The fire crackled in the hearth, throwing gold and crimson shadows against the stone walls of Adrian’s private study. Outside, the storm raged like the war within Valentina’s chest. The wind howled, echoing her confusion and the undeniable pull that tethered her to the man she swore to hate.
She stood by the window, arms crossed, drenched in thoughts. Behind her, Adrian watched. He had dismissed his guards, ordered the house cleared, and for the first time since her capture, since her life was torn to shreds, it was just them.
"You’re quiet tonight," he said, voice low, almost uncertain.
Valentina didn’t turn around. “Sometimes silence is safer than words.”
He took a step forward. “Safe has never been what you’ve wanted.”
Her laugh was bitter. “And yet you’re the one who stole all my
