As the screen played before Valerie, her fists clenched tightly, her knuckles turning white. She ground her jaw, glaring at the scene. Her bitchy sister never changed.
After Sienna’s betrayal years ago, Valerie had held on to a thin shred of hope that Sienna might change. But she had been wrong. Sienna shattered whatever was left of that hope.
Fuck! How could such a vile woman be her sister? Ever since their parents’ death, Sienna had been her only relative in London. But now, it seemed Valerie was truly alone.
From this moment on, Sienna was dead to her.
She slammed her laptop shut, swung her legs off the couch, grabbed her jacket, and headed out for a drink.
At home, Morticia couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned in bed, her eyes wide open.
How was he? Was he okay? Of course not. The woman he loved had betrayed him so cruelly. Morticia wondered how Vincent would cope. It must hurt so much.
It was the first time she had ever seen Vincent vulnerable. Her older brother had always been strong, a protector ever since their father died in that fire.
It was devastating to see him like that-in a cold cell, like a man who had lost everything. She recalled the dried tears on his face.
Vincent had never cried in front of her before, and just the thought of it made her sob quietly into her pillow.
He could be annoying, but she loved him deeply. Her brother not only had his heart broken, but his reputation had been destroyed in one night.
She could only hope he’d be okay.
–
[CLUB]
“Vincent,” Nica managed to push the drunk man off her, but he leaned in again, crashing his lips onto hers and shoving his tongue into her mouth, teasing her.
He was kissing her! Vincent was kissing her!
His lips were firm yet soft, lingering with the taste of alcohol-just as she had imagined.
It was a dream come true, but… What if he thought he was kissing Sienna? He wasn’t in his right mind. Snap out of it, Nica!
She pushed him again, and this time, he broke the kiss. His brown eyes locked onto hers as he tried to catch his breath.
“What is it, Nica?” he whispered, brushing his lips against hers.
Her breath hitched. He knows it’s me? Gawd, how could she resist him? He kissed her again, and this time, Nica lost control. She kissed him back with the same hunger.
She had no idea how he had gotten here or how he’d left his room without Klaus noticing. Yet, she wanted this moment for herself.
Yes, she knew she was going to regret it. Vincent was drunk, and she was indirectly taking advantage of him. There was a high probability he’d reject her the next morning.
Her thoughts shattered when Vincent gently squeezed her nipple. Fire ignited in her body, and she moaned louder.
Soon, their clothes were scattered on the floor, their naked bodies entwined as the room filled with grunts and moans.
–
Vincent’s brows furrowed as he slowly stirred from sleep. His head pounded. A hangover. He must have drunk too much last night.
He had needed it to distract himself from the pain. It still hurt, and the fact that she felt no remorse made it worse.
All these years… was it all a waste?
As he moved, he noticed a fragile weight pressing against his chest. He glanced down and froze.
A naked woman?
He bolted upright, the movement waking her. When he saw her face, his eyes widened.
“Nica?” His voice was filled with shock. She was naked. He was naked. Did that mean…
“What the fuck happened?” his voice rose sharply.
Nica, now fully awake, clutched the sheet to her chest, her lips parted as she struggled to find words.
“Cat got your tongue? Why are we naked in the same room?” His voice trailed off as flashes of the previous night returned to him.
“You came into this room last night… and… I’m sorry. I tried to stop you.”
“Fuck,” Vincent cursed under his breath. He gathered his clothes and began dressing hurriedly. Shooting her a glare, he muttered coldly, “This was a mistake. You should have stopped me.”
He stormed out.
Nica bit her lip as tears welled in her eyes. What had she done? He must think she was a whore. But…
“I love you, Vincent,” she whispered as a tear rolled down her cheek. She knew he’d never accept her now.
As Vincent stepped out, Klaus emerged from another room. His eyes darted around before meeting Vincent’s.
“Where were you? You scared the shit out of me,” Klaus said, eyeing the door behind Vincent. “Why are you coming out of that room? Don’t tell me you fucked one of the girls in-”
“Shut up,” Vincent snapped, brushing past him. “Shouldn’t you be keeping an eye on me?”
“I also drank last night. Besides, you’re not a baby. I never thought you’d sleepwalk,” Klaus replied.
“Fuck you,” Vincent shot back. “And fuck you for calling your father. You shouldn’t have done that-especially not for me.”
“I had no choice. I couldn’t let you sleep in those barricades. You’d have done the same if it were me,” Klaus said.
Vincent didn’t reply as they stepped out of the bar.
“You okay?” Klaus asked as they reached the car.
“My head hurts. I’m never drinking again,” Vincent muttered before getting in. Klaus sighed and followed, starting the car.
—
The Moore Company was buzzing the next morning. Vincent’s dance group was worried. Their best dancer had left last night and hadn’t returned-something very unlike him.
When they approached Coach Blake, he brushed off their questions.
“We’re not dancing until we see Vincent, Coach,” one of them finally said, standing firm.
Coach Blake turned to face them, sighing. “Vincent will be here soon.”
“What happened to him?” another asked, stepping forward.
“Nothing serious. He’ll be here,” Blake replied dismissively.
“We need to use the internet. This no-phone policy is ridiculous,” Aiden declared.
“Focus on the dance, goddammit!” Coach Blake snapped.
But Aiden wasn’t deterred. He pushed past the coach, heading to retrieve his phone. The others followed.
As they checked their phones, their eyes widened in shock.
“Oh my God,” Aiden muttered.
–
Vincent’s phone rang, Aiden’s name flashing on the screen. His group must have seen the news by now-it was going viral and creating chaos everywhere.
He hesitated but decided to answer. Ignoring it would only make them worry more.
“Hey,” he said, his voice flat.
“Vincent?” Aiden’s voice came through, urgent and laced with worry.
Vincent hummed in response.
“We saw the news. Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Vincent replied curtly.
“Are you sure, man? I mean, everything going around… it’s insane. We can’t believe what they’re saying about you.” Aiden’s concern was palpable.
Vincent sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he stared out of the car window. “I don’t want to talk about it right now. Just focus on tonight’s performance. I won’t be joining you.”
“What?” Aiden’s shocked exclamation was echoed by the rest of the group-they must have been on speaker.
Klaus shot Vincent a sideways glance but said nothing. He understood why Vincent had made the decision.
“But, Vincent-”
“Aiden,” Vincent interrupted, his tone firm. “My presence will only cause more harm. Even Peter won’t let me perform. He’ll ban me the moment he regains consciousness.”
A tense silence followed before Aiden muttered, “There has to be a way to clear your name… We can’t do this without you.”
“Yes, you can,” Vincent insisted. “The live band is in your hands now, Aiden. You’re the second best, and I trust all of you will do well. Don’t worry about me.”
The line went quiet except for muffled whispers on Aiden’s end.
“Whatever happens, we’re here for you. Please take care,” Aiden finally said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Vincent ended the call and tossed his phone aside. He rubbed his temples, trying to ignore the pounding headache. His eyes stung, and his chest tightened.
Fuck. Was he going to cry again?
“Let it out, man. Don’t hold it in,” Klaus said as he pulled the car to the side of the road.
Vincent broke down, tears streaming as he leaned against Klaus’s shoulder.
“I loved her, Klaus. I fucking gave her everything,” Vincent sobbed.
Klaus gripped the steering wheel tightly, his own anger simmering. He wanted to hurt the woman who had caused his friend so much pain.
Vincent cried for several minutes until his breathing evened out. Klaus handed him a cloth to wipe his face. Vincent’s eyes were swollen, his expression drained.
“Let’s get something to eat, shall we?” Klaus suggested.
Vincent nodded, his voice too weak to respond.