Page 132 of Under Her Protection

Vivienne Strauss.

Untouchable.

Immaculate.

Cold enough to freeze a room with a glance.

Leo knew better now.

She knew how warm Vivienne’s skin became under her hands.

She knew the small catch in her breath when Leo kissed just beneath her ear.

She knew exactly how much Vivienne enjoyed pretending she was unaffected when she was anything but.

Leo’s mouth travelled slowly along her jaw.

Vivienne gripped the front of her shirt.

“Leo.”

“Yes?”

“You are smug.”

“I know.”

“It’s unattractive.”

Leo kissed her throat.

Vivienne’s fingers tightened.

“Liar.”

Vivienne pushed her back just far enough to look at her.

Leo had a physical certainty about her that Vivienne found almost unfair. Strong shoulders. Muscular arms. A body built through discipline rather than vanity. Dark hair slicked back from a face that could shift from intimidating to wicked in seconds.

Vivienne had known beautiful people all her life.

Beauty had never impressed her.

Leo did.

Leo always would.

“You’re doing it again,” Leo murmured.

“What?”

“Looking at me like you’re considering buying me.”

Vivienne’s mouth curved.

“I could afford you.”

Leo laughed.