A Punishing Kiss

Valerie was not used to such a probing look. She stood up from the sofa and pointed to the room behind Declan.

"I'll go back to my room and rest for a while," she breathed softly. Then she turned around and looked at the kitchen behind her. "If you have work to do. It's alright if we just have takeout for our meal."

Declan looked at her and didn't move. "It's okay. I'm not busy."

Valerie smiled po