LOGINValentinaThe camping site is beautiful—all tall trees and fresh air, cabins scattered around a central lodge. It should be peaceful, relaxing even.Instead, it's awkward as hell.Jace and I barely spoke during the drive here this morning. Just professional exchanges about the schedule, the workshop agenda, logistical details. None of the easy banter from yesterday. No teasing. No personal conversation.Just cold, painful distance.Maria is in full ass-kissing mode, hovering around Jace constantly with coffee refills and unnecessary updates and that simpering smile that makes me want to scream."Mr. Norman, I organized the team-building activities exactly as you requested—"He walks past her without acknowledgment."Mr. Norman, the afternoon session materials are ready—"He barely glances at her.She shoots me a venomous look like it's somehow my fault he's ignoring her.The day drags on. Workshop sessions, team activities, networking lunch. I take notes, coordinate logistics, maintai
JaceValentina disappears into the bathroom and I hear the shower start.I pull out my phone and dial Marcus—my actual competent back up assistant—but it goes to voicemail. Of course. Which means I have to call Maria.She picks up on the second ring. "Mr. Norman?""The schedule for tomorrow's leadership workshop," I say without preamble. "Make sure the team is prepped and ready by eight AM. I want the presentation materials distributed, coffee and breakfast arranged, and the conference room set up exactly as outlined in Miss Vega's notes.""Of course, sir. And where will you and Valentina be staying tonight?"My jaw clenches. "That's none of your concern.""I'm just asking because if you need anything—""What I need is for you to do your job." My voice drops dangerously low. "If everything I just outlined isn't completed before I arrive tomorrow, you'll be looking for new employment. Are we clear?"A pause. "Crystal clear, sir."I end the call and toss my phone onto the nightstand.Th
ValentinaOne Month LaterWork trip supplies for Mr. Norman—check. My own materials—check. Presentation files backed up in three separate locations—check. Itinerary printed and organized—check.I'm in the office, checking off my list for what feels like the hundredth time.A knock sounds at the door.Before I can say "come in," it swings open.Noah.My jaw clenches automatically. Of course he didn't wait for permission."Valentina!" His smile is too bright, too friendly. "I just wanted to apologize again for last week. The coffee incident."He steps closer.I stand my ground, fists clenching at my sides. "It's fine. You don't need to apologize again.""No, no, I feel terrible." Another step. "Let me make it up to you. Maybe dinner? Or drinks?"He's never been direct about it. Never outright harassed me in a way I could report. It's always subtle—bumping into me in the hallway, spilling things on me and using it as an excuse to touch me while "helping," tripping and grabbing my chest f
Valentina"I don't know what you're talking about."His eyes narrow, studying my face like he's trying to read something written beneath my skin.I hold his gaze even though my heart is racing, pounding so hard I'm sure he can hear it. I cross my arms, trying to look casual. Unaffected.He steps closer.My breath catches. I force myself not to back away, not to show any sign of weakness or fear or whatever emotion is currently making my pulse spike."What's going on between you and Noah?" he repeats, his voice low and commanding."Nothing." The word comes out too quickly. "There's nothing going on.""I don't believe you.""That's your problem, not mine.""Valentina—""You said you'd only ask once." I lift my chin defiantly. "You asked. I answered. That should be the end of it."His jaw clenches. "I asked because I need to know if one of my employees is being—""I'm fine. Noah's fine. Everything's fine." I'm talking too fast, being too defensive, and I can see him picking up on every t
JaceThe room goes silent.That thick, suffocating kind of silence where everyone's thinking the same thing but no one wants to say it out loud.Isabella's smile vanishes completely, replaced by something cold and hard. Rae's hand moves protectively to her swollen belly, her other hand reaching for Gray's automatically. Valentina looks between all of us, confusion written across her face as she tries to piece together what just shifted in the atmosphere.Gray's expression has gone completely cold. The warmth from moments ago—the teasing, the easy camaraderie—it's all gone, replaced by the hardened version of himself that only appears when Edward is mentioned."What makes you ask that?" His voice is carefully controlled."I just—" I run a hand through my hair, immediately regretting bringing it up. "I wanted to make sure. That it's still locked up. That there haven't been any... incidents.""Jace." Gray moves closer, lowering his voice. "Can we talk? Outside?"I nod and follow him back
JaceValentina is practically bouncing in her seat, a huge smile spread across her lips.I can hear her from the kitchen, gushing about hockey statistics and playoff records. She's asking Gray about his training regimen, his favorite plays, what it's like being back on the ice after six years away.I roll my eyes and return my attention to the cutting board.Every time they visit, I cut up fruit for Rae. She's always craving something fresh, something healthy for the baby. It's become routine—oranges, strawberries, grapes, whatever I have on hand.My mind drifts back to this morning as I slice through a strawberry. The way I snapped at Valentina. Called her Claire. Lost control of myself completely.I sigh, setting down the knife.I feel guilty. I should feel guilty. But I don't regret sleeping with her, which somehow makes it worse. What the hell is wrong with me? Three years. It's only been three years since Claire died and I'm already—A sharp smack hits the back of my head."Ow!"







