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

to the villa?" Vivienne suggested, her eyes sparkling with

warm blush at his own jealousy. He buried his face in her neck, his voice

with his hair, "It's fine. The important

by a call to Percival's phone. He answered,

with news of missing women, deepening the mystery. Despite their desire to spend the night together, duty called. They decided to investigate the suspicious location in the city's

The further east they went, the more abandoned it seemed. They reached a small village, eerily quiet in the

and

find. "Several of my people disappeared investigating this village," he said, his voice grave. "I was going to

village, Vivienne felt a chill. This place

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

guns holstered at their hips, they