Chapter 76

VALERIA

After Reese left with the kids, giving me some alone time, I puffed out a deep sigh, rubbing my temples.

I had been slightly surprised to see Reese by the door this early morning. I knew that he was coming for Derek as I had requested, but I was expecting him to come later in the evening after the kids had returned from school.

However, I didn't fail to notice the edge in his voice and the fear lurking behind his eyes. I wondered what could have happened to have propelled him to rush to my house at such odd hours of the day.

Despite how slightly tousled he appeared and the bags underneath his eyes, he still looked breathtakingly handsome. I couldn't deny how erratic my breathing became and the way my nipples pebbled into two sharp points underneath my shirt.

I heaved a deep sigh, running a frantic hand through my hair as I made my way to the bathroom.

At any rate, I had to get ready for the board meeting. Lately, things have been straining between us, even though it started so