ValeriaNico stood shifting by the door, scratching his neck. He looked into my eyes for a moment, then looked away. He didn’t want to say it. But he had to. “Dante says for me to tell you,” he mumbled, “you shouldn’t be working right now.”I cocked my head to the side, willing him to continue. “He said … and I’m quoting here,” he said, with a half shrug, “‘Tell her I don’t want a cripple for a subordinate. ” My brows lifted slightly.“Oh,” I said flatly. “How charming.”Nico winced. “He’s… Dante. You know how he is.”“Cold, arrogant, does the thinking with muscle not mind?”“I did not say that,” he replied, and it was to his credit that he did not smile. I did though. A little.“I’ll sleep,” I said, gesturing at the door. “You’ve delivered the royal decree. Consider your mission complete.” He paused, then studied me one final time, looking for a deeper crack in me. Not finding it, he nodded and silently departed. The door clicked shut. And the instant it happened, I allowed the thoug
Last Updated : 2025-09-15 Read more