Chapter 64

VALERIA

I was getting ready for bed, almost dozing off, when a knock at the door jolted me from my daze.

Stunned by the odd intrusion, I gathered myself, taking precautions as I gingerly approached the door with furrowed brows.

Who could that be at such an odd hour of the night?

Intruders? Nope. They wouldn't be that courteous to use the front door. Then who?

I paused at the door, adjusting my nightgown, before I opened the door.

I blinked repeatedly, hoping it wasn't a dream, because what in Blazer's name was Reese doing at my front door by 11:47 p.m.?!

What more did he want now? And besides, why was he here with Derek?

“Reese? What are you doing here at this hour of the night?” I demanded, my voice tinged with irritation.

Something flickered in his eyes—a storm of emotions that I couldn't fathom—but they quickly disappeared as soon as they came.

He didn't say anything at first. Instead, he just froze, eyeballing me as if I were some juicy steak that he hadn't eaten in decades.

I gul