The Price of Protection

Valerie’s POV

I welcomed my parents and Bryce into the house. Together we went into the living room where I sat between Mom and Dad on the couch, with Bryce nearby on the arm chair.

Darius followed us inside but he gave us a wide berth, walking down to his office while avoiding the living room entirely.

My feelings for him were currently something of a confused jumble, but I was grateful for the s