Pyke novel Chapter 9

He’s not bad as I thought he was, but still, the flirtiness and cockiness are his best charms. He doesn’t leave me alone without a single remark. He’s also funny and cheerful.

I want to consider his offer, and he’s right, it’s only a one-time photoshoot then I will have ten thousand bucks in my account.

“What took you two so long?” Kyland asks as I place three boxes of pizza into our small granite kitchen island.

“I’m sorry, man. We bumped into Xandry at the pizzeria,” Pyke answers, placing two plastic bags beside the pizza boxes.

“Why did you not invite him over?”

“I didn’t bother him. What is he doing in the neighborhood anyway?” Pyke smirks that something the two of them will understand.

“Uh, I got it,” Kyland murmurs.

My brows meet, but I remain silent. I start opening the cupboard to take some plates, then I walk to our round table.

Bianca comes over, giving me an inquisitive look. “Need help, Cam?”

“Later, B.”

We decide to watch The Other Woman after our late lunch causing Pyke and Kyland to release a disapproval groan in unison.

“Why don’t we watch a football match instead?” Pyke suggests.

I look at him who is sitting on a single sofa from my left. “I’m not a fan.”

His brow cocks. “Really? But your voice is louder than the stadium.”

“But your assholeness is worse than the Super Bowl, Pyke Kennan!”

“Did you google my name?”

“Like I will waste my time.”

“Wow, how did you know then?”

“Why does it matter?”

“You’re interested in me.”

“I should have—” I pause and look at Kyland who is now glaring at me. Meg and Bianca are doing the same. Why are they all on his side?

“Should have what?” Pyke asks and stands up. He gestures for me to move and give him a space on the couch. My body follows before I think that he wants to sit beside me.

“Are we going to watch this goddamn movie or you two will continue bickering?” My cousin’s annoying tone makes me stop.

“Play that damn thing, and let’s watch,” Pyke agrees.

“It’s a movie, and not a damn thing, Pyke,” Meg barks. She’s a Rom-com fan. Bianca and I love romantic movies and cry our eyes out when the leads go separate ways.

“Sorry to hurt your feelings, babe, but that movie is trash,” Pyke retorts.

“That’s harsh!” I say, hitting his thigh.

“Whoa! You’re not only a cantankerous but also abusive!” His eyes widen, glittering with humor.

I ignore his lips spreading into a smile and focus my eyes on the TV screen when the introduction starts to roll. It’s hard to concentrate especially now he’s sitting beside me.

“Good to know you like kinky,” he whispers into my ear.

Goosebumps start crawling up my skin. My heart hammers in my chest to feel his warm breaths caressing the sensitive area on my neck.

“I’ll make some popcorn,” Kyland volunteers and walks toward the kitchen.

Bianca raises her hand. “Let me help.”

“I need to pee.” Megan stands up. Seriously, Meg? Her excuse makes my brow lift.

“Do I need to pause the movie?”

“No need. It won’t take long,” Bianca answers.

Pyke looks around then speaks, “Think about my offer, Camila.”

I look at him. Something flickers in his eyes. Anticipation? “Just give me time, okay?”

“Okay.” He beams at me—so breathtaking.

“Just don’t tell anyone,” I whisper.

“You have my word.”

“What are you going to do with that?”

“I’ll hang it on the wall,” he answers, rolling his eyes. “I thought it’s cool to have a picture with a woman.”

“But why me?”

“You asked that many times, and I answered that I like you.” His answer makes me look at him in the eyes.

“What I mean I like you to be the woman with me in a photograph,” he corrects. His throat bobs as he swallows.

God, even his throat is sexy. What’s wrong with me?

“But I don’t like you.” That’s not entirely true. I mean let’s face it, he’s a very attractive guy, but he’s a playboy. There is nothing wrong to admire a playboy, right?

“You will like me, Camila.” His gaze pins on me, heat flickers in his eyes. “Sooner, you will end up being mine.”

My heart thunders. My breathing quickens with the word ‘mine’. He travels his eyes down to my lips, and I swallow hard and have to avert my gaze to the TV screen.

Don’t fall for his charm, Cam. He’s not good for you.

“Sit straight, Pyke. You’re heavy.” I push his shoulder away when he leans his body on me.

“Shush, I’m watching.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Babe, just watch, okay?” He rests his head against my shoulder.

Meg silently comes back to her seat. Bianca’s giggling from the kitchen makes me tilt my head.

“Don’t move, and leave them alone.” Pyke holds my arm.

It feels good. His warmth envelops me. My entire body screams with anticipation. My heartbeat accelerates. I let my gaze wander down at his beautiful face—he’s right, he’s watching—eyes focus on the screen.