Taming Demi's Mom (ONGOING)

Chapter 14

{VICTORIA}

"I'M sorry, Damien, but I won't be able to join you to visit you old house and your two sons. I had some business to take care of in this country. I'm here now, so I'll make the most of the opportunity," Mr. Francesco apologetically told my Dad while holding his left shoulder.

This is our second day here in New Orleans. Yesterday morning, we disembarked from the plane and spent the whole day resting inside one of the spacious rooms of the most luxurious hotel in this country that Mr. Francesco purchased. We didn't really sleep during the flight because the view from the sky was too beautiful. Jackson and I ended up admiring the scenery while discussing various topics.

Now, we're planning to visit my two brothers. It's also a chance for us to drop off Dad at our old house where Lion and his girlfriend Samantha live. They are already engaged and set to get married next year. Speaking of Edward, as far as I know, he doesn't have a girlfriend yet, and he has his own house and land not far from our old place.

And also, this is the opportunity for me to introduce Jackson to my two brothers. I didn't initially plan to do this now. But Dad told me that I should do it now. He said that Edward and Lion would understand my decision because they would prefer to see me happy. I also thought about Jackson. Ever since I told him that I have two brothers, he's been asking me when I'll introduce him to them.

"Alright, it's fine. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future," my Dad smiled at Mr. Francesco.

Mr. Francesco left first in his car, accompanied by a driver and two bodyguards. As his car pulled away, Jackson's car, which he owns, pulled up in front of us. The four of us got inside. Dad took the wheel since he knew the way better than Jackson.

"I'm excited to see Aunt Samantha," Demi cheerfully said as she bounced in her seat between Jackson and me. Her side-by-side ponytail also bounced through the air.

I smiled. "How about Uncle Lion? Aren't you excited to see him?" I asked Demi.

She looked at me. "A little," she replied with a serious face. "He's so grumpy. He never plays with me," Demi added, which made both Dad and I laugh.

"You didn't tell me Lion was a bit grumpy," Jackson whispered to me. He looked concerned. Not just a bit grumpy, but super grumpy.

I thought he was supposed to be strong-willed? From what I remember, I showed him quite a bit of rudeness back then. But he still managed to tease me as if he didn't mind my grumpiness towards him. Honestly, I'm not naturally grumpy. I used to be cheerful and mischievous, just like Jackson. But pain really can change a person's entire life.

"Fighting! You can do it," I teased him, causing him to furrow his brow even more.

"Just show Lion that you truly love Victoria and would never hurt her, and you'll get along just fine," Dad interjected while driving.

"Lion is just really grumpy, but he's kind-hearted. You just have to be patient with his demeanor," I said seriously to Jackson, who let out a relieved breath.

Both Jackson and I looked at Demi when we heard her snore. That's why she suddenly went quiet— she had fallen asleep.

"LION!" I scolded my brother.

He was just staring at Jackson with a serious expression. I only brought Dad's suitcase to his room. I left Jackson in the living room with Lion so they could talk. But this was the scene I walked into. Jackson immediately stood up from the couch and hid behind me when he saw me.

"It's like your brother is going to eat me alive," Jackson whispered to me, so I turned to face him.

I crossed my arms in front of him. "You shouldn't be afraid of him because you're older," I pretended to give Jackson a stern lecture.

"Can you please act like a normal person? You should welcome Jackson for me. Stop being childish," I reprimanded Lion as I faced him.

I approached him and forcefully lifted him from the sofa, guiding him closer to Jackson. I took one hand from each of them and I made them shook each other hands. However, when I tried to separate their hands, I couldn't because they were holding onto each other tightly. When I looked up at their faces, my eyes widened in realization. The way they were looking at each other seemed to hold admiration and affection.

I tried blinking my eyes, thinking I might be seeing things, but it was still the same. In a moment, they slowly moved closer to each other to hug, but before they could do so, I quickly pulled each of their ears.

"What?" They both almost simultaneously asked as I released their now reddened ears.

"What were you two doing?" I shouted at them, out of breath. I didn't know what to think or feel right now.

Jackson suddenly burst into laughter while Lion's face brightened, though he still had a serious expression.

"Jackson came up with that prank, not me," Lion defended himself to me.

So it was all a prank? Does that mean they've made up? That's nice to know. But I won't let Jackson off the hook for scaring me like that. I gave him a stern look. Jackson quickly put his arm around Lion.

"You better watch out!" I threatened him. But he paid me no mind.

"Come on, let's go pick up Edward so we can start the drinking," he invited Lion, who immediately nodded in agreement.

Before I could react, they were already gone from my sight. The next thing I heard was the engine of Jackson's car. As I watched his departing car from our doorstep, my irritation slowly faded. It seems he didn't have a hard time patching things up with my brother, and I'm glad Lion didn't make it difficult for him.

JACKSON'S body feels so heavy. I'm helping him towards my old room where he'll be sleeping. Demi, on the other hand, will be staying in the room where Edward used to sleep, with Samantha. The three of them are really drunk. That's why we couldn't make it back to the hotel where we were staying. Dad is taking care of my two siblings, who've turned the tiled floor into their bed.

"Why do you have to get drunk so much?" I complain to the unconscious Jackson.

I'm so tired that I just let him go and gently lay him on my soft bed. I close the door before I approach him again to adjust his position.

Slowly, I lift his white t-shirt, intending to change his clothes. But when I see his abs, I realize that I might be doing something wrong. I feel like I'm being drawn to his body, and it doesn't feel right. I just close my eyes and swallow nervously, overcome with a strange nervousness.

I can do this! I need to change his clothes so he can sleep comfortably. Plus, his clothes are dirty and a bit damp from alcohol and water.

Just as I was about to fully lift his shirt, I feel his grip on both of my wrists. I look at his face and our gazes meet. Wait! When did he open his eyes? Why didn't I notice?

Before I can even react in surprise, he pulls me towards him, causing me to topple over and end up on top of his firm chest. Our faces are so close that I can smell the alcohol on his breath. I can also feel the rapid beat of his heart, seemingly synchronized with mine.

He then started cupping my face and tracing every part of it, sending butterflies in my stomach. I know I should stop this. He's just drunk. But I can't seem to hold back. The way his intense gaze meets every angle of my face makes my knees go weak.

When his hand finds its way to the back of my head, he slowly pulls my face closer to his. I can only close my eyes. Before I knew it, I can feel his soft lips on top of mine. We stay in that position for a while until he starts moving and brushing his lips against mine. Why do his kisses feel like I'm being kissed for the first time?

His hand tightens around my waist. He holds me firmly, and all I can do is surrender to him. I haven't been drinking alcohol, but I feel intoxicated by the sensation of his kisses on my lips.

After a while, Jackson suddenly stops kissing me. I suddenly feel nervous. Does he not want this anymore? Did I do something wrong with the kiss? He loosens his grip on me, so I end up sitting on his stomach. When I look at his face, he's already sleeping soundly. What the heck?!