ight of it wasn't foreign, but the intent behind carrying it this time was. She had taken

was di

est. A step deeper int

It was quiet, save for the occasional shuffle of footsteps beyond the door at the en

dying herself. The doorknob was col

is hand, oblivious to her presence. The momen

behind her, slow and

onfusion, then suspicion.

cast a shadow over her face. "You said I s

fully. "And I meant it. You'

game are you playing, Luis? You knew the ri

s why you're here? Did he se

tightened beneath her coat.

ched. "And what

bs. Killing him would be easy. A quick slice, a

at who she

he gun on his desk, but Valentina reacted quicker. In a heartbeat, she slammed the knife on

he barrel to his temple. "You're right abo

s hand still impaled to the de

et his gaze

led the

****

a glass of dark liquor in his hand. He didn't look up when she entered, but she knew he was aware of eve

His voice was

llowed.

There was something unreadable in

ike I took another step

d at Adrian's

ou wanted this. You wan

s glass down. "I wanted t

ly, shaking her head. "

his elbows on his knees. "That

gue, to tell him he was wrong. But th

no return?" He brushed his knuckles against her cheek, his touch deceptively ge

ed, but she held her gro

ow and dark. "You

that terrified her

***

at the moonlit garden below. She could still feel the weight of the

A woman who killed because

r thoughts. She turned as Adrian stepp

to prove yourself," he sa

hy you're here? To congratulate me on

r. "No. I'm here because I know what comes after. The doub

nd what, you're h

eetheart. I'm here to remind you that th

none. Adrian Costa wasn't a man who lied about who he was.

hard, looking away

tilting her face back toward him. "Then

pine. Because deep down

sure if she wanted