Chapter 137

Vivienne’s eyes widened in shock as Derek's firm embrace pulled her close, his overwhelming passion engulfing her. He kissed her deeply, his lips pressing against hers with insistent hunger, exploring every inch with feverish desire. His kiss arrived like a sudden storm, unexpected and relentless, sweeping her into a daze. Her eyelashes fluttered; her hands struggled against the intensity, as if seeking control. Everything felt as though it were spiraling beyond her grasp.

She lost track of time until Derek's deep voice rumbled in her ear. "Are you trying to drive me mad?" His face remained buried in the curve of her neck, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine.

Vivienne awkwardly pulled away, steadying her breath. "Don't you still have work to finish?" she asked with unexpected seriousness.

"So what?" Derek replied nonchalantly, rolling onto his back.

Vivienne frowned, trying to sit up. "Hurry up and get to work, so you can rest early tonight."

"Let me stay with you a little longer," Derek insisted, pulling her back into his arms. "It took a lot for me to be here with you."

Vivienne chuckled softly. "This is your place. Who would stop you from coming in?"

"If you're not here, what's the point of me staying?" Derek countered, his tone soft yet filled with unspoken meaning. He kissed the top of her head. "Before you, I didn't know what love was. Now, without you, nothing else matters."

Vivienne braced herself for his sweet words, but each one pierced her, leaving her vulnerable. She felt as if she wore a shield, yet it couldn't protect her from his forceful tenderness. The sting wasn't from a cold wound; it was from Derek—a man seemingly detached, yet whose heart burned with passion, determination, and a trace of obsession.

Vivienne was no saint, and she wasn't immune to beauty or kind words. Everything she adored seemed to converge in him. How could she resist his warmth and intensity? How could she maintain clarity facing this overwhelming pull?

She gazed at him, her eyes softening, her lips curving into a playful smile. "Derek, you're beyond saving."

"I'm saved," Derek murmured, tightening his embrace. Leaning down, he whispered, "You're the one who keeps me grounded."

Vivienne paused, her breath catching. She lightly poked his chest. "I have an early meeting tomorrow. I really should rest."

"Then go to sleep."

What began as a teasing comment ended with Vivienne whispering, "Goodnight." She settled her head on his arm, drifting off to sleep.

The room held the delicate scent of her perfume—subtle, yet lingering, teasing Derek's senses. In the quiet darkness, he shook his head in frustration. He never anticipated losing control. His gaze flickered to Vivienne, asleep beside him, her breathing even and serene. With a barely audible sigh, he admired her effortless slumber.

Gently, he lifted the blanket and stepped away, leaving the room quietly. If he didn't leave, he wasn't sure how much longer he could control himself.

Vivienne heard the soft shuffle of his footsteps, and a smile tugged at her lips. She couldn't quite understand him—sometimes assertive and commanding, yet at critical moments, he seemed to restrain himself, maintaining a gentlemanly composure. Just like tonight. If he truly wanted her, she wouldn't have been able to resist. This was his home, and she hadn't opposed the idea. But he hadn't pushed further, choosing instead to honor her wishes when it mattered most.