Chapter 877
Vivian Laurent stood before the claw machine, her fingertips lightly tapping the control buttons.
Her gaze remained fixed on the plush toy inside the glass case, more intense than when negotiating billion-dollar contracts.
As a child in the countryside, she could only watch enviously as other children walked by hugging their stuffed animals.
Now she could finally indulge in playing these games to her heart's content.
"Another win!" Vivian cheered as she retrieved her prize.
Ethan Roscente leaned against the adjacent machine, his eyes never leaving her.
The corners of his mouth lifted unconsciously as he watched her childlike excitement.
Vivian shoved the newly won bunny plush into Ethan's arms.
"For you."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Gifting me a prize won with my own tokens?"
"Fine, I'll take it back." Vivian made to grab the toy.
Ethan held it out of reach. "No take-backs on gifts."
He suddenly leaned close to her ear. "Though I'd prefer a different reward."
The tips of Vivian's ears turned pink instantly.
She remembered losing their earlier bet and promising him a kiss.
"W-we can discuss that at home..."
Ethan already had her wrist in his grasp. "I can't wait."
He pulled her swiftly toward the emergency stairwell.
The dimly lit stairs were illuminated only by faint emergency lighting.
Ethan pressed her against the wall, gently tilting her chin up.
"A bet's a bet."
When his lips met hers, Vivian instinctively closed her eyes.
The kiss burned hotter than she'd imagined.
Ethan cradled the back of her head with one hand while the other gripped her waist.
Vivian could hear elevator chimes and passing conversations outside.
Her fingers curled nervously into Ethan's shirtfront.
"Focus." He nipped lightly at her lower lip.
Vivian tried to protest, but he seized the opportunity to deepen the kiss.
His presence surrounded her completely, leaving no escape.
An eternity later, Ethan finally pulled back slightly.
Vivian gasped for air, her lips tingling.
"That...that was more than one kiss..."
Ethan chuckled darkly. "Interest."
His thumb brushed her swollen lips, eyes darkening.
"We'll continue the rest at home."