The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne let out a quiet yawn, feeling unusually sleepy tonight. Deciding it was best to rest up for whatever tomorrow might bring, she leaned her head against the passenger seat and closed her eyes,

murmuring, "Mr. Wolf, wake me up when we get there, will you?"

Percival drove the car out to the countryside, the peacefulness of Vivienne's sleeping face prompting him to carefully open the car door without making a sound. He gently lifted Vivienne from the passenger seat and, noticing the chill of the evening breeze, draped his jacket over her.

Carrying Vivienne in his arms, he walked up a gentle hill, his figure tall and striking against the night sky.

When Vivienne opened her eyes, she was still cradled in Percival's arms. She removed his jacket and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, nuzzling into his chest like a contented cat.

With a smile, Percival helped her to sit up on the hilltop, holding her close. "Awake now?"

Vivienne snuggled closer, then turned to lean her back against him, her voice soft and inviting, "Why did we come here? Weren't we heading to your place?"

His lips brushed her ear as he spoke teasingly, "I was worried you wouldn't make it back to the Linklater estate before dawn. It'd be hard to explain your absence."

Vivienne chuckled, delighted by his playfulness, her mind flashing with images that made her lick her lips in anticipation.

Her hands deftly unbuckled his belt, slipping into his shirt to feel his muscular torso, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Your muscles are so nice to touch," she whispered, a playful tone in her voice.

Vivienne, letting her have her way while he silently

pulled him into a deep kiss, reluctant to

lay together on the grass, gazing at the stars twinkling like diamonds scattered across the vast night sky, forming a milky way. Percival intertwined his fingers with hers, bringing them to his lips as he made

felt the warmth of his breath on her

get married soon," he said

softly, "We

the eyes of our elders, it's

heart. Even though they were legally married, without a ceremony, it felt incomplete

the sky above, drones with purple trails drew a figure of a bride in a wedding gown, complete with

Percival's strong arms, drawing comfort from his

back to

sleeve, "Stay with me, Mr. Wolf. Leave before

closed the window

delicate figure. They surrendered to their passion until the first light of dawn. When Percival woke, it was the first time he hadn't risen with his usual

finding the room empty except for a note from Percival wishing her a good morning, smiled and drifted

streamed through the windows as Arthur returned from his jog, wiping sweat from his foreheadz He knocked on Vivienne's door, "Vivienne, Aunt Hailey, who's been abroad for years,

was overly tired, Arthur decided not

Linklater estate was bustling in anticipation of Aunt Hailey's return. The household staff stood in orderly rows, their expressions serious as they awaited the arrival of

visibly tired, supported by Dracon. Despite their fatigue, they were curious about the aunt none had seen for

announce, "She's