Page 40 of Vexing the Viper

"You listen to rap?" I ask, baffled. I don't know what I was expecting, but Mateo with his polos, chinos, and boat shoes did not scream “rap music” to me.

Shrugging, he says, "I listen to everything. Depends on my mood. Now, what did you need advice about?"

"Oh, right. That. Well, um, so Niko and I started hooking up a couple of days ago. Well, no. I hate the term hooking up. We're dating, but haven't actually dated yet, if that makes sense. We haven't gone on a date."

Mateo chuckles, moving over to the couch. "So, what's the problem?"

I sit down next to him. "I want to take him on a proper date, but I don't know where to take him. I figured, as his best friend, you would know what he likes to do."

"I think he would like anything you planned for him."

I cross my arms over my chest and glare at him huffing. "That doesn't help me."

"Fine. He likes music, reading, museums, and hanging out by the river. Honestly, he's not hard to please. The fact you're trying to plan something for him is enough. I think you're overthinking it. Plan what you think he would want and do it. I promise he'll love it."

"Okay, thank you."

"No problem. I'm going to change and head out, but good luck with your date. I knew you two were going to fuck it out sooner or later."

My cheeks heat from his words and I sputter out a cough, unsure of what to say. Mateo doesn't give me a chance to respond before he's up and laughing on the way to his room.

Mateo words ring in my head. No, not the “fuck it out,” but the ones about me overthinking it, and I know he's right. All I want is for things to be perfect for Niko. But maybe I’m thinking about this too hard, and I only need to do what feels right. Glancing at my phone, I take note that Niko is due home in about half an hour.

Time to make a plan and get to work.

19

NIKO

"Is anyone here?"I ask once I step into the dorm room.

"Hey." King pops his head out of the bathroom, smiling at me. I have plans for us, so I need you to get ready so we can leave."

"What kind of plans?"

"It's a surprise."

A surprise? Giddiness flows over me at the thought of King planning asurprisefor us. He texted me earlier, asking if I was free after classes. I wasn't sure why he was asking, but I never imagined it would be because he was planning something special.

"Okay, what do I need to wear?"

King pops his head back out, giving me a once-over. His eyes devour me hungrily before he licks his lips and winks. "I mean, you look fucking delicious the way you are. You don't have to change if you don't want to."

"Are you sure?" I look down at myself in my usual black jeans and leather jacket. Even if I was to change, my outfit wouldn't be much different. Most of my clothes are the same.

"Niko, you're perfect. I was only giving you the option to get ready, but you can stay the way you are."

I toss my jacket onto the couch, debating whether or not to change. "Let me shower quickly."

I push past him into the bathroom, making my way to the shower and turning on the water. I strip out of my clothes slowly, wanting to get his attention. King is standing at the sink, shaving his face, and I smirk when he eyes my body. I love seeing his reaction to me. It doesn't matter whether I'm fully dressed or completely naked, he can't keep his eyes off me.

Groaning, he tosses his razor into the sink before turning around. "Are you really trying to tease me when I’m trying to be a gentleman?"

"I'm not teasing you. I'm only trying to shower so we can go and do whatever it is you have planned."

He crowds me against the wall, placing his face in the crook of my neck and inhaling deeply. He presses in a soft kiss before pulling back. "Oh, yeah, right. Do you know how hard it is to keep from touching you? I only have so much restraint, Niko. All I ever want is to have my hands on you, and you standing in front of me naked is like being tempted with a present that's already unwrapped. All I want to do is play with you."

"Play with me, then," I whisper, grabbing hold of his face and pulling him toward me. I shove my tongue into his mouth, kissing him roughly, and moaning when he kicks my legs apart and fits himself perfectly against me. He grinds on my body, kissing me deeply. We're all lips and teeth, groaning into each other's mouths. His hand finds my dick and he strokes me a few times before pulling back and breathing heavily. "No, no. I have plans."

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