drumming against her ribs. The key was gone. Her freedom, snatched away in

se now, he knew she would try to run. A

ing. Adrian had left her with one final wa

nd you'll find out jus

she clenched her fists. She

nside, his expression unreadable. He was dressed impeccably, as always, black shirt, sleeves rolled up

yes weren't just col

d, his voice quiet

hesi

esence overpowering. "Don

o her feet. She refused to cower, b

rmured, tilting his head. "Y

er chin. "I

sement, something darker. "You misunderstand, Val

do I get, Adrian? A gilded

long moment before ex

't move.

'll

tsteps light as she trailed behind him. He led her through the grand corridors

e was lined with various weapons, guns, knives, even swords. A boxing ring sa

a training ground.

uickened. "Why did

t in his hand before flicking his gaze to her. "Because if you insist

owned.

tween them in seconds. Without warning, he pr

ght

ffened. "Are

humor in his expression. "You wanted to run

nd the dagger. She could end this right no

ol. He wouldn't have handed her a weapon if h

asn't about

ing on the dagger. Adrian observed her,

he att

k, disarming her in seconds. The dagger clattered to the floor, and she found herself

, his breath fanning ag

g back. Valentina's pride burned hotter than

twisting her wrist just enough to make her drop the dagger again. This time, he didn

e spirit, bella, I'll give you tha

her to face him, his grip still firm. "If you ever want t

n mounting. "And what game is that, A

dable passing through it. "No. The

stil

sing it back into her palm. "You want freedom? Then

n. For the first time since she had been ta

an opp

*****

erground training room beca

Every lesson was brutal, every failure punished by another roun

ruises, the exhaustion.

y, she go

a was practicing with a knife, her movements sharper than before. He said nothi

at trickling down her temple

, then walked

That's all you

ould you prefe

hing in her gaze, pride. For the first time, she fe

wer. "Tell me, Valentina. If I le

fr

breath mingling with hers. "

rm about to break. Valentina's heart pounded as she stared u

for the first time, she was

, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing in t

slowly, gripping t

en yet. But for the first time, sh

ybe, she was the o