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.

tried another angle. “I’ll cover your strawberry cheesecake fix for the next

not budge

out of

up, grabbed a beer bottle, and, without a second thought, cracked it over

looked at Vivienne, dead serious. “I’m

Vivienne was speechless.

So was Griffin.

far off,

next to Leopold

This kid was hardcore!

feeling an overwhelming urge to boot Leopold out of

he missing

a scene like this in

he trying to paint her as a

she had not spoken because she wanted to see what Leopold would offer next. Instead, he had gone and given himself

with several pairs of eyes on her, she

tossed a pack of tissues at Leopold. “Clean yourself up, for heaven’s sake. You’re embarrassing

nervously, wiped off the booze, and sidled up to Vivienne.

During training, they would smash bricks on their

was to

Vivienne ignored him.

why drag Griffin to a dive like this? Look at that guy;

on Leopold’s shoulder. “I was playing Cupid for Griffin. She’s met too few

disbelief. “You

be mistreated. The person you don’t want to

“Vivienne…”

“Beat it!”

Leopold bolted.

nearly crushed rubbed it gingerly. “Ma’am, is that the hotshot leader of the first squad, Husky, the captain we were talking about? I’d rather

with that,” Vivienne chuckled, raising her glass. “Carry on; the

table erupted in laughter and

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

three-word response came through: [I

not believe it. [You knew

few seconds, a flurry

find guys. Once she’s had her fun, she’ll

magnanimous. This is Vivienne’s typical social life,

to save you from Griffin—to make

to bow down

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

at his phone for a

No way!

Absolutely not!

sprang to his feet and headed straight for Griffin’s

But they were gone!

“They left together about