Chapter 8: Oh How We Love Jealously.
Viktor
"Way to screw up a perfect moment with the most perfect girl," I hissed to myself on my way toward my dorm room. I was lucky to have my own space and not have to share with anyone. I'd applied earlier in my freshman year, which is why I got first dibs.
I shouldn't have left her like that, not when I knew she hurt herself. The look in her eyes told me everything I needed to know. But I couldn't tell her about my sister—not when she was going through something similar. I had to remind myself that I couldn't let her in; I could potentially hurt her. But I couldn't not protect her either.
Fuck! I was so screwed, and it scared the hell out of me. I sighed as I pulled my phone out of my pocket to send Amora a message, praying she was okay.
Mr. Popular: You okay?
Flore: ...
Mr. Popular: Please, baby, answer me. I'm worried.
Flore: Busy.
What exactly was she busy with? Studying? Reading? Writing? Oh fuck! Was she busy cutting herself? No, not that.
Mr. Popular: With?
Flore: Nope.
Mr. Popular: I'm sorry, okay? The way I acted— I was just scared.
Flore: Thank you for the truth. But I already figured.
Of course she did. My smart girl.
Mr. Popular: Just tell me what you really want to know, Amora.
Flore: Who told you about my dark thoughts?
I couldn't hide this from her. She needed to know that someone noticed. She shouldn't be ashamed of it; she just needed help.
But I knew the only way to help someone was to make them realize they needed it first. Amora Leclair was no fool; that's how she caught my true feelings deep down inside. Maybe we weren't so different after all.
Mr. Popular: The barista...
Flore: Of course. She always seemed to look at me weirdly, like she was trying to read me.
Mr. Popular: So you admit it?
Flore: Yes, but please don't pity me. I hate that so much.
Mr. Popular: No pity. But I can worry?
Flore: Mhm... can't stop you there. But please just don't tell anyone. Not your friends, nor my own.
Her friends didn't know? Huh. I wasn't even shocked.
Mr. Popular: Okay. Promise. So real fast, just to make sure you're okay, can you please call me?
Flore: Fine.
Incoming call... Flore.
I picked up so fast, pressing the phone to my ear. I heard her shut a drawer quickly. "Yes?" she asked breathlessly. "What was that noise?"
"A drawer?" she replied in a quiet voice, as if I were dumb or something.
"Yes, but why?"
She sighed through the phone. "I'm fine. I told you, so now is that it?"
"Amora, what did you just put away?" I asked, worried and almost pissed that she wasn't being straightforward.
"Nothing."
"Fuck, just tell me already. Before I come back—"
"No! Don't come back!" she yelled through the phone. My eyes widened in shock. "Why?" Now I was really pissed. Either she didn't want me to come because she was having a bloodbath, or she was hiding something else from me.
"I am—"
"Spell. It. Fast. Before I fucking run back, Amora—"
"Fine! I just came! So if you come back, you'll see that I've hidden a soaked napkin. Happy now, Mr. Popular?" she mocked, her anger evident.
Shit. As soon as I heard that, I was in front of my dorm room, quickly getting inside, slamming the door, and locking it. I dropped my backpack on the floor and started pacing back and forth, the phone pressed close to my ear as I heard her breath quicken. Amora... the one person who'd officially made me hard as a rock. Dammit!
"Too much?" she asked, usually my line when our intimate moments got overwhelming.
"Way... too fucking much. You have me hard as a rock."
"Oh," she said in shock, her breath quickening even more. Hell, how was I supposed to handle this right now?
"Do you need to?" she asked.
I raised a brow curiously, "Do I need to do what?"
"Take care of yourself? I can hang up so you know." I grinned as I heard her say those words. Now I could really see her being a virgin.
"You're asking if I need to masturbate. I hate doing that and I sure as hell don't want you to hang up."
"Oh."
"Amora, stop saying 'Oh.' It's me, remember?"
"And?"
"And you're not supposed to be so uncomfortable. Don't I make you comfortable?" I asked a little upset.
"Yes, you do, but I really should, and really should, you know-"
"Say. It. And maybe I will."
"Uh...well maybe you should, you know-"
"Amora, are you wet right now?"
"No! Oh god, we are so out of line right now, Viktor. I'm hanging up before this goes somewhere we'll both regret." Why does that make me even angrier?
"So you're not wet right now? And you think I'll regret this? This is the first time I've actually been hard, and you think I'll regret this. Sure, Amora, and would you?"
"Would I what?" She asked in a whisper. She was nervous, but I sure as hell knew for a fact that she was soaked right now, and that just made me harder.
"Would you regret coming on the phone with me?"
"God! Why are you so cocky and outspoken? It doesn't mix well, Viktor Harrington."
"Yeah, but you like it, and I know for sure you came thinking of me."
She laughed... she laughed?
"What? You think because we're 'dating' that you just have to be the man I thought about when I came?"
I stopped all of a sudden, and my eyes widened in shock from her words. Who else would she be thinking about?
"Well... who else would it be, Amora?"
She chuckled, but it sounded so evil it made me even more upset. "You really think that it just has to be you, huh?"
"Yes," I answered without hesitation.
"Well, it isn't," she said, sounding like she was almost lying.
"Sure," I smirked.
"You have a game tomorrow, right?" Okay, way off topic, but I answered anyway, wondering where this was going.
"Yeah, just a small one against the college a couple of miles down the road from our school."
"Cool, I'll be going with Luke. He's playing, right?" My eyes even got bigger, if that was even possible.
"Luke? You're joking, right?" I chuckled in a mocking tone. She had to be. She only talked to him once.
"No. He asked if he wanted me to come and see him play, actually, right after you left-"
"I'm your boyfriend, Amora. So that's a big, No."
"Fake boyfriend, you mean, and we're just friends."
"Fuck...well, you're wearing my damn jersey, and oh, right, should I ask how my 'girlfriend' got a message from this man?"
"Nope, I'm wearing his, and oh, Deliliah told me he asked her about me and she gave him my number. Bye-bye, Viktor, and go fuck yourself because I can easily get turned on and soaked by calling out Luke Silver all goddamn night. Sleep tight because I sure as hell will be."
Then she hung up. Damn it! She was in so much trouble for so many reasons! Tomorrow, she better make sure she hides from me very well because she's getting that damn punishment I've been wanting to give her for a while now. She finally deserves a good smack on the ass. My naughty girl.
***
Amora
As soon as Viktor left, I actually came instead of hurting myself—and I actually thought of him. I was sad about what had happened, yes, but I was also turned on by him being all upset. I was soaked, feeling like I needed to release something inside, and I did.
Then I got a message from Luke asking me if I wanted to come to the football game and watch him play. I said yes, and he told me how Delilah had given him my number instead of my socials since I never go on them much anyway.
Now I was at the game, wearing one of Luke's jerseys that he had given to Delilah in class that morning to pass on to me—number 16 with the last name Silver on it. Was it a bad idea to do this while I had a deal with being Viktor's fake girlfriend? Yes. Did I care? No.
He was a total jerk yesterday. I just hoped he wouldn't tell anyone about my problems. I couldn't handle more than him and my parents knowing. I wasn't even planning on telling him. Ugh!
"Go Tigers!" Lila shouted excitedly, her voice ringing through the crowd.
All three of them were sitting beside me in matching Hollow Tigers football team logo t-shirts and blue jean shorts while I wore the jersey and my own shorts. I would've matched tops with them, but they knew I was already wearing Luke's jersey.
I watched as Luke and the rest of the team played against the Beavers, completely destroying them—well, more like Viktor was. He dodged everyone, moving so fast and smoothly that it made me cross my legs and squeeze them together. Oh dear Lord, help me.
"Ladies!" A familiar voice called from behind us, and the girls and I turned to see Savannah smiling brightly. But when I looked down at the jersey she was wearing, I froze. It was Viktor's—number 22, with his last name, Harrington, emblazoned across the back. The girls shot her a damn glare as she stood next to me.
They knew about my deal with Viktor now, and while they forgave me for not telling them earlier and for bumping into him, I was still fuming. Why was I so upset and jealous that she was wearing his jersey? They were done, right?
Did he know she was wearing it? Savannah bumped into my shoulder and smiled as she whispered to me, "Hope it's okay I'm wearing this! I noticed you were in Luke's today, and I think the captain could use some support, you know?"
I forced a smile, shaking my head and laughing lightly. "Oh, yes, you're so right! Viktor was really upset when I told him Luke made me wear this, but how could I say no to him? He needed support as well, and honestly, I felt like my love had too much support for his own ego. You know how he is, I'm sure."
Savannah nodded, putting on the fakest smile I'd ever seen. I thought I was good at faking it, but she was just horrible at it.
"Well, they all could. Now let's go celebrate their win!" she yelled, and it hit me then that they actually did win. I had lost track of time, focusing on my anger instead of the game.
"They did!" I shouted with even more excitement as we all ran down to the field.
My friends looked worried, but I gave them an "it's okay" look as we made our way to the guys.
Luke broke away from the crowd and headed toward us, but Savannah darted toward Viktor, jumping onto him.
He looked shocked for a moment before putting on a genuine smile. What the hell was happening? What game were we playing when we were both trying to get Savannah to believe that Viktor has moved on? I guess that was my fault, but fuck it.
I wrapped my arms around Luke, feeling bold. "Congrats on the game!" I squealed as the girls congratulated Luke before drifting off to celebrate with the other players.
Luke leaned in close, his mouth brushing against mine as he murmured, "If you really want to make your boyfriend jealous, jump onto me, Amora. I got you."
To my shock, I did exactly that. I let my head and long hair fall back as he spun me around, laughter bubbling between us.
Everyone looked at us, but did I care? Nope! This was almost fun. Luke grabbed my face, shooting me a look that made me raise a brow.
Before I could figure out what that look meant, he kissed me. Oh my...okay, this was only my second kiss—since Viktor had kissed me first—but screw it. I gripped Luke's hair and kissed him back, hard.
As our tongues met, he murmured against my lips, "We're good at this, gorgeous."
"You're enjoying this way too much, Luke."
"Yes, I am," he replied, smirking. We pulled back, licking our lips, and I was speechless. Not only was everyone staring at us with wide eyes, but this was my second kiss! I didn't mind it, but it wasn't who I wanted it to be with—the one who first kissed me.
I didn't feel all the sparks, you know? It was just okay. But it was a payback kiss for all the anger Viktor had caused me. I hated it so much that I just had to kiss a football player and a new friend!
"Oh fuck! Silver's screwed!" someone shouted right after Luke set me down.
We turned to see Viktor striding toward us, his expression a mix of fury and something else. Savannah had a shocked look on her face, but I could tell she was enjoying the drama—she was the queen bee of the school, after all.
"Viktor, before you—" Luke started, but Viktor grabbed my hand and pulled me away so fast that all I saw was our friends smirking at us. The fact that no one stopped him made me even more pissed than being dragged away.
Where was he taking me? I had no clue, as the hallways were dimly lit. He opened a door and slammed it shut behind us, pushing me against the wall. I could smell the sweat and anger radiating from him.
"Viktor?" I said, my heart racing with worry.
"Did you enjoy that?"
"Enjoy what?"
"Letting him kiss you?" His voice was angry, yes, but there was also a note of sadness, and his hands framed my face as a sliver of light filtered through the windows. Oh, we were in the boys' locker room.
"That wasn't your choice to make."
"Fuck, Amora. You make all of this too damn hard."
"Oh, you're not serious right now, are you? You're the one letting your ex all over you when you're trying to make her believe you've moved on. Good job, by the way."
I was able to see his face better as more light came in, and both his eyebrows raised in shock with that cold expression of his.
"You're jealous, too then?" He asked, almost grinning now. I looked up at him as I moved my hands to his ripped chest, which I could feel against his jersey. "Are you?" He nodded fast, "Yes, so much, Amora. You don't even know."
"Then tell me." He nodded once before he moved one of his hands to my lips and slowly brushed a thumb on my bottom lip as he said in a husky voice, watching me pout, "Those lips... I've thought of billion of ways I could use them... and the reminder of how much I love the taste of them and how they felt against my own.
Seeing you kissing Luke made my whole universe sink, and I lost track of time. I had to control myself from killing the guy, so yes, Amora Leclair. I'm jealous. You're supposed to be mine, not his. So let's please stop this game and go back to being us before this stupid jealousy game.
I promise you I didn't know Savannah would show up wearing a jersey she actually took from me when we first started dating, and I sure as hell didn't think she would jump onto me like that. You had to tell it was fake; that smile was for show-"
"How do I know that?" I whispered, with his thumb moving down my face now to my chin so he could lift my eyes to his.
"Because you know me, really know me."
"Not that much, we've only known each other for a few weeks, Viktor."
"Yes, but we've gotten pretty damn close in that time, right?"
"Yes, but-"
"Just tell me what you want me to do first."
"What do you mean?"
He smirked, "Do you want me to rip off that jersey I've been dying to take off of you since I saw you in it, or shall I kiss those lips of yours, Amora? Tell me what you want."
"Everything. Please, Viktor, I don't care what we are right now. Just give me everything-"
"I stopped listening at 'please,' Flore," he growled before moving his hands to my ass and lifting me up, pushing me against him as he cupped my face and brought his lips to mine.
There was so much passion and aggressiveness to the kiss, like we were pouring out all our feelings toward each other.
I brought my hands to his hair and gripped hard; he growled in response, "Ready, bellissima?" He asked, "For?" I moaned against his lips, not being able to help myself.
"For destruction, baby." Oh, no and yes, I honestly was.
"Yes, but only if I get yours," I said, moving my hands down to his jersey and bringing him closer.
"Done," he said in a low, husky voice before kissing me again.
"And before that, make sure to remember to burn the other one your ex has," I asked in almost a whisper, unsure if he heard me or not. I didn't want that queen bee to have any part of my Harrington 22 anymore. Even if he was still just my fake boyfriend. He was mine.
"Already done. I told her to get rid of it and burn it for all I cared." We both shared a small chuckle before getting lost in each other again.
After another minute, Viktor made his way toward the jersey I was wearing as my legs wrapped more tightly around Viktor, pressing him close against me.
"God, I think-"
"You're wet. Yeah, we'll get to that soon, baby, promise," he growled before stretching the jersey with his hands and letting go of my mouth.
His mouth came to the top of my jersey and bit hard on it as he ripped it off so fast I gasped in shock. I was only wearing a black lace bra... with no pads, by the way.
"Fuck... I'm so screwed," Viktor hissed as he threw the now ruined jersey on the floor and moved his hands to my waist, unsure what to do.
Oh god, I was half-naked. I quickly wrapped my hands around my stomach, but Viktor quickly grabbed them and moved them to my sides, holding my hands in his as he whispered to me, "Don't do that, baby. Not with me, never."
I nodded slowly, a soft smile playing on my lips as I said, "I don't feel invisible around you." I brushed a strand of his black hair out of his face, my heart racing at the warmth in his gaze. He smiled back, breathless, and replied, "You always have my attention, Amora. I'm not sure I know how to not look at you."
I felt my cheeks flush. "Sure, a charmer."
He smirked, a playful glint in his eye. "Only for you." His gaze drifted down to my chest, and I held my breath as he slowly traced little circles on my stomach with his fingertip. The contact sent a shiver down my spine. "Now should I get you back to your dorm—"
"Or yours. I do need to braid my hair; it's all messy now." I laughed softly, and he chuckled, the sound rich and warm.
In a sudden move, he quickly took off his jersey and handed it to me. "You sure?" I asked, surprised. He shrugged with that confident smile of his. "It's yours now."
"Okay..." I whispered, pulling the long jersey over my head. It hung loosely on me, almost like a dress. "Damn... it's like a dress on you," he growled, licking his lips as he took me in. His admiration made my heart race.
Before I could react, he scooped me up in a bridal carry, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as I nuzzled into his bare chest. He had ditched those shoulder pads, and I couldn't help but admire his toned physique. God, he was ripped; it made me blush even more.
As he walked us out of the locker room, I felt the thrill of being so close to him. We took a back door to the parking lot, and I recalled that my friends had driven in Delilah's car; I still hadn't gotten one of my own yet.
Viktor opened the door to his car for me, gently placing me in the passenger seat. He fastened my seatbelt and kissed me softly, sending butterflies swirling in my stomach. He pulled back with a smile before shutting the door and making his way to the driver's side.
As soon as he got in and started the car, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was a new chapter, and I had no idea where it would lead us.
"How are you not cold right now?" I asked, glancing at his bare chest, the contrast of his warm skin against the cool air sending a thrill through me.
He shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips as he grabbed my hand, our fingers intertwining as we rested them on my lap.
"I'm not really cold right now, thanks to you. I think I need some time to cool off."
"Oh." I gasped, the realization hitting me like a spark, and I quickly turned it into a whisper, feeling shy under his gaze.
He shook his head, still smirking, as he turned the car toward the boys' dorms—his dorm. I could hardly believe it. The thought of being in his personal space made my heart race.
I really needed to braid my hair; it was a habit of mine whenever I felt overwhelmed or too hot, and right now, it felt like we were both simmering.
"Those 'Oh's' of yours don't help the situation, Flore."
"Oh—okay, I'll stop," I replied, attempting to play innocent.
He shot me a look that was equal parts amused and exasperated.
"Stop, and I'll make you keep making those 'oh' noises." His teasing tone sent a rush of excitement through me, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Okay, whatever you say, Mr. Popular."
"Goddammit, Amora, just please be quiet for a few minutes before I really decide to do something stupid, okay?" His voice held a hint of urgency, and I nodded, understanding the gravity of the moment.
He suddenly sped off like a madman, and I couldn't help but feel exhilarated by his reckless energy. I was both nervous and eager to see his room. He had told me before that he had his own space—lucky him. I imagined what it would look like, hoping it was just as vibrant and chaotic as he was.
As we raced through the campus, I stole glances at him, my heart fluttering with every shared smile and lingering touch. This was a new adventure of ours, and I was ready to dive in headfirst.
***
Viktor
"Welcome to my mancave." I smirked as Amora walked into my room in the jersey I gave her. Seeing her in Luke's jersey stirred something in me—I was furious, especially after watching them kiss like a happy couple.
I want to say this will never end, whatever is happening between us, but how can I promise her that when I've never actually been in a serious relationship? With her, I wouldn't want it any other way. I want a serious relationship with her, but I just don't know if I'm ready for that. So I'll keep playing along with this whole fake dating thing, even though that's all it was supposed to be—fake.
But it never felt fake with her. I was attracted to her from the beginning, and not just physically—emotionally as well.
Amora jumped to my bathroom, humming a song that sounded familiar, like the song we danced to at the party not too long ago. That was our song.
"Where are you going, Flore?" I shouted as I followed her.
"Doing my hair, remember?" she yelled back, but went quiet as I leaned on the bathroom door and looked at her as she rummaged around, probably trying to find a brush and hair ties.
I wouldn't have any, but my ex used to leave stuff in here when I clearly told her not to. So when Amora found a metallic silver brush and a few black hair ties, she looked at me with a raised brow.
"Who's are these—"
"My ex's."
"Oh." Not the "oh" I liked.
"Baby, it's Savanah's. She used to leave stuff in here all the time when I told her not to."
"Oh." Another "oh"? I shook my head, pushing off the door and walking toward her.
"Can I do it?" I asked. She nodded, passing me the brush while placing the hair ties on the counter. I could easily reach them with my long arms.
"So when did you learn how to do this?" she asked after I finished brushing her long hair and started to braid it into a three-strand braid.
I sighed, already knowing my answer. I smirked slightly, "I've never done this before, Amora. I've just been watching you when you braid your hair."
"You watch me?" she asked quietly. I nodded and said in a husky low voice against her ear, "All. The. Goddamn. Time." I really did; she usually braided her hair when she studied in the library or just whenever she felt like it. With her long hair, I figured she probably got really hot all the time.
"My god, Viktor. What do you want me to say to that—"
"Nothing, just listen, which you do well, Flore."
"Okay," she whispered back before I finished her braid with one of the ties from the countertop, securing it at the end, just above her lower back. "There, done." She nodded and turned to me, giving me one of those sweet smiles. That was real.
"So what's our next game plan?" I blanked at her words. Oh fuck, right—the fake dating thing. I completely forgot about it the moment I saw her kiss someone else and then again when she kissed me like our first kiss. I lost my mind.
I coughed, "Oh... revenge... right."
She looked at me with a raised brow, crossing her arms and leaning back against the counter, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Is Viktor Harrington speechless?"
I shook my head. "Fuck. No."
She hummed, "Mhm, sure. Buddy." She mocked as she tapped my arm before walking out of the bathroom.
I quickly snapped out of whatever that was and went after her, annoyed she called me "buddy." Only friends called me that, and she was far more than that—though I still couldn't admit it out loud, not yet.
I picked her up and tossed her onto my king-size bed that took up most of the room. I was shocked she hadn't noticed it until now.
"Oh my, it's so big and soft!" she hummed happily before giggling and snuggling underneath my gray, white, and black blankets. "Oh, it's black silk underneath here!" she gasped.
Oh, so she made it all the way in. I chuckled as I jumped onto the bed. "Shoes, little critter." She quickly took off her shoes, tossing them aside, and I did the same before jumping in beside her. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her snugly against my chest. I brought my mouth to her hair and breathed in the scent of flowers and comfort.
Mhm... this was nice. Being around her always made me feel so good and happy, like I could forget all my worries and the darkness buried inside of me. She was my flower, my escape to happiness, and it scared the hell out of me.
"Never called me buddy, ever remember, Flore?"
"Do I?" she sang as I began to tickle her.
"Yes, you do, Amora. Now, to answer your earlier question: the next plan is to be the best couple on campus and to not kiss other people in front of each other."
"So in private then?" she asked, giggling.
"Amora..." I warned.
"Oh, shush! I know, and I'm sorry." She pouted those cute, full pink lips of hers as she turned in my arms, now face-to-face. We stared at each other for a long moment until I whispered, "About?"
"Many things... but mostly for kissing someone else that wasn't you when I honestly wish it had been you instead."
"Really?" I asked, shocked.
"Yes, stupid! I was just waiting for you to do it. You know I hate chasing. It's never been my thing."
"But obviously mine, and for the record, I've never needed to chase until you." She giggled at that, which made me smile.
"Of course you haven't, because you've always had it easy with girls. But just because we're fake dating doesn't mean you get it easy with me, Mr. Harrington."
"Got it, Ms. Leclair. Now I have one last question for you."
"That is?"
"Stay." I whispered, unsure of her response, but to my surprise, she smiled and said, "I was already planning on it, Mr. Poplour. Now hold me!" She whined that last part as she nestled into my chest, and we fell asleep against each other for the rest of the night. What a day—one I could never forget, especially when it involved my Flore... my "fake" girlfriend.
Author Message:
I hope you guys enjoyed this longer chapter! Two more chapters coming Wednesday! Stay tuned!❤️🤭🥰✨
Chapter Question:
"If you were in the book which character would you be?"