Chapter 437

The click of the lock made Adrian smirk. Vivian's attempt to protect her modesty was adorable. If she hadn't secured that door, he might have struggled not to follow her in.

He straightened his posture, pulling out his phone to distract himself with work emails. The tension that had been coiling in his muscles gradually dissipated.

Control was everything to Adrian. He'd always believed true strength lay in mastering one's impulses, not surrendering to them.

Meanwhile, Vivian emerged from the shower, towel-drying her hair before retrieving a hidden package from her dresser.

It was lingerie she'd purchased during a shopping spree with Audrey. The opaque packaging had concealed its true nature - she'd only glimpsed lace and what appeared to be cotton trim, imagining something sweet and innocent.

Her breath caught when she unfolded it. The "cotton" turned out to be mere decorative accents on an otherwise scandalously sheer ensemble.

The bralette offered minimal coverage with two petite heart-shaped patches, while the bottoms were barely there, connected by delicate ribbons. The effect was simultaneously revealing and tantalizing.

Heat flooded her cheeks as she contemplated wearing it. After a brief internal debate, she secured her robe tightly and ventured out.

Adrian glanced up immediately, taking in her bundled appearance. His eyebrow arched in mock disapproval. "This is the surprise you promised?"

Truthfully, he hadn't expected anything, so disappointment wasn't his primary emotion. Setting his phone aside, he approached with deliberate steps, his voice dropping to a husky murmur. "Someone's being a tease."

Before she could respond, he closed the distance between them. With practiced ease, he untied her robe's belt, letting the fabric cascade open.

The sight stole his breath. Suddenly, he understood the purpose of such intimate apparel perfectly.

Vivian's natural beauty was undeniable, but the barely-there lingerie elevated her allure to breathtaking levels. The delicate fabric accentuated her curves while strategically placed lace hinted at what lay beneath.

The contrast between her usual poised elegance and this daring display was intoxicating. His fingers traced the satin ribbon at her waist, his gaze darkening. "You were made to wear this."

"We should get you more sets like this."

Knowing exactly where to touch, he had her trembling within moments. When her knees buckled, she instinctively clung to his shoulders. Amused, he gave her a light swat before sweeping her into his arms.

As he laid her on the bed, her eyes had already glazed with desire. Any remaining restraint evaporated as Adrian lost himself in her responsiveness, every touch drawing delicious reactions.