The Gloves are Off

Untitled Part 16

Vik POV:

Can't believe that just happened.

Can't believe she actually apologized after like she'd attacked me or some shit, like she just couldn't resist any longer. That's one sure way to make a guy feel special – me of all people, apparently being what she wants most.

Damn, bein' with her is a massive confidence boost in itself, but knowin' she sees me like that... fuck if it doesn't make my head swell.

Don't care 'bout any other woman's opinion though, hers bein' what matters to me. Still, hadn't been able to wipe this giddy fuckin' grin off my face even in sleep.

The light press of her lips to my cheek stirs me awake, her soft chuckle soundin' near my ear as I rub a sleepy hand down over my face.

"Go back to sleep, babe," she whispers, kissin' my cheek again, "I'm gonna shower, got go pick up V and Jackie."

I'm still groggy, half catchin' what she says as I grab her arm and pull her to lean over me, caressing her face with my other hand, "what'd'ya gotta go get those two for?"

She sighs softly and leans her weight on me, my eyes finally adjusting to the dark room enough to make out her features, "window for our gig just opened up, gotta jump on it while we can, might not get another shot like this anytime soon."

My jaw flexes, lettin' out a sigh of my own, movin' both my hands to cup her face. I wanna tell her not to go, beg her to stay here with me, to quit all this merc bullshit... But I can't, I know she's not the type to let me take care of her – she wants to provide for herself, wants to know she not only brings somethin' to the table but owns that goddamn table too. It's admirable, part of why I like her so much... But damn if it isn't also what worries the shit outta me.

"Where you meetin' the two knuckleheads?"

"At the Esoterica actually," she runs her fingers back through my hair, her nails lightly scraping along my scalp sendin' a light pec of goosebumps along my arms, "they're gonna meet me there in V's new ride."

"Why don't you let me drive you, then, babe?"

"Yeah?" She seems to perk up, her smile warming her beautiful face even in the dark, "not gonna try and talk me out of it the whole ride there?"

I chuckle and shake my head, "babe, if I thought it would work I'd beg you to stay, but I gotta feelin' you're workin' your own way out already. Just... come back in one piece and we'll call it even, alright sweetheart?"

"I'll be fine," she tugs my hair playfully, grin broadening, "got a really great Ripper in case anything happens."

"I'm serious, sweetheart," I smile back at her, but hold her face close, makin' her meet my eyes, "just fuckin' found you, can't go dyin' on me now, yeah?"

"I always make it back, Vik," she presses a gentle kiss to my lips, movin' to pull away too soon so I hold her there, needin' just a little more before lettin' go. She damn near beams down at me, makin' me smirk back up at her perfect goddamn face, knowin' I'm the luckiest man in the world. "'Specially now that I got something to look forward to comin' back."

"Yeah?" I chuckle and raise a brow, "what might that be, sweetheart?"

"See," she trails her fingers along my necklace, gettin' that playful, smart-ass look in her eye, "there's this guy I kinda like..."

"Kinda, huh?"

"Yeah," she nods, actin' like she's all serious but that damn smirk breakin' through a bit, "gotta make sure I get back here, actually want this one to stick around for a bit."