Chapter 123

“It’s a promise!” Vivienne said, her radiant smile meeting his gaze. Derek’s eyes softened as he took in her glowing face, an invisible pull drawing him closer. Instinctively, she leaned back, her eyes glimmering with a hint of nervousness. His familiar scent enveloped her, calming yet disarming.

He stopped inches away, his intense stare holding her captive as their breaths mingled. His lips parted. “It’s a promise.” His deep, velvety voice, warm as aged wine, lingered in the air and her thoughts. Vivienne felt her heart pound, her fingers curling slightly. Clearing her throat, she said, “Could you, um, step back a little?” The proximity sparked a mixture of excitement and unease, making her feel as though he might kiss her at any moment.

“We’re together now. There’ll be plenty of moments like this,” Derek said, his gaze falling to her slightly parted lips. “May I kiss you?”

Vivienne’s cheeks flushed. “You didn’t ask for permission the last time.”

“So, you don’t mind.”

Vivienne stared, speechless. Her mind raced, searching for a response, but found none. A knock on the door broke the tension. Vivienne straightened, her posture rigid. “Come in!”

Scarlett entered, her sharp eyes immediately noticing Derek. Her brows furrowed, her expression subtly tense. She hadn’t noticed him earlier. How had he gotten in? Steadying herself, she brushed the thought aside and approached Vivienne. “Miss Hayes, here are the documents you requested.”

Vivienne nodded, glancing up to find Scarlett’s eyes fixed on Derek. Her gaze held no warmth, only sharp appraisal, as if assessing whether he posed a threat. Derek, unfazed by Scarlett’s silent scrutiny, seemed more interested in admiring the office décor. After a pause, Scarlett looked away, started to speak to Vivienne, then left without a word.

Derek twirled her apartment key card. “What’s this?”

Vivienne easily took the card, slipping it into her bag. “An apartment my uncle arranged.”

“You’re moving out?” A flicker of something unreadable crossed Derek’s eyes.

Vivienne, flipping through the documents, replied evenly, “My grandfather’s house is too far from work. The commute’s a hassle.”

Derek nodded slowly, his thoughts elsewhere, before blurting, “Why not move in with me?”

Vivienne’s head snapped up, disbelief evident in her wide eyes.

“We’re in a relationship. Sharing a home makes sense,” Derek insisted, his tone steady and sincere. “We can drive to work together, and, more importantly, it’ll bring us closer.”

“Considering the stage of our relationship, I think a bit of space is more appropriate,” Vivienne responded calmly but firmly.

“You’re not willing to commit?” Derek’s expression softened, his eyes holding a trace of hurt.

Vivienne laughed lightly, her tone teasing. “I don’t recall ever taking advantage of you.”

“We’ve kissed and hugged. What more could you want?” Derek’s lips curved into a faintly wicked smile, a spark of playfulness in his eyes. “If there’s more you’d like to claim, I’m available tonight,” he said casually, his fingers curling around her hand, toying with it as though savoring its softness. “Will you move in with me?”