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.

amused and slightly defeated

the villa?" Vivienne suggested, her eyes sparkling

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

with his hair, "It's 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

rang with news of missing women, deepening the mystery. Despite their desire to spend the night together, duty called. They decided to investigate the

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

and

sleek handguns, ready for whatever they might find. "Several of my people disappeared investigating this village," he said, his voice grave. "I was going to come alone,

chill. This place held secrets, and they

smile, her voice laced with a commanding tone, "There's nobody in this world who

car together, guns holstered at their hips, they walked one after the other, eyes sharply