He reached out quickly, holding her hand.
"No tricks. You don't have to get in my bed. I just… needed you to know that this is real. You're different. And I've never felt this before."
Before Thalia could respond, he cupped her face gently and kissed her — soft, slow, and full of the emotion he could no longer hide.
She realized what was happening and pushed him away. Her chest rose and fell rapidly. "What are you doing?" she asked, stepping back. "Thank you for today. I had such a great time. You're wonderful, and everything was perfect, but this… this is wrong."
Her voice trembled, but her eyes didn't waver. "I told you I can't forget my husband. I'm not in love with you. I'm not in love with anyone. I lost him just five months ago. I can't see myself with someone else, most especially you. The only relationship we have is a working one. I work for you, and that's it. Maybe we're friends now, but this… I'm sorry."
Vicious looked at her, searching her face. "So why can't you fall in love with me? Why can't you see that maybe I could be someone for you? Do you dislike me that much?"
She shook her head. "No. I just can't do this for you. I'm sorry. Thank you for the lovely evening." She turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, silent.
A few minutes later, Vicious picked up his phone and called his friends. "I can't believe she just rejected me to my face," he muttered. "It's so hard to get rejected by a woman."
Mario's laughter filled the line. "There's a first time for everything."
Martinez said calmly, "Maybe this is a good thing. What exactly did she say?"
Fernandez joined in. "You know women, they play hard to get. Use your charm. Maybe she's into you but doesn't want to admit it."
Vicious groaned. "No. She's been real. You should've seen the way she looked at me. I kissed her, and it felt like kissing a statue. She said she can't get over her husband. She's serious."
Fernandez sighed. "Still, it's worth trying again. You don't give up easily."
Vicious scoffed. "Maybe." He ended the call, dropped the phone, and rubbed his temples.
When he returned to the room, Thalia was just coming out of the bathroom. She froze when she saw him. "I don't want this to ruin a good friendship we're building," she said softly. "But I don't think we can stay in the same room together. It'll only make things harder. I'll get another room."
Vicious nodded slowly. "It's okay. I understand. I won't be a problem to you. But don't think I'll give up on you, Thalia. What I feel is real. It's strong. I just can't explain it."
She looked away. "I hope this doesn't cause a rift between us. Besides, I only have a month left working for you. After that, you might never see me again."
"Until then," he said quietly.
Thalia didn't respond. She picked up a pillow and a blanket and spread them on the floor.
"What are you doing?" he asked, frowning.
"I'm not sleeping on the bed or the couch," she said. "I'll stay on the floor tonight."
"That's ridiculous."
Ignoring him, she lay down. "Go freshen up and sleep. You've had a long day too."
Vicious went into the bathroom, and when he came out, he was wearing only his trousers. Thalia turned her head away quickly and shut her eyes.
"Why are you closing your eyes?" he asked with a smirk.
"Could you wear something to cover your half-naked body?" she snapped.
"I'm not naked," he said, amused.
"You are to me. Anyway, it's your business," she muttered.
He chuckled, came closer, and lay down beside her on the floor.
"Vicious, what are you doing?"
"Sleeping," he said simply. "Wherever you are, that's where I want to be."
"You're invading my space," she murmured.
"Then share it with me," he replied, slipping an arm around her waist.
"Wear something appropriate," she muttered again, her voice low but firm.
"Fine. Only if you let me stay here."
He went to put on a t-shirt, then came back, settling beside her again. He rested his head against her neck, his breath warm against her skin.
Then, in Spanish, his voice dropped to a whisper. "Esto definitivamente es amor. No planeo dejarte ir. Te amo. Y pronto… reclamaré no solo tus labios, sino cada parte de ti."
(This is definitely love. I don't plan to let you go. I love you. And soon… I'll claim not just your lips, but every part of you.)
Thalia turned sharply to face him. "What did you just say?"
"Nothing," he murmured. "Just that I love you."
She exhaled sharply. "Forget about this, Vicious. I'm not going to change my mind. Why me? There are so many girls. Why pick a widow?"
"I don't care what people think," he said simply. "When I want something, I go for it. And right now, I want you."
He leaned closer, brushing a kiss along her neck. Thalia shivered and pushed him lightly.
"I can see you're shivering already," he teased. "And I haven't even started."
She frowned. "Could you at least pretend to be a gentleman?"
"Being a gentleman isn't my thing," he said with a smile. "But for you, I might try. Just not in this case."
"Unbelievable," she muttered.
He grinned again. "I heard it's bad to sleep with your bra on."
"That's none of your business."
"I'm just saying—"
"Go to the bed or the couch," she interrupted. "Just leave me alone."
"No," he said firmly. "You chose the floor, and I'm choosing it too. I'm not leaving you here alone."
Thalia sighed, rubbing her forehead. "You're impossible."
She turned her back to him, muttering I need to be cautious when being stuck with a shameless pervert, my bra will be on.
Vicious chuckled softly. "Maybe. But I'm not dangerous. I don't force people. I just keep my promises. You can trust me, even if you don't believe that yet."
"And why should I?" she asked quietly.
"Because I'm giving you my word," he whispered. "I love you, Thalia. Nothing will change that. You can fight it all you want, but I'll prove it."
She sat up suddenly, anger flashing in her eyes. "You can't force me to love you! I don't. Respect that. Stop making things complicated for both of us."
Vicious's expression darkened. "I get it," he said quietly. "I'm a bad person. Someone no one wants to love. Someone called Vicious for a reason."
"Don't say that," she said softly.
"It's fine," he whispered. "Everyone avoids me. Maybe I deserve it."
Thalia's heart sank at his tone. "Please don't say that."
He smiled weakly. "Can I just… hold you? Maybe it'll make me feel a little better."
She hesitated, then said nothing.
"I'll take that silence as a yes," he murmured.
He lay beside her, resting his head against her chest. At first, she remained stiff and distant, but soon, she relaxed — her hand brushing his hair gently.
A faint smirk crossed his lips as his eyes drifted shut.
"Well done," he whispered to himself. "It's only the beginning."