William
I raked my hands through my hair again. I'd done it so many times that my hair now stood on end, a testament to my unsettled state.
I was going half-mad with missing Valentina, cursing myself for letting her go. No. Pushing her away. Looking at my childish behavior during the days before her departure, there was no other way to say it. I'd acted out like a foolish child, letting my damaged pride and misguided feelings drive my despicable behavior.
But, coward that I was, I hadn't been able to bring myself to reach out to her. Instead, I stared at her likeness on the screen of my phone, the one gift the infernal device gave me, wishing I had the courage to call her.
A soft knock sounded at the study door. "Enter," I said glumly.
Roberts came in. "Good afternoon, Your Grace. I'v
