Page 30 of Vicious Titan

21

Elliot

“So, how’d it go?” I ask Asher, hopping up onto the island as he gives me an exasperated look.

“What?”

“What do you mean ‘what?’ Quinn. The apology. The groveling. Anything ring a bell?” The same things I’ve been doing and will continue to do until Victoria forgives me. Again.

“Yeah. Don’t hold your breath.”

Ouch. The deflated appearance isn’t one Asher wears often or well.

“If I do, will you try again?” I joke, hoping that instead of truly defeated he’s just sitting out the round. I know how deflating that can make you feel.

“Why do you care so much?”

“Because I was tasked with getting her to attend the Halloween party this weekend. If she’s pissed at you, there’s no way she’ll show.” And that was one of my many plans to soften Victoria’s current hostility towards me. I’m slowly wearing her down, but not quickly enough for my liking.

“She’s not gonna show.”

“It’s only Tuesday, so maybe she’ll change her mind by the weekend. I’ll try talking to her again too.”

“Not likely,” Asher mumbles, walking to the door as he says over his shoulder, “I’m heading out. I have some things to get prepared for this weekend.”

Damn. On to plan F. Or is it plan G now? I’ve lost track because nothing’s working. Nothing has made Victoria give me more than an annoyed glance or irritated ass chewing, and I don’t have much ass left for that. My words mean nothing to her at this point. That’s it. My words mean nothing. My actions might. Looking to where my best friend just left the room, I decide one way or another, I will tell him. Because she’s either going to be mine if I stop being a coward, or I’ll be free to pursue her without having to hide it from Asher. If he doesn’t strangle me, or worse, hate me.

Victoria is around here somewhere because her car is in its usual spot in the garage. My first guess as to her location proves correct when I walk into the pool area and hear splashing before I spot her gliding through the water. The weight room at her house is my favorite. Not because of the equipment, but because of the view. However, today I won’t be watching (and thoroughly enjoying) the fluid movement of her body sliding through the water. Today, I’ll be jumping in headfirst. Literally.

Stepping to the side of the pool, I drop my key fob and phone on the tile floor while I kick off my shoes. I hadn’t bothered changing after weight lifting since I’d planned to head home and take a shower. Instead, I ended up here. And I’m not regretting the decision one bit when I pull the gray Golden Olympus T-shirt over my head, tossing it on the floor, and dive into the pool.

Swimming to the far side of the pool, Victoria is more than aware of my presence since she’s stopped, holding onto the edge. An angry glower fixed in place.

“What are you doing?”

“Swimming.” I stroke my arms across the water, trying to appear relaxed even though I’m anxious to reach her. I need to make it to her before she bails, out of the pool and on me.

“Fine.” She turns, making an attempt to jump out of the pool. I swim up behind her and grip her hips, preventing her from sneaking away. Swiftly, I turn her to face me, moving forward as her back presses against the smooth tile.

“How many more times do I have to tell you to leave me alone before you actually comprehend it?” she asks, annoyed.

Slowly leaning forward, I brush my lips over hers before whispering, “How many times do I have to tell you that I won’t give up on us, even if you have?”

“There is no us. You’re wasting your time and mine.”

“I’m not buying the BS you’re selling,” I chuckle, feeling her legs wrap around my waist as I press my hard cock against her. But it’s about so much more than sex, and she will figure that out soon enough when my actions speak louder than my words. I should’ve showed her how I felt long ago.

“You do have that bullshit market cornered,” she says, her breath catching as my tongue swipes across her lips, licking a water droplet off.

“I won’t deny that, but I’m not backing down this time. Whether you want to give me another chance or not, I’m going to tell Asher that I’m in love with his sister. I’ll tell him I have to do anything and everything in my power to be with her.”

Her body tenses as she shoves back, looking to me with a disappointed expression. “Stop it.”

“Stop what?”

“The BS promises. And it doesn’t matter at this point. It’s done. We’re done. I’m done.” Her matter-of-fact tone won’t deter me. Nothing will.

“I’m not, and I’ll prove it to you when I risk losing my best friend for a smidgen of hope that his gorgeous, magnificent sister will give me the time of day.” Cautiously, I lean forward, tenderly brushing my lips over hers, anticipating her pushing me away. Only, she doesn’t. Maybe I’m not completely hopeless in her eyes. That concession gives me all the encouragement I need to kiss her. Tender, patient, gentle. Just how I plan to be with her. I’m not backing off, but I will give her time to realize how much she means to me.

Unhurriedly, I ease back, gathering every bit of strength to let her go. Even if it is only temporarily, it freakin’ blows. “I’ll let you get back to your laps.”

She doesn’t say anything as her bright, haunted eyes watch as I step to the side, pulling myself out of the pool. Walking down the length of the pool, I grab my things off the floor and leave her be for now.

It’s time. Time for me to work on getting Quinn to the party and to get Asher in a good mood because somehow, some way, he will know the truth about what’s been going on between Victoria and me the last few months. With any luck, I’ll clear all hurdles without anyone wanting to throat punch me.