As soon as the door to his apartment clicked shut behind them, Viktor pulled Jane close and kissed her. At first she stood stiff, but she soon leaned into him and grabbed hold of his jacket. Viktor ran his hands along her thighs, slipped beneath her shirt, and caressed her stomach with his thumbs.
“I’ve wanted to do that ever since I left the locker room. I was hoping you’d kiss me, but since you didn’t, I had to get it now.” He bumped his nose against hers, a huge grin on his lips. His hands slowly moves upwards to cup her breasts. Her breath hitched when he did that. “It was hard enough to keep my hands off you in front o the others and I don’t know how long I can keep doing that.” Viktor dropped his head and pressed his lips to the side of her neck, making her sigh.
“I can’t do this now,” Jane said with a trembling voice and pushed him a bit away to look in his eyes. God, she wanted him to continue, but it wouldn’t lead anywhere. “I’m on my period.”
“Okay.” Viktor nodded, kissed her lips and helped her out of her jacket, before he took his own off. She watched him curiously. When he was finished, he kicked off his shoes and pulled her back against his chest. “Then how about curl up on the sofa and watch a movie or something?”
“That actually sounds very nice.” Jane had to smile. She took off her shoes as well before they both moved to the living room.
Viktor chose “Bridget Jones’ Diary” for them to watch, popped the bluray in and lay down on the sofa with Jane. He pulled her with her back against his chest, wrapped his arms around her middle and leaned his head against hers. He couldn’t promise that he’d stay awake throughout the whole movie, because he was tired, but that didn’t matter. It was important that she relaxed and felt good.
Viktor found himself looking at her more than at the screen. At the little smiles that appeared now and then, her long lashes, the tiny scars at the back of her neck. He found himself smiling again. He thought back to earlier, when his heart had started beating faster as soon as he’d seen her at the locker room. It was clear to him now. At one point he had fallen in love with her and it was growing stronger day by day. That was why he didn’t want to hide it anymore. He wanted to show everyone that she belonged to him. The only problem was, that Jane didn’t think the same way about it. Hell, he didn’t even know if she felt the same way he did.
When Jane fell asleep, Viktor carefully got up. He turned off the TV and picked her up to carry her to his bedroom. There were absolutely no problems with his knee, foot or his ribs anymore. All thanks to the woman in his arms.
He put her down on the bed and unbuttoned her jeans. Due to that she woke up and rubbed a hand over her eyes.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m undressing you.” Viktor smiled up at her, tugging her jeans down. “I want you to sleep comfortable tonight.”
“You don’t have to do that.” She was still half asleep, could barely keep her eyes open. She looked so peaceful, so happy that it made him smile.
“I know, just close your eyes again and try to sleep.”
And so she did. Viktor stripped down to his boxer briefs and got on the bed with her. He carefully pulled the covers over them and wrapped his arms around her. Instinctively she cuddled up to him. Viktor lay awake for another hour, watching her, until he finally fell asleep.

A couple of days later Viktor met up with Niklas. Jane had a meeting with the Blachawks staff to talk about a permanent position. He wasn’t nervous at all, because he already knew that she’d get the position, so he’d decided to get her a little something to congratulate her. He’d thought about getting her a bracelet first, but Jane wasn’t someone who wore a lot of jewelry.
Together with Niklas he was walking around the city, sunglasses shading his eyes from the bright sun. It was nice and warm outside. He could always get her some concert tickets, but he didn’t know what for. They’d never talked much about music.
Maybe he should still go with a bracelet. A simple, thin one that was still beautiful would fit perfectly. Maybe they should just have a look.
Once they were inside, Viktor spotted the right one straight away. It had a tiny star right in the middle. It would really be perfect for her.
“Viktor?” Niklas said, getting his attention. “Älskar du Jane?” (Do you love Jane?)
“Vad?” (What) He must have misunderstood him. How could Niklas guess that without having seen him together with Jane much?
“Du hörde mig.” (You heard me) Niklas crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for an answer.
Viktor heaved a sigh. “Ja.” (Yes) He looked at Niklas for a moment. “Vad tycker du om detta armband?” (What do you think of this bracelet?)
Niklas had to smile. At least Viktor had admitted it to him. “I like it.” He nodded in agreement. “Are you going to tell her?”
“Not yet.” Viktor looked up again. “She’s difficult when it comes to that. She hasn’t been in a healthy relationship in I don’t know how long and I don’t want to scare her away.”
“But isn’t it difficult to keep that to yourself?”
“It is, but I’ll manage. I’ll tell her when the time is right.” He wasn‘t sure when that would be, but as he’d said, he didn’t want to scare her away. She’d opened up enough to him and he had the feeling that she was comfortable with him. Maybe he should talk to Patrick or Abby about this.
In the end, he bought the bracelet and left the store with Niklas to get some lunch.