Viridian

Chapter 21

I feel cold. Shivers overtake me as I grasp at the covers around me, rolling over, searching for the heat I found so comforting during my slumber. My eyes flutter slightly as I feel a press to my lips, the warmth of them washing over me. I breathe in the heat, allowing it to flush throughout my body as I grasp at the owner's face, pulling him closer. Cato groans and pulls away, waking me up, the realization of what is happening surrounding me. I blush as our eyes meet, pulling my hands back to rub my eyes. Cato smirks as he straightens up from leaning over me.

"I brought us food," he says, his voice sounding somewhat breathless before walking down the step and making his way over to the fireplace. I bite my lip as I see the glow of the flames wash over his bare chiseled chest, my eyes immediately shooting up to meet his as he turns towards me, no doubt sensing my leering.

"What time is it?" I ask, refusing to address his smirk.

"About 1am," he answers. "We never ate dinner, Princess."

As if on cue, my stomach grumbles. I quickly throw the covers off, making my way towards the food, ignoring Cato's searing eyes as I hop down the step and plop onto the couch.

"What?" I ask, eyeing the tray on the coffee table filled with various delicious foods.

"Have I ever told you how good you look in green?"

"The last time I was in your shirt, I believe," I scoff, rolling my eyes.

"Princess," he growls at me, his eyes glowing green and his body glowing a warm caramel against the fireplace light. "Out of chivalry I am offering you food to help you replenish," he starts, slowly making his way towards me on the couch. "But if you roll your eyes at me again, I won't hesitate in taking you back to that bed and taking you again and again until hunger is not the only reason you are lightheaded." Shivers run through my body as he sits, a gasp ringing out from me as he pulls me towards him by my ankle. "That clear, Princess?" he asks, bringing his right hand up to my chin to hold my eyes to him as his left draws delicate circles on my ankle.

"Yes," I manage to breathe, causing Cato to smile before he releases my chin and repositions my legs so they are draped over his lap as he reaches for the food.

"It's a little cold," he changes the subject, grabbing the bowl of golden goodness and handing it to me. "But trust me when I say Chef Payne makes the best buffalo chicken mac and cheese." My mouth waters just looking at the bowl and it takes all of my strength to wait for Cato to hand me a fork before I dig into the dish. I let out a small moan as the pasta reaches my tongue, earning a chuckle from Cato.

"I'm hungry," I shrug, dismissing his teasing.

"I'm jealous," he smiles, catching my attention.

"Why?" I laugh, confused.

"It took me a whole week to get you to moan for me, and yet Payne is able to without even being here," he smirks, taking a bite of his mac and cheese.

"Maybe you weren't working hard enough," I toy with him, playing his game.

"I'll be sure to take that into account next time," he growls, a dangerous promise.

________________________________________________________________________________

Hi readers! Sorry this took so long, it's been HECTIC over here at my house. I really have no other excuse except I had a bit of a writing block then Shadow and Bone came out on Netflix, which I have mixed feelings about, and my teacher assigned us a project that was essentially a book concept type of thing (future book in the making I think bc I REALLY like where its going)... but yeah, sorry. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!

 - Nicole Winters