Chapter 17: Where to Go

*Valeria*

I stared around the room that had been my home for years. Then I walked over and threw the toiletries I had been holding into one of my packed bags.

Declan was arrested, and this was all over. My life could go back to normal. All I had to do was get my stuff and move on with my life.

But why did I feel so sad still?

The answer to that question was to walk into my room just then. He took one look at the bag I was zipping up and his worry turned to anger as he glared at me in disbelief.

"You were going to leave without telling me?" Dominic asked. "Without telling any of us?"

I turned back away from him and continued zipping up the suitcase, which proved hard to do since it was so full.

"I thought it would be for the best," I said quietly. "I thought that was what you would want."

"Don't presume to know what I want, doll," he said, his eyes flashing. "It doesn't matter. You aren't going anywhere anyway?"

"And why not?" I asked, getting defensive and crossing my arms acr