Chapter 271: You’re Not Quite Ready Yet

Inside the dimly lit car, their silhouettes melded with the shadows. Vivienne attempted to create distance, but Derek’s firm grasp on her wrist guided her into the corner, leaving no avenue for retreat. His commanding presence surrounded her completely.

Vivienne raised her eyes to find Derek’s face mere inches from hers. Their gazes intertwined unexpectedly, and she found herself drowning in the depths of his dark eyes, which blazed with an intensity that threatened to consume her entirely. Her eyelashes quivered with nervous energy as her heart contracted sweetly, thundering against her ribcage.

The overwhelming sensations left her dizzy, her rationality dissolving in the intimate atmosphere. She yielded to his kiss like a drowning soul reaching for salvation. Just before reason completely abandoned her, Derek drew back.

Vivienne inhaled deeply, color blooming across her cheeks. His arms encircled her delicate waist as he gazed down at her with tender eyes, a subtle smile gracing his features. “Babe, you’re not quite ready yet,” he murmured, his voice rich with allure. His warm breath caressed her hair and whispered against her ear, causing her fingers to curl instinctively.

Vivienne tensed, catching her lower lip between her teeth. “I’m sorry…” she breathed, her voice carrying a hint of roughness. Though her feelings for Derek ran deep, complete trust eluded her, preventing her from surrendering fully to him. Even surrounded by his warmth, fear lingered. She dreaded loss, but the prospect of abandonment terrified her more. Her childhood had been marked by too many departures, those closest to her leaving one by one, embedding a persistent wariness in her heart.

“I should be the one apologizing,” Derek whispered, his fingers threading gently through her silken hair. “I was too impatient.”

Vivienne’s eyes flickered uncertainly. “You could have blamed me. It would only be fair to you…”

“I won’t.” His response was steady, unwavering. “I know why you hesitate. I see the weight you carry, the walls you’ve built. And I don’t expect you to let them down overnight.” His thumb brushed against her cheek, his voice turning almost teasing. “Winning your trust? That’s my job, isn’t it?”

His eyes traced her features, and for a fleeting moment, the guarded look in hers softened. “Love is more than just words, Vivienne.”

Her breath hitched. A wave of warmth spread through her chest, tangled with an ache she couldn’t quite name. Guilt. Longing. Hope. She wound her arms around his neck, seeking refuge in the crook of his shoulder, inhaling deeply the scent that brought her solace.

If only she had met him sooner…

As Milo collected the tiara’s case, preparing to instruct his assistant to deliver it to Celtis Estate, Derek intervened. “Send it to Platinum Apartments.”

Understanding dawned in Milo’ eyes. “Understood, Mr. Hopkins.”

Vivienne’s eyebrow arched playfully. “You’re casually gifting me something worth a hundred billion?”

“Don’t you like it?” Derek turned to meet her gaze.

Warmth bloomed in Vivienne’s heart as her lips curved upward. “Don’t you consider it wasteful?”

Amusement danced in Derek’s eyes. “If it brings you joy, it’s priceless.”

He had never before comprehended the impulse to spend a fortune merely to witness a beloved’s smile, but now understanding dawned. And the feeling proved intoxicating.