Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Damon
She was so beautiful that it hurt to stare at her. Her full lips parted like an invitation. Her chest heaved as she took short breaths. Vivianna didn’t know the effect she had on men, which only added to her attraction.
I’d never been jealous before but seeing that man standing close while chatting with her made my veins tighten.
All this emotion confused me.
I wouldn’t have been so raw had it not been for an earlier encounter with that pompous prick, Reynard Crisp.
Wearing his signature arrogant smirk, he’d made the comment, “You should ask your staff to wear more clothes.”
“They’re not my staff. That’s my mother’s jurisdiction.”
“You’re a Lovechilde, and one day this will all be yours. I’m sure you carry some clout around here.”
“Why are you here again?” I hated this man.
“I’ve got some business to discuss with Genna. I was talking about your maid: the pretty, curvy one. I saw her playing piano earlier. She wasn’t wearing much. Not even a bra, from where I stood.” His eyebrow rose. “Quite a show. I’ve seen her before, by the way.”
My mind was too scattered to question him further. Instead, I drew on my army training by remaining hard-faced towards the enemy.
“You’re interested in her yourself, are you?” His smirk made him uglier.
“None of your fucking business.” I shoved my shoulder into his as I walked away with my hands in a fist.
Vivianna had to remain my dirty secret. Even if that was becoming increasingly frustrating.
I wanted us to walk on the pier, hand in hand. Or dine together in the village. Or to keep her warm by holding her for that walk along the cliffs.
I just wanted us to be together. And that was after just one week?
I kept telling myself it was nothing but lust.
Intense, addictive lust.
I couldn’t just jump in feet first until my dick went down. Until that happened, I was not in a fit state to make any commitment.
As we drove off, Vivianna said, “That was Justin. He’s taking the same course as me.”
“Did he ask you out?”
She turned sharply and stared at me.
“What’s that look?” I asked.
“Does it matter if he did?”
I drove up the hill and round the corner to Winchelsea Lane and pulled up at my home.
The answer remained stuck at the back of my throat.
I remained silent while we walked to the door.
Of course, it fucking matters.
No one was to touch her. No one.
Even the thought of Reynard Crisp seeing her braless disturbed me beyond words.
I opened the door and let her in.
“The answer is yes. It does disturb me. He wants to fuck you.”
Stunned, she stopped at the entrance. Her mouth parted, as though I’d admitted to some wicked crime.
“How can you say that? You were miles away.”
“Because I can read body language.” I headed to the fridge and, taking a bottle of water, unscrewed the top and offered it to her.
She took it and sipped. “If I was interested, which I am not, what right have you got over me?” Her eyes wide and fiery.
“I don’t share. You know that.” I took a slug of water and wiped my lips.
“I’m not interested in him or anyone. Only…” She sipped her water and looked away. “You.”
I took the bottle from her hand and held her.
Warm, soft, and tactile, her body melded into mine making my heart sigh.
I not only wanted to make love to her, but I wanted to protect her.
“We’ve only been together for a week,” she said, stepping out of my arms.
Looking overwhelmed, she rubbed her forehead. Like me, she was trying to understand this burning, unable-to-stop-touching passion of ours.
I exhaled a breath. “It’s intense for me.”
“It’s intense for me too. You’re the first man ever, and I have no idea how I should treat this.” She opened out her hands. “I have a right to talk to men, though.”
I nodded slowly. “That you do.”
She was wearing a tight T-shirt. Her nipples hard and on show, and I was reminded of Reynard’s comments. “You were spotted not wearing a bra at Merivale.”
Her face reddened. Whether that was embarrassment or anger I couldn’t say. But as I was getting to know her, I’d noticed her feisty side, which only inflamed my arousal.
“That was my private time. I was practicing. I didn’t expect anyone to come into the room.”
“So he just waltzed in while you were playing?” I frowned. Why was that fucker even there?
“Your mother came in first.”
My eyebrows sprung up. “My mother saw you without a bra?”
She puffed. “I was wearing a fucking bra.” Her voice, despite being abrasive, quivered. “I’d unloosened it while I was practicing. And because I had a tank top on, well…” She shook her head and knitted her fingers. “It all happened suddenly. One minute she’s in there chatting to me about the piece I was playing and next minute that creepy guy came in and started staring down my top.” Tears coated her large eyes.
She grabbed her backpack.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“I’m leaving. I can’t stand this. You’re making me go crazy. I can’t concentrate on my work. The little practice I get, this happens. I didn’t ask for this.”
She stormed off, leaving me there completely bewildered.
Snapping out of it, I went after her as Vivianna charged off up the hill. Her bike was still in the back of my car.
I ran after her. “Come back. I’m sorry.”
She turned and her watery eyes met mine.
Watching on, Alice, an older neighbour, happened to be in her garden with her Oliver.
I waved at her, and Theadora, noticing my dotty neighbour, gave me a subtle eye-roll.
When we were in my front yard, I said, “Thanks for not making a scene in front of Alice. As it stands, everyone will hear about it tomorrow.”
She shook her head. “It’s becoming difficult to keep a secret.”
I scratched my jaw. “You’re right. Small villages have their charms but also setbacks. People love to gossip.”
I led her inside. “I’ve got pizza.” I tilted my head. A peace offering of sorts.
“I guess I could eat. I am hungry,” she said, with a faint smile.
“That’s better.” I kissed her cool lips.
She sat at the island in the kitchen, and I opened the pizza carton and got her a plate. “Help yourself.”
“Mm… thanks. Yum. Just what I feel like, carbs.” She smiled shyly.
Back to that uncertain girl.
I liked every shade of Vivianna. Feisty. Shy. Sexy. Nervy. Sad. All of her.