Chapter 436

The fleeting thought vanished as quickly as it came. Adrian gave a slight shake of his head. Someone like Vivian belonged in her pristine world, a gilded cage that should never be disturbed.

He snapped the pen case shut and sped into the night, the darkness consuming his car whole.

Meanwhile, Vivian followed Adrian into the living quarters. The moment the door clicked shut, she withdrew her hand from his grasp and took two deliberate steps back.

Her voice carried winter's chill. "What brings you back?"

"I came because I wanted to." Adrian recaptured her wrist, guiding her toward the plush sofa. He sat first, then pulled her onto his lap effortlessly. His hands slipped beneath her blouse, fingertips tracing lazy circles along her waistline.

The hours melted away, her earlier fury dissipating like morning mist.

Vivian broke the silence casually. "Did you sign those documents?"

Adrian merely shrugged. "Left it to my associates." He nuzzled her shoulder, amusement coloring his tone. "My wife nearly eloped with another man. You think I'd care about paperwork?"

Her expression turned glacial. "Even if I ran," she said with razor-sharp sarcasm, "it wouldn't be with your cousin. That's not my taste. If all men vanished tomorrow, I'd still avoid every Blackwood."

Adrian pinched her side playfully. "Still holding a grudge?" His chuckle vibrated against her skin. "The jet was shaking, I'd been drafting contracts for hours, my mind was elsewhere. Didn't mean anything by it."

Seeing his concession, Vivian relented. With a smirk, she countered, "If Mr. Blackwood can't control his tongue, perhaps he should donate it to medical science."

"I'll donate it to you," Adrian murmured, his voice dropping an octave. Cradling the back of her head, he claimed her lips in a searing kiss that left them both breathless.

The contact only stoked his hunger. He lifted her effortlessly, grinning. "Perhaps there's something else I'd rather give you... say, a daughter?"

Vivian mock-punched his shoulder. "Why not a son?"

"Either would be perfection." His obsidian eyes burned with devotion. "I'll cherish whatever gift you give me."

Adrian carried her into the bedroom, laying her gently upon the silk sheets. Vivian suddenly sat upright, wrinkling her nose. "I smell like barbecue." She pushed against his chest. "I need to shower."

Overcome with desire, Adrian caught her wrist. "The smoke doesn't bother me."

Vivian arched an eyebrow, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Well it bothers me." She flashed a wicked grin. "But I'll make it worth your wait."

Adrian's gaze darkened with promise as he released her. "No tricks, little liar."

"Scout's honor," Vivian vowed, already locking the bathroom door behind her.