Markus's touch sent a jolt of unease through her, but she refused to let it show. She forced herself to remain calm, to keep up the facade, even as her heart hammered in her chest. She couldn't af ord to let her guard down, not even for a moment. Markus wanted to lean in and peck her side of the neck but the man understood the need to stay calm and keep his emotions confined till Valeria  was ready. He could not risk losing Valeria  just because of his rash behaviour towards her as he acted ...