Page 35 of Three Pucks and a Baby

“Vivian,” I growled.

As she continued staring at me, the fear and doubt slowly began to ease out of her emerald eyes. Not only that, a determined flint flashed in them. “Yes.

Taking Vivian by the hands, I slowly eased her up off the bench. Once she was upright, she squealed, as her fingers dug into my biceps. “Easy now. I’ve got you.”

She swept her gaze from the floor up to mine. “I wish that made me feel better.”

“What happened to trusting me?”

“That was when I wasn’t in danger of falling.”

At my chuckle, she scowled. “I don’t know what I was thinking when I agreed to this,” she huffed.

“I do.”

Jerking her chin up, she challenged, “Okay, Mr. Mindreader, why?”

“Because you knew we’d have our hands all over you trying to keep you upright, which would be a great run-up to tonight.”

When her mouth parted in surprise, I winked at her. “It’s the exact reason why Gray and I planned it.”

Vivian rolled her eyes in exasperation. “You two are impossible.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

When she opened her mouth to argue, I tugged her forward slightly. “Okay, take a step.”

With her brows furrowing, Vivian dipped her head to her feet. She then raised a shaky foot and took a tentative step forward. At her relieved breath, I barked, “Again.”

Frowning, she protested, “Give me just a minute.

“Now, Vivian,” I commanded.

“You’re so bossy!”

“Just wait until I get you in the bedroom.”

At her sharp intake of breath, Vivian’s eyes flew to mine. “You’re serious about bossing me around, aren’t you?”

Nodding, I replied, “And Grayson.”

“You boss him, too?” she asked in a low voice.

“I’m always the one in charge when we’re together.”

Vivian’s knees wobbled, and she pitched forward slightly, her chin smacking against my chest. Bringing my hand to her face, I tipped her chin up.

Gazing down at her, I said, “You won’t be a brat for me, will you?”

Her eyelids fluttered furiously. “A what?”

“A brat is when you defy someone and don’t do as you’re told in the bedroom.”

When her pink tongue darted out to swipe her upper lip, I inwardly groaned. The juxtaposition between her age and her inexperience lit me on fire. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to bury myself deep inside her.

I brushed my thumb across her jawline. “Answer me, Vivian.”

“I don’t know.” She shook her head. “I don’t think so.” At my intense look, she replied, “I’ll try.”

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