The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival grinned with a hint of mischief. “Looking to delve into the secrets of the ancient warrior lineages, are you? Well, I’m your guy. I’ll be your greatest asset.”

Vance placed the business card on the table, his finger tapping over the name Mr. Percy, and asked with a serious tone, “So, you trust me now?”

Doubts about his alleged betrayal of the Vanguard Agency had always gnawed at him.

He did harbor ulterior motives, sure, but staining his hands with betrayal? That was a line he would not cross.

Percival’s lips curved slightly. “Your obsession is solely with the ancient warrior lineages.”

Vance fell silent, mulling over his options.

An alliance with Percival could indeed clear the fog shrouding the mysteries of the ancient warrior lineages.

But trust was not on the table, and their partnership was fraught with peril.

Now, cut off from the Agency’s mainframe, he was blind to the secrets he sought. He needed an external ally.

“Why help me?” Vance finally asked.

Percival lowered his gaze briefly, then met Vance’s eyes. “Your fixation with the ancient warrior lineages runs deep. I’d rather assist you now than risk others exploiting you later.”

The insinuation stung Vance like a slap across the face.

“So, you and Vivienne still suspect I might betray the Agency!”

Percival did not deny it. “In my eyes, you were never the saint.”

Vance was momentarily lost for words.

Indeed, in his pursuit of the truth behind the ancient warrior lineages, he had strayed from his initial path.

Conscience had become a distant echo, fading with time.

“And yet you choose to work with me. Aren’t you afraid I might double-cross you?” Vance asked.

“You gave Leopold an out. That’s the second reason I’m willing to gamble on you,” Percival replied with a smirk.

Vance had ensured Leopold took the fall, yes, but had also arranged for his survival and, in the shadows, safeguarded Griffin, proving her innocence.

was not completely heartless

sighed heavily. “Fine. Since you’ve made up your mind, I’ll submit your

next week, or our deal is off,” Percival demanded,

Vance called after him, “Percival, wherever you are, whatever you do, don’t forget you were

reluctance

stepped through that door, he would no longer be

left without looking back, closing a chapter on his life at the Vanguard

waves through the Rivenwood Vanguard Agency main

disbelief—how could their deputy

who seemed to question his

brother-in-arms? You grew up together, and you don’t know why he quit?” Soren’s eyes were

not fathom Percival leaving the organization they had aspired to enter

know! Cut

scuffle, which Thomas and Anna quickly

“Enough!” Thomas bellowed.

his anger on Thomas. “And you? As his assistant,

news at the same time as you

three men. “Will you guys stop? As the team leader and commander, shouldn’t you be calming your teams

taking the lead to gather the troops and Leopold and

drove to Vivienne’s place, arriving leisurely at the foot of her apartment

her motorcycle’s engine as

Let’s catch the wind!” She called out, her voice cutting through

their hair and stirred

tailored suit jacket

one hand, and, with a little effort, placed her on the back

a spare helmet on, Percival’s sleek look was surprisingly in harmony with his biker

on tight,” he said, revving the engine

her arms around his sturdy frame, resting

that moment, they were

rode aimlessly, the motorcycle’s roar slicing

wind grew louder, and the taillights ahead fewer as they sped into the dark embrace of the

that battled the creeping tendrils of the

last, Percival pulled the motorcycle to a halt on a deserted beach, where the stars seemed to stretch to infinity, each one a tiny beacon

and removed his

out too, her hand finding Percival’s, cool to the

out into the