot nurses.” I wink.
She groans again. “You aren’t going to make this easy for me, are you?”
I press my lips to hers again. “And what fun would that be?”
After the banana bread is done, she sets it down to cool. It smells fucking amazing, and I’m tempted to start eating it right out of the pan.
“You have to wait,” she warns. “It tastes best when it’s just the right temperature. Warm but
not hot.”
“That’s torture,” I whine as we sit on the couch with only a small throw pillow between us. “Coming in here, smelling up my house with banana bread and coffee and you, and I can’t have any of it.” I pout, getting a laugh out of her.
“I guess it’s time you learn one of life’s hard lessons.” She puckers her lips. “Travis King doesn’t always win.”
I toss the pillow at her; her laughter brings a smile to my face. “The king always wins, princess.”
“I’m not so sure…” She pinches her lips and taps a finger against her bottom lip. “But making you work for it just might be what you need to shrink that big head of yours.”
“Never had an issue with working for what I want.” I grab her hand and kiss the finger she was just tapping against her mouth. “But I was hoping we were done playing games now that…” I let the words rest on my lips in hopes she gets what I’m trying to say.
“That what?”
“That we can be in the same room together without the urge to kill one another.”
“Just because you kissed me doesn’t mean the urge went away.” She spits it out without missing a beat, making me smile at her words.
“Well, I guess some things never change.” I pull her closer, forcing her to be right next to me. We’re both on the couch, facing each other, neither caring what’s on the TV anymore. “Like my feelings for you, Viola. Since I was twelve years old. I always knew there was something between us, even before I wasn’t old enough to understand what those feelings meant.”
“Yeah, I had feelings for you, too.” She pauses with a grin. “Feelings of hate.”
“Viola…” I hiss under my breath, knowing damn well she’s making this much harder than it has to be. “Why are you being so difficult?”
“Because it’s fun to see you sweating for once,” she answers honestly, flashing a victorious smile.
“Well, mission accomplished, smartass. Now would you drop the act and just listen to me?”
She exhales and then smiles, her eyes softening. “Are you asking me to go steady?” Her voice is high pitched like an exaggerated cheerleader on those ridiculous chick flicks she watched when she was in high school.