Valentina stiffened. “Is that why you asked me to dance? To talk about him?”
“Partly.” Denny’s expression was unusually serious. “Look, whatever happened between you two, it’s messing him up. He’s distracted, making mistakes. In our line of work, that’s dangerous.”
“What do you want me to do about it?”
“Talk to him. Clear the air.” Denny shrugged. “Or don’t. But I thought you should know, he’s been defending you all over town.”
Valentina missed a step. “What?”
“People talk. Say you came back to cause trouble, that you’re using Duke for protection from your rich husband.” Denny met her eyes. “Duke’s shut down every rumor. Threatened to kick the ass of anyone who speaks badly about you.”
Her heart squeezed painfully. “Why would he do that?”
“You really have to ask?” Denny’s laugh was
