Chapter 289
The silky ointment glistened on Vivian's skin as Adrian finished applying it with meticulous care. He slipped the delicate nightgown over her shoulders, the fabric whispering against her body like a lover's caress.
His strong arms guided her head onto his lap. His fingers wove through her damp tresses, each strand like liquid gold between his fingertips, still carrying the lingering fragrance of jasmine shampoo.
The hairdryer hummed softly as he worked, his touch tender yet precise. Vivian's breathing deepened, her chest rising and falling in perfect rhythm with the peaceful night.
Gone was the vibrant glow from earlier. In its place, a quiet vulnerability that made her beauty even more breathtaking. Her lips, slightly swollen from their passionate encounter, bore the faintest blush of pink.
After ensuring Vivian was comfortable, Adrian pressed a featherlight kiss to her forehead before disappearing into the ensuite bathroom.
Dominic strode down the hallway of Seabreeze Villa, his footsteps echoing against the marble floors. He paused at the locked door, hand hovering over the knob before withdrawing with a sigh. His thoughts were consumed by Audrey.
Turning on his heel, he retraced his steps. Normally, he wouldn't think twice about women visiting spas or nightclubs alone. But tonight, watching Audrey leave, an unfamiliar tightness gripped his chest.
The unease reminded him of that terrible night when Vivian had disappeared. He'd never seen Adrian so unhinged - the usually composed billionaire tearing through Crestwood like a man possessed.
In all their years of friendship, Adrian had always been the epitome of control. That night had shattered that image completely. Dominic finally understood - true understanding only came from walking similar paths.
Morning sunlight danced across Vivian's eyelids, coaxing her awake. She blinked against the golden rays, her gaze immediately drawn to the sculpted chest beneath her palm.
Her fingers twitched involuntarily, tracing the hard planes of muscle. A pang of regret shot through her - if their marriage ended, she'd lose access to this godlike perfection.
Her thoughts scattered when she met Adrian's amused gaze. He'd been watching her exploration with evident enjoyment.
Vivian refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered. With practiced nonchalance, she withdrew her hand and slipped from bed, her movements graceful despite the lingering soreness.
The bathroom mirror reflected the night's evidence - faint bruises blooming like violets across her skin. She sighed, reaching for her toothbrush, meeting her own tired reflection's gaze in the glass.
The minty paste foamed as she brushed, the rhythmic motion giving her mind space to wander. The events of last night played behind her eyes - Adrian's possessive touches, the way he'd worshipped every inch of her body.
A shiver ran down her spine at the memory. She spat into the sink, watching the white foam swirl down the drain like her swirling thoughts.
The shower turned on with a hiss, steam quickly fogging the mirrors. Vivian stepped under the scalding spray, letting the water wash away both the physical and emotional residue of their passionate night.
Her skin pinkened under the heat, the water droplets catching the morning light like liquid diamonds. She tilted her face upward, allowing the stream to massage her stiff muscles.
Outside, Adrian watched the bathroom door with hooded eyes. Last night had changed something between them - shifted some fundamental balance. And he intended to explore exactly what that meant.