Dark Intention

Chapter 5

Fred

I glanced at my brother and nudged him with my elbow. “What do you think they’re talking about in there?”

Demario rolled his eyes. “You always assume it’s something scandalous.”

I grinned. “You’re not denying it though.”

He snorted. “I’m just saying… Vivian’s not as clueless as she looks. She’s been pushing back.”

My smile twisted. “That’s what makes it interesting. She thinks she’s not playing our game.”

Demario smirked. “It wasn’t even my idea, remember?”

“No, but you’re enjoying it,” I said.

We had originally offered to help Vivian get used to life in the house, give her a bit of structure and responsibility. The maid outfit? Okay, maybe that had been a joke that went too far — but when we pitched it to Alex, we expected a flat-out no. Instead, his smile told us he had plans of his own.

Plans that didn’t involve a joke.

And now? Now Vivian was pushing back, challenging him, refusing the rules. She had no idea what kind of challenge she’d just accepted.

Alex

Vivian followed me into my room, her steps slow, hesitant.

I didn’t touch her — I didn’t need to. Her unease was electric, sparking in the space between us. I shut the door behind her. She flinched. Not in fear — not exactly. She was bracing herself. Preparing for something she thought she could resist.

Her eyes met mine. “Where am I supposed to sleep?”

I shrugged, amused. “There’s room in the bed.”

“No,” she said flatly, folding her arms. “That’s not happening.”

“You’d rather sleep in the hallway?”

“If it means I’m not sharing a bed with you, yes.”

I stepped forward slowly, carefully. “Vivian,” I said softly. “I’m not going to touch you. You’re under my roof, and like it or not, this is the safest place for you right now. My brothers—”

“I can handle your brothers.”

I arched a brow. Brave. Or foolish.

“Fine,” I said after a long pause. “The bed’s yours. I’ll take the couch.”

She blinked. Suspicious. “Why?”

“Because I’m not a monster, Vivian,” I said, lips curving slightly. “Just a man who plays by his own rules.”

She hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you.”

Later that night, I lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling, listening to her quiet breathing across the room. She didn’t realize it yet — but the contract she signed gave me more than just control. It gave me a front-row seat to her strength, her fire.

She thought she was resisting.

But she was becoming part of the game.

And I had every intention of winning.

---

The Next Morning

Fred met me in the hallway, smirking. “So… Vivian’s door?”

“Broken,” I said plainly. “She locked it. I got impatient.”

“Dad’s going to love that.”

“He’ll get over it.” I shrugged. “He always does.”

Fred eyed me. “Where is she now?”

“In my room.”

Fred’s grin widened. “You’re playing dangerous.”

“I haven’t touched her,” I said calmly. “She’s there because it’s safer.”

Fred’s brow lifted. “You actually care.”

I didn’t answer. That silence was answer enough.

“She’s different,” Fred said.

“She is.”

“She’s not a toy.”

“No,” I agreed quietly. “She’s not.”