๐๐ฐ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ ๐
๐๐ญ๐
๐๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ค ๐ฑ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ
โงa physiotherapist, joins Liverpool to get away from her past. Only to find Virgil Van Dijk, her former patient and conflict, has joined a year later. As they're forced to work together, lingering feelings and unresolved tension lead to a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance filled with workplace drama and passion.
The air is thick with the scent of sweat and the faint echo of weights clanking as Luis and Virgil sit across from each other on the benches. The tension from their joint gym session still lingers, but now, there's a different kind of quiet between them.
Luis wipes his forehead with a towel and tosses it over his shoulder. "Hey, Virgil," he starts casually, "if you ever need to just unwind, you're welcome to come by mine and y/n place. You know, just chill play some FIFA, 2k, watch a movie or whatever. Y/n and I usually chill like that."
Virgil glances over at him, clearly interested, giving a small smile. "Yeah? I might take you up on that. I'm still getting used to everything here. New place, new people."
Luis smirks, leaning back a little. "I get it. Moving to Liverpoolโs a whole thing. But if you ever want to go out, you've got the best guide right here. I know all the best spots in the city, clubs, restaurants, the works. Trust me, if you want to have fun, you won't be disappointed."
Virgil tilts his head slightly, studying Luis for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I believe that. You seem like the type who knows where the party's at."
Luis watches him carefully, as Virgik closes his eyes, feeling out the moment. Luis decides to take the plunge.
"The women here are different than in Southampton."
Virgil opened his eyes, glancing at him.
Luis grinned. "It's like... the Liverpool style is a whole other level. Not that I'm complaining, of course."
Virgil chuckled softly, the sound rich with amusement. "You mean the women here are less... how do I put it? Bold?"
Luis let out a loud laugh. "Exactly! Southamptons women know what they want. They'll tell you, no hesitation. Here, it's all... games." He shrugged, then looked at Virgil from the corner of his eye.
"Come on, man, you must've had your fair share?"
Virgil chuckled, but there was a trace of something guarded in his smile. "I've had my fair share, yeah. But you're right. It's different here. In Southampton , you don't have to chase anyone. You just have to show up."
Luis nodded, understanding. "Right. It's easy. But here, you have to work for it. Play the game." He looked at Virgil knowingly. "Not that you have to. You're Virgil. You could have anyone, anywhere."
Virgilโs face softened slightly, the smile barely there. "I don't know. Maybe l've been more focused on other things lately."
"Focused on what?" Luis then decided to test the waters. "I've seen there's one woman in particula I'm sure you've noticed."
Luis lets the words linger in the air, watching Virgilโs reaction carefully.
"Who's that?" Virgil finally asks, keeping his tone flat, but Luis catches the slight change in his voice.
Luis smiles inwardly. He leans forward just a bit, dropping his voice to a more conspiratorial tone.
"You know who I mean. Y/N."
Your name hit Virgil like a quiet punch to the gut.
He didn't say anything for a beat, but his body stiffened slightly, his fingers tapping on the bench as if trying to stay composed.
"Y/N?" Virgil asked, his voice more controlled than before.
Luis didn't miss the change in his tone. He continued casually, like they were discussing the weather. "Yeah. She's, uh... well, you know her. You've worked with her a lot, right?"
Virgil didn't look at him immediately, but the subtle shift in his posture made it clear that the conversation was taking a turn. "I know her. She's... good at her job." He said it like it was just another fact, but Luis wasn't fooled.
"Y/N.." Virgil repeats, his gaze moving away for just a second, as if thinking it over. "She's... she's a good physiotherapist."
"So, I guess she's pretty easy to get along with, huh?" Luis asked, his tone light.
Virgil finally glanced at him, his jaw tightening ever so slightly. "She's... professional. Yeah."
Luis chuckled, sensing his opening. "Professional, yeah. But come on, man, there's got to be more to it than that. Have you seen her? I mean, she's stunning."
Virgilโs expression tightened again, and this time, his eyes met Luis's with a flicker of something unspoken. "She's fine."
Luis grinned. "Fine? She's more than fine, my friend." He leaned in, dropping his voice to a mock whisper. "She's got that whole... quiet confidence. The kind of woman who doesn't need to make a scene, but when she walks in a room."
Virgil didn't respond immediately, but his fingers, which had been tapping against the bench, now stilled. He didn't meet Luis's gaze, instead focusing on a random spot on the wall.
Luis couldn't help but press further. "She's got that thing, you know? That air about her. That thing where everyone's drawn to her but she doesn't try too hard."
There was another long silence, and Luis could feel the weight of it hanging between them.
"Yeah, I guess she's good at her job" Virgil responds.
Luis still pretends to be casual, but he can see the flicker of something in Virgilโs eyes, a small crack in his indifference. "Yeah, she's amazing at what she does. But, you know, she's more than just her job, right?" Luis lets the words hang in the air, watching Virgil carefully. "I mean, have you seen her? Her body, her face, pretty lips... She's insane."
Virgil doesn't respond immediately, but his eyes narrow just slightly, and Luis can tell he's processing every word.
"She's definitely... something else," Virgil says, his voice now carrying a hint of something deeper, but still guarded.
Luis can't help himself. He was loving his reaction. He decides to lean into it. "Honestly, though, we've been best friends for a while, and just between the two of us.. well, we've got a little thing going. You know, we both have needs. It's physical, but we're keeping it casual though, nothing serious. Best friends, you know? We both have needs." He didn't look at Virgil as he spoke, letting the words hang in the air between them.
"Just a physical thing, really. Keeps things uncomplicated."
At this, Virgilโs face stiffens, his jaw tightening even more. His fingers twitch, but he keeps his eyes locked on Luis, trying to maintain control.
Luis leans back, noticing the way Virgilโs trying to mask his reaction. "But, yeah, she's something special. And you wouldn't be the first to notice, you know? Some of the other guys on the team, they've got a bit of a thing for her too."
Virgilโs eyes flicker towards the other players in the gym briefly with something jealousy, maybe.
He shifts uncomfortably in his seat, but he doesn't speak.
Luis smiles to himself. He can see Virgilโs body language betraying him, even though he's trying to remain composed. Virgil doesn't want to show it, but Luis knows he's stirring something in him.
There was another long silence, and Luis could feel the weight of it hanging between them.
"So, are you seeing anyone?" Luis asked, his voice suddenly dropping lower, quieter.
Virgil glanced up at him, his face unreadable. "I don't know. Maybe. Not really sure, though."
Luis, sensing an opening, leaned back casually and threw out his next comment as if it was no big deal. "Well, you know... l've been seeing Y/N exclusively for a good few months now."
Virgilโs head snapped towards him so quickly it was almost comical. "You're... really seeing her?"
Luis shrugged nonchalantly. Luis keeps his voice casual, as though it's no big deal. "We're both adults, right? And she's great in bed. Have you ever seen her? She's got that ass, Virgil. I love putting her in doggy. But, hey, missionary's not bad either, her face is just too good not to watch."
Virgil was visibly thrown off, his whole body stiffening in surprise. He didn't speak at first, just stared at Luis, as if processing the information.
Luis shot him a sidelong glance, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Yeah. I mean, she's amazing. But she's not someone you'd want to get too attached to, you know?"
Virgil didn't answer, his lips pressing together in a tight line. There was something about the way he held himself now, as if something had shifted inside him. He leaned back against the bench, arms folded, eyes distant.
After a long moment, Virgil spoke, though his voice was quieter than before. "You two... really... keep it casual?"
Luis grinned. "Exactly. No strings attached. But you know how it is."
Virgilโs jaw tightened again, and for a moment, Luis could have sworn he saw something like disappointment flicker in his eyes before he masked it with a nonchalant shrug.
"Well," Virgil said, trying to sound unaffected, "I'm sure that works for you." He glanced at Luis with a subtle smirk. "Good luck with that."
Luis didn't push further, letting the comment hang in the air. He could see the gears turning in Virgil head, the silent calculations, the confusion wrapped up in layers of pride. He wanted to press further, to figure out what was going on.
"So," Luis says, dragging out the word, " Would you ever go for it? I mean, she's not exactly someone you can just... forget about, you know?"
His curiosity was getting the better of him. He lets the words roll off his tongue, watching Virgil for his next move.
Virgil stays silent for a moment, clearly battling with his thoughts. Finally, he looks up at Luis, trying to hold his gaze. "She's a great woman," he says, but there's something in his voice now,something that wasn't there before.
Luis leans in slightly, savoring the moment.
"Yeah, she is. You can tell just by the way she carries herself. And you'd be a fool not to go for it.There's just competition. But hey, no pressure. Just thought l'd let you know."
The silence hangs in the air for a long beat. Virgil shifts again, trying to mask his growing tension.
His gaze flickers away briefly, then back to Luis.
"I'll think about it," Virgil says finally, his voice low, his eyes betraying his inner conflict. "But, l don't know... doesn't sound like something l should jump into."
Luis can feel the game shifting, and he's enjoying every second of it. He decides to finish with one last poke.
"Of course. No pressure, man. But hey, if you change your mind, l'll be here. Y/N's not exactly hard to get to know." He leans back, his expression casual again. "You know where to find me if you want to hang out, maybe get some advice."
Virgil doesn't respond, but his fingers are tapping rhythmically on the bench now, and his body seems tense, like he's just been caught in something he's not quite ready to confront.
"Can I come over tonight?"
The soft glow of the TV flickers against the walls as you sink into the couch, scrolling mindlessly on your phone. The distant sound of game commentary fills the room. Luis is locked into a match of FIFA, muttering under his breath every time a play doesn't go his way.
"You got plans tonight?" he asks, his focus still on the screen as he maneuvers his players across the pitch.
"Yeah." You stretch your legs out, settling deeper into the cushions. "Going to bed early."
Luis lets out a hum of consideration, the sound of button mashing filling the air. "That's crazy."
You frown, glancing at him. "What?"
"That you'd make plans without consulting me."
You roll your eyes. "Consulting you? When do I need to consult you? Besides, sleep isn't plans. It's basic human function."
"Nope." Hands still tapping away at the controller.
"it's part of the code. Imagine if you had plans and I couldn't join you, WE would both be heartbroken. Or worse, imagine I had plans and I had to suffer alone without you." He shuddered.
"Consultation is always necessary and you can't sleep early tonight." He angles his body slightly, still not looking away from the game. "Virgilโs coming over."
You freeze, your fingers hovering over your screen. The words don't register immediately, or maybe you just don't want them to. Slowly, you look up. "I'm sorry, what?"
Luis's eyes remain glued to the screen. "I invited him over."
You blink, sitting up straighter. "Why?"
"Because," Luis says, voice too casual, "he doesn't really know anyone here properly yet, and I figured he could use some company."
You exhale sharply. "Luis."
"What?" His thumbs move swiftly over the controller, and you hear the commentators react to whatever just happened on-screen. "It's just FIFA, maybe a movie and takeaway. Chill."
"You should've asked me first."
Luis finally spares you a glance, his expression unreadable. "Would you have said yes?"
"No," you admit without hesitation.
"There you go." He shrugs like that's the end of the discussion.
You stare at him, irritation bubbling under your skin. "That's not the point."
"It kind of is," he says, hitting pause and turning to face you fully. "Look, Y/N, I get it. But the guy is still adjusting to a brand new city. He doesn't have anyone. And like it or not, you're one of the few familiar faces around."
You chew on the inside of your cheek. You want to argue, but there's a flicker of guilt now, disrupting the frustration. You inhale slowly before letting it out, shaking your head. "Fine."
Luis smirks. "That was easy."
You roll your eyes, reaching for a pillow and tossing it at him. He dodges it with ease, laughing.
"No, you don't." He unpauses the game, leaning back comfortably. "Speaking of things you'll hate..."
You groan, already regretting engaging. "What now?"
Luis doesn't answer immediately. He's grinning to himself, waiting. Letting the silence stretch just long enough for you to get impatient. Finally, he says, "I may have told Virgil we're dating."
Slowly, you lean forward. "You what?"
Luis clicks his tongue, still fully focused on the match. "Told him we're a thing. Casually seeing each other. Gave him details too. Doggy and missionary. No labels, just vibes." He grins at you, wriggling his eyebrows.
Your jaw drops, but before you can speak, a snort of laughter escapes you. You slap a hand over your mouth, but it's too late. Luis grins.
"You're sick," you say, shaking your head, trying to suppress another laugh.
You watch him for a beat, considering. Then, an idea strikes, slow and deliberate. You tilt your head. "So, how'd he react?"
Luis hums, like he's recalling something amusing.
"Said it was 'cool' Don't think he cared. Real nonchalant."
You had a pang of insecurity, you were about to dwell until you saw Luis' lips twitching causing you to narrow your eyes. "Liar."
Luis tilts his head, a slow, smug smile spreading across his face. "Alright, fine. Maybe he looked... mildly inconvenienced."
You press your lips together, a thrill of satisfaction running through you. Virgil affected is interesting. A Kylian who cares - probably just as affected as you - now that's something to work with.
"Okay," you say casually, inspecting your nails.
Luis pauses the game again, turning to you.
"You started this. Let's make it fun." You smirk.
"He's coming over, right? Maybe I sit a little closer to you. Laugh at all your jokes. Give him something to think about. Oh my God, let me sit on your lap."
Luis shakes his head immediately. "No. No, no, no. I only did that to test the waters to see his feelings. We are not playing that game."
"Because I like my life," he says flatly. "And I'd like to keep it."
You scoff. "Oh, please. What's he gonna do?"
Luis exhales sharply. "You don't poke a bear and expect to walk away unscratched."
You smirk. "Good thing I'm not scared of bears." Luis groans, throwing himself back against the couch. "You're actually insane."
You falter, but only for a second. Then you lift your chin. "If he's that bothered, maybe he should've been a better patient."
Luis groans loudly. "Y/n please stop acting like this is still about work. You're evil."
Luis rubs a hand over his face. "I should've just told him you were celibate."
You snort. "Too late now."
Luis sighs dramatically, picking his controller back up. "You're on your own with this one."
"Do you think he honestly believes it?"
"Hm true, you do act like a lost puppy when he's around. Wouldn't make sense if I was him." Luis said casually.
Your mouth gaped "that is not tru-" Luis gave you a pointed look that shut you up immediately.
Luis chuckles "Wanna bet? You have to pay for the takeaway and collect it, if he brings it up tonight."
You scoff. "Not a chance. Like you said he probably doesn't believe it."
Luis just grins. "We'll see."
You couldn't help it when you darted to your room after that. You weren't expecting to see him tonight, and yet now that he was coming over, you felt... what? Nervous? Excited? You weren't sure. But you knew one thing - you wanted to look good. For yourself, of course.
Your heart was pounding, and your mind was racing as you rummaged through your wardrobe.
You needed something sexy, but casual.
Something that would make you feel confident, even if no one was going to see it. It's for me, you reminded yourself. Nobody else.
After what felt like too long, you finally settled on a pair of leggings that accentuated your ass and a tank top that hugged the curves of your breasts just right. You wondered what Virgil would think of it. It wasn't over the top, but it was enough to make you feel... something. You couldn't quite place it, was it excitement? Nerves? Maybe both.
You moved to the mirror, deciding against a full face of makeup. No need to give Luis any more ammunition for teasing you. You kept it simple - mascara to bring out your eyes and a touch of lip oil for a subtle sheen. Nothing that would scream effort, but just enough to make you feel put together. And make him notice.
When you returned to the living room, carrying blankets for movie night, you felt a small sense of relief when Luis didn't comment on your sudden change of clothes or your shinier lips. He was too engrossed in his game, probably too distracted to notice anything.
"Did he say what time he's coming?" You kept your tone casual, even as your heart picked up the pace. You didn't want to sound too eager, but you couldn't help it. This was your place, your sanctuary. And he was finally coming here.
Luis glanced at his phone without looking away from the screen. "He said five minutes."
You felt a little thrill at the thought, though you didn't let it show. He was coming to your space now. The rules were different here. You could control this moment. Finally.
"Still can't believe you gave him our address. What if he's a serial killer?" You shook your head, half in disbelief, half in teasing.
Luis snorted, clearly unbothered. "What, you think the police will find our bodies next to his Ligue 1 trophies?"
You rolled your eyes, a teasing grin pulling at the corners of your mouth. "He could stuff us in his trophy cabinet, you never know."
The banter was familiar, but there was something under the surface now. A tension that hadn't been there before. Before you could say anything else, you heard a knock at the door.
As Luis got up to answer, you checked your appearance one last time in your phone, checking your curls weren't out of place. Your stomach fluttered in a way you hadn't expected.
Luis pulled open the door, stepping aside. The dim glow from the hallway cast a faint shadow across the floor as Virgil entered, his presence shifting the energy of the room.
"Glad you actually showed up. Thought you'd bail." Luis's voice was casual, but there was a teasing lilt to it.
Virgil grinned, his gaze drifting over the apartment as he took in the space, the soft glow of a floor lamp in the corner, the cluttered coffee table with half-empty wine glasses, the blankets you had just thrown over the couch. "And miss watching you embarrass yourself? No chance."
His eyes swept the room before landing on you.
You stayed perfectly still, fingers curling into the fabric of the blanket draped over your legs. The warmth of the room suddenly felt a little stifling, or maybe that was just the weight of his gaze. It wasn't obvious - Virgil was too controlled for that - but you caught the flicker of recognition, the way his gaze hesitated as it passed over the curve of your breasts and the bare skin of your shoulders.
You didn't react. Neither did he.
Luis grabbed the controller from the coffee table, breaking the moment. "You wanna play a round before the movie?"
Virgil smirked, stepping further inside. "You sure you want to lose before we even start?"
Luis groaned, already settling onto the couch.
"Why do I invite you places?"
Virgil slipped next to you while Luis took the other corner seat. You watched them slip into an easy rhythm, launching into a FIFA match like they'd done it a hundred times before. It was easy to forget that Luis and Virgil had spent months together now, long enough to build a comfortable back-and-forth.
The sound of the game filled the room, the clicking of buttons, the occasional curse under Luis's breath, the hum of background music. You shifted, sinking further into the couch, fingers curling around your drink as you observed.
Luis nudged Virgilโs knee without taking his eyes off the screen. "So, how's life in Liverpool? You lonely yet?"
You rolled your eyes at his obvious attempt to bait Virgil into asking about your 'relationship.'
Virgil barely reacted. "I'm fine."
Luis snorted. "That wasn't a no."
"Uh-huh. Made any friends?"
Virgil shot him a look. "You, unfortunately." Luis grinned. "You're welcome. What about -" he eyed up Virgil, "any special friends?"
You sipped your drink, waiting. Your ears perked to hear his response.
Virgil didn't flinch. "You offering?"
Luis burst out laughing. "I'm flattered, but unfortunately I'm straight and taken."
The words hung in the air.
Both of you looked at Virgil, waiting. You ignored the little insecurity in the back of your head. Did he not care?
He didn't even blink. "Good for you."
You resisted the urge to clench your fists.
Luis deflated. "Man, you are impossible.'
You bit the inside of your cheek to stop yourself from smiling at the idea you were going to win the bet. Even though you were silently praying you would lose.
Luis groaned and tossed the controller onto the couch. "I'm ordering food. Since someone didn't say anything, I guess I have to pay."
You shrugged. "Tough luck."
Luis scrolled through his phone, muttering about overpriced delivery fees, before moving to the sofa next to you and tapping you on the knee.
"What do you think, babe?" His voice was entirely too casual.
You nearly choked on your drink. "Huh?"
Luis gestured toward the phone, but his smirk told you this wasn't really about the food. "Your boyfriend is being really difficult."
Your eyes flickered to Virgil, but his expression didn't change. He was relaxed, leaned back into the couch, fingers tapping absently against the fabric.
You exhaled through your nose and forced a sweet smile. "He's always difficult." Did he really
Luis snorted. "That's an understatement."
Silence stretched between you and Virgil for a moment, just long enough for Luis to shoot you a look like, See? He's not saying anything.
Frustration simmering in you.
You and Luis had bet on this, on whether Virgil would acknowledge it, challenge it, even react.
Luis sighed dramatically. "Fine. I'll pay. But only because I'm a generous man."
A few minutes later, Luis checked his phone.
"Food's ready for pickup." He stood, stretching.
"And since l'm the only responsible one here, Ill get it."
You grinned. "Drive safe."
Luis pointed between you and Virgil. "If I come back and you've murdered each other, I'm calling the police... Actually I'll sell the story first"
With a final dramatic sigh, he grabbed his keys and disappeared out the door, leaving behind a silence that settled thick between you.
And just like that, it was just you and Virgil.
The door clicked shut behind Luis, his exaggerated sigh still lingering in the air. The apartment felt different now, quieter, heavier. The faint hum of the television filled the silence, casting flickering light against the walls. Outside, the distant murmur of Liverpoolโs nightlife drifted through the open window, a mix of laughter and the low rumble of passing cars.
Virgil was still leaned back into the couch, one arm stretched lazily over the backrest. His fingers tapped a slow rhythm against the fabric, his head tilted slightly as he studied you. There was something unreadable in his gaze, something that made the space between you feel much smaller than before.
You lifted your glass, taking a slow sip, pretending not to notice the way his eyes followed the movement.
"So," Virgil finally said, voice smooth, almost amused.
You swallowed, setting the glass down with deliberate ease. "So."
A beat of silence. Then, he smirked. "Didn't know you had a boyfriend."
Your fingers tensed against your knee. You glanced at him, feigning nonchalance. "Oh? And why would you?"
Virgil hummed, eyes dark with amusement.
"Luis must be a lucky man, then."
He laughed under his breath, a deep, quiet sound.
"Of him? No." His gaze flickered over you, lingering a second too long on the exposed skin of your collarbone before meeting your eyes again. "But you could've done better."
You raised an eyebrow. "Better, as in...?"
Virgilโs lips curved. "Someone who doesn't do casual."
Ironic. Your mouth twitched, but you refused to give him the satisfaction of a smile. "Luis is sweet."
Virgil exhaled a laugh, shaking his head. "Sure, let's call it that."
You rolled your eyes, shifting on the couch, but his next words stopped you cold.
"Did you pick out that top for me?"
Your face heated. The tank top you chose, casual but flattering, chosen with absolutely no one in mind, suddenly felt too noticeable under his scrutiny. You tilted your chin. "Why?"
Virgilโs smirk deepened, his fingers still idly drumming against the couch. "Just wondering if you always look like this for a movie night."
A flush crept up your neck, but you kept your voice steady. "Maybe I just like looking good."
His gaze dipped again, briefly, before he met your eyes. "You do."
It wasn't a compliment, not really. It was just a fact, spoken so simply that it made your stomach twist.
You huffed, leaning back. "You're annoying."
Virgil grinned. "You love it."
Your fingers clenched. "You think you're funny, don't you?"
"I know I am," he said smoothly. "And I know you're lying."
Your pulse jumped. "About what?"
Virgil shifted slightly, turning his body toward you. His movements were slow, deliberate, like he was circling prey. "That you don't care."
The teasing edge in his voice had softened, just enough to send a prickle of unease down your spine.
"I don't," you said too quickly.
Your stomach tightened. The words hung between you, too direct, too knowing.
You forced a scoff, reaching for your drink to mask the way your fingers trembled slightly around the glass. "Why would I care?" you shot back, keeping your voice light. "About this? About you? About anything you have to say?"
Virgilโs smirk deepened, but it wasn't playful anymore. It was sharp, edged with something closer to certainty. His gaze flickered down, just briefly, over your hand gripping the glass a little too tightly, the way your knee bounced, restless.
"You tell me," he murmured.
You inhaled through your nose, willing your expression to stay neutral. It wasn't fair. He wasn't supposed to be able to read you like this. Not anymore.
But the way he was looking at you now, head tilted, jaw tight, fingers flexing against the couch, made it impossible to pretend that this was just some meaningless conversation. He was pushing, waiting, like he wanted to hear you admit something you refused to say.
And for a second - just a second - you thought about saying it.
But instead, you rolled your eyes and stood, reaching for the empty bottle of wine. "I need a refill," you muttered, turning toward the kitchen.
Anything to escape the weight of his gaze.
You exhaled sharply, breaking the eye contact first, your pulse still rattling from the exchange.
Standing up from the couch, your movements deliberate. Your tank top, snug against your skin, clung in just the right way as you bent down to retrieve the wine from the small fridge in the corner.
Behind you, Virgil didn't say a word, but you could feel his eyes follow every shift of your body.
The heat of his gaze was unmistakable, lingering on the curve of your hips as you reached for the bottle. You knew exactly what he was doing, you could practically feel the weight of his attention on your ass.
You straightened, popping the cork with an almost careless grace, your back still to him as you poured the wine, letting the silence stretch between you both. The tension in the air was thick, suffocating almost. You could sense him, close but not yet moving, the sound of his breath heavy in the room.
"Luis lied," he said, almost lazily. "But you went along with it."
You inhaled through your nose. "And? Why do you care?"
Virgil tilted his head. "Should I?"
The words were casual, but the way he said them made your stomach tighten. It was a challenge.
Your lips parted, but no words came out.
Virgil watched you for a second longer, then exhaled through his nose, the smirk finally fading.
"You really think I don't care?"
Something in his voice made your chest tighten.
The teasing was gone now, replaced by something quieter, something unreadable.
Then you heard him. His footsteps, a few seconds too late, and before you knew it, he was standing just behind you in the small kitchen, his presence towering over you. You didn't turn around, but you knew. His eyes were trained on you, the distance between you narrowing with every passing second.
You set the bottle down on the counter with a soft clink, purposefully slow, but the sound seemed deafening in the space that had suddenly grown too small. You could feel him now, his heat radiating just inches away, his proximity nearly suffocating.
"That's two bottles now," Virgil said, his voice low, the edge of amusement still there but laced with something else, something darker. His words were directed at the wine, but you knew they were aimed at you.
You turned, your shoulder brushing against his chest as you moved to reach for your glass. You didn't look up at him, but you felt the way his gaze followed you, felt the way it burned through you.
"Trying to keep up?" You challenged, your voice thick with the lingering tension.
The corner of his mouth twitched. "Maybe I am. You think I can't handle it?"
You both stood there, the space between you charged now, a strange, electric pull that you couldn't deny. He shifted slightly, his arm grazing against yours, and the air seemed to crackle with it, something simmering just beneath the surface.
Slowly, he wrapped his hand around yours and led your glass up to his lips, maintaining eye contact as he took a sip. Your heart pounding at the gesture. He lowered the glass but then his gaze followed down from your face, to your collarbones and then to your chest. His gaze unapologetically lingering at your breasts.
Then, just as you thought he might back off, Virgil leaned in, his lips close to your ear, his voice a whisper, almost too intimate. "You're wearing that just for me, aren't you?"
You stiffened, your breath catching in your throat.
His words hung in the air like a challenge, like a dare.
You swallowed, feeling the heat rise in your face as the room seemed to close in around you. "You think too highly of yourself," you muttered, not daring to meet his gaze.
But Virgil wasn't backing down. His hand, seemingly by accident, brushed against your waist, lingering for just a second too long.
You stepped back,your movements fast as you placed the glass on the counter, your heart racing. "Stop," you said, your voice more forceful now, the tension between you both palpable.
But Virgil didn't step back. Instead, his hand moved to rest on the counter next to you, his face just inches from yours. "Make me."
The challenge was clear. His gaze, heavy and unyielding, trapped you. You could feel the words dying on your tongue, your pulse quickening as the space between you both seemed to evaporate.
The air between you was thick, charged with something neither of you wanted to acknowledge.
He was too close now, his scent - warm, expensive, familiar - clouding your thoughts.
You should've pushed him away.
You should've walked out of the kitchen.
Instead, your fingers curled slightly against the cool countertop, grounding yourself as Virgil tilted his head, ever so slightly. His gaze flickered down to your lips, and for the briefest second, the world seemed to narrow down to just this.
The tension stretching like a wire pulled too tight.
It was slow, deliberate, the barest shift in space, but you felt it like a pull to your core. His breath fanned against your cheek, his lips just a whisper away from yours, and then- It wasn't obvious, just a fraction of a second where something in his eyes flickered, something that wasn't just heat and challenge. A pause. A moment where his control wavered, where his walls cracked.
And that was what made you move first.
You turned your head slightly, not pulling away completely, but enough that his lips brushed the corner of your mouth instead. A near miss.
Virgil exhaled, a sharp breath against your skin, his jaw tightening. You could feel the tension radiating off him, the weight of what just didn't happen hanging between you.
Your pulse hammered as you finally looked up at him.
"You hesitated," you murmured, your voice quieter than you intended.
Virgilโs fingers twitched against the counter. His expression hardened, like he was trying to mask the slip, but you saw it. That fraction of a second where he wasn't just the cocky, infuriating Virgil Van Dijk.
Something about it made your stomach twist.
But instead of acknowledging it, you forced a smirk, tilting your head as if the moment meant nothing. As if it hadn't shaken you to your core.
You slipped past him before he could say anything, leaving him standing there, jaw clenched, hands still braced against the counter.
His fingers closed around your wrist, firm but not forceful. A spark shot through you, unwelcome, undeniable. How was it still this easy for him to make you want this?
But not again. Not like this.
You wrenched your arm free, your voice cold despite the heat still coiling in your chest.
"You don't get to do this. Not anymore."
โง.ใปใ.ใปใโงใป.ใปโงใปใใปใ.โง
