Chapter 130

As Vivienne nearly finished her lollipop, the road ended. For the first time, she wished a road could stretch on forever.

Back in the car, she held the lollipop stick in one hand while fumbling with her seatbelt in the other. Before she could fasten it, Derek leaned over, his hand brushing hers as he secured the belt. Their faces were so close their eyes met, each reflecting the other. Their breaths mingled. A subtle tension, almost palpable romance, filled the car.

Vivienne’s mind drifted to their earlier kiss, her lips instinctively pressing together, a blush creeping across her cheeks.

“I got you that lollipop,” Derek said, his deep voice smooth and magnetic, his gaze fixed on her slightly parted lips.

Vivienne blinked, surprised. “How much was it? I’ll pay you back.”

Derek didn’t answer immediately. His brow furrowed as he watched her, his silence speaking volumes. Vivienne noticed his focus on her lips, a memory surfacing—a little girl kissing her father to thank him for a treat. Was that what he wanted?

Hesitantly, Vivienne lowered her gaze, leaning in to kiss his cheek. But as her lips neared, Derek turned his head. Vivienne froze, her lips landing on his instead.

This kiss wasn't like their fleeting street kiss. It was deep and lingering, pulling her in. Before she could pull away, Derek's arm encircled her neck, deepening the kiss.

“Breathe,” his low, husky voice caressed her ear, sending shivers down her spine. Like a puppet, she awkwardly tried to obey, her breath uneven.

Derek inhaled her alluring scent, igniting an ache he couldn't ignore. He kissed her softly, savoring the taste, until he reluctantly pulled away.

Vivienne’s cheeks flushed, her eyes shimmering, her lips swollen. The blend of innocence and allure stirred something primal in Derek, a temptation he fought to suppress.

Brushing aside his thoughts, he lightly touched her cheek. “Where to?”

Without hesitation, Vivienne gave him an address, her voice calm, her heart racing.

As they drove, Sienna’s message pinged on Vivienne’s phone—a picture of her and Derek kissing, framed by streetlights. The warm light bathed them in an almost magical aura.

Vivienne smiled, amusement glinting in her eyes. Below the photo was a voice message: “Wow, sweetheart, that was a smooth move! He looks good, but I wonder how skilled he is!”

Vivienne hit play, but before she could listen, the second sentence echoed through the car. Her face turned crimson. She quickly shut off her phone, mortified.

Silence descended, thick with tension. Vivienne held her breath, rigid with embarrassment.

“If you’re curious, you can always find out for yourself,” Derek’s deep, velvety voice, laced with teasing, broke the quiet.