The Popularity Project

Chapter Thirty - Labels

Vivian's POV

Trumpets by Jason Derulo

Shake It Off by Taylor Swift

Life of The Party by Shawn Mendes

My Heart is Open by Maroon 5

Ugly Heart by G.R.L.

"Will you stop complaining?" I laugh and shake my head. Ever since Perry suggested the amusement park, Ryder hasn't stop groaning. It's nearly seven o'clock, he hasn't done anything but lay on my bed. After school, we drove to my house, I had to bite my lip when I was greeted with Gemma's absence. She is somewhere dangerous, most likely frightened, and here I am making plans to have fun. Terrible, I am a terrible person. Although, Damien told me to act normally, not to try to be the hero. I am only following his instructions.

"You know, I could be using this mouth to do something much more enjoyable," Ryder grins and pulls me on top of him. I bite back a smile when he molds his lips to mine. My hair is still damp from the shower I took when I got home. Ryder tried to persuade me into allowing him to join me, I insisted he stay far from the bathroom. He took a shower after me, then we ate some food, I got ready for tonight whilst Ryder laid on my bed silently watching me.

"This is better, now I know how to effectively shut you up," I whisper against his lips, he smiles.

"I can think of an even better way," Ryder's fingers brush up my shirt, and start tracing small circles on my skin. I shiver at the coldness of his touch, his smile becomes more confident. He moves his lips to my neck, lightly sucking and kissing the skin there. I close my eyes, reeling in the happiness I get in his presence. This feels right, despite everything that could classify it as wrong. I will fight, with all my strength and every ounce of myself, for him. He is my endgame, the one I have been waiting for, I am sure of it.

"We have to go," I sigh deeply, and reluctantly climb off Ryder. He lets out a signature groan of frustration and irritation.

"Just tell Perry that you need to have one on one time with me," Ryder commands. "We've been depriving ourselves of this pleasure for too long now. I need you, Vivian. I am going to go insane if I have to stay any distance away for another moment."

I roll my eyes and take another step away from him to make him frown. He reaches for my hand, barely catching my fingers. Ryder stands from the bed and picks me up into the air before I can continue my taunting. He lifts me into his arms, then moves me over his shoulder.

"Put me down," I say sternly. Ryder just shakes his head, then picks up my phone off my nightstand. "Ryder, no, we can't cancel on him! I want to get out of this house, please."

Ryder gives an exaggerated sigh before throwing me on the bed. When I start to sit up, he climbs on top of me, forcing me into the mattress. His lips push against mine forcefully. I open my lips and he gladly complies. My legs wrap around his torso, his fingers tangle in my hair whilst my fingers trail up and down his hard, lean back.

"Ryder," I whisper lightly. "I'm serious."

"So am I," he retorts, not letting up.

The ringing of the doorbell alerts us that Perry has arrived. For a moment, Ryder doesn't climb off me, he gives me an irritated expression when I attempt to lift him off me.

"One day soon, I will not be interrupted," Ryder grumbles when I leave the bedroom to greet Perry. Externally, I roll my eyes at his comment. Internally, my insides ignite with excitement and anticipation.

"Hey guys," Perry smiles when I open the front door. His hair is freshly groomed, like Ryder and I.

"Hey, is it supposed to be cold tonight?" I gesture to his warm ensemble.