- 12 hours ago
Feed Me, Pretty Boys Ep,17 New RS
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Declan, I wouldn't date you if you were the last man on Earth.
00:05Avery's voice cut across the ice ring.
00:07Our star hockey captain, Declan Cole, stood frozen at center ice.
00:12The massive bouquet of roses in his hand looked pathetic.
00:16Six foot five, built solid, and he couldn't move.
00:20His teammates went dead silent on the bleeders.
00:24The rejection was brutal.
00:26Declan's face went red.
00:27He hurled the roses into the trash and spread his arms at the cloud.
00:31Fine! Anyone here actually want a shot at the captain? Anyone?
00:35That was my cue. I'm a succubus.
00:37Just woke up to my powers.
00:39They were still raw, still untamed.
00:41If I didn't find someone to feed on tonight, I'd be dead by morning.
00:44My skin was burning. The hunger was clawing at my throat.
00:47I stepped out of the shadows, eyes glowing a faint predatory green.
00:51I'll take you.
00:51The teammates went off.
00:53Yo, Captain Cole still got it!
00:55Snaps his fingers, girls line up.
00:58Declan strolled over, lazy and loose, hiding the humiliation behind a cocky smurr.
01:04You want me?
01:05I stared at his mouth and nodded.
01:07Two hundred percent!
01:08He just wanted someone to want him.
01:10I wanted his body.
01:11I was getting more than I was paying for.
01:14Declan grinned.
01:15Fifty grand. One month. No strings.
01:17My fingers were quick. Phone out, transfer hit before he could blink.
01:22Sent.
01:22I'm buying sixty days of your time. Double the time, double the price.
01:26You really that into me?
01:27He sighed.
01:28Don't cry when it's over. Clinging doesn't work on me.
01:32I shook my head.
01:36Sixty days was plenty. Long enough to chew him up and spit him out.
01:40Anything tastes boring after two months.
01:41I won't cry. Just keep me fed.
01:45Declan's hand twitted on his water bottle.
01:47I smiled sweet.
01:48So we're official now? Boyfriend and girlfriend?
01:51Yeah.
01:51He said.
01:52But his eyes drifted past me, straight to Avery's back.
01:55The voices flooded in again.
01:57Ouch. Can't even look.
01:59Poor Serena.
02:00Declan didn't even mean it.
02:01His friends are the worst.
02:03The girl's smiling like she won the lottery.
02:05He's not even looking at her.
02:06So what if he wasn't looking at me?
02:08His mouth was on mine.
02:10That's what counted.
02:11I grabbed his neck and kissed him.
02:13Damn.
02:14He tasted good.
02:15Soft lips.
02:16Warm mouth.
02:17Declan froze for a second.
02:19Then he kissed back.
02:20I slid a hand under his shirt and copped a feel of his abs.
02:24Eight pack.
02:25Rock solid.
02:26Hockey training really did pay off.
02:28Hopefully the rest of him lived up to it.
02:30That first night, I figured out the rules of this little arrangement real quick.
02:35Declan thought he was running the show.
02:36Six foot five.
02:37Captain of the team.
02:38Used to people falling in line.
02:40He pinned my wrists above my head with one hand, smirking down at me.
02:43You sure you can handle this, Serena?
02:45Cute.
02:46I let my power flare.
02:48Just a sliver.
02:49The succubus mark bloomed red across his collarbone, and I watched the strength drain out of his arms.
02:55He gasped.
02:56Tried to push up.
02:58Couldn't.
02:59On your knees, Declan.
03:01His body obeyed before his pride could stop it.
03:03He slid off the bed and onto the floor, looking up at me with wide eyes.
03:06Terrified and hooked at the same time.
03:36In public, you can be the captain.
03:37Looked like road wear.
03:39Pale.
03:40Drained.
03:41Slept a full day to recover.
03:42I felt bad.
03:44Brought him three jars of bone broth, a tub of protein powder, and a couple steaks for his dorm.
03:49Couldn't have him broken after only a dozen rounds.
03:51Today was Declan's birthday.
03:53His teammates rented out the frat house on Greek Road to throw him a party.
03:56I asked him what flavor cake he wanted, then baked him a hazelnut chocolate one myself.
04:02Carried it over.
04:03I was still outside the door when I heard my name.
04:06Serena follows Cole around like a puppy.
04:08You should have seen her face when he said yes.
04:10She lit up like a freaking Christmas tree.
04:12Captain's just bored.
04:13Two months and he's done.
04:14Serena's a Barbie.
04:16She's got nothing on Avery.
04:17Wait till Serena finds out the cake she made is actually for Avery.
04:20She's gonna lose it.
04:22Inside, Declan was sprawled on the couch swirling whiskey.
04:25He didn't agree.
04:26He didn't shut them up either.
04:28The voices flooded in again.
04:30Oh, this is gonna be good.
04:31Serena's gonna march in there and smash that cake in Avery's face.
04:34Avery will probably think her flaky parents finally remembered her birthday.
04:38Except Avery's deathly allergic to hazelnuts.
04:40R.I.P.
04:41Happy 20th birthday, Avery.
04:44I stopped walking, cake still in my hands.
04:48Avery was allergic to hazelnuts.
04:50I pushed the door open.
04:52The teammates flinched.
04:54Declan sat up straight on the couch.
04:57When my expression didn't change, Declan relaxed.
05:00They thought I was so wrapped around his finger I'd do anything.
05:03Their eyes got even more smug.
05:05They didn't know I was counting.
05:06Every insult they threw at me was one more slap their captain was getting tonight.
05:10They called me his puppy.
05:12So tonight, he'd be the one on a leash.
05:14Fair's fair.
05:15Declan smirked.
05:16Serena, since you heard everything, why don't you go deliver the cake yourself?
05:21Men always need to look big in front of their boys.
05:25I smiled.
05:26Sure thing.
05:27Then I walked out, cake still in hand.
05:30Dude treats her like a dog.
05:31I raised an eyebrow and gave them my sweetest smile.
05:35Avery was allergic.
05:38Obviously, I wasn't handing her this cake.
05:41Avery and I had no beef.
05:43Declan was the one being a dick.
05:45Why should she pay for it?
05:46Plus, I was the social chair of my sorority.
05:49Baking was my thing.
05:50I made cakes for Avery's sister's birthday.
05:53For some reason, Avery's birthday always got skipped.
05:57I went home and baked a fresh fruit cake.
06:00Piped a little platoon carvery on top and frosting.
06:04Wrote her birthday underneath.
06:06Found her at the campus cafe where she worked.
06:09Handed her the box.
06:11Avery.
06:12Happy birthday.
06:13She froze.
06:15For...
06:15Me?
06:18The voices were back.
06:19Wait, what?
06:21Serena's giving Avery a cake?
06:23She's not gonna throw it, right?
06:25No way.
06:25Look, she made a different one.
06:26Fruit, not chocolate.
06:28Okay, Serena's actually being sweet.
06:30I told Avery it was a sorority thing.
06:32Wished her happy birthday and turned to leave.
06:35Avery stopped me.
06:36Her eyes were red around the edges.
06:38Serena.
06:40Thanks.
06:41For remembering.
06:42Anytime.
06:43Honestly, baking was just fun for me.
06:45Avery hesitated, then said it.
06:47Serena.
06:48Declan's a piece of trash.
06:49You deserve better.
06:51I smiled.
06:52Yeah.
06:52I know.
06:54Thanks.
06:55Declan didn't come back until after midnight.
06:59He'd been drinking.
07:00Cheeks pink.
07:03Saw me on the couch watching TV and decided I was waiting up for him.
07:07Still pretending you don't care?
07:08You ignored me all day.
07:10You're mad and waiting for me to come fix it.
07:12I tilted my head.
07:13Boy had an active imagination.
07:16I'd been overfed for days.
07:18Wasn't even planning to feed tonight.
07:21But here he was.
07:22Walking right into it.
07:25Time to settle the score.
07:27I heard everything your boys said tonight, Declan.
07:29In public, I play along.
07:30I keep up appearances.
07:31But behind closed doors, some things I don't let slide.
07:33Every word out of their mouths cost you one.
07:35Declan thought I was flirting.
07:37He sat down and pressed my hand against his cheek.
07:40You'd hit this face?
07:43Bastard or not, his face was a work of art.
07:47I almost couldn't do it.
07:48So I shook my head, sweet as sugar, and pulled a leather collar from my bag instead.
07:54Declan's pupils blew wide.
07:55Serena?
07:56What the-
07:57On your knees.
07:58He didn't move fast enough.
07:59I let the mark on his neck pulse once.
08:01He dropped.
08:03Six foot five and folded onto the carpet at my feet like he'd been waiting his whole life for it.
08:07I crouched down and buckled the collar around his throat.
08:10Clipped a leash to it.
08:12Tonight you're not the captain of anything.
08:14I said, you're my puppy.
08:15Don't move until I say so.
08:17His chest was heaving.
08:18He nodded.
08:19Use your words.
08:20Yes, ma'am.
08:21Bark for me.
08:22He hesitated for half a second.
08:23The mark flared red.
08:24He barked.
08:25I patted his head.
08:27Such a good boy.
08:28That night, I ate well.
08:30Next morning in class, Declan stood the entire lecture.
08:33Professor asked what was wrong.
08:35Declan rubbed his nose.
08:37Tired.
08:38Standing keeps me awake.
08:39Professor nodded approvingly.
08:41Such a dedicated student.
08:42His teammate next to him almost dropped his pen.
08:46After class, the guy leaned over.
08:48Dude, you smell like Bengay.
08:49What'd you hurt?
08:50Declan smacked the back of his head.
08:52Mind your business.
08:53Then the guy spotted me walking up.
08:54Opened his mouth to say something.
08:56Declan clamped a hand over it.
08:57Say one more word about Serena and I'll kill you.
08:59The teammate stared at him like he'd grown a second head.
09:01A month flew by.
09:02I got bored of Declan faster than I expected.
09:05Avery and I, on the other hand, became actual friends.
09:09I opened a dessert shop near campus and asked her to manage it.
09:13Declan behaved for a while.
09:14Then he got cocky again.
09:16One night I got too excited and accidentally let my suff of his tail slip out.
09:21He didn't freak.
09:24He grabbed the tip and kissed it.
09:27Baby, so you're a succubus.
09:29He thought he had leverage on me now.
09:31Used my tail to brush the succubus mark on his collarbone, smirking.
09:35Baby, you can't live without me now, can you?
09:38I nodded.
09:39It was just a temporary mark.
09:41He didn't need to know that.
09:43Declan took it seriously.
09:45That night, one of his teammates sent me a screenshot of their group chat.
09:49As if I'd ever actually fall for Serena.
09:51Sukwit Labida is insane.
09:52I just felt bad nobody else can handle her.
09:54Serena, when you dump him, give me a shot.
09:56I couldn't even tell those frat boys apart.
09:58They all dressed like peacocks.
09:59I wrote back.
10:00Send a pic.
10:01His pic was carefully posed.
10:03Face was decent.
10:05Nose wasn't sharp enough.
10:06Under 8 inches.
10:08Don't bother.
10:09I turn 20 next week.
10:10Plenty mature.
10:11I meant inches.
10:13Then I blocked him.
10:14Couldn't have asked for better timing.
10:16I forwarded the group chat to Declan.
10:18We're done.
10:19Guys like Declan never apologize.
10:21Took him forever to text back.
10:23You'll regret this.
10:24I don't do second chances.
10:26Funny.
10:27Neither do I.
10:28Newer boys taste better.
10:29The voices were back.
10:30Declan still hung up on Avery.
10:33Serena's just a placeholder.
10:34Feel bad for Serena.
10:36All that money and looks.
10:37And she still can't buy a guy's love.
10:39Love?
10:40What was that worth?
10:41Money and looks, though.
10:43Those I had plenty of.
10:44My parents worked non-stop when I was a kid.
10:47I grew up in our mansion with the housekeeper.
10:50Out of guilt, they gave me whatever I wanted.
10:53My bank balance never dipped below seven figures.
10:56During my edgy phase, I posted on Instagram,
10:58I don't need money.
10:59I need love.
11:00Mom and dad saw it and got me a companion.
11:02His name was Caleb.
11:04Officially, he was just my companion.
11:05Everyone in our circle knew he was actually meant to be my fiancé.
11:08Caleb was sweet.
11:09He let me get away with everything.
11:11Cleaned up every mess I made without complaint.
11:42Then one day, he was gone.
11:43Calm eyes.
11:45Calm eyes.
11:45He looked grown.
11:46My heart stopped.
11:48Caleb.
11:48Caleb.
11:49My parents' gift to me.
11:50My first love who vanished without a word years ago,
11:53leaving me with nothing but a cold mansion and a heart full of holes.
11:56His face lit up when he saw me.
11:58Those soft eyes curved up at the corners.
12:01Serena.
12:01It's been a while.
12:02The old Caleb was a servant in my parents' house.
12:05This Caleb looked like he owned the city.
12:06I gave him a polite smile.
12:08Been a while.
12:09I had new menu items to talk over with Avery.
12:12Told Caleb to wait at a table.
12:14By the time I came back out,
12:16Declan had shown up too.
12:18Worse.
12:18He was already in Caleb's face.
12:20So this is why she dumped me?
12:22Declan was furious.
12:24You're the one moving in on her behind my back.
12:26Caleb stayed calm.
12:27I was here long before you.
12:28She broke up with you.
12:29You should respect that.
12:30Declan's eyes went red.
12:31He grabbed the water glass off the table and threw it at Caleb.
12:35Shameless old creep.
12:36Water ran down Caleb's face into his collar.
12:38The white shirt went transparent.
12:40A mark showed through over his chest.
12:42I walked up and slapped Declan across the face.
12:44The whole cafe went silent.
12:46Declan looked at me like I'd shot him.
12:48Tears welled up in his eyes and started rolling down.
12:51Serena, you hit me.
12:53For this old guy?
12:54I stared at him.
12:55He is three years older than you.
12:57Get a grip.
12:59A six foot five hockey captain crying at me.
13:02I'll admit, for half a second, I felt bad.
13:06Caleb spoke up behind me.
13:07Soft as ever.
13:09Serena, don't fight with him.
13:10I'm fine.
13:11The water wasn't hot.
13:13The mark on my chest is nothing.
13:15People were starting to gather.
13:16I grabbed both of them and dragged them into the back office.
13:20Tossed Declan a tissue.
13:21Wipe your face.
13:22You're embarrassing yourself.
13:23Pressed a few more against Caleb's chest.
13:25You too.
13:26Shirt see-through.
13:28Caleb winced.
13:29Then his face went smooth again.
13:30I caught it.
13:31You actually got hurt?
13:33Caleb shook his head.
13:34It's nothing.
13:34Declan's eyes got even redder.
13:36Serena, you're really picking him over me?
13:39I shot him a look.
13:40You started it.
13:41And we're broken up.
13:42Clinging doesn't work on me.
13:43Sound familiar?
13:44His own words boomeranging back.
13:46He looked stunned.
13:48Then his face twisted.
13:49Serena, you're gonna regret this.
13:52Caleb got in the car with me.
13:54I had a first aid kit in the back.
13:56Unbutton it.
13:57Let me see.
13:58Caleb smiled.
13:59Soft as always.
14:00His fingers were long.
14:02He worked the button slowly.
14:03Below his collarbone was a clear suffocat mark.
14:06It was a tattoo.
14:07Fresh.
14:07The edges were still red and a little swollen.
14:10Why would you tattoo that?
14:11I asked.
14:12Caleb looked me in the eyes.
14:13His voice dropped low.
14:16I took a tattoo class for this.
14:18All these years, no one's touched my skin except a doctor.
14:22Then I remembered.
14:23Before my succulocyte woke up, my symptoms looked exactly like severe touch starvation.
14:29Back then, Caleb was my cure.
14:31The next two weeks, Caleb and Declan were both peeking like their lives depended on it.
14:37Caleb heard my housekeeper was on vacation.
14:40Showed up at my door.
14:41With groceries.
14:42Years apart and his cooking had leveled up.
14:44He'd also gotten clumsy.
14:45Splashed water on his shirt and just took it off.
14:47Cooked shirtless under a pink apron.
14:49Every move he made was a thirst trap.
14:51Wide back.
14:53V-line.
14:54The apron strings cinched around his waist were straight out of a romance novel.
15:00And the second he was gone, Caleb and Declan came knocking.
15:05Declan's eyes were bloodshot.
15:07Serena.
15:08You don't have a heart.
15:10Caleb looked devastated.
15:12Serena.
15:12I'm the most mature one.
15:13I don't fight.
15:14But I should come first.
15:16Declan lost it.
15:17You're three years older than me.
15:18Who are you calling mature?
15:18Were you ever officially her boyfriend?
15:20I had two months.
15:21Two real months.
15:21My head was about to split open.
15:23Honestly, my Succavilla ancestors used to do polyamory.
15:27They scrapped the system because the men kept scheming on each other for attention.
15:31Take your fight outside.
15:34My voice went cold.
15:36Both of them shut up immediately.
15:38That night Harlan called for our usual goodnight routine.
15:40His voice was deep, hypnotic, like a siren's.
15:43I half melted and somehow agreed to marry him.
15:46Honestly, Harlan was perfect.
15:48Looks, body, stamina, everything top tier.
15:51My parents flew back from overseas.
15:53I told them about the engagement.
15:56Mom looked surprised.
15:57Years ago, we tried to set you up with Julian Wells, the head of the family.
16:01Sucubi and Merman both have strong drives.
16:03It was supposed to be the perfect match.
16:04But you said you had a thing about big tails.
16:06So we dropped it.
16:07Now you're marrying the brother?
16:09That's when it clicked.
16:10I'd been so wrapped up in Kaler back then, I made up some excuse to bail.
16:13No wonder Julian had been giving me attitude about the tail.
16:16Kind of awkward, looking back.
16:18News of my engagement to Harlan got around.
16:21Declan tried to crash my place twice.
16:23Bodyguards throw him out both times.
16:25After that, he'd show up at frat parties, drink himself stupid, hug a bottle and sob.
16:30His teammates couldn't take it.
16:32They came to me for help.
16:33One night, I happened to run into him at a bar off campus.
16:36Walked over and slapped him twice to wake him up.
16:38Declan's eyes focused on me.
16:40He cried harder.
16:41Then weirdly looked thrilled.
16:42Serena, you hit me again!
16:43Does that mean you're forgiving me?
16:45His teammates' jaws hit the floor.
16:46I waved them off.
16:48Get this disaster out of here.
16:52Declan, meanwhile, went quiet for a few days.
16:56Then started bombing my phone with messages.
16:59I blocked one number.
17:00He switched to another.
17:02Serena, I screwed up.
17:03Forgive me one time.
17:05I swear I won't talk shit again.
17:06I was so wrong.
17:07I thought I liked Avery.
17:08The minute you left, I knew it was you.
17:10Baby, punish me.
17:12I bought the paddle, the leather strap, the cane.
17:14All those outfits you like, I got those too.
17:16I blocked him again.
17:17That night, Avery texted.
17:19She'd run into Declan and Caleb at the campus gym.
17:22They were stacking weights like they were trying to kill each other.
17:25She said the testosterone in the place was about to set off the sprinklers.
17:29She added,
17:30Serena, one's a sneaky pretty boy.
17:33The other's a meathead.
17:34Have your fun.
17:35But for a real partner, look elsewhere.
17:38I stared at the screen.
17:39Wait, when did Avery turn into my biggest hype woman?
17:42Declan and Caleb's little pissing contest was driving me crazy.
17:45I needed peace.
17:46So I took my family's yacht out to fish for the day.
17:49Open water everywhere.
17:50I stretched out on a deck chair.
17:52Fishing rods set up beside me.
17:53Then I actually caught something big.
17:55A merman.
17:56When the crew dragged him onto the deck, his fin was bleeding.
18:00Lean upper body.
18:01Abneb's cut.
18:02His face looked mixed race.
18:03Striking.
18:04He stared at me.
18:05Total guard up.
18:06Yeah, I'd never seen this kind before.
18:08I sailed back the same day with him on board.
18:11I owned more property than I could count.
18:14I picked an island house with an outdoor pool and set him up there.
18:18Took care of him myself for a few days until he stopped flinching when I came near.
18:23At night, I kept feeling something hard under my pillow.
18:27I lifted it.
18:29There were pearls underneath.
18:31Big.
18:32Smooth.
18:33Perfect.
18:35On day 7, he finally spoke.
18:37Told me his name was Harlan.
18:38Lately, I'd been getting that feeling.
18:40Like something was watching me in the dark.
18:41The air felt damp.
18:42So I checked the bedroom security footage.
18:45Turned out Harlan had been crawling into my bed every night.
18:48Just stared at me.
18:50Sometimes caught the pearls falling from his face.
18:53Apparently, Mermaine cried pearls when they were emotional.
18:56Every time he kissed me on the cheek, he tucked another pearl under my pillow.
19:00Dark and sweet at the same time.
19:02Next day, I sat Harlan down to watch the security footage with me.
19:06Caught red-handed.
19:07His ears went bright red.
19:10I...
19:10I cupped his ears with both hands.
19:12Felt how hot-bought they were.
19:14Which naughty little fish was sneaking into bed?
19:17Harlan dropped his eyes.
19:18Me.
19:19What happens to bad fish?
19:20They get punished.
19:21I smiled.
19:22Hooked my arm around his neck and kissed him.
19:24The second our lips touched, he started shaking.
19:26His lower half had been legs all morning.
19:28From sheer oversemination, it shifted back into a massive blue tail.
19:32The tail flicked up.
19:34Harlan covered my eyes with his hand and kissed me harder.
19:36His technique was clumsy.
19:38I liked it more than I expected.
19:40When I pulled back, Harlan ticked his lips, eyes glassy.
19:43Serena, I think this was a reward.
19:46I smiled and didn't answer.
19:48Once Harlan got the hang of switching to legs, he basically lived in the kitchen.
19:53Cooking was his thing.
19:54He nailed every American classic, and he'd still look up at me with watery eyes and say
19:59he wanted to be my puppy.
20:01Basically, Declan and Caleb mashed into one.
20:03Wild and sneaky.
20:05What I didn't know was that while I was hiding out at the island house with Harlan, the Wells
20:09family was tearing up the entire coast looking for their missing son, and Declan and Caleb
20:14were losing their minds trying to find me too.
20:17I brought Harlan back to my main estate.
20:20That same night, the Wells family found us.
20:23The current head, Julian Wells, walked in with a squad of bodyguards and demanded his
20:28brother.
20:29Julian was Harlan's older brother.
20:31He leaned on a black Ubud cane and stared at me like he wanted to throw me out.
20:36So you're the one who took my brother.
20:40Harlan came running in and stepped between us.
20:43Julian, she didn't take me.
20:46I went with Serena because I wanted to.
20:49Why'd you bring all these guards?
20:51You'll scare her.
20:52The bodyguards exchanged looks.
20:53Scare her?
20:54Julian glared at his brother.
20:55You idiot.
20:56She used you and you're still defending her.
20:58There's another guy outside the wall watching for her right now.
21:00You really think you're the only one?
21:02Out beyond the wall, Declan was on the phone with Caleb.
21:04What the hell?
21:05We're out here losing our minds and she's already got someone new?
21:07Inside, Julian smirked.
21:10Your Serena gets around.
21:12Love's a new toy every week.
21:15Harlan threw his shoulders back.
21:17Eyes clear.
21:18Then I'm the favorite toy.
21:20Harlan kept going.
21:22Julian, go set up the wedding.
21:23I'm getting engaged to Serena.
21:25Move first, win first.
21:26I want to be her legal husband.
21:28I was way too into Harlan to argue.
21:30So, whatever insults Julia threw at me, I just took them.
21:34Standing behind Harlan, I snuck a finger around his.
21:36His hand was cool, smooth.
21:37Then I looked up, right into Julian's deep green eyes.
21:40Not scared of fishtails anymore?
21:41Sounded like he was talking to me.
21:43Couldn't tell what he meant.
21:44I blinked.
21:44Lost.
21:45Harlan caught it though.
21:46Julian, knock it off.
21:47Serena says my tail is the prettiest one she's ever seen.
21:50She loves it.
21:51Julian scoffed.
21:52Rolled his eyes at me.
21:54Sure.
21:54In the end, Julian dragged Harlan home anyway.
22:00And the second he was gone, Caleb and Declan came knocking.
22:06Declan's eyes were bloodshot.
22:07Serena, you don't have a heart.
22:10Caleb looked devastated.
22:12Serena, I'm the most mature one.
22:13I don't fight, but I should come first.
22:16Declan lost it.
22:17You're three years older than me.
22:18Who are you calling mature?
22:19Were you ever officially her boyfriend?
22:20I had two months.
22:21Two real months.
22:21My head was about to split open.
22:23Honestly, my Succavilla ancestors used to do polyamory.
22:27They scrapped the system because the men kept scheming on each other for attention.
22:31Take your fight outside.
22:34My voice went cold.
22:36Both of them shut up immediately.
22:38That night, Harlan called for our usual goodnight routine.
22:40His voice was deep, hypnotic, like a siren's.
22:43I half melted and somehow agreed to marry him.
22:46Honestly, Harlan was perfect.
22:48Looks, body, stamina, everything top tier.
22:51My parents flew back from overseas.
22:53I told them about the engagement.
22:56Mom looked surprised.
22:57Years ago, we tried to set you up with Julian Wells, the head of the family.
23:01Sucubi and Merman both have strong drives.
23:03It was supposed to be the perfect match.
23:04But you said you had a thing about big tails.
23:07So we dropped it.
23:07Now you're marrying the brother?
23:09That's when it clicked.
23:10I'd been so wrapped up in Kaler back then, I made up some excuse to bail.
23:13No wonder Julian had been giving me attitude about the tail.
23:17Kind of awkward, looking back.
23:18News of my engagement to Harlan got around.
23:21Declan tried to crash my place twice.
23:23Bodyguards throw him out both times.
23:25After that, he'd show up at frat parties, drink himself stupid, hug a bottle and sob.
23:31His teammates couldn't take it.
23:32They came to me for help.
23:33One night, I happened to run into him at a bar off campus.
23:36Walked over and slapped him twice to wake him up.
23:38Declan's eyes focused on me.
23:40He cried harder, then weirdly looked thrilled.
23:42Serena, you hit me again.
23:44Does that mean you're forgiving me?
23:45His teammates' jaws hit the floor.
23:47I waved them off.
23:48Get this disaster out of here.
23:52Caleb, by comparison, was quiet.
23:54He just bought the property next to my estate and moved in.
23:58His yard was full of red roses, my favorite.
24:01He'd stand on his balcony and stare at my bedroom window.
24:04Every morning, a fresh rose appeared in my mailbox.
24:07One day, I caught Caleb in the act.
24:09He froze, eyes down.
24:11Serena.
24:12Caleb, I'm getting engaged.
24:15His face filled with pain.
24:17I know.
24:18Why did you leave back then?
24:20No goodbye, nothing.
24:21I was nothing back then.
24:23Just your companion.
24:24I wanted to come back as someone worthy of you.
24:26Why didn't you say goodbye?
24:27I couldn't watch you cry.
24:28His voice cracked.
24:30One tear and I'd never have left.
24:32I laughed softly.
24:32The truth wasn't kind.
24:34Caleb, if you hadn't left, no one else would have had a chance.
24:36The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.
24:39He looked like his entire world just collapsed.
24:41After a long pause, he whispered,
24:43Serena, I was wrong.
24:44The voices started screaming in my head again.
24:46Ouch!
24:47Right in the heart.
24:48He deserved it.
24:49Should have thought twice before ghosting her.
24:51Watching these golden boys lose their minds for her.
24:54Iconic.
24:55Harren handled all the engagement party planning.
24:58I had nothing to do.
24:59Avery was pouring everything into the business.
25:02Under her, my shop expanded into seven locations.
25:05She was way more interested in money than in men.
25:08The seventh location had a problem.
25:10There was a small dessert shop right across the street.
25:13Business had been bad.
25:14After we opened, it died completely.
25:16The owner started showing up drunk to make scenes.
25:19I happened to be there checking on the new shop.
25:21He took one look at me and Avery and decided we were easy targets.
25:24Started smashing stuff.
25:25My security threw him out.
25:27I called the cops.
25:28He spent the night in jail.
25:29I figured it was over.
25:32Day before my engagement party,
25:34I was leaving the stylist studio when a van came barreling at me.
25:38Something hit me hard from the side.
25:39Shoved me out of the way.
25:41I heard a sickening crunch.
25:42Caleb left the phone.
25:46My ears were ringing.
25:48Caleb!
25:48I ran.
25:49That van wasn't out of control.
25:51It was aimed at me.
25:52The driver was the dessert shop owner.
25:54When he realized he'd hit the wrong target, he froze.
25:57Then his face twisted and he reached for the gas pedal again.
26:00Black SUV swarmed in and boxed him in.
26:02My security yanked him out before he could move.
26:04The ambulance screamed up.
26:06They loaded Caleb in and rushed him to the hospital.
26:11I waited outside the OR.
26:12My fingers had gone numb.
26:14A warm hand wrapped around mine.
26:16I looked up.
26:17Harlan.
26:17Serena.
26:18He's gonna be okay.
26:19Yeah.
26:20A long while later, they wheeled Caleb out.
26:22Doctor said he'd live.
26:23But his legs were in bad shape.
26:25He might not walk again.
26:26Recovery would tell.
26:27While I sat with Caleb, I had my assistant pull a background check.
26:30Caleb's situation back in his real family was a mess.
26:33Three half-siblings circled him like sharks.
26:35He'd clawed back his share and broken off on his own.
26:39There was no way I was leaving him to deal with this alone.
26:42Harlan was unbelievably chill about it.
26:44Serena.
26:45I had Julian cancel the engagement party.
26:48When Caleb's back on his feet, I'll compete for you fair and square.
26:51He cupped my cheek.
26:52Eyes steady.
26:53I know I'm the best man for the job.
26:55I squeezed his hand and shut my eyes.
26:59Caleb came home from the hospital different.
27:01Darker.
27:02Quieter.
27:02I hired the best rehab team for him.
27:04His house was right next to mine.
27:06Easy to drop in.
27:07At first, he was wrecked.
27:08I frowned at him.
27:09If I hear that defeatist crap one more time, I'm gone.
27:12I'll keep you set for life, but you'll never see me again.
27:15That snapped him out of it.
27:16He tried to push up out of the wheelchair.
27:18Forgot his legs were dead.
27:19Crashed to the floor.
27:21Didn't care about the pain.
27:22Crawled to me and grabbed my legs.
27:23This calm, mature man, eyes full of tears.
27:26His hands shook as they climbed up.
27:27He locked his arms around my waist and looked up, begging.
27:30Don't say that.
27:33Please, Serena.
27:34No woman alive could turn down Caleb like this.
27:37Right then, Harlan walked in from next door.
27:40He looked at Caleb on the floor, voice flat.
27:42Serena, coming home for dinner?
27:44Haran strolled over, grabbed Caleb by the collar like a stray cat, and tossed him back on the bed.
27:49Cut the soap opera, Caleb.
27:50It's embarrassing.
27:51Caleb's mouth twidged.
27:53Haran was not happy about my constant trips next door to take care of Caleb.
27:56I figured my merman puppy needed some extra attention.
27:59Next morning, I found Harlan moving his stuff into Caleb's house.
28:02He was tying on an apron and unloading groceries.
28:05Looked a little uncomfortable.
28:06You shouldn't have to run back and forth, Serena.
28:08Too much for you.
28:09I'm moving in.
28:10Honestly, so understanding.
28:12I almost felt guilty.
28:14Caleb cleared his throat from the bed and chimed in for the first time ever.
28:18I misjudged Mr. Wells.
28:19He's actually a very generous and considerate guy.
28:23A few months later, Caleb's legs were getting better.
28:27He could stand with braces.
28:30Declan got wind that Caleb was milking the injury for sympathy.
28:34After my security tossed him out yet again, he climbed the wall in the middle of the night,
28:38burst into my bedroom, eyes red.
28:40Why him?
28:40Just because his legs are broken?
28:42Serena, if that's the deal, I'll break all three of mine.
28:44My head was pounding.
28:45If I'd known this hockey captain was this much of a mess, I never would have touched him.
28:49Right then, Harlan walked in, with Julian.
28:52Harlan looked at me carefully.
28:54Serena, my brother's been sick.
28:57He says he's lonely.
28:59There's no point in living.
29:00I'm worried about him.
29:01Can he stay with us a few days?
29:03Julian carried himself like he owned the room.
29:05His green eyes locked onto mine.
29:07What he said next floored me.
29:09Miss Serena, just consider me a bonus that comes with this engagement.
29:15Declan completely lost it, pointed at Julian.
29:17He gets to cut the line, too?
29:19Julian shot him a smug little smile.
29:21I gave up.
29:23Flopped on the couch and closed my eyes.
29:25Fine.
29:26Whatever.
29:29Three was a crowd.
29:30Four was just right.
29:32Tch.
29:33Only four.
29:34I could probably handle it.
29:37A few months later, Caleb's legs were getting better.
29:40He could stand with braces.
29:43Declan got wind that Caleb was milking the injury for sympathy.
29:47After my security tossed him out yet again, he climbed the wall in the middle of the night,
29:51burst into my bedroom, eyes red.
29:53Why him?
29:54Just because his legs are broken?
29:55Serena, if that's the deal, I'll break all three of mine.
29:58My head was pounding.
29:59If I'd known this hockey captain was this much of a mess, I never would have touched him.
30:02Right then, Harlan walked in with Julian.
30:05Harlan looked at me carefully.
30:07Serena.
30:09My brother's been sick.
30:11He says he's lonely.
30:12There's no point in living.
30:14I'm worried about him.
30:15Can he stay with us a few days?
30:16Julian carried himself like he owned the room.
30:19His green eyes locked onto mine.
30:20What he said next floored me.
30:22Miss Serena.
30:24Just consider me a bonus that comes with this engagement.
30:28Declan completely lost it.
30:30Pointed at Julian.
30:31He gets to cut the line too?
30:32Julian shot him a smug little smile.
30:35I gave up.
30:36Flopped on the couch and closed my eyes.
30:39Fine.
30:40Whatever.
30:42Three was a crowd.
30:44Four was just right.
30:46Only four.
30:47I could probably handle it.
Comments