The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Leopold spun around and caught Vivienne’s gaze resting on him with a profound intensity.

He was taken aback. Why was Vivienne looking at him like that?

Had he misspoken?

If he found out who the hell had brought Griffin to a joint like this, he would break the bastard’s legs!

Griffin shot him an indescribable look and pointed at Vivienne. “Vivienne brought me here. This dude, she’s the one who introduced us.”

Leopold was dumbstruck.

Holy shit!

Was it too late to make a run for it?

What was wrong with Griffin?

Why did she not say Vivienne was the one who brought her here sooner?

This was a disaster!

Leopold’s gaze shifted, and then he turned on the charm, looking at Vivienne. “Vivienne, fancy seeing you here! Need a refill? Tonight’s on me. Have a blast.”

He paused, then added, “But I’ll take this gentleman with me. A high-class lady like yourself shouldn’t be slumming it with these bozos.”

Vivienne reclined in her chair, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. “Oh? Since when do you get a say in who this jerk drinks with?”

Leopold dropped to his knees.

He was on the verge of tears. “Vivienne, I didn’t mean it. I wasn’t calling you out!”

Vivienne casually cleaned her ears, then turned to Griffin. “Do I have a problem with my hearing?”

Griffin, ever so earnest, replied, “Not at all.”

Vivienne turned back to Leopold, silent.

Leopold was screwed.

“Griffin, whose side are you even on?” He shouted inwardly.

Griffin was obviously on Vivienne’s side.

Leopold offered a sheepish grin. “Look, I misspoke. Can we just let bygones be bygones?”

Vivienne remained silent.

Leopold went on, “I’ve come into some money recently. How about I treat you?”

Still no response from Vivienne.

desperate, tried another angle. “I’ll cover your strawberry cheesecake fix

not

was out

stood up, grabbed a beer bottle, and, without a second thought, cracked it over his own head with

at Vivienne, dead serious. “I’m sorry,

Vivienne was speechless.

So was Griffin.

not far off, was

guy next to Leopold could not believe his

This kid was hardcore!

her nose, feeling an overwhelming

missing a few

like this in front of

trying to paint her

see what Leopold would offer next. Instead,

her, she felt a surge

at Leopold. “Clean yourself up, for heaven’s sake.

wiped off the booze, and sidled up to

all kinds of danger. During training, they would smash bricks on

thing was to cool down

Vivienne ignored him.

was not angry anymore, Leopold ventured, “Look, Vivienne, why drag Griffin to a dive like this? Look at that guy; he’s clearly up to

tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and clamped a hand on Leopold’s shoulder. “I was playing Cupid for Griffin. She’s met too few guys. Once

was in disbelief. “You

my protégé. I wouldn’t let you be mistreated. The person you don’t want to marry—I’m not going to

“Vivienne…”

“Beat it!”

Leopold bolted.

that the hotshot leader of the first squad, Husky, the captain we were talking about? I’d rather not get

chuckled, raising her glass.

and chatter while Leopold’s mood

a bit, then sent a video to Percival, and added: [Percival, look at this. Vivienne is

response came

believe it. [You knew

seconds, a flurry of

to find guys. Once she’s had her

should be magnanimous. This is Vivienne’s typical social

to save you from Griffin—to make her not

to bow down and thank my Vivienne

on the verge of a breakdown, especially after reading “to make her not

at his phone for

No way!

Absolutely not!

and headed

But they were gone!

back his laughter. “They left together about a minute