"You'll regret this," he seethed, his voice a low growl of warning. 

But Valeria stood her ground, her chin lifted defiantly as she met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "Maybe," she conceded, a flicker of uncertainty dancing in her eyes. "But I'd rather face the unknown than continue to live in fear of you."

With that final declaration, Valeria turned away from Richie, her steps faltering slightly as she made her way to the door. She paused in the threshold, her hand resting against the ...