Is that what you have been doing with Ron?

Valerie’s POV

"Valerie." Deep and commanding, Drake's voice echoed down the hall. I stopped, tightened my hold on the strap of my bag, and turned to face him. He stood at the end of the corridor, his expression unreadable, though there was a tension in his stance that made her wary.

"I came for my things," I said, my voice even, though my heart raced. "I don't plan on staying."

Drake stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "You can't just walk away from this, Valerie. From us."

"There is no 'us,' Drake," I replied, a sharp edge to my tone. "There never was. It was a contract, nothing more."

His jaw flexed, and for an instant, I could have sworn I saw a flicker of something… hurt, maybe? in his eyes. But then it was gone, replaced by the mask of control he wore so well.

"You're making a mistake," Drake said, his voice low and dangerous. "You know you can't afford to leave. Your brother's medical bills”.

"Don't you dare," I snapped, cutting him off. My eyes flashed anger as I took a step fo