Thalia entered the kitchen, and immediately, all eyes were on her. She froze mid-step, cheeks flushing hot, suddenly aware of every pair of eyes.
She moved quickly toward the counter, pretending to organize things, her hands busy but her heart racing. She avoided making eye contact with anyone, ignoring the subtle glances, the whispered comments, and even the occasional small smile directed her way.
Lily noticed immediately. She approached carefully, concern written across her face. "Please… don't ask me anything right now," Thalia muttered, her voice tight. She clutched at the counter, holding herself together as embarrassment and flustered energy coursed through her.
Lily simply nodded, silently helping where she could, giving Thalia space while staying close enough to offer quiet support. Both of them were aware that Vicious was somewhere nearby, keeping a subtle, unblinking eye on Thalia.
Hours later, the soft knock on Thalia's door broke the tense quiet. Lily gently pushed it open and stepped inside, holding a small tray with water. "Are you… okay?" she whispered.
Thalia shook her head. "No. The boss… he's just wasting his time. I'm not going to fall for him. Not now, not ever."
Lily hesitated, then asked quietly, "How did it feel… when he told you how he felt?
Thalia exhaled. "I didn't feel anything, really. But… I can see that he's changed. He's… more open, more… connected. I think it's because of me, in some small way."
Lily smiled softly. "Yes… he's not the same as before. Even though he's had many romances, he… he's different with you. He's… a different man."
At that moment, there was another knock on the door. Lily opened it just a crack, and Vicious stepped in, his presence immediately filling the room. Lily quickly excused herself,
Vicious's gaze landed on Thalia, dark and unreadable. "Seems like you two are getting very close," he said quietly.
Thalia instinctively pulled her knees closer to her chest. "Yes… she's sweet. We… we understand each other."
"And what were you talking about?" he asked, stepping closer.
Thalia's cheeks flamed. "Nothing… really. Just… You
Vicious dark eyes glinted. "Is that so?" he murmured, voice low. He leaned slightly, watching her reaction, sensing her embarrassment and her reluctance to meet his gaze.
Thalia climbed into bed, pulling the covers over herself. "Good night," she mumbled, hoping he would leave.
"That's why I came," he said softly, voice intimate. "Can I… spend the night with you?"
"No," she replied firmly, turning away. "I want to sleep. You can't keep your hands to yourself."
"I'll try," he murmured, stepping closer. "I promise I'll keep my hands to myself. But… I can't make guarantees."
Thalia jumped up, indignation and exasperation mingling. "If you sleep here, I'll sleep on the couch!"
Vicious chuckled, a dark, warm sound. "No, no… don't you remember Mexico? Come on… lie with me. I promise. Nothing will happen."
Thalia's eyes widened. "You… promise?"
"Yes," he whispered. "I promise."
Reluctantly, she climbed back into bed, arranging pillows as a small barrier. "Good night, sir," she said softly.
Vicious lay down beside her, careful but close, after she fell asleep. He pushed the pillow bridge slightly closer and draped an arm gently around her.
Softly, he pressed a kiss to her shoulder, voice low and husky. "Why can't I get enough of you?