The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne and Percival acted as if they were blind to the crisis, treating the life in Belle’s grasp as nothing worth mentioning.

Belle pressed the blade a fraction deeper. Her voice was laced with a threat. “Percival, you’re the head of Vanguard Agency’s special squad. You gonna let this hostage die on your watch and kiss your career goodbye?”

She was convinced Percival would not let the hostage die. That was the Vanguard Agency’s way; they valued life, even that of a stray dog, above all else. It was laughable, really. Because of this soft spot, they had missed countless opportunities to corner the notorious GTO.

As Belle mused over this, her smirk widened.

Yawning ostentatiously, Vivienne plopped down beside Percival, resting her head on his shoulder. “Cut the drama. Let’s wrap this up.”

Belle’s brows knitted in confusion. What was that supposed to mean?

Then, the plump waiter who had been serving them burst out indignantly, “Seriously? I’m just trying to bring you your drink, and this is how you repay me!”

Before Belle could react, the waiter grabbed her ankle in a swift motion, flipping her over and slamming her to the ground with a thud.

“Ugh!” Belle grunted, pain shooting through her already poisoned body, bones fracturing under the impact.

Vivienne frowned. “Brian, go easy on her. If she dies, it’s on you!”

Belle was a key player in GTO, second in command. There were secrets to be extracted, and a dead captive was worthless.

Brian peeled off his waiter’s vest and, drawing a whip from his belt, bound Belle up like a crab ready for the pot.

“Don’t worry, Vivienne,” he assured her, his eyes gleaming with the prospect of a hefty payout. “I’ve got a light touch.”

The bounty on Belle’s head was making Brian’s eyes turn into dollar sign emojis. Brody’s bounty was peanuts compared to this. How was he going to spend all that cash?

done; do I collect the bounty from you?” Brian asked while securing Belle, a smug look on his

in his eyes, then stated flatly, “No, the bounty goes

shred of hope evaporated upon hearing this, and Brian’s hopes

how tight-fisted Vivienne was – it was the talk of the internet, with fans from every corner coming to collect a debt of merely a thousand

fell. “You’re seriously

“You’re seriously not going to pay

amusement, curious to see if

precision strike. “As for the bounty…” She turned, pointing a delicate

groaned. He should not

up!” Vivienne

to glee at the mention of

loaded with Belle’s bounty. “The

blinked in

delight. “The PIN

hell knew Vivienne’s birthday? She probably did not

But Brian kept his thoughts

job. “Can’t get the cash out? No worries. I’ve got another task for you. Complete it, and I’ll double

lit up. “You name it,

hunt for Mr. B under your bounty

did not question further. He knew the score the moment Vivienne took over Mr.

Whatever you say.” Handing over Belle

said, giving him a

tried one last time. “I’m really

slightly exasperated with her money-obsessed protégé. “Go bug Matthew for pocket money and get outta

Brian vanished as quickly as he had