Chapter 134

Derek’s fresh, earthy scent enveloped Vivienne as his warm chest pressed against her back, sending a wave of warmth through her. “Now that you’ve interrupted, you might as well stay and keep me company,” he murmured. His deep voice, magnetic and warm against her temple, stirred the soft hair by her ear.

Vivienne’s brow twitched at the sensation. In the ensuing silence, Derek gently turned her, his dark eyes softening as they met hers, a gentle smile playing on his lips. His fingers brushed the damp strands of hair near her shoulder. “Just took a shower?”

Vivienne nodded, her voice quiet. “Yes.” Glancing up, she noticed the faint red streaks in his eyes, and Vanessa’s words echoed in her mind: “Late-night coffee isn’t healthy. As staff, we can’t advise him, but surely work isn’t more important than his well-being, right, Miss Hayes?”

A soft trace of concern crossed Vivienne’s face. Her gaze, tender yet worried, lingered on Derek. “You don’t have to work so hard. I can support you financially.”

“Feeling sorry for me?” Derek caught every subtle shift in her expression, his smile deepening.

Vivienne lowered her gaze, a blush rising in her cheeks. She lifted her chin slightly. “No, I’m not.”

Derek’s fingers lightly brushed aside her damp hair. His voice, slow and teasing, cut through the silence. “You’re lying.”

Vivienne opened her mouth to protest, but as her eyes met his—deep, affectionate, and full of unspoken emotion—she faltered. The possibility of a kiss hung in the air, catching her breath. A flicker of panic crossed her eyes. “You should get back to work and try to rest early tonight.” She gently tugged at his hand, guiding him toward the desk.

Before she could lead him further, Derek’s grip tightened. In one swift, effortless movement, he hoisted her over his shoulder. The action was smooth, confident, and unhesitating—as if performed countless times before.

Startled, Vivienne gasped. “Derek, what are you doing? Put me down!”

“Quiet,” Derek’s low, firm voice commanded as he playfully tapped her rear, striding out of the study and towards the guest room. Vivienne’s cheeks bloomed with color, and she pounded his back in frustration. “Derek! Put me down!”

His pace never faltered as he entered her room and gently placed her on the bed. The soft mattress sank beneath her, the unexpected movement leaving her momentarily dizzy.

Before she could regain her balance, Derek’s tall figure loomed over her, his presence overpowering. Vivienne’s heart skipped, her eyes flickering with uncertainty, her body tense. His cool, familiar scent surrounded her, and a wave of tension rippled through her, her hands instinctively clutching the sheets. “Derek, you…”

As Derek leaned closer, she instinctively squeezed her eyes shut, her long lashes fluttering, betraying the turmoil within. His warm breath skimmed her cheek, sending a shiver down her neck, as the air between them thickened with unspoken intensity.