The operating room light switched off, and Derek emerged, a sign the surgery was over.

Derek's words that Pamela was in the clear brought a wave of relief to Vivienne.

Before she could get the words "thank you" out, she found herself pushed aside with a force that caught her off guard.

A strong arm looped around her, pulling her back into a lap. She landed unsteadily, enveloped by the subtle scent of Cyrus, like a fresh, earthy note of snowgrass that made her cheeks ...