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“You are.”

“Vivienne.”

“You’re actually nervous.”

Leo stood abruptly.

“I take it back.”

Vivienne caught her wrist.

“No, you do not.”

Leo looked down at her.

Vivienne rose.

They stood beside the pool, sunlight warm around them, Marie observing from the chair with complete indifference to the fact that two human lives were changing in front of her.

Vivienne slid both hands around Leo’s neck.

“You asked badly.”

“I’ll work on it.”

“You didn’t plan anything.”

“I planned the important part.”

“There isn’t even a ring.”

Leo’s eyebrows rose.

“You hate surprises involving jewellery.”

Vivienne paused.

That was true.

“And,” Leo added, “there was absolutely no chance I was choosing something you have to wear for the rest of your life without consulting you.”

Vivienne narrowed her eyes.

“That may be the most sensible thing you have ever said.”

“I know you.”

“Yes.”

Leo’s arms settled around her waist.

“Yes, you do.”

The humour faded.

Vivienne looked at the woman who had once been hired to protect her.

The woman who had walked into her carefully controlled life and refused to be intimidated by her.