Val's POV

When I got inside the house, I collapsed onto the couch, massaging my throat and crying. I closed my eyes, but his dark, ruthless gaze haunted me. His words. His actions. They played over and over in my head like a terrible song stuck on repeat.

"I'm so stupid for going along with the kiss. He wanted nothing but to get inside me," I muttered bitterly to myself, tears stinging my eyes. "He can have any woman he wants, but no-I'm the one born to be miserable."

I buried my face in my hands, sobbing.

A knock at the door cut through my crying. I froze.

Could it...