Valerius's persistence was suffocating, but Chloe stood firm. What do you mean I can't leave until I satisfy you? Absolutely not.

"I think I'll see myself out," she said sharply.

With effortless grace, she pulled from his hold, walked out without a backward glance.

Her heels clicked sharply against the marble as she stormed out of Valerius's mansion, her heart pounding harder than her footsteps. She didn't look back, not once.

The night air clung to her skin, heavy and suffocating, and ...