Chapter 84

Originally, Finnick had intended only to tease Vivian. However, as he closed the distance between them, he was met with the faint, intoxicating scent of her perfume. In an instant, his steady composure fractured, and his heart began a frantic rhythm against his ribs.

Vivian was breathtaking that night. Her tailored skirt hugged her graceful silhouette, and from his vantage point, he could see the soft curvature of her neck and the luminous glow of her skin. Her face, framed by loose strands of hair, was a deep, rosy red—resembling a ripened fruit, sweet and tempting, practically begging for a touch.

The temptation proved too great for Finnick’s restraint. Bending down, he leaned in and gently nipped at Vivian’s flushing cheek. The sudden contact startled her, and she let out a soft, tiny gasp. "Ah?"

That small, vulnerable sound made Finnick’s heart flutter like a captive bird, instantly igniting a dormant passion. Throwing his usual caution to the wind, he reached out and grasped her waist, lifting her into a firm, sweet embrace.

Feeling the sudden heat of his body pressing against hers, Vivian became flustered, her voice trembling. “F-Finnick? You…”

She didn’t realize that her stammering only fueled his arousal. He was clinging to his last thread of reason, but the pull was too strong. Lowering his head, he let his lips brush against her reddening earlobe, his voice dropping to a low, gravelly whisper. “Dear Vivian... why don’t we give Grandpa exactly what he wants? Let’s get on with it, shall we?”

The warm, sensual touch sent a jolt of electricity through her. It was a pleasantly numbing sensation that made her shudder with a mixture of nerves and pleasure.

Truthfully, Vivian had been mentally preparing for this. They were legally wed, and she had decided long ago that if Finnick ever asked, she would not refuse him. After the Elder Mr. Norton’s pointed comments earlier, the idea of finally consummating their marriage had taken root in her mind. To her surprise, she didn't feel any urge to resist.

She nodded shyly, her face and ears burning with a feverish heat.

Sensing her quiet consent, the flame within Finnick roared to life, and he finally let go of his remaining restraint. He bowed his head, locking his lips with hers in a deep, hungry kiss. The intoxicating sweetness of her filled his senses, and he found himself instantly addicted, craving more with every passing second.

What is this sensation? he wondered dizzily. Have I been drugged? Just one kiss and I’ve lost all self-control.

Finnick pinned her gently against the door, his hand sliding down the smooth curve of her back. The gown she wore was beautiful, but it was a nightmare to navigate. He fumbled for a zipper, but as his desire burned hotter, his patience evaporated.

Rip!

The fabric gave way under his hands, sliding off Vivian’s milky-white shoulders. Under the dim, amber light of the room, her silhouette was laid bare before him. Finnick’s throat tightened; he felt a surge of excitement so primal it was almost overwhelming.

With his status and immense wealth, Finnick had never lacked for women. Countless ladies had tried to seduce him, to lure him into their beds with practiced grace, yet he had remained a fortress—composed and cold. His legendary indifference had even led his grandfather and Mark to worry if the kidnapping ten years ago had left him permanently scarred, both physically and mentally.

But facing Vivian, he realized his body was no longer under his command. His carnal instincts had taken the wheel, driving him toward a wild, singular need to possess her.

With her consent echoing in his mind, Finnick unleashed his inner desire. His lips left hers to travel down the column of her throat, trailing fire toward his intended destination.

But in that heartbeat...

“No!”

Vivian let out a sudden, sharp squeal and shoved him away with surprising force.

Finnick hadn't expected her to fight back. Caught off-guard, he staggered backward a few steps, his chest heaving. He looked at her in shock, seeing her flushed face and eyes brimming with a sudden, watery unease.

It felt as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over his head, instantly extinguishing the fire of his passion.

Guilt immediately flooded Vivian’s expression as she realized she had reacted too violently. She adjusted her torn dress with trembling hands, approaching him cautiously. “I-I’m sorry... I... I just suddenly remembered something. From two years ago...”