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.

indulged Vivienne, letting her have her way

pulled him into a deep kiss, reluctant to

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 a solemn promise, "Vivienne,

breath on her fingertips,

want us to get married soon," he said earnestly, looking

softly, "We already

the eyes of our

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

figure of a bride in

in Percival's strong arms,

Vivienne back to her room, scaling the

Percival's sleeve, "Stay

gaze deepened as he closed the

he untied the ribbon of her dress, revealing her 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

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

from his jog, wiping sweat from his foreheadz He knocked on Vivienne's door, "Vivienne, Aunt Hailey, who's been abroad for years, is back Everyone's downstairs to welcome her. Join us before you go

was overly tired, Arthur decided

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

room, was visibly tired, supported by Dracon. Despite their fatigue, they were curious about the aunt none

in to announce, "She's