Valerie's POV
Sleep didn't come.
No matter how many times I turned, no matter how tightly I wrapped the blanket around myself as if it could shield me from everything, my body refused to calm down.
It was still burning.
Not from desire this time, but from frustration.
From anger.
From confusion.
I pressed my fingers against my lips, remembering the way Mike had kissed me like he owned me… like I belonged to him.
And the worst part?
For a moment… I had believed it.
I shut my eyes tightly, biting my lower lip.
What is wrong with me?
I had hated him.
Feared him.
Endured him.
And yet, just a few touches, just one kiss, and I had nearly thrown everything away.
Lizzie's voice echoed again in my mind.
"You cannot let him claim you."
Why?
Why was it so important?
What would happen if he did?
My chest tightened.
I didn't have answers.
And I hated not having control.
With a frustrated sigh, I threw the blanket aside and sat up.
The room suddenly felt suffocating.
