Chapter 179

• VALENTINA
• Soft morning light slipped through the blinds and fell across my bed in thin stripes. I stretched awake, arms above my head, the sheets sliding down my skin. My mind went straight back to yesterday. Gustavo in his office, leaning against the desk, voice low and gentle. The way he said I was the spark. That I made him want to change the rules. His eyes had held mine longer than usual, like he meant every word. A warmth spread through my chest that I tried to call relief. Relief from cutting Adrian out completely. But it felt different. Deeper. Excited nervousness bubbled under my skin, the kind that made my stomach flip. I told myself it wasn’t love. Not yet. Pride still kept me guarded. But hope built anyway, quiet and steady, like a tide I couldn’t stop.
• I pushed the covers back and walked to the bathroom. Turned on the shower. Warm water hit my shoulders and ran down my back. I stood under it, letting the heat loosen my thoughts. When I stepped out I dried off and opened the closet. My fingers brushed over the red dress hanging there. Fitted. Bold. I pulled it on. The fabric hugged my waist and hips just right. I looked in the mirror and told myself the color matched my resolve. I wasn’t running today. Not from him. Not from whatever this was becoming.