The Million-Dollar Heart

The wedding reception was winding down when Vivienne, with all she'd learned, breezed over to the champagne tower. She grabbed a flute of bubbly, determined to prove she could handle her liquor. Just as she took her first sip, the tower collapsed towards her in a shimmering cascade.

Before she could dodge, a pair of cool hands wrapped around her, pulling her safely away. The champagne flowed behind her like a waterfall, its scent filling the air. She looked up into the eyes of her savior, his grip already loosening. He stepped back, his amber eyes glowing, a soft smile gracing his lips before he nodded at Vivienne and quickly disappeared without a word.

Vivienne's heart fluttered. It was the same man who'd rivalled Mr. Wolf in charm that morning. She watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.

Suddenly, she was swept off her feet. Percival, with his sharp jawline and a cool aura, carried her outside to a swing set up for the wedding. Her curls danced in the breeze, a smile playing on her lips.

"It wasn't me who was watching him; he saved me," she teased, her voice light and playful.

Percival's gaze remained intense, his voice cold. "But you kept staring even after he left."

Before Vivienne could muster an excuse, Percival's kiss silenced her, fierce and demanding, their breaths mingling in the warmth of the moment. Finally, they parted, breathless.

his head, amused and slightly defeated by

back to the villa?" Vivienne suggested, her

buried his face in her neck, his voice husky, "The

fine. The important parts

banter a testament to their deep connection. But their moment was interrupted by a call to Percival's phone. He answered, revealing a lead on a suspicious car and a

with news of missing women, deepening the mystery. Despite their desire to spend the

drove, the urban landscape gave way to desolation. The further east they went,

and

of my people disappeared investigating this village," he said, his voice

the village, Vivienne felt a chill. This place held secrets, and they were determined to uncover

a sly smile, her voice laced with a commanding tone, "There's nobody in this world who can handle me.

out of the car together, guns holstered at their hips, they walked one