Chapter 1
Groaning as she stretched her arms high, Nyx stood and headed to her bathroom. She pulled off her shirt, removed her shorts, and tossed them into the laundry basket before stepping into the shower, letting the water cascade over her.
Running her hands through her hair, Nyx tilted her head up, allowing the stream to wash over her face. She sighed, sensing eyes on her from behind. Chuckling, she glanced over her shoulder to see a woman in lingerie leaning against the bathroom doorframe, watching her with a playful smile, arms crossed and legs slightly angled.
Nyx shook her head, focusing back on her shower. “You’re still here, Vera?” she asked, making sure her question carried.
“Not going anywhere,” Vera replied, her gaze roaming over Nyx’s bare back, lingering on the full tattoo that spread across it. Rolling her eyes, Vera stepped in, letting her lingerie slip down and adding it to the laundry.
She moved toward Nyx, chuckling as she wrapped her arms gently around Nyx’s chest and abdomen. Nyx stilled, momentarily surprised. “What are you doing, Vera?” she asked, swallowing hard as Vera’s hands began to drift lower. Nyx caught both of Vera’s wrists firmly, but without force.
“What?” Vera teased, “Just joining you in the shower.”
Groaning, Nyx released Vera’s hands and turned around, water streaming over both of them. Tilting her head with a smirk, Nyx leaned forward, lifting Vera’s chin. “Oh yeah, for sure,” she murmured.
Vera clicked her tongue, a sly smile on her lips. “You seem to enjoy it every time I join you,” she replied, reaching up to play with Nyx’s damp hair.
Nyx shook her head slightly, lips quirking as she sighed. “Vera,” she warned, closing her eyes, “I told you—no touching.”
Vera laughed softly, still tracing Nyx’s hair down to her cheek, her gaze locked on Nyx’s face. “You did say that,” she mused, “but you’re not exactly stopping me. I think you’re enjoying this more than you let on.”
Nyx let out a frustrated sigh, gripping Vera’s waist and pulling her closer. Her intense hazel-green eyes met Vera’s. “Come on, Vera Briar, tell me—what do you really want right now?”
“Vera Briar, huh?” Vera scoffed, her hand tracing along Nyx’s shoulder with a delicate touch. “I think it would sound even better as Vera Briar-Pierce. Or maybe just... wife,” she added, biting her lower lip, her gaze challenging Nyx’s serious expression.
Nyx chuckled softly, shaking her head at Vera’s audacity. “You know I don’t do relationships, Vera.”
“Oh, really?” Vera’s fingers drifted to Nyx’s nape, brushing softly. “Remind me again how you’re not interested in a relationship. I must’ve missed the memo,” she teased, her smile mischievous.
Nyx raised an eyebrow. “What would your father say if he found out you’re sleeping with a Pierce—a notorious player, no less?” Her smirk held a hint of challenge.
Vera rolled her eyes, chuckling. “Nyxana Pierce,” she murmured, pulling Nyx closer until their faces were mere inches apart. “I wouldn’t care if my father knew I was with a Pierce—especially you.” She shook her head, laughing softly. “After all, you’re going to marry me, one way or another,” she whispered, her thumb tracing Nyx’s lips.
***
Humming to herself, Vera sat in front of the vanity mirror, slowly putting on her earrings. Nyx chuckled, shrugging in disbelief. She stretched her legs out, crossing them comfortably, and leaned back against the headboard, glancing at Vera before returning her attention to the book in her hands.
“Right,” Vera said, catching Nyx’s gaze in the mirror. “I hope you don’t just let anyone into your bedroom with all your flings and all those women,” she added, smirking as she adjusted her reflection.
Nyx clicked her tongue, propping her elbow on the mattress as she watched her. “You’re the only one who keeps barging in, Vera,” she replied. “And I don’t get why you keep bringing more of your things here. Do you plan on moving in?” she asked, eyeing the large suitcase Vera had had delivered to her place.
“Oh, I absolutely do,” Vera replied, dabbing lip tint onto her lips. “Which is why you’d better make sure no other woman sets foot in this room. It’s exclusively mine now.” She winked at Nyx in the mirror.
Nyx laughed, shaking her head as she slid her legs to the floor and stood up. “You’re so full of yourself, Vera. This room isn’t exclusive for anyone and that includes you,” she said, running a hand through her hair.
“Honey, it will be. Just give it time,” Vera murmured with a soft laugh, capping her lip tint and placing it back on the vanity. She stood up and turned to Nyx, sweeping her hair over one shoulder to reveal the partially unzipped back of her dress. “Now, can you zip me up?”
With a resigned sigh, Nyx walked over to her. She took hold of the zipper, pulling it up slowly, catching her breath as Vera’s familiar sweet scent filled the air. “There you go,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vera turned to face her, smiling sweetly. “Thanks,” she said, lightly cupping Nyx’s cheeks and giving them a gentle pat.
Nyx let out a sigh, gently removing Vera’s hands from her face. “Quit being so touchy,” she said with a frown. “I don’t like it.”
Vera raised an eyebrow, leaning in close. “But you don’t seem to mind when it’s a kiss,” she whispered, her hand sliding down to graze Nyx’s shoulder.
Nyx chuckled, slipping her hands into her pockets as she leaned in. “That’s because I love kissing women, Vera. You’re no exception.”
“Or maybe,” Vera countered, placing a finger on Nyx’s lips, “you let me touch you when we kiss because you want me to give in, for you to fuck me. Admit it, you just want to get yourself to fuck me.” Her smile held a teasing challenge.
Nyx grinned. “Clever as always, but yeah, you’re smart on that part,” she replied, eyes glinting with intrigue.
Vera rolled her eyes. “Oh, honey,” she murmured, gazing into Nyx’s eyes. “But that’s not happening unless you marry me.” She pressed two fingers to her own lips, then gently tapped them against Nyx’s mouth.
Nyx laughed. “Not a chance,” she said, trailing after Vera as she headed for the bedroom door. Vera chuckled as she opened it, glancing over her shoulder at Nyx, who now held the doorknob as Vera stepped out. As Nyx closed the door behind her, she muttered, “And what’s with this marriage idea of yours? That’s never been on the table for me, Vera.”
Vera spun to face her. “You want to get ahead of me; to fuck me, don’t you? Then marry me. I’m all yours if that’s what you want—sounds like an easy deal, doesn’t it?”
Nyx crossed her arms, a flicker of interest in her eyes. “Besides finally getting you in bed, what else do I get out of it?”
With a playful raise of her brow, Vera smirked. “Ah, so that’s where the infamous Nyxana Pierce’s interest is piqued.” She took a step closer, her gaze sharp. “You know, honey, I’m a Briar—but not just any Briar. What’s in it for you? Well, that’s a bet worth taking. Marry me, and find out exactly what you’d be winning.”
