✧ the queen ✧

[caleb--caldwell]

Inside the cab, he stretched his arm behind Valentina without even thinking about it, his fingers brushing Dallas’s shoulder as naturally as breathing. When he leaned down to kiss the curve of Valentina’s neck and she rolled her eyes at him, Caleb chuckled softly against her skin. “Interesting’s better than boring,” he murmured near her ear. Her laugh when Dallas joined in made Caleb grin wider, though the moment didn’t last long before her hands pushed lightly against their chests. He leaned back just enough to look at her, eyebrows lifting in mild surprise as her fingers curled around the backs of their necks. Then she nudged them closer. Caleb blinked once when she told them to just kiss already. For a second he looked straight at Dallas, the space between them suddenly a lot smaller. Valentina’s hands were still on their necks, holding them there like she’d decided the moment wasn’t optional. Caleb let out a quiet breath through his nose, half amused, half caught. “Bossy girl” he muttered, glancing briefly back at her with a crooked smirk. Then his eyes returned to Dallas, expression softening into something more playful than hesitant. “You heard her,” Caleb said quietly. “Apparently the tension’s ruining the cab ride.” His hand slid up briefly to Valentina’s wrist where it rested against his neck, thumb brushing over it. “Well,” he said, voice lighter now, “wouldn’t want to disappoint the director.” He tilted his head slightly, eyes flicking down to Dallas’s mouth for just a second before returning to his eyes. His thumb was still brushing idly over Valentina’s wrist where it rested against his neck, like he hadn’t forgotten she was the one orchestrating the moment. He leaned a little closer to Dallas, just enough for the space between them to shrink into something charged but still playful. “Should’ve known you’d turn the cab into front row seats.” Caleb’s gaze slid back to Dallas again, slower this time, deliberately lingering. There was a hint of showing off in the way he moved, like he was fully aware Valentina was watching every second. Then he closed the last inch of space, brushing a quick, confident kiss against Dallas’s lips, brief at first, almost like he was proving a point. Then, he went back in again. One hand lifted to the side of Dallas’s jaw, thumb brushing along it before his fingers curled lightly behind his neck. The movement was confident, deliberate, very aware of the pair of eyes right in front of them. When their lips met again, Caleb didn’t pull away after a second. The kiss lingered, slower, deeper than the first one, tongue met tongue. He tilted his head slightly, drawing Dallas in rather than just brushing against him. When he pulled back, his eyes immediately flicked toward Valentina again, smug amusement written all over his face. His hand slid down from Dallas’s neck, but he didn’t fully pull away. Instead, he tilted his head slightly—just a subtle shift, a small motion meant only for Dallas. The message was clear enough: her turn. From where Caleb sat, he could see Dallas’s hands slide up along Valentina’s sides before settling higher against her torso. His palms moved over the front of her jacket, drifting upward until they rested against her boobs. Caleb let out a quiet breath through his nose, amused. But Caleb clearly had no intention of behaving himself either. While Dallas’s attention stayed higher, Caleb’s hand moved the opposite direction. His fingers slid down from her waist, trailing slowly along her hip before settling along her upper thigh. The cab shifted slightly as it turned down another street, the passing lights briefly illuminating the three of them tangled together in the back seat. Caleb’s thumb brushed lazily against her thigh, the touch slow and deliberate, sneaking it's way upwards. His hand slid a little higher along, while he leaned in and pressed another slow kiss just below her ear. “Hope the driver’s not paying too much attention,” Caleb muttered lightly, the amusement clear in his voice.

[valentinamernes]

she wouldn’t say she preferred seeing caleb and dallas kiss over being the one getting all the attention, but she knew dallas was there for a reason. valentina watched the scene, taking in every second of it—the way caleb kissed him. something inside her twisted with a hint of jealousy, the way he pulled dallas closer, the way his thumb brushed against his jaw. caleb was right; she had front-row seats to a really steamy scene. for a second, valentina felt like she ran out of air as she kept watching. it was hot—there was no denying that. “that was hot,” she admitted. there was no point in pretending otherwise, not when it had clearly affected her. she didn’t know if the cab driver was paying attention or just very good at ignoring them, but either way, it wasn’t like they were going to stop. as they pulled apart and dallas’s hand moved up along her side to her chest, her eyebrows raised, amused, her gaze dropping briefly to his lips as his hands wandered. but any attention dallas managed to steal was quickly taken back by caleb as his hand moved down her waist and up her thigh. “i don’t fucking care right now,” she whispered, pulling dallas closer so she could kiss him—slow, deliberate, and heated, like she had something to prove. her hand loosely cupped his as it rested against her. “this was a good idea,” she murmured against caleb’s lips. when they pulled away, she leaned closer to his ear, her voice breathless. “i’m so wet after that fucking kiss, assholes,” she muttered. “are we far? i need to get out of here.”

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb let her pull the new guy along. He didn’t resist. Didn’t rush. Just followed at an easy pace, hands in his pockets, that maddeningly calm expression fixed in place. When she told him to shut up for the dog comment, he huffed a quiet laugh through his nose. “If the leash fits,” he murmured, just loud enough for her to hear. Outside, when she muttered thanks, amore with that exaggerated sweetness, Caleb’s mouth twitched. “Don’t thank me like that,” he replied smoothly. “You know how I like to be thanked when we get home." He nodded toward Dallas without even looking at him. When she agreed to “get to know” the guy, Caleb glanced at her briefly. He knew. Of course he did. This wasn’t about Dallas. It never really was. So he slipped neatly between them without asking. When she groaned about him always being in the middle, he looked down at her, brows lifting. “Always?” he repeated. “That sounds intentional.” He didn’t miss the way her eyes fluttered when he kissed her temple, and he absolutely did not miss the dramatic sigh when he leaned over and pressed a quick, harmless kiss to Dallas’s cheek too. Caleb pulled back, expression innocent. “What?” he asked mildly. “I’m inclusive.” At her defense about being nice, he tilted his head. “I didn’t say you weren’t,” he replied. “I said I was impressed.” There was something knowing in the way he looked at her then. When the cab pulled up and she ordered him to go in first, physically tugging him forward so he wouldn’t end up in the middle seat, Caleb glanced down at her hand on him. Then at her. “You’re not subtle,” he noted calmly. He slid into the cab first anyway, adjusting so she wouldn’t be stuck awkwardly, but leaving just enough space to make it obvious he could’ve sat wherever he wanted. When she told Dallas it was a space thing, Caleb leaned back against the seat. “Oh, we have?” he asked casually. His arm stretched along the back of the seat behind her, relaxed. “Funny,” he added, eyes flicking to her briefly. “I don’t remember you minding the window last time.” His tone stayed light. But the look he gave her wasn’t. The second Dallas pulled the door shut, the soft thud sealing the three of them inside, Caleb’s eyes flicked up briefly, automatic, assessing. Driver facing forward. Meter running. No attention on them. Good. He settled back like he had all the time in the world. Except he didn’t sit neutrally. His knee angled deliberately, pressing against Valentina’s. Not hard. Not accidental either. Just enough to remind her exactly where he was. Comfortable. Claiming space. At the same time, his hand lifted lazily, fingers brushing the back of Dallas’s neck like it was absentminded. Like he wasn’t thinking about it at all. But the touch lingered a second too long to be casual. His thumb traced once, slow. He leaned closer to Valentina first, tilting his head just enough to press a soft, teasing kiss along the curve of her neck. His lips lingered a moment, brushing against her skin, and he let out a low, playful murmur that was just for her. “Bet you didn’t think this cab ride could get this interesting,” he whispered, voice husky, just beneath her ear so the driver wouldn’t hear. His knee pressed a fraction more against hers, subtle pressure that made the heat between them undeniable. Then, without breaking the rhythm, his hand slid to the back of Dallas’s neck, guiding him forward gently, coaxing him into the same position. His fingers tangled lightly in Dallas’s hair, tilting his head so he could plant the same teasing kiss on the other side of Valentina's neck. "You're welcome."

[valentinamernes]

there was never anything easy about their relationship; the only things that seemed to come naturally were the fights and the way they somehow always ended up tangled together afterward. as they waited for the cab, valentina wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep the cold from slipping through her jacket. “you’re so subtle,” she said dryly, shaking her head. when he slipped right between them, she let out a quiet scoff. “you’re always in the middle of something. honestly, i’m pretty sure you love being stuck between people,” she added, glancing at dallas. “you’ll see—he always manages to wedge himself right there.” the quick kiss was cute, but of course caleb had to kiss dallas too. they had invited him into their little chaos, after all, though that didn’t mean valentina was thrilled about sharing caleb’s attention. “always,” she nodded when he spoke, before adding with a small smirk, “and if i snap tonight it’s not because of you, babe.” she looked directly at caleb. “all the pettiness is reserved for him.” tugging caleb’s arm, she guided him toward the cab first. “not even trying to be subtle,” she added with a grin. once they were all inside, she settled back with a quiet sigh, purse resting on her lap as the car started moving. she kept her gaze forward, even while caleb’s arm stretched over her head toward dallas. when caleb leaned in to kiss the curve of her neck, she rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile that followed. “you really know how to make cab rides interesting,” she murmured. when dallas joined in on the other side, she let out a soft laugh. “thanks, amor.” her hands rested briefly on caleb’s thighs before she sighed again, sliding them up to their chests and gently pushing them back from her neck. then her fingers moved to the back of both their necks, drawing their attention. looking between them, she smirked. “seriously… just kiss already. i can feel the tension.” she nudged them closer together until they were face to face right in front of her.

[caleb--caldwell]

A slow smile curved his mouth, too calm for someone who was supposed to be losing. “Hate me?” he drawled, finally pushing off the wall. “Careful. You only use that tone when you’re lying to yourself.” He took a few unhurried steps closer, not chasing, never chasing, but close enough that she’d feel him there. His gaze flicked briefly to their joined hands, then back to her face, dark eyes warm and sharp. Caleb let out a short laugh and shook his head, already reaching for his phone as if the decision had been made ages ago. “Oh, no,” he said easily, stepping right back into their space. “You don’t get to storm out dramatically without me. That’s not how this works.” He thumbed the screen, ordering the taxi like it was the most natural thing in the world, then glanced up at her with that infuriatingly calm look. “Besides,” he added, tone light, “if you’re gonna keep dragging Dallas around like a dog on a leash, someone’s gotta make sure you actually get where you’re going. You two forgot to order anything before going out into the cold." He moved first toward the door, holding it open and gesturing them through, eyes never leaving her. Outside, the night air hit and he fell into step beside them, too close, shoulder nearly brushing hers. The taxi notification buzzed and Caleb held the phone up between them, deliberately close, his arm brushing hers as he leaned in. “Two minutes,” he murmured, voice lower now. “Plenty of time for us all to get to know each other some more." Caleb didn’t even hesitate. The moment they paused on the sidewalk, he slipped right in between them like he belonged there, long arms looping around both Valentina and Dallas and pulling them in close. Easy. Familiar. Infuriatingly affectionate. “There we go,” he murmured, squeezing them together until their shoulders bumped. “This looks way better already.” He dipped his head first to Valentina, lips brushing her temple in a soft, deliberate kiss that lingered just long enough to make it feel personal. “You’re wound up,” he said quietly, teasing warmth threaded through his voice. “Cute on you. Dangerous, but cute.” Then he turned his head and kissed Dallas’s temple too, just as smooth, just as intentional, like he was making a point of being equal-opportunity trouble. “And you,” he added lightly, giving Dallas a little squeeze, “you’re handling all this like a champ. Most people panic when she gets like this.” Caleb leaned back just enough to look at both of them, arms still snug around their shoulders, grin lazy and confident. “See? We’re good. This works."

[valentinamernes]

she was bold enough to grab the new guy’s hand and pull him along without waiting for caleb’s reaction—though, in a way, she was always waiting for it. “it works the way i want, caleb. get over it,” she smiled, pretending not to be affected by that infuriatingly calm look he always wore—the one that made her want to slap and kiss him at the same time. at his comment about her dragging dallas around like a dog, she scoffed. “shut up, caleb,” she rolled her eyes. when he pointed out they hadn’t exactly planned their escape, she hated that he was right and folded her free arm around herself as they stepped outside. “thanks, amore,” she muttered, exaggerating the word as his arm brushed against her just enough to make her nerves spark. “sure,” she nodded when he suggested getting to know the guy, even though that wasn’t the point—they weren’t going to see dallas again after tonight anyway. when caleb slipped himself between them, valentina groaned. “you always have to be in the middle,” she mused. “it looks better, sure.” her eyes fluttered closed for a second when his lips brushed her temple, only for her to sigh dramatically when he leaned over and kissed dallas on the cheek too. “whatever, caleb,” she muttered under her breath. when he told dallas he was impressed after seeing her “behave like that,” she scoffed again. “he didn’t see me like anything. i’m nice to him,” she defended. as the cab pulled up, she smiled tightly. “you go in first. you’re not pressing me against the window,” she said, tugging caleb in front of her so he wouldn’t end up in the middle seat. then she glanced at dallas with a shrug. “space-wise. nothing to do with you. we’ve been in this situation before.”

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb only laughed when she moved—actually laughed, slow and wicked, like the whole thing was unfolding exactly the way he’d hoped. He didn’t pull her back, didn’t interrupt. He watched. Enjoyed. His shoulders stayed loose, posture open, watching them both kiss. “Damn,” he muttered, eyes tracking Valentina as she pressed into Dallas, his tone openly appreciative instead of threatened. “Look at that.” He dragged a hand over his jaw, smirk deepening. “I let you at him for two seconds and you’re already making friends.” He tipped his head toward Dallas, voice easy, inviting instead of territorial. “Told you she was trouble,” he said, teasing, like this was all a shared joke. “Don’t be shy, dude. She likes it when someone keeps up.” Then his gaze slid back to Valentina—slow, deliberate, heated. Not angry. Amused. Provoked. Turned on by the challenge. “You trying to punish me?” he asked, low and cocky. “’Cause all you’re doing is proving my point.” He stepped closer now, close enough that his presence pressed in on both of them, a grin curling at the corner of his mouth. He pressed against the back of Dallas to sandwich him in. His eyes flicked between them, playful, daring. “Relax,” he said, voice smooth, confident, full of himself. “I like this show, it’s hot when everyone’s honest about wanting each other.” Caleb didn’t rush it. He let the moment stretch, thick and charged, his grin slow as his eyes stayed locked on Valentina. One hand came up, casual, claiming, fingers hooking at Dallas’s waist as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Caleb leaned in and pressed his mouth to the side of Dallas’s neck, unhurried, teasing—just enough to be unmistakable. He lingered there for a beat, breath warm against skin. But his eyes never left Valentina. He tilted his head, eyes still pinned to hers, cocky and infuriatingly sure of himself. “Careful, Val. You know I like it when things get messy.” Without breaking eye contact with Valentina, he reached out, thumb lifting to her throat. Possessive. He traced the line up there with lazy confidence, feeling her pulse under his skin. His smirk deepened. "Taxi back to ours?"

[valentinamernes]

she kissed dallas without thinking, driven by a raw need for caleb to see that she could give her attention to someone who wasn’t him, but the moment he commented her focus cracked, and she pulled back to look at caleb, dark eyes scanning his face. “i’m good at making friends,” she mused, still feeling dallas’s hands on her waist, and when caleb encouraged him to keep going—because that’s what she liked—her eyes locked onto his, heat flaring between them. “i’m not trying to punish you,” she said softly, her gaze flicking to dallas for a second before returning to caleb, “so what’s your point?” she asked in barely a whisper, but before he could answer he moved behind dallas, clearly enjoying the show, loving that she was playing right into it. she watched as caleb kissed dallas’s neck, his eyes never leaving hers, and she swallowed hard when he reached out, thumb lifting her chin, the air suddenly feeling scarce in her lungs. she pulled free of his touch and stepped back, glancing around before nodding once. “yeah,” she muttered, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “i hate you,” she declared, then turned to dallas. “let’s just go—he gets annoying when he doesn’t get what he wants,” she rolled her eyes, holding out her hand and tugging dallas toward the door, shooting caleb one last look over her shoulder, challenge burning in her eyes; he wasn’t the only one who thrived in messy situations.

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb was already backed against the wall, the Dallas (the guy’s) hand resting a little too comfortably at his waist—and Caleb clearly wasn’t in any rush to move it. If anything, he leaned into it, shoulders relaxed, chin tilted with open satisfaction. He looked perfectly at home there, pinned and pleased, like he knew exactly how ridiculous the whole scene looked and loved it. “Taken?” he echoed lightly, amused, eyes flicking back to her heels and then up to her face. “Is that what we're calling this now?" He turned his attention to the guy with an easy, almost lazy confidence. “Hate to disappoint,” Caleb said, clapping his hand against the other's side, “but looks like you’re a little late to the party, sorry." Then—because he loved stirring things—he angled back toward Valentina voice low and teasing. “Didn’t know you were the territorial type,” he added, smirk deepening. “Kind of cute, though.” Caleb nodded once toward the bisexual male, who still hadn’t moved away fully, then shifted his gaze back to Valentina with a knowing smile. “Is she your type too?” he asked, tone smooth and provocative, like he was daring him to answer. He watched the other check her out and nod once. His eyes lingered on her a second longer than necessary, smug and challenging, clearly enjoying how tangled the moment had become—and the fact that he was right in the middle of it. Caleb lifted his hand, then—because subtlety had never been his thing—reached out and cupped both faces at once, one palm to Valentina’s cheek, the other to Dallas’s. He did it casually, like he was proving a point rather than asking permission, posture still loose against the wall. “Valentina, Dallas,” he said smoothly, eyes flicking between them. “Dallas, Valentina.” He tilted his head, voice light and coaxing, like he was hosting rather than instigating. “Would be a shame if all this tension went to waste.”

[valentinamernes]

as valentina saw how caleb was backed against the wall, another guy’s hand resting on his waist, she felt her blood boil in her veins. she scoffed at his words. “you came here with me,” she reminded him, her tone sharp, “you’re a fucking asshole.” she wished he had seen her flirting with the cute bartender earlier, just to spark the same jealousy he was stirring in her now. her eyes burned as she looked at him, the urge to slap him almost overwhelming. territorial, she thought bitterly, mentally scoffing—he was the one who always made her say she was his girl every time they slept together. she stared at caleb, and if looks could kill, he’d be six feet underground. then she noticed him say something, but not to her; her gaze shifted to the other guy, who was now openly checking her out. she did the same, catching how caleb’s eyes lingered on her, and she turned back to him, shaking her head. she knew she was going to hate herself for what came next—it had happened before, and she knew how it ended. she felt caleb’s hand cup her cheek, her eyes flicking between him and the other guy. when he introduced them, valentina took a deep breath. “nice to meet you, dallas,” she said softly, a smile on her lips, fully aware of what caleb was doing and hating how good he was at it. “all this tension,” she rolled her eyes, “you managed to flirt with the biggest asshole in the bar,” she mused, looking at dallas before turning back to caleb. “you’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” she asked, then smirked and leaned closer to caleb. “this is the little show you wanted tonight?” she whispered. “then i’ll make you regret it.” with that warning, she turned to dallas, beckoning him closer with her finger, wrapping her arms around his neck as she kissed him, pressing herself against the stranger, not even looking at caleb as she did.

[valentinamernes]

going out together didn’t happen just once in a blue moon, especially considering how they were always all over each other, but this time they were really together for the night—or at least that’s what she thought. sure, she’d flirted a little with the guy behind the bar, but she couldn’t help it—tall, blonde, charming? she was only human. she grabbed their drinks and was heading back to the hallway where they’d been talking when she saw some guy clearly flirting with caleb. she rolled her eyes and walked over, her heels tapping sharply against the floor. "hi, hmm, he’s taken," she smirked, "go find someone else." @caleb--caldwell

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb knew this dance all too well—the way they always found their way back to each other, no matter how much sense it didn’t make. Every time he swore it would be the last, but the second Valentina looked at him like that, everything else fell away. His hands moved over her skin like memory—familiar, sure, unhurried. “Maybe I don’t want to,” he said, voice rough but controlled. The shift was effortless, instinctive. She teased again and he leaned closer, his breath brushing her lips. “I don’t have to wish, I get this whenever I want,” he murmured, eyes locked on hers. Every word she threw at him was a challenge, and he met it with quiet certainty, letting his actions speak louder than his tone ever could. Her taunts—“You need to wish harder”—only made him want her more, made him want to remind her how little space there was between wanting and having. When her voice softened into that sultry whisper —Caleb’s pulse stuttered. For a second, the teasing, the tension, the push and pull between them—all of it burned down to something raw and unguarded. He didn’t answer right away; he just looked at her, steady and breathless, thumb tracing the edge of her jaw. When he finally spoke, it was low, honest, and edged with the kind of emotion he never let anyone else see. “Careful what you ask for, Valentina,” he said. “You know I don’t do halfway.” For a heartbeat, Caleb only stared at her — his breath rough, his expression unreadable. Then something in him gave way. He leaned in and kissed her again, deeper this time, the kind of kiss that erased the space between them entirely. Then, he came, thrusting through it, knowing she'd reach her peak shortly afterwards. His fingers reached down to help. "Tell me you're my girl."

[valentinamernes]

she knew how all that power battle ended; they had been playing that game long enough for her to know how all those fights ended— with them in bed, whispering and cursing and teasing and pulling each other close. she was familiar with that feeling, and even if she hated knowing he enjoyed himself, she loved the way things always came back to their place. "having this doesn’t mean i’m yours," she pointed out, a smirk on her lips before her mouth parted open, breathless. "that’s one thing i like about you, that you don’t do halfway," she smirked, and that was true. there were more things she liked about him—god only knew that was only a small thing—but seeing how that ignited something in him was enough for her to feel content. the girl kissed him back, both legs and arms around him, loving the drunkness that came with kissing him that way; she loved being drunk in his presence. a list of cursing words, moans, and sweet words trailed off her lips as he came, and it became even longer as he helped her reach her peak. at his words, there was no fight, no battle of who she belonged with or who belonged to who. "i’m your girl" was the last thing that came from her lips before pure bliss washed over her. she looked at him breathless, lips parted open, intensity, fire, desire, love all plastered in that twinkle in her eyes. once she got what she wanted, she placed her hand against his chest. she didn’t say a word, she didn’t need to.

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb smiled like he’d been waiting for this exact punctuation in the sentence of the night. He let her press into him, let his hands chart the familiar map of skin and heat, then paused—just long enough for the silence to thicken—because he knew exactly what that small, loaded quiet did to her. He lowered his voice until it scraped velvet. He answered her push with a half-laugh, the kind that promised trouble. “Stop flirting with you? If I could, do you think I would?” He tipped his head, gaze slow and sure, every movement calibrated to make her forget the world. When she tried to shove the feeling away, he only tightened his hold and let the motion do the talking. Rolling them over was effortless; he hovered—contained, dominant, all the confidence in the room concentrated in the set of his shoulders. He watched her, that knowing smile in place, and whispered something soft and dangerous that made the air between them thinner. “You feel like home and war at once. It’s messy, but it’s mine to keep causing.” Her challenge—don’t be a pussy—drew a low chuckle from him. He leaned close enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath. “Wish?” he scoffed, mock-offended. “I stopped wishing a long time ago.” He kissed the corner of her mouth, slow and deliberate. “I claim. I prefer better verbs. Try harder?” He traced a lazy line down her arm with one fingertip. “Watch me.” Then, impossibly smooth, he grinned and added, because he couldn’t help it, “And when you finally give in—don’t look surprised. You always do.” He kept up the pressure—gentle, insistent—until the world narrowed to hearth-fire heat and the sound of their breaths. He spoke just enough to stitch safety through the frenzy. "God, I could never get enough of you."

[valentinamernes]

they found themselves in that situation time and time again, and even if she tried to play it as if she didn't care... she loved him. that big word was still present in her mind when he looked at her; she hadn't managed to get over him, and it was obvious. his hands were on her, touching her like he owned every inch of her skin, touching her with precision as he always did. "you can't stop flirting with me," she mused, looking up at him. "and i get why," she smirked. those little moments when she felt she had taken control disappeared faster than they came; he rolled them over, hovering above her, and that was enough to know who was in charge in that moment. "you wish i was yours," she rolled her eyes, drunk on the feeling of his velvet voice dripping from his lips. valentina was breathless, and she couldn’t wait until he was done; everything she said came out of her lips with a purpose—she wanted a reaction, she wanted his reaction, she needed caleb’s reaction. "you need to wish harder," she pointed out as a reminder that she wasn’t his, even if deep down she knew she was. valentina’s lips parted open, her eyes locked on his as he kept the fire, the intensity; at that point her mind went blank, she could only focus on him and his warmth. "that’s the plan," she said, her legs wrapping around his back, pulling him closer if it was even possible, her arms wrapping around his neck. "finish in me, amor," she whispered sultrily against his ear.

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb felt it instantly—the way she leaned into him, eyes sharp and alive, a mixture of anger and desire that always seemed to drive him wild. He kept his gaze locked on her, fingers tracing over her curves, letting her feel that even when he knew exactly what he was doing, she still held sway over him. For a couple of seconds, words failed him entirely, and he let the silence linger, letting her realise just how much control she had—power that went far beyond the physical. Caleb’s lips curled into a slow, teasing smirk, voice dropping to a hoarse murmur. “Maybe I do,” he said, letting the heat in his tone match the way his hands moved over her body, reveling in the way she pressed against him, guiding him as much as he guided her. As she sank down, their lips parted, breathless, and Caleb felt the electric tension spike. He let himself get lost in it, letting her hands steady him, letting her rhythm dictate his, because right now, it was all about her, all about the way she made him feel. He captured her gaze, fingers threading through her hair, a low chuckle escaping him at her audacity. “No one,” he rasped back, lips brushing along her jaw, voice rough with both pride and desire. "I don't let anyone." When she scowled at his mention of others, he paused, letting the edge in his own expression match hers, before smirking. Caleb’s grin widened at the honesty in her tone, the way she hated him and wanted him all at once. “I know,” he murmured against her skin, letting his voice roughen with arousal. He groaned low, tugging her closer, letting her feel that the truth in her words matched his own thoughts perfectly. When she finally admitted, breathlessly, that she needed him. Caleb’s grin became something sharper, fiercer, dangerous in the best way. With a smirk, he shifted, rolling them so she was beneath him, letting himself take the lead, picking up the rhythm where she’d been running herself ragged. He matched the intensity she’d set, only now he controlled the pace. He caught her murmurs, the teasing, the confessions of power and desire, and let each one fuel him. “So how's it feel melting into the mattress, pillow princess?” he murmured, voice low and rough. “You’re mine,” he whispered, letting the words roll off his tongue like a promise and a challenge, lips brushing hers, smirk dark and playful. “Every gasp, every moan… all of it belongs to me now.”

[valentinamernes]

they both knew how it was going to end. the way they always danced around each other had only one possible finish, and it was on one of their beds. his hands on her, the way he looked at her, the silence, the anger, the lust—everything was honestly overwhelming. she loved how his voice dripped when he spoke, the way he touched her, how he let the silence linger. it was amazing in a way that made her certain she couldn't be replaced. she pressed against him, wanting to feel him all over her skin. when he confessed, in a way that sounded almost banal—how he didn’t let anyone take the position she held—there was something in it that to valentina felt romantic, as if he were confessing true love. it was something she owned; she knew she had power over him the same way he had power over her, and that felt like a declaration. “stop flirting with me,” she tried to push that feeling of love away, moving against him as he pulled her closer. when he rolled them over, a gasp left valentina’s lips; now he was on top of her again, hovering as she looked up, lips parted. as he picked up the rhythm her mouth opened, her eyes never leaving his—now she was at his mercy, and she didn’t mind. “could it feel better? don’t be a pussy; you know i won’t break, caldwell,” she challenged, even as she was completely breathless. at his possessive whispers she couldn’t look away. “you wish i was yours,” she said, shaking her head—but even as the words left her lips, she knew she was; of course she was. she could try to fight it, but at the end of the day she was there with caleb, giving him everything he wanted. she wasn’t over him—she couldn’t be—but that didn’t mean she was going to tell him, not after they’d broken up. “but i do think you’re mine; look at you, so cute trying to claim me,” she smirked. “if you want to make me yours, try harder.”

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb wasn’t surprised by how this ended — not anymore. That heat, that chaos. Always loud, always rough, always too much and never enough. With Valentina, it was never soft — and he didn’t want soft. He wanted her. The moment her hands wrapped around his throat, his world narrowed to just that sensation — her control, her pace, her heat. Her voice, low and wicked, landed in his ears. It undid him. But he wasn’t about to let her know how deep she’d already gotten under his skin — again. Still, when she pulled back and looked at him with swollen lips and eyes full of fire, he didn’t move. He didn’t even try to fight the way she kept climbing on top of every part of him — body, mind, pride. He growled low, fingers bruising against her waist as she straddled him. "Then maybe I won’t beg," Caleb murmured, voice hoarse, dark. The moment she took off her top, his throat went dry. Lace. His favorite color. Of course. Caleb’s jaw flexed, breath short, watching her move above him — watching her tease him with what he already knew he couldn’t say no to. His hands locked hard on her hips just as she sank onto him, and he let out a deep, guttural moan that wasn’t just from the pleasure — it was from the truth of it. She owned him. No matter how rough he played, no matter what he said. Caleb’s head tilted back, mouth slightly open, chest heaving. “Fuck, Valentina…” he groaned, hands gripping her like he was trying to anchor himself to reality — or maybe to her. And even as he thrust up into her, matching her rhythm, he knew: he’d let her do it again. Every time. Every goddamn time. His chest rose against hers, breath hot, uneven, his head dropping back for just a second as he groaned — low and wrecked. Then his eyes snapped back to hers, dark, hungry, and full of heat. He licked his lips slowly, almost smirking but too far gone to fully play it cool. Voice low and rough, he rasped, "I don't let anybody else ride me." He let that hang in the air, let her feel the weight of it — of how exclusive this was, how much he wanted this, needed this. "Yeah, I’ve fucked around," he admitted, his tone hot and shameless, "guys mostly. Hookups, whatever. But this? You? I don’t give this to anyone else." His hand slid up her back, fingers threading into her hair as he pulled her down, lips brushing her ear with heat that could burn. "Unless it’s a threesome and you pick the girl." His mouth ghosted over hers, breath shaking. "But no one else gets to do this. No one else gets on top of me. Top me, however, different story." He thrust up into her again, deep and slow, jaw clenched, groaning through it like it physically pained him to hold back. His eyes flashed with wicked amusement as he pulled back just enough to look at her—dark, intense, and teasing. “Shame you can’t say the same, huh?” he murmured, voice low and playful but laced with that raw heat. He leaned in, brushing his lips against her jaw, a slow, deliberate tease before sinking back into her, his movements deep and possessive. His hand slid possessively along her side as he leaned in closer, lips brushing her ear with heat. “I know every time you ‘experience’ someone else, you picture me there instead.” He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, a wicked smirk playing on his lips. “Because no one else can touch you like I do. No one else makes you feel like this.”

[valentinamernes]

this situation was going to happen whether they had planned it or not. it was how they worked. she was mad, and that seemed to be a turn-on—not for most people, but it was for valentina and for caleb. she hated and loved the way he got under her skin, but the way his eyes stayed locked on her, his hands all over her body, the way he seemed to run out of words for a couple of seconds—that was her favorite part. it told her that even if he knew what he was doing, she still held power over him. not in a physical sense, but she knew she could get whatever she wanted from him if she said it the right way, if she worded it carefully enough. “then for sure you want me to make you work for it,” she whispered back. she knew that was part of the fun between them, she was certain of it. she loved how his voice shifted from teasing to a hoarse murmur—it lit her up every time. for a moment, as she sank down on him, they both stayed silent, lips parted, breathless, as if it were the first time—even though they knew it couldn’t be. she could get drunk on that sensation, high off the way he moved, the way he knew how to touch, hold, and match her—her, and only her. her hands pressed against his chest, steadying herself as she moved over him. at his confession, valentina’s breathless smile widened. she didn’t stop, her rhythm just slowed a little, as if she wanted to savor what he’d said. “so, you haven’t found anyone that rides you like i do,” she breathed, leaning closer. as his fingers threaded through her hair, her head tilted back, letting the weight of his words sink in. “i don’t let any other girl do this with you,” she assured him. when he kept talking about not letting anyone else on top of him, she smirked—until that smirk disappeared at his mention of others. “don’t talk to me about how others fuck you while you’re fucking me, asshole,” she muttered, looking down at him. his words cut straight into her, and her brows furrowed. “you’re too full of yourself,” she whispered, eyes shutting tight as a moan slipped free at the soft brush of his lips against her jaw. “i hate you,” she swore, though it killed her how right he was. “fuck, caleb,” she cried. “you can fuck whoever you want, but admit no one makes you feel like this,” she begged. “no guy or girl can make you go from zero to one hundred like i do,” she told him, certain it was true. if she was completely honest, she wasn’t good at multitasking—teasing him while chasing her own release wasn’t working. “i need you so bad.”

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb leaned back against the mattress like he owned the damn room. That was the thing about him: the way he carried himself, like gravity bent a little different around him. Shirt off, jaw sharp with that scruff, and those storm-dark eyes that always burned hotter when she was near. Valentina. She was fire. She was venom. She was the girl who could slap him and kiss him in the same breath—and he'd love her for both. That love/hate chaos? It was addictive. Dangerous. Their kind of thing. Caleb didn’t flinch. Didn’t even blink. His smirk curled slow across his lips, full of swagger and heat, like her words were fuel. He leaned in, so close their mouths nearly brushed, breath meeting breath. His voice dropped, all smoke and heat: “Nah, baby… I don’t wish it.” His lips barely grazed hers. “I know you are.” Then he kissed her. Not gentle—never gentle,. His mouth claimed hers like it was a game he was always going to win. When her hands slid to his throat and she applied that pressure—God—he fucking grinned against her lips. His hips ground into hers, slow and deliberate, dragging a growl up from his chest. Her dark laugh in return only made him harder, made the space between them feel electric. His eyes burned through her as he tilted his head, lips brushing her jaw. “For you?” A low chuckle. “Yeah, maybe I am, and yeah, fuck me. That's exactly what I'm asking you to do." She kissed him again, savage this time, like she wanted to punish him for every second he ever made her feel something. He matched it, let her take control, and fuck, he liked it when she fought for it. But then—she pulled back. Tease. Caleb stared at her lips, breath uneven now, lips parted. And then— That smirk. Hot. Cocky. Fucking feral. His voice came low, gravel-thick with lust, but steady as ever. “You think I haven’t been waiting for that?” His tongue traced the corner of his mouth, like he could already taste what was coming. His hand slipped down, possessive on her waist, fingers digging in with purpose. “Baby, if you're gonna ride me into the dirt, you better hold on tight—because I don’t break easy.” He leaned in, lips brushing her jaw, heat pulsing between them. “But fuck, I'd love to watch you try.” There was no fear in him. No begging. Just challenge and want, wrapped in a man who knew exactly how much damage he could take—and how much he could give back. His hand slid higher up her thigh, slow and deliberate, thumb dragging along her skin like a warning—or a promise. He leaned in closer, lips brushing the shell of her ear now, breath hot. "All aboard,” he drawled, the words like velvet soaked in gasoline. “Get on.” His hands slid down her hips, grip firm, inviting and daring all at once. “Trip for one to have you seeing stars and moaning my name… starts in like ten seconds.” He tilted his head, lips brushing hers without giving her the satisfaction of a kiss, his voice dipping even lower, filthier. “You’ll be lucky if you remember how to walk after.”

[valentinamernes]

that scene wasn’t new for them—they found themselves in that situation more often than most exes probably did. hating each other only made them more attracted to one another. sure, they’d had fun when they were dating, but now… everything had intensified. the way they fought for control, the way they couldn’t kiss slowly or tenderly, always amused valentina. it was all fire, roughness, and possessiveness—which, in her opinion, made it even better. when he said he didn’t have to wish for her to be his, because she already was, it left valentina breathless, his words hitting her lips just before he kissed them. hearing him growl, moan, and spill filthy words only made her more excited—if that was even possible. when he asked her to choke him, something she sometimes did without him needing to ask, it spun her mind seeing just how dark and deep his need ran. as he pulled back, she kept her hands around his throat, the sight of him like that doing wonders to her. “i love when you beg for me,” she whispered before kissing him again. she didn’t need him to enjoy it too much—at least, not until she was ready to let herself enjoy it, too. she was evil that way. when she pulled back, she looked at caleb with fire in her eyes and lips swollen from all their roughness. “if you begged for it, i wouldn’t make you work for it before i caved,” she pointed out, even though she knew she’d probably give in the second he looked at her like that. his hands gripped her with such possessiveness it felt like they burned her skin, and she loved it. “you’re going to break easy when i’m the one riding you,” she mused, her head tilting back as his lips brushed her jaw. “it’s not my fault the people you bring here aren’t me, don’t you think?” she added, voice soft but charged. “i’ll try, and i’ll have you crumbling under me in no time,” she promised, unable to keep her own body from reacting to the way he looked at her. she straddled his lap, grinning. “you’re too sure of yourself, but i’m the one on top, so i decide how that works,” she smiled. “you’ll be lucky if you find someone after me who makes you cum like i will,” she added with a smirk. she started grinding her hips against his, teasing—barely getting started. keeping the motion steady, she slipped off her top, now only in her underwear. obviously lace. obviously his favourite colour. "you're going to regret it" she smiled, she got up on her knees, pushed aside her underwear, "i bet you will like it like this even better thinking i'm too desperate to have you to take off my panties" she smiled, she leaned so she could whisper at the shell of his ear. "but i want to go out after this and this is going to be the only way i can walk around without your cum dripping out of me" she teased, deliverate,maybe a lie to get him worked out, maybe a promise. and without further warning she used her free hand to alight him before she sank, letting out a loud moan.

[caleb--caldwell]

Fights with Valentina weren’t just shouting matches or slammed doors. They were foreplay wrapped in fury, each jab and snarky word laced with something hotter beneath. He knew the rhythm now: the way her eyes narrowed when she was really mad, the slight twitch in her jaw when she was about to say something she'd regret—and how to sidestep it all just enough to pull her right back in. That morning had been textbook Caleb. He didn’t let her walk away, didn’t give her space to shut down like she always tried to. Instead, he stepped in closer, let his voice dip with that teasing edge she pretended to hate. The closer he got, the more flustered she became, and he could see it, feel it—the pull. It always worked. It wasn’t manipulation. It was chemistry. Dangerous, electric, and addictive. She could say she hated herself for it, and maybe she did, but Caleb knew her too well by now. Knew the way her body relaxed when his mouth brushed her neck, the breath she always held just before kissing him back. It was in the way she smiled into his lips like she didn’t want to but couldn’t help it. He loved that part right after they fought—when she finally gave in, when he hoisted her over his shoulder and she tried not to laugh. Tried. Miserably. He couldn’t argue. She wasn’t wrong. Her hand smacked his ass again, and he let out a sharp breath of amusement. Inside her room, everything shifted. Caleb’s touch softened, and it was deliberate—he wanted her to feel that. The way he laid her down wasn’t just about control. It was about knowing what made her crumble. Her sigh didn’t go unnoticed. Neither did the way her hands found his neck like second nature. The smirk she hated—he wore it for a reason. It unraveled her. He hovered there, letting the tension build, soaking in the way her breath caught. Her words—earned a low chuckle from his chest. His eyes darkened at that, and the smirk slipped into something else—something possessive. He leaned in slow, letting his breath tease her lips, his voice low, dangerous, and close. “Oh no, sweetheart,” he said. “Tonight, you’re all mine. Tell your little friend to take the night off.” And then he kissed her—slow at first, but deep, commanding—like he meant it. Because he did. The slowness quickly wore off, making way as he deepened the kiss between them. He reached down and took her hands - deliberately. He brought it up to his throat, pressing her palms against his skin, her fingers just beneath his jawline. His heart was hammering there, fast and reckless.“Go on,” he said, voice low and rough, something feral beneath it. “Choke me like you mean it.” His voice dropped, husky, dark—full of all the heat and venom she drew out of him. “Hate fuck me.” Not a question. Not a plea. A challenge. Caleb didn’t say it to be crass. He said it because it was the truth. Because when she looked at him like that—like she wanted to slap him and kiss him in the same breath—it drove him wild. He wanted her angry. Wanted her hands rough, her mouth unkind, her nails down his back like punishment. “You’re mad?” he whispered against her lips, hips grinding once more, slower this time, crueler. “Then show me. Ruin me.

[valentinamernes]

that was how they always worked—she'd go mad, he'd show up with that charming smirk and smug attitude, and just like that, he had her in the palm of his hand. she hated to admit it, but that’s how easy it was for him. she tried to stay mad, at least long enough to prove he couldn’t always get what he wanted, not after getting her worked up and then flashing those damn eyes—but it was impossible. even after seeing him with someone else that same night, she couldn’t help it. her hookups were mostly just to make him jealous, but they never felt the same. it wasn’t just about the sex with caleb—it was the fiery looks, the way he talked, the way he knew what he wanted, and how she knew exactly what he liked. it was heat, chemistry, and she’d only ever felt that with him. every time she melted in his arms, she knew that wouldn’t change. she loved how his touch always softened eventually, and with that, her hard anger did too, letting her stop pretending she was furious, at least for a few minutes. the way he leaned in to talk, so close she could feel his words brush her lips, left her in a haze—she wanted to get drunk on him. “you wish i was yours,” she spat, playful, challenging. and when he kissed her, she melted instantly, pulling him closer as the kiss escalated, his hands guiding hers to his throat, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. “you’re insane,” she rolled her eyes, applying just a bit of pressure to his neck, teasing, dark. her lips parted but no words came as he ground against her again. “fuck you,” she muttered, then leaned in to kiss him again—no mercy, just fire—until she stopped, pulling back when she wanted to. “i want to ruin you, but it’ll be on my terms,” she said, eyes locked on his. “i want to see you crumble while i ride the fuck out of you.”

[caleb--caldwell]

For Caleb, it was never a question of if Valentina would give in—it was only a matter of when. He saw through her defiance from the start. Every push, every glare, every clipped word was just another crack in the armor she was trying so desperately to keep intact. And God, he loved it. He loved watching her fight herself, because even then—especially then—he knew she wanted him just as much as he wanted her. She was fire and fury and stubbornness, but she was also his. Whether she liked it or not. The moment her lips met his again, he felt it. That surrender. That silent, breathless finally. Her resistance melted with the heat between them, her hands tangling in his curls like she couldn’t get close enough. Caleb didn’t need her to say it—he could feel the truth in the way she touched him, kissed him, gave herself over like she was tired of pretending. She needed him too. When he pulled her in tighter, he felt her smile against his mouth, and it sent a rush through him. That was them—intensity wrapped in teasing, desire cloaked in chaos. She was the war, and the peace that followed. Lifting her over his shoulder was impulsive, sure, but so was everything with Valentina. Her surprised scream turned into laughter, and it cracked something open inside him. That sound—her laughter—it undid him more than she probably knew. He knew she felt it—the way the mood had shifted. How the tension between them had turned into something sweet, something undeniable. “Always?” he muttered under his breath, knowing she'd most definitely teased him to a certain point before and left him there all hot and flustered. A low chuckle escaped his mouth. "Did you just smack my ass back?" He walked into Valentina's room - knowing his bed still wasn't made. She didn't need a quick reminder of him sleeping with someone else. Caleb chuckled under his breath as she squirmed over his shoulder, still laughing. But when they reached the edge of the bed, his grip shifted—steadier, slower—and with a teasing sort of care, he eased her down onto the mattress, like she was something precious. Not breakable—never that. Just something he didn’t want to rush. He hovered over her for a second, his hands braced on either side of her. His voice dropped, soft and laced with that signature Caleb smirk. “You know,” he murmured, eyes flicking from her mouth to her eyes, “for someone who fights so hard to stay mad at me, you don’t look very mad right now.” One of his hands trailed down, slow, fingertips brushing along her waist. “Is this your idea of resistance? ’Cause I gotta say… you’re terrible at it.” He dipped his head lower, his breath warm against her jaw as he whispered, “But don’t worry, I don’t mind being your weakness.”

[valentinamernes]

there was something that came with fighting with caleb. the way they knew exactly what to say to piss each other off, but just like they could push the right buttons, they also knew how to reel each other back in. that morning had been all caleb—walking closer when she tried to walk away, leaning in, teasing her. that was always all it took for him to have her all over him. she hated herself for it, but fighting just made the inevitable come a little later. every time she kissed him, she knew she’d never get enough—the way he pulled her in tighter, kissed her like it meant something, enough to have her smiling against his lips. she loved those moments right after a fight. when he carried her over his shoulder, she tried to hold in her laughter but failed miserably. "not always, sometimes you deserve to be left hanging there because you’re an asshole," she pointed out, "but you can’t say you haven’t done that to me before," valentina added. seeing him flustered was fun, a reminder that she still had a little control. "i sure did, you have a nice ass, it deserves to be smacked," she grinned wickedly, smacking it again, wishing he could see how much fun she was having. once inside her room, she felt the shift—the way he laid her down so gently had her sighing, hating that even that small thing got to her. as he hovered above her, her hands wrapped around his neck almost instinctively. that damn smirk drove her insane, and caleb definitely knew it. he was the most handsome person she’d ever laid eyes on. "i am mad, but i’m more horny than mad," she admitted—truth was, the anger had faded. as he leaned in and his breath brushed her skin, she closed her eyes. "you’re not my weakness," she lied, because he definitely was. "are you going to kiss me or what, caldwell?" she teased, "if you don’t plan on doing it, i’ll just reach for my friend in the nightstand."

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb watched her with a knowing smile as she tried to fight it, her resistance slowly melting away. He’d seen this happen before—this back-and-forth between them. She’d act all tough, push him away, but it was clear to both of them that their connection was undeniable. Even as she tried to keep her distance, he could feel her pulling closer, unable to stop herself. When she sighed, her eyes fluttering closed as his words reached her, he could tell she was already losing this fight. Her body reacted to him, even when her words didn’t. Caleb leaned in slightly, brushing his lips near her ear, teasing her just the way she liked. He knew exactly how to get to her. He could feel her giving in, and it made his heart race, though he wouldn’t admit it out loud. As she pulled away to look him in the eyes, he didn’t back off, his gaze never leaving hers. He saw the familiar mix of frustration and affection in her expression—the same look that had always driven him crazy in the best possible way. When she kissed him again, Caleb’s smile softened, though his hands gently pulled her even closer. It wasn’t just the heat of the moment; it was them, the two of them together, always pulling each other back in despite the chaos they created. Without giving her much of a chance to react, Caleb carefully scooped her up, lifting her over his shoulder with ease, a smirk on his face. He could feel her small frame against him, her heart still racing, but this time it wasn’t out of anger—it was the undeniable chemistry they shared. “Come on,” he said, his voice teasing but gentle. “I think we’ve got some unfinished business.” He walked toward his room, carrying her effortlessly, his steps steady. There was no rush, just the quiet comfort of being with her. As he walked, he could feel the tension between them dissolve into something much deeper, knowing that this was just the way they worked—together, always. His hand smacked against the girl's ass. "I'm going to make you forget how much you hate me when I have you begging at my mercy."

[valentinamernes]

valentina had tried to fight it, god knows she tried. pushing him, trying to be rude and distant so whatever he said would bounce off—but she’d be lying to herself if she said she didn’t want him. she had tried, she really did, but she was obsessed with him. they were mutually obsessed, and they just wanted each other. she couldn’t stop herself. as she felt his lips on her, his words had already melted under his touch, and she couldn’t help it. when his lips brushed against her ear, her eyes fluttered closed, soaking in the softness of his voice. she wanted to be strong, but caleb was her kryptonite—she could never say no to him. she’d never be able to keep herself away from him, it was impossible. she kissed him again, and just like that, she was lost in his lips. when he pulled her closer, a playful smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, her hands sliding behind his neck and into his dark curls. that was where she wanted to be—close, tangled up in him. she was so focused on kissing him that she didn’t expect it when he suddenly lifted her over his shoulder, making her let out a surprised scream. “caleb!” she laughed, unable to help it—it was just too amusing. “unfinished business? i think i always make you finish,” she teased against his back, shaking her head at herself. the tension was still there, but now instead of hate, it was something sweeter—the thing that always pulled them together no matter what was going on between them. when he smacked her, she bit her lower lip, secretly glad he couldn’t see her face right then. “you talk a lot, less talking and more getting me down so i can undress you,” she said, giving his ass a smack in return. “get me down, caleb. i need you.”

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb smirked, leaning in just enough so his lips almost brushed hers. He could feel the tension between them, that familiar pull that always played out like this—her pretending she didn’t care, him teasing her until she caved. It was a routine they both hated, but neither of them could stop playing. “You’re right,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “we’re not together. But we’re definitely not done either, are we?” He could see her fight it, could feel the little movements in her body that told him she was already giving in, even if she wouldn’t admit it. She always thought she could win this, but he knew better. She liked this, more than she ever wanted to admit. “You’re not my last thought either,” he teased, his fingers lightly grazing her skin as he held her in place. “But you’re definitely in my top five, sometimes." He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear as he murmured, “And we both know you can’t stop this, no matter how much you pretend you don’t want it.” When she kissed him again, pulling him even closer, it was like she couldn’t help herself. The chemistry between them was undeniable. “I should pull away,” he whispered, echoing her earlier words, “but why would I do that when you’re already here, fighting this with everything you’ve got?” His voice was low, teasing, but there was an undeniable heat behind it. “You say you hate me, but you hate that I can also make you feel so good, huh?" Caleb grinned, his lips curling into a playful smile as he looked at her. “You know,” he said, his voice low and teasing, “for someone who hates me so much, you sure do kiss me like you can’t get enough.” He leaned in just enough for his breath to warm her skin, eyes glinting with mischief. “Maybe you should stop fighting it, Val. I’m pretty good at making you forget all the reasons you’re supposed to hate me.”

[valentinamernes]

valentina deep down knew that after they started fighting, they would end up like that—making out on the couch, unable to pull away from each other. it was stupid to deny how their interactions always seemed to end, but it was as if that was all she could do to keep from letting him win. they weren’t together, but as much as she hated agreeing with him, they weren’t done yet. it wasn’t possible for them to be over when they were drawn to each other like magnets. as he leaned closer to the shell of her ear, confessing she was sometimes in his top five, her eyes fluttered shut at the familiar voice that still, to this day, drove her crazy. "i wish i could," she admitted. she couldn’t deny it, couldn’t stop herself no matter how much she wanted to. as he whispered those teasing words against her skin, valentina sighed, already knowing she was losing this fight. "i hate you and everything you do," she swore, but they both knew it was a lie. she would always end up straddling his lap, kissing him as if it was the only thing she could do in this world. that was how they worked, and they both knew the consequences of these arguments. she shook her head at his last comment, pulling away just enough to make him look into her eyes. she scanned his face—those eyes, that smirk, the very things that made her so mad but pulled her right back in. and just like that, she caved, pressing her lips against his once more. she didn’t want to, but there she was, trapped in his little tricks. "shut up and make me forget already," she whispered as she pulled away, already knowing she was his all over again.

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb grinned, knowing exactly how to get under her skin. The way she tried to act unbothered only made it more fun for him. She could say whatever she wanted, but he could see right through her. "Not your boyfriend, huh?" he teased with a smirk. "Guess you're right. But deep down, you care more than you let on." He leaned back slightly, watching her carefully as she tried to act indifferent. When she brought up the headphones, he couldn't resist. "Sure, go ahead," he chuckled. "I’m sure that’ll work... but I’ve got a feeling you’ll still find a way to hear me. I'm still probably your last thought before you sleep." He couldn’t help but enjoy the way she crossed her arms, her defensiveness making her even more irresistible. And when she whispered, telling him she didn’t want him there, Caleb’s grin only grew. He moved in closer, just enough to make her feel the heat between them. He could feel her body tense, but he didn’t stop. It was a game now, one they both knew too well. This wouldn't be the first or the last time. Then, just like that, she cupped his face and kissed him. Caleb’s heart skipped a beat. The moment was intense, and it wasn’t lost on him. As she pulled away, telling him she hated him, he couldn’t help but feel the pull between them. She said one thing, but her actions spoke louder than words. And deep down, they both knew they couldn’t walk away from this—even if they tried. Caleb pulled Valentina onto his lap with a mischievous grin, his hands settling lightly on her waist. He leaned in close, his breath warm as he whispered, “Oh yeah? Hate me. I love it when you hate me — when it makes you act like this.” Another kiss. His hands fell down to her bum as he gave it a quick squeeze. "You love it."

[valentinamernes]

that was the game they always played—he would tease her, she’d act like she didn’t care, and they’d end up kissing. valentina hated herself for knowing it and still not being able to stop. it wasn’t a matter of if but when. "you're not my boyfriend, remember? we're not together, i'm just trapped here with you," she mused. as he kept teasing, she sighed. "you're not my last thought. it's kind of sad you still convince yourself that you are," she added, refusing to let him win. she couldn’t let him win—it was against her nature. but as he moved closer, his warmth radiating against her, she knew she was losing already. she always caved. she hated him, and somehow, that was all it took to make her kiss him. the way he always got under her skin was more of a turn-on than anything else, and she despised it. caleb pulled her onto his lap effortlessly, and she kissed him hungrily, annoyed when he pulled away. but his words only fueled her fire. "i hate you so much," she whispered before crashing her lips against his again, her arms snaking around his neck, pulling herself impossibly closer. the chemistry was undeniable, but it was like they needed to play this little game before finally giving in. "i should pull away and leave you all needy and eager to touch me, just to show you how much i hate you," she mumbled, smirking against his lips. "but i think i like seeing you annoyed even more."

[caleb--caldwell]

Caleb watched her closely, a smirk tugging at his lips. She was trying so hard to keep up the act of indifference, but he could see right through it. He had her all worked up, and it was almost too easy. This little game continued between the two of them as always. When she spoke, trying to sound unaffected, Caleb couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, right," he muttered under his breath, though he made sure not to let her hear. He knew exactly what she was doing, and the more she tried to push him away, the more he knew it was just a matter of time. It was always the same, and it still never got old. He raised an eyebrow as she made her snide remark about keeping his moans low. "I'm not hiding my moans to please anyone else." Caleb knew it bothered her when he brought people home. She didn’t want to admit it, but Caleb was sure of it. It wasn’t just about the noise—she hated seeing him with someone else, even if they weren’t together anymore. He had the exact same reaction too when she brought someone back at home. "If you say so," he said, his tone playful, even though he could see the jealousy in her eyes. It didn’t take much to get under her skin, and he enjoyed every second of it. "I don’t know, maybe I just like watching you try to pretend you don’t care." When she muttered that she wasn’t defensive, he couldn’t hold back a chuckle. "Of course not," he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He watched as she tried to distance herself, knowing full well she couldn’t. It was always like this, a game of cat and mouse. Caleb leaned in a little closer, not missing a beat as she snapped at him. When she pushed him away again, Caleb didn’t move. He pulled her closer instead. "You want me here." Her words about regretting something only made him smirk. "Then do something you’ll regret," he teased, testing the limits and her words at the same time.

[valentinamernes]

their game was always the same. she got mad, she tried to hide it, and he just kept pushing until she snapped. he loved getting under her skin, and she hated how easy it was for him to do it. no matter how hard she tried to act unbothered, she always ended up reacting. "why would i care? you're not my boyfriend," she reminded him, though the words tasted bitter on her tongue. did she sometimes wish he still was? yes. but she’d never admit that—not to him, not to anyone. "sure, you know what? i'll get noise-canceling headphones so i don't have to listen to your stupid voice or your moans," she scoffed, already thinking of someone to call that night just to piss him off in return. it wasn’t healthy, but neither was whatever this was between them. she didn’t care. at least, that’s what she kept telling herself. but every time she saw him with someone else, it made her want to rip her eyes out. and he knew it. that’s why he kept pushing. "the thing is, i don't care, but you keep pushing my buttons," she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. when he chuckled at her defensiveness, her brows furrowed. and then he leaned in, and her whole body went rigid. her heart raced, but she refused to let him see it. she turned her face away, but she could still feel his presence too close, too intoxicating. "listen to me, caleb. i don't want you here," she whispered, her voice low but firm, hoping he’d just leave before she did something she’d regret. but then he leaned in even closer, his breath warm against her skin, and her breath hitched. do something you’ll regret. valentina’s hands moved before she could think better of it. she cupped his face, her fingers digging into his skin as she crashed her lips against his. it was reckless, desperate, inevitable. "i hate you," she whispered against his lips, but she didn’t pull away. she couldn’t.