Chapter 30

The warmth of Derek's palm seemed to brand Vivienne's skin. She instinctively tried to pull away, but Derek only tightened his grip, anchoring her.

"Once bitten, twice shy," he murmured, sensing her tension gradually dissolving. His fingers tentatively lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "It's a lesson learned, not a reason to become timid. You can reject me with all your defenses, but I won't give up on embracing you."

Silence filled the room, punctuated by the urgent rhythm of rain against the tiles. Each droplet seemed to mirror the chaotic beating of Vivienne's heart. Her eyelashes fluttered before she closed her eyes, a whispered confession escaping her lips. "I… I can't risk losing myself to limitless love again."

The tremor in her voice betrayed the deep wounds of her past. During those three years with Warren, she had defied her family, believing he was her entire future. She had molded herself to his dreams, her love absolute and unconditional. But his betrayal had been merciless—a sudden, sharp blade piercing her heart. She could endure the pain silently, maintaining a facade of strength. Yet, beneath her composed exterior, a raw, terrifying wound continued to bleed.

And Derek? She had barely known him. How could she possibly surrender her heart so easily? She couldn't.

"You don't need to give love," Derek said, his voice softening, "only to receive it. My love doesn't need a reason."

Reaching out, his cool fingertips brushed away the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. The touch was electric, a jolt that rippled through her body, leaving her breathless. Her eyes snapped open, locking onto his. Her heart pounded in her chest, so loud she wondered if he could hear it.

The faintest of smiles played on his lips, and his deep, piercing gaze held a tenderness so profound it nearly unraveled her. With just a glance, he seemed to read her every thought, every hesitation, every fear.

Vivienne stood frozen, her throat dry, her composure slipping away. She had prepared herself for his anger after her rejection. But instead, he remained steadfast, patient, and persistent—a hunter who had set his sights on his prey and wasn't in any rush to claim it. Vivienne felt utterly unable to resist the allure of such a man.

Her voice, unsteady but defiant, broke the silence. "Mr. Hopkins, do you make a habit of being this… direct with women?"

His fingers trailed from her chin to her temple, his touch featherlight as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His voice dropped to a whisper, warm and unhurried, grazing her senses like silk. "You're the first woman I've pursued," he admitted. "The only one. And, incidentally, the first to turn me down."

The honesty in his words sent heat rushing to her cheeks. She cleared her throat, trying to regain some semblance of control. "Then I suppose that makes me… ungrateful."

A flicker of amusement lit his eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by something deeper, more resolute. "Ungrateful, yes," he murmured, his voice low and laced with irony. "But still, the only one who's ever mattered."

Her chest tightened, mixed feelings blooming beneath her ribs. After a long silence, she forced herself to take a deep breath, steadying her voice. "Thank you for the coffee, but I really need to rest now."

"I'll walk you back." His response was simple, almost dismissive of the idea that she could refuse.

As they stepped into the rain-soaked night, Derek pulled off his coat without a word and offered it to her. She hesitated, but before she could protest, he unfolded it and draped it over her shoulders, the fabric heavy with his warmth and the faint scent of sandalwood. "You don't want to catch a cold," he said softly, his tone gentle but firm.

They walked side by side through the quiet halls, their footsteps gradually falling into sync. Whether it was her adjusting to him or him to her, she couldn't quite tell.

When they reached the door to her guest room, Vivienne turned the doorknob, ready to step inside and escape the tangled emotions swirling around her. But Derek's hand suddenly covered hers, stopping her.

The warmth of his touch spread through her like wildfire, igniting something she couldn't quite name. Her pulse quickened, her voice faltering. "What… what do you want to do?"