Page 26 of Restrictions

“She’s pretty.”

I shake my head. “No. She’s not.”

Vivienne rolls her eyes and finally leans back into the chair, no longer sitting rigidly now that they’re gone. “She is. And looks like she’s had some work done.”

I laugh. “Fake tits and a nose job and still not fucking pretty.”

“Pretty enough for you to sleep with.” Her eyes meet mine with an honest vulnerability I like.

“I was drunk. And stupid. Really fucking stupid.” I shake my head and cover my face with my hands, and I can hear her laughing.

Viv’s voice sounds whimsical as I lean back into my chair, my handsstill covering my eyes. “Well, she was right about one thing. I am definitely horny.”

What the fuck? Suddenly, I feel like I can’t fucking breathe, and my entire body goes stiff, including my treacherous, really fucking stupid cock as I drop my hands and turn to look at her, seeing her head tilted up toward the sky. “What?”

She lets her right shoulder lift and doesn’t look at all embarrassed like I had imagined she’d be. “I’m not dead.”

My throat is dry as I adjust to my side, trying to tame my dick and hoping she doesn’t notice the effect she has on me as I look up at the sky, seeing the sun setting. “No, you’re not. I just didn’t expect that. Didn’t seem like you were interested in sex.”

“I’ve been focused on Sebastian, but I don’t know. Maybe I’ll try the dating thing sometime.”

I have the urge to discourage that but shouldn’t. I know I shouldn’t. She deserves to date and even fuck someone.

Although that thought makes me slightly sick, and I’m not sure why.

I want her to loosen up and live, right?

11

VIVIENNE

Why does it have to be Monday?I really hate Mondays. It’s only the second week of school, and I’m already worn out. It doesn’t help that Sebastian didn’t sleep well last night, making his way into my bed twice during the night.

And then of course, he was cranky this morning when I had to leave him.

I’m ready to go pick him up and relax. Well, as much as I’m capable of relaxing. The night Asher’s friends stopped by is still in the back of my mind. I knew them all from high school, especially Bianca, who, since junior high, loved to shoulder check me in the hallway and whisper things behind my back. What I did to her exactly I don’t know, but it’s clear she’s still pissed about whatever it is.

My cheeks heat, thinking about the things she said in front of everyone. And then like a total idiot, I blurted out loud to Ash that I am, in fact, horny.

I swear my filter is usually set to high, but Asher has a way of turning the dial down and making me open up without even trying.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” My body collides with a much larger one as we all file out of the large lecture hall, my shoulder smashing into the door as the handsome stranger apologizes.

I wave him off. “No, I’m sorry. I was distracted. You would think walking wouldn’t be that difficult.”

He smiles, and it’s a white megawatt grin in my direction. I stiffen and sweep my hair behind my ear. “No, I was distracted too. Probably not by the same thing though.”

“What were you distracted by?” I smile, surprised at myself that I asked.Am I flirting? Jesus, I’m ridiculous.

“I can’t tell you. It’s so fucking cheesy, you’ll never talk to me again.”

I study him—strong square jaw, pretty green eyes, white smile, and a large, muscular build. He’s certainly attractive. “Now you have to tell me.”

He laughs at that and shrugs. “Your eyes. They’re beautiful, and I was trying to decide exactly what color they are because they are uniquely gorgeous.” His smile widens as he playfully shrugs. “So I guess it was your fault after all.”

I laugh at that and shake my head from side to side. “You’re right, that is cheesy.”

I think we’re flirting. “I told ya, but since you made me tell you, you have to continue talking to me.”

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