Page 31 of Vexing the Viper

Clearing my throat, I tap Niko's shoulder. "Hey, I'm about to head back. Do you wanna come?"

Was I planning to leave so soon? No. Will I leave early if that means I get Niko away from this god-like man? Yes.

"Hey, King. Actually, I was feeling pretty tired." He yawns, then turns and faces the guy. "It was great to see you again, but I'm going to head out."

Niko doesn't wait for the guy to reply, he just turns around and pushes at my arm for me to move. We walk toward the exit, and I can't resist. I turn my head around, seeing the guy is still staring after Niko.

I should feel bad I cockblocked him, but I don't.

Niko and I step out into the chill air, the street lamps lighting up the road outside the building. I send a quick text to both Mateo and Sam, letting them know we left.

After slipping my phone into my back pocket, I hip check Niko. "So, how long have you been a singer?"

"Never." Niko laughs, bumping into me in response. "Unless you count singing in the shower, then that's something I do daily."

"Well, damn. You were amazing. You had the attention of every person in that room."

"Thanks." He beams so brightly at me. "You were okay."

"Okay?" I tickle his side, loving when he tries to squirm away. "I'll have you know; I am an excellent singer."

"You're excellent at something, but I wouldn't say that thing is singing." He snickers, trying to dodge my hands.

"Oh, that's it." Niko takes off and I rush after him, both of us laughing as we weave in and out the crowds of people on the street. He's a small but fast guy, running around people while I struggle not to bump into them. Reaching my hand out, I grip the leather of his jacket, thinking I have a hold of him, but he's out of grasp and farther away in no time. "How are you so fast?" Niko comes to a stop, and I nearly crash into him. I grab hold of his shoulder, breathing loudly. "I swear I'm not out of shape, it's from the drinks earlier," I huff out, watching his chest rise and fall, too.

"It's okay, I'm fast and I can sing. Lucky me. Sucks to be you."

Rising to my full height once I've caught my breath, I laugh and start walking, Niko falling into step alongside me. We continue walking back to our dorm. I love walking these streets at night. It's dark and gloomy with the path barely lit up from the streetlights. Most of the building exteriors are in a gothic style that's so different from anything I've ever seen, but it fits Creelin perfectly.

Stepping through the front door, we both walk in slowly. I'm not ready for the night to end, but I don't know what to say to keep hanging out with him. We linger by the couch, eyeing one another, neither of us making a move to leave.

Niko rubs the back of his neck. "I guess I'll head to bed."

"Oh, okay. Sounds good." My voice sounds sullen even to my ears.

Niko walks away, going straight to his room. The door clicks closed behind him and I hang my head. Fuck. We had such a great time. I wasn't ready for it to end.

Well shit, maybe it doesn't have to.

Storming down the hall, I lift my hand and knock on his door incessantly until he cracks it open slightly.

"Kingston?" he whispers, his brow furrowing.

"I needed to do this."

15

NIKO

"I needed to do this."

King pushes my door open, grabbing me around the waist, and hauling me into his body. Gripping my chin, he forces me to lock eyes on him. He slowly leans his face down. I know he's giving me time to turn away if I don't want this, but fuck do I want it. I want this kiss so damn badly.

His lips gently touch mine.

Tentatively.

Unsure.

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