Chapter 300: We’ll Need More Practice

Warren’s car roared to life and swiftly maneuvered past Derek’s vehicle.

“Are we really just going to watch them drive away?” Derek questioned abruptly.

Vivienne, tilting her head slightly, watched the departing car. “It’s unfortunate, but being too aggressive would only tarnish our image.”

“Does that really matter to you?”

“Do you think it shouldn’t?” Vivienne responded quickly, believing that no man would appreciate a woman who appeared too forceful and detached. Most men were drawn to women who were gentle and understanding.

A slight frown marred Derek’s forehead. “Your happiness is my only concern, so please, wish…” He tenderly stroked her cheek. “Whatever you decide to do, know that I’m behind you, no matter the outcome.”

A wave of emotion surged through Vivienne. She shifted her gaze to meet Derek’s earnest look. Though outwardly serene, a small smile played at the corners of her eyes. “I sometimes worry that my stoic demeanor might drive you away.”

“That will never happen,” Derek assured her, his deep gaze steady and filled with warmth. “You don’t have to soften your edges; I’m here to protect you from whatever comes our way.”

Derek’s reassurances had always moved her, but this time, the depth of her feelings was overwhelming. How could she not be moved by someone who completely accepted every part of her personality?

Compelled by a sudden urge, Vivienne reached for his tie, pulling him closer as she leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips.

Feeling her soft kiss, Derek’s heart skipped a beat. He instinctively tightened his embrace, drawing her onto his lap and deepening their kiss. Their lips met in a kiss that was both familiar and profoundly different from any before.

At times forceful, at others tender, the kiss seemed to navigate through Vivienne’s defenses, meticulously dismantling her resolve. As Derek’s minty breath closed in, it enveloped her gradually, offering a sense of warmth and enclosure that hinted at total surrender. Only when Vivienne’s breathing turned shallow and she nearly swooned did Derek pull away with some reluctance. He observed the delicate flush on her cheeks, his eyes lighting up with an enchanting smile.

Gently, his fingers traced her now-tender lips, his own curving into a playful grin, radiating a cheeky charm. “Looks like we’ll need more practice,” he teased.

Warren, ignoring the treasure before him, foolishly clung to mere trifles. Warren was truly blind!

Vivienne, catching the humor in his tone, felt both mortified and irritated, her brow creasing as she gazed up at him. From her angle, Derek’s impeccable jawline and the enticing swell of his Adam’s apple were striking. She impulsively bit his Adam’s apple in response.

At her action, Derek tensed, his embrace tightening around her. As Vivienne began to squirm, Derek said, “Stay still!” His deep gaze held a warning of the risks involved with their flirtation, and knowing the dangers of flirting with him, Vivienne remained motionless in his arms.

Facing each other, their eyes locked, breaths mingling intimately. Milo, sensing the change in the atmosphere from the front seat, peeked back through the rearview mirror. He caught a glimpse of his usually stoic boss, now relaxed against the seat, his shirt collar undone, his lips marked with lipstick—a rare sight of allure. To Milo, it appeared that Derek, typically reserved, was now under Vivienne’s spell.

In that moment, Milo realized that not even the most composed men were immune to the charm of a captivating woman. Clearly, even Derek could be swayed.