Veronica's Vendetta

XII - everyone flinches

Veronica.

"Don't dream" Olivia says to my boyfriend, slowly enunciating her words. And I see Elaine nod in approval.

I can't help but feel shocked by all this, I mean I know it's part of our deal for Caleb to get me in his group. But it's all happening so fast, and I don't even want to imagine what kind of sick game they played that grants wishes.

"Of course I'm not allowed to have dreams anymore, you took that away from me" Caleb replies her, letting out a humorless laugh.

"She's not getting in" Olivia continues, ignoring his sour mood and his statement which obviously conveys a double meaning.

What is he thinking? He knows better that Olivia will never stand for this, none of them will. My thoughts are confirmed when I see hope appearing on their faces. All they needed was someone powerful enough to challenge Caleb, and they're getting it.

I've decided against voicing my opinions in this conversation, they will clearly fall on deaf ears, and I'm not ready to face Olivia's anger.

"That's my fucking wish, Olivia. It's what I want" He says, drawing her into a tense staring contest. I gulp, this is getting so serious, so fast.

"Are you so dense to think I care? Listen to me Caleb, I've allowed you to parade her and this sham of a relationship around. I've allowed you to bring her to our secluded gatherings. I've allowed you to bring her to live with us, eat with us, drink with us. And I haven't complained once about her being here today, even though you know better to keep her in check. But if you think I'm going to allow this foolish request of yours, if you think I'll discard my principles because of a silly game you all believe matters. Then you must have underestimated me" She states coldly.

Everyone flinches, including me. Olivia basically told them that she could care less about the game or his wishes.

"You can't do this, you can't refuse my wish" Caleb grits out defiantly. But even I can see the fight die in his eyes as he looks at his friends, none of them daring to argue.

"Yes, I can. I'm Queen, remember?" She says and Elaine tenses beside her. Hurt flickers in Caleb's eyes, but if Olivia feels regretful, she doesn't show it.

"Make another wish, or forfeit your win all together. I'll be happy to hear what Allison's demands are" She continues. I glance over in the first runner up's direction only to see her smirk at me. I already know what her demands are.

Caleb stares at Olivia in frustration for a while, the tension in the room is still thick. Eventually, he runs a hand through his hair and concedes.

"I'll think of something else" Caleb finally says, marching forward to exit the room.

"Good" But as he brushes her to get to the door. I hear a faint whisper. It was so quiet that I wouldn't have caught it if I wasn't so close to Olivia. I don't mistake the two words she says to him "I'm sorry"

Caleb doesn't stop to reply, he keeps moving, heading for his own room door. I turn on my heel and follow him, we needed to have a conversation.

"What was that?" I ask the moment I enter and shut the door. He whirls around, not expecting to see me. I doubt he even remembers seeing me in Elaine's room.

"What was what? Why are you even here?" He asks, stripping out of his T-shirt and shorts. I turn around immediately, my cheeks reddening. What is with the men in this group and being comfortably naked around people?

"That. Whatever you were trying to do in there." I respond, keeping my back to him.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for trying to keep our deal" He says sarcastically and I roll my eyes. Unbelievable.

I hear the tap come on and take it as my cue to turn around, sighing in relief when I notice he's in the bathroom. He's taking a bath. I try not to let my mind wander too far, though I had already gotten a glimpse of his impressive self.

"Is she allowed to do that though? Turn you down like that?" I ask as I throw myself on the soft bed, with my feet wide apart on the floor. He sighs loudly.

"It's Olivia" He says as though that explains anything.

"Besides, It's the same thing Alexander would do if he was here" He continues with his vague responses.

"So why did you bother trying?" I ask, keeping my eyes on the beautiful ceiling, which is actually a mirror. Stunning architecture from the Herreras

"I was hoping for a miracle" He says, sighing again. A lie, of course. He was hoping to use Alexander's absence to his advantage, hoping Olivia would somehow allow him to do this the same way she did at the club. I don't say that of course, still maintaining the role of a soft and fragile girl.

"Why are you here, Veronica" Caleb asks me again.

"What? I can't surprise my boyfriend when I please?" I tease, my eyes still staring at myself in the ceiling mirror.

Which is why I don't hear him walking out of the bathroom until he appears in my line of vision, standing directly in front of my open legs, dripping wet, a towel wrapped around his waist. I sit up on my elbows and hold his gaze. Those blue eyes really do bore into your soul.

"Well, consider your boyfriend pleasantly surprised" He whispers. My eyes move on their own accord, drifting downwards to his toned pelvis.

"Are you trying to seduce me?" I ask confidently, cocking my head to the side, wetting my lip with tongue and watching him stare at it.

"Is it working?" He asks with the same level of confidence, his eyes somehow find a way to smile.

"Maybe" I say breathlessly. And just when I'm about to reach for his towel to pull it away, just when I'm about to allow my lust take over. He laughs, turns around and walks to his dresser to grab new clothes. Then he disappears into the bathroom again.

I am left in a state of confusion, trying to understand what the fuck just happened. I let out a soft groan when it finally hits me, he's celibate. How could I forget?