Roxy kicks her beneath the table. “Ow!” Vivienne howls. “What the fuck!”
“Hear the man out,” she says through gritted teeth.
I think I like Roxy even more than before. She’s really saving my ass. I’m definitely going to owe her a favor. “I refuse to accept no for an answer. You won’t be spending the holidays alone. You’re coming with me.”
She opens her mouth to argue, but Roxy puts her hand over it. Vivienne licks her, to which Roxy replies, “Don’t be a hoe-bag. Quit licking my hand, you damn weirdo.”
I snort-laugh, which earns me a hard glare from both of them. I quickly recover, cross my arms, and continue. “I gave you space. Both of our tours are over.”
“You can’t force me to go with you,” Vivienne answers, crossing her arms stubbornly.
“She’s going with you. I’ll give you her luggage,” Roxy snaps, turning a searing stare on Vivienne. “You will not be alone. This is a fantastic option. You’ll go with Cas. I’ll stay in Florida. Do you understand me?”
Vivienne doesn’t respond.
“I’ll miss my pick-up and drag your ass on to a plane with him if I have to, Vivienne. Don’t make me use your middle name,” Roxy hisses through clenched teeth.
This earns her a raised eyebrow from Vivienne in response. “Fine,” she relents.
“Does she have a key card?” I ask Roxy.
“Yeah, but it won’t be a problem because the hotel is holding both our bags until the driver collects them. Just let them know you’re only grabbing hers. They’re black like her soul. Mine are purple. Don’t take mine or we’ll be mortal enemies with personal beef.” Roxy is all bite; I don’t want to be on her bad side.
I hand her my phone, “Text yourself the hotel information and save my contact. I’ll let you know if we have any issues.”
Roxy follows directions and hands it back to me. “I think Vivienne’s going to be on her best behavior.”
“Stop talking about me like I’m not right here,” she whines, her annoyance is almost believable.
“Do you two want to say goodbye or anything?”
They both stand up to hug each other. I can hear them bickering while I text the driver I’m ready to be picked up. A few minutes later, Vivienne comes out from behind the table. “Lead the way,” she says, waving at me.
I hoist her over my shoulder, and she screams. “Put me down!”
“Bye, Roxy. Thanks for taking such good care of our girl while I was working,” I shout.
“You’re welcome,” she hollers back, laughing hysterically.
I carry Vivienne out of the convention as she curses me under her breath over and over. I fucking missed this girl more than I was willing to admit. It feels so right when we’re together. Even now, I can’t deny the way it feels to hold her in my arms knowing she’s all mine until I decide to give her back after New Year’s Eve.
If I give her back.
We stroll out the doors into the cool night air and no one bothers trying to stop me. The driver is there waiting for us in a black SUV. My luggage is already on the plane, but I wasn’t sure how many bags Vivienne traveled with. As I make my way effortlessly to the car, she stops complaining. I set her on the ground and open the door.
“You don’t get to take me,” she says quietly, trying once more to convince us both.
I grip her firmly, but tenderly, by the chin, forcing her to stare into my eyes. “You don’t get to push me away anymore. I gave you space, and I made it very clear this wasn’t over. Stop fighting me. I got tired of waiting for you—now I’m here to collect. You had an opportunity to do things your way.”
She swallows hard. Before I can talk myself out of it, I lean in and kiss her. Hungry, possessive, and quick. “Get in the car, Vivienne.”
She crawls inside, fastening her seatbelt, too dazed to continue to protest. Satisfaction slithers its way through me. It’s good to be back together. I won this round. I climb in after her, allowing the smug smile on my face to show. Our car ride is quiet, and I don’t push my luck. As much as I want to grab her hand or wrap my arm around her shoulder, I keep my body and my hands to myself. Baby steps. She’ll warm up. I hope.
Once we’re alone, maybe I can crack her. I need to understand why she’s driving a wedge between us when I’ve seen it with my own eyes how much she still cares about me. There’s a reason she won’t allow herself to love me, and I’m going to get to the end of it before the plane lands in New York City.
The driver pulls up to the hotel. I give Vivienne a look that says don’t even think about it. A few minutes later, the driver and I load her luggage into the back. Before he climbs into the driver’s seat, I slide in close and whisper, “Thanks for not running.”
“I didn’t want to risk being abducted by someone worse than you,” she answers dryly.
