Grayson paced back and forth, his hands clenching and unclenching as if the tension could be released physically. For an entire year, he had ignored Vivienne's presence, treating her as nothing more than a contract obligation.
But tonight was different. Every laugh, every movement, every subtle grace she had displayed earlier tormented him. He wanted to call her, to grab her, to demand that she stay—but he knew he couldn't.
Anger, desire, and helplessness collided inside him. He was restless, unable to focus on anything. For the first time, Grayson realized that Vivienne wasn't just a name on a contract. She was real, alive, and entirely, utterly desirable.
And the thought of losing her—or letting her be with another man—made his chest tighten in ways he couldn't ignore.