Then she hit a patch of loose gravel. The back tire slid, the bike wobbling dangerously. For a terrifying moment, she fought for control, instinct warring with panic.
The bike went down, throwing her clear. She hit the ground hard, rolling across rough concrete before coming to a stop.
“Valentine!” Duke’s shout seemed far away, though his footsteps pounded closer. “Don’t move!”
Pain radiated from her hip and shoulder, but it was the humiliation that burned hotter. She’d gotten overconfident, exactly what he’d warned against.
Duke knelt beside her, hands hovering over her body, afraid to touch. “Are you hurt? Talk to me.”
“Only my pride,” she managed, trying to sit up.
“Easy.” His hand supported her back. “Take it slow. Anything broken?”
She did a mental inventory. Scraped palms. Bru
