The Forbidden Room

“Come here.” Declan sat on the sofa and waved Valerie over.

Fidgeting with her fingers nervously, Valerie said uncertainly, “Hubby...”

The moment she started speaking, Declan reached out and pulled the woman toward him. Caught unaware, Valerie tripped and fell into a warm embrace, the faint tobacco smell on the man's clothes rushing into her nostrils.

Declan steadied her before taking out a cotton