His Claim

~VALERIE'S POV~

The silence felt very long between us. Leo's simple question hung in the air, making me feel like my world was falling apart.

"Go back to bed, baby," I said, my voice barely steady. "Mama needs to talk to Mr. Donovan."

"But Mama…”

"Now, Leo. Please."

Something in my tone must have scared him because he nodded quickly and padded back to his room. I waited until I heard his door clos