~VALENTINO’S POV~
The house was quiet and still.
The kind of stillness that wraps around you like a blanket when you’re waiting for someone you love.
I stood by the bedroom window, my shirt unbuttoned, sleeves rolled to my elbows, a glass of bourbon untouched in my hand.
The city stretched out beneath the window, lights blinking like stars fallen too low.
But all I could think about… was her.
Alina.
My woman, my wife.
I exhaled softly and glanced at the time again.
She left the office hours ago.
Where is she?
I turned from the window and sat on the edge of the bed, placing the glass on the nightstand.
Maybe she stopped somewhere, maybe Ethan was being a bastard again, maybe she got caught up with something on her way home.
She always cared too deeply for people.
I ran a hand
