Page 99 of My Solemn Vow

Valor lets me go. “I’m not sure I understand what’s going on either.”

His admission is decidedly not settling. But whatever I’ve said is answer enough. He walks back around the bed, stripping his clothes off. He’s in his boxers by the time he gets to his side.

“Areyouplanning on killingmeinmysleep?” I don’t know if I should have to ask this or not. I’m not even sure if he’ll tell the truth. But I can’t quite contain the question he asked me earlier.

Valor smiles as he climbs onto the mattress next to me and curls up facing me. “No. I don’t plan on killing you in your sleep. We’re both dedicated to one cause.”

“Kerrianne.” I state the obvious.

Valor pushes up and rolls me onto my back, then he kisses me deeply. He wraps his fingers into my hair, and I push back against him to match his intensity, remembering how he mademe come earlier, and the flame of desire crackles to life within me.

I want more of Valor’s touch, but just as I’m so sure he’ll give it to me, he retreats. “Let’s get some sleep. I’ve a feeling dinner with my parents tomorrow will be eventful.”

Immediately, my heart rate picks up, and my brain plays through every possible scenario for that dinner.No, what could possibly go wrong?...That’s a laugh. I can’t even convince my brain to let it go.What the fuck do I wear?I’m cold and shivering but can’t force myself to move and pull up the blankets.

“Antonella.” Valor is between me and the ceiling again. I feel the weight of his body next to me, his hand cradling my face. “Hey. Don’t panic. Let the fear go. I didn’t mean that in any sense that they’ll be difficult toward you. They’re eccentric. It wasn’t meant to scare you.”

The cold dissipates, and I warm under his touch. From his hand on my jaw to our chests pressed together, I start to relax.

“That’s it.” He rests his forehead against mine. “I’m trying to not be a dick. I dislike not knowing what’s going on with the business. For the first time, nothing is as it seems. There’s been so much change, but I know it isn’t you. I’ll do better.”

I nod with my forehead pressed against his, moving us both but not finding words.

“You’re trembling,” Valor mutters and reaches for the blankets. He pulls them up over us and then rolls me toward him until I’m curled in against his chest. “When I brought Holly home to meet my parents, they were in the kitchen cooking dinner. And for the first time ever, they had decided to get and butcher their own pig. It took them hours longer than they had anticipated. Anyway, dinner was supposed to be at seven, and we arrived at six thirty to my mom screaming and my dad chasing her around the kitchen, living room, and even outside with pig testicles, shouting, ‘They’re just like oysters!’ on repeat.”

How is this supposed to make me feel better?“Oh, okay?”

“Holly and I had to pick up carryout pizza and help them finish butchering the hog. It’s a good thing she came from a pack in the South and was familiar with hog butchering because my parents were severely underqualified for that activity. Dad kept saying ‘It’s nothing like butchering a deer and making canned venison,’ and honestly, I thought she would leave me because of them.” He laughs, and the shuddering of his chest makes me feel the fondness of the story, easing my nerves a little bit. “Besides you’re already their favorite person.”

“Oh?” I push back so I can look him in the eye.

“You saved Kerrianne. They already love you.” He reassures me, running his fingers through my hair.

“But that doesn’t save me from suspicion of something that I could never have done.” I can’t even get those words out beyond a whisper.

“It’s not coming from Dad. It’s coming from Neil.” Valor wrinkles his nose. “My uncle is always looking for an enemy where there isn’t one. I need to remember that and not be pulled into his theories. I’m more worried about what my parents will embarrass me with rather than their acceptance of you.”

“Well, if it’s any consolation, you don’t have to meet my parents?” I can’t help it. The words come out, and I wince, laughing uncomfortably. “And, well, you’re already familiar with Gregorio. Leticia is pretty much the only one you had to impress, and other than practically outing wolves all by yourself at dinner... I think it went well.”

“Don’t remind me.” Valor buzzes his lips on a long exhale. But he circles back to what I glossed over. “I think I’d have liked to have met your parents. Your dad might have had tips to raise a self-reliant daughter.” Valor surprises me with that. He pulls me closer again from where I’d pushed away. “I don’t know what’s going on. But I trust that you have Kerrianne’s best interests at heart.”

44

VALOR

THE ODD JOB

My phone vibrates more than once in my pocket. I pull it out to see the reminder flashing and an indicator of some text messages from Antonella.

Calendar Reminder:

Dinner @ 6:30 with Parents at Estate. Bring Rolls and Butter.

Antonella:

You’re 100% sure that store-bought rolls are fine? I could have made some quickly.

Kerrianne swears you always bring these ones so I’m going with it. Be safe.