Severed Ties

Warmth spread within Donovan's chest. He gently stroked Valerie's head and coaxed, “Be good, and I'll bring you there again on the next holiday.”

Valerie wiped her tears away and muttered her acknowledgment.

On the way back, she fell asleep, leaning against Donovan.

By the time she woke up, she was already back in the Pine Grove Manor's master bedroom.

Warren had promised his mother he would end h