Valentina couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. Marcus's car disappeared around the corner, but his presence lingered like smoke.
She forced herself inside, locked the door, leaned against it. Her hands shook as she pulled out her phone.
Duke answered on the first ring. "Hey, I was just about to call—"
"He's here." Her voice cracked.
Silence. Then, sharp and dangerous: "Who's here?"
"Marcus. Marcus Reeves. He was waiting at my apartment."
"I'm coming over."
"No, I'm—" But Duke had already hung up.
Valentina slid down the door, hugging her knees. Marcus Reeves. She hadn't heard that name, hadn't thought about him in years. Had buried him deep where painful memories belonged.
The roar of Duke's motorcycle announced his arrival ten minutes later. Valentina opened the door before he could
