Page 30 of Vexing the Viper

"Do you have something in mind?" If he wants me to make a fool of myself, I want to do it to a song he'll be interested in listening to.

Gasping, Niko grabs the book and brings it closer to him. "Do I get to pick?" His voice gets high pitched and giddy, his eyes softening with amusement.

"Fine, but nothing too embarrassing."

Niko takes his time looking for a song; his mouth moves silently as he reads the different titles. His lips quirk over a few of them, and I know he's making a mental list before he determines which one would be the most embarrassing.

"Okay, I got it." He says, closing the book.

"Fine, what torture are you going to put me through?"

"It's a fan favorite. Well, it's a favorite of mine. I think you could do it justice though."

"Tell me," I whine, hating that he's dragging this out. "What am I singing?"

"Hmm.” He taps his chin playfully. “I think I'll make it a surprise. I'll go get it set up, that way you can't try and get out of it."

Trent finishes up his Bruno Mars song, passing the microphone to Niko. He quickly plugs in some numbers, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Okay, King, you're up."

I don't get embarrassed or nervous easily, so I'm more excited about what he's chosen. Snatching the microphone from him, I watch as the screen loads, barking out a laugh when “I'm A Slave For You” by Britney Spears appears on the screen.

"You may laugh, but she's the queen."

"Oh, she is. And I love the fuck out of this song. Watch me rock this shit."

The melody begins, and I slowly start moving my body to the music. I close my eyes and belt out the first line, letting the music flow through my body. Opening my eyes, I lock my sight on Niko, who can't take his eyes off me. I get into the song, spinning in a circle, singing it with every fiber of my being. I’m giving it my all, without a care in the world at my teammates who are laughing their asses off. I'm putting on a show for Niko, and he seems to be loving every second of it. Once the song finishes, I take a bow while everyone claps.

I step up to Niko, bending down to whisper in his ear, "Now it's my turn to pick something for you."

A shiver races through his body as he stands up and pushes at my chest. "It better be good."

Knowing just what to pick for him, I wait for Sam to finish his song, then I set up Niko's and hand him the microphone.

Niko's eyes light up when he sees that I've picked“Lady Marmalade.” His mouth opens wide, and I’m blown away at the sound that comes out. Holy shit, Niko can sing. He easily loses himself in the music, not even paying attention to those of us watching him. He moves back and forth, singing his heart out.

My dick hardens, and I subtly adjust myself. His confidence is such a damn turn on. I don't know anyone that affects me as much as he does. He ends the song, setting the microphone down on the table before sauntering over to me. He falls down in the seat, taking a sip of his drink.

"Wow, that was so much fun," he yells, his cheeks bright red. His snakes are slithering around and I reach up and pet one—I think it’s Bo—and he leans into my touch.

"You were fucking phenomenal. Watching you come alive was out of this world."

"You liked it?" he asks, a shyness coming from him I've never seen before.

"I fucking loved it." My voice gets husky, my hand scooting closer to his.

"You did amazing, too." His gaze drops down to my hand so close to his. HIs finger reaches out and rubs against my hand, sparks radiating up my arm. His head whips up, and I know he's felt it, too.

"You wanna sing one together?" I ask, grabbing his hand and holding it in mine.

He stares at our hands. "Only if I can pick the song."

For the next hour and a half, everyone takes turns singing songs. While Niko and a few others can actually sing well, the rest of us are only having fun, and know we'll never have a career in singing. I'm in the middle of singing a duet with Sam when a group of guys walk up to the booth we're occupying.

One of them sidles up to Niko and starts talking to him. He’s a tall, muscular blond man wearing jeans and a blue button-down polo. I keep singing, but I don't stop watching their interactions. The guy gets closer to Niko, placing his hand on his arm. Is he flirting with him? Is Niko flirting back? Are they planning to leave and hook up? My eye twitches and my fists clench at my side.

Am I jealous?

I imagine Niko kissing that guy, and yep, I'm jealous. There is no way I'm letting that happen. I keep an eye on them until the song finishes, and before the last word is out of my mouth, I'm on my feet striding in their direction. Niko doesn't notice me approaching, but the other guy does, because he looks straight at me before giving his attention back to Niko.

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