Chapter 128

Derek drew in a sharp breath, his eyes narrowing as they darkened like a brewing storm.

His hand, pressed against the sofa for balance, clenched tightly, every muscle in his body going rigid.

Was it pain?

Not quite. It was an indescribable sensation—an itch deep inside, tugging at the edges of his control, like something just out of reach, teasing and unraveling him.

His breaths grew shallow, his chest rising and falling unevenly as his gaze locked intensely on Vivienne.

Vivienne tilted her head, a playful spark dancing in her eyes. “This is what they call payback.”

Unlike Derek’s measured and careful demeanor, Vivienne was entirely bold and unapologetic. The evidence of her actions—a vivid red mark circled by precise teeth marks—stood out clearly.

It wouldn’t fade for at least a week.

Derek’s gaze lingered on her face, her delicate beauty contrasting with the wicked mischief in her expression. His eyes darkened further, his thoughts unreadable.

“It’s time. Let’s go,” Vivienne said softly, pressing a hand against his chest as though she could push him away.

But Derek grasped her wrist firmly, pulling her close until she was against him. His broad hand slid behind her neck, holding her in place.

Vivienne’s eyes widened slightly as she glanced up at him, only for his face to lower suddenly. A sly, teasing smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “You think you can walk away after arousing me?”

There was a magnetic pull in his eyes—intense and impossible to resist.

For a fleeting moment, as their eyes met, Vivienne felt like she was standing too close to a flame.

Her fingers twitched faintly, betraying the calm expression she tried to maintain. “So, double standards now?”

“Hah!” Derek let out a low, rough laugh, his fingers tilting her chin up gently. “You’ve got a real talent for driving me crazy.”

The deep, husky sound of his laughter sent a shiver through Vivienne. Her heart skipped unexpectedly, catching her off guard.

“Come on, weren’t you the one who promised me a date? Hurry up.” She quickly pushed Derek away, brushing off her dress with deliberate ease to smooth the creases.

Derek grabbed the coat draped over the sofa, his movements unhurried. He held out his hand to her with a faint smile. “Shall we?”

Like any couple savoring a romantic evening, they started with a light meal before strolling side by side down the quiet street, their voices mingling softly as they talked in bursts.

In moments like these, the words didn’t matter. It was the silver glow of the moon above them, the gentle kiss of the evening breeze, the rhythm of their steps in sync, and the irreplaceable presence of the person walking beside them.

The dim glow of the streetlights cast their intertwined shadows on the pavement, marking their quiet progression from walking side by side to their fingers lacing together.

Vivienne lifted her hand, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, only to notice something was off. Her earring was missing.

She stopped mid-step, her eyes scanning the ground instinctively.

“What’s wrong?” Derek asked, his attention snapping to her, immediately noticing her bare left earlobe.

“My earring is gone,” Vivienne said softly, her tone calm. “It’s just an earring. Don’t worry about it.”

But Derek wasn’t one to brush it off. Without a word, he turned and began retracing their steps, scanning the dimly lit path until he spotted the tiny earring near a cluster of bushes.

Vivienne held out her hand to take it from him, but Derek ignored the gesture and stepped closer instead. “Let me put it on for you.”

As he approached, the faint scent of earth and cedar surrounded her, making her heart pound wildly in her chest.

Derek’s gaze softened as he looked at her, the glow of the streetlights catching the quiet vulnerability in her eyes. His hand lifted, brushing her cheek lightly, his fingers threading through her smooth hair to cradle the back of her head. Then, he kissed her—gentle but sure.

The simple contact sent a wave of warmth rushing through her, the sensation sparking like a soft electric current beneath her skin. “There are so many people watching!” Vivienne protested, her voice flustered.

Derek tilted his head slightly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “So it’s only okay when we’re alone?”

She fell silent, her face heating as he once again found a way to turn her words against her.

It was a pattern she was beginning to recognize; the more she spoke, the more Derek found openings to outmaneuver her. She realized it was safer to just keep quiet.

Pressing her lips into a thin line, Vivienne resumed walking, her steps quick and purposeful. Just as she took a few steps, a young girl suddenly darted out from behind a nearby corner.

Startled, Vivienne dodged instinctively, but her heel wobbled on the uneven pavement. She stumbled backward, her balance faltering.