“That’s not—”
“I said it’s fine.” His voice hardened. “We’re adults. We have history. Doesn’t mean we have a future.”
The words struck like physical blows. Valentina stepped back.
“Is that what you think? That I’m still hung up on James?”
Duke shrugged, the gesture too casual to be real. “Aren’t you? He’s still your husband. And judging by the way he tracked you down, he’s not ready to let you go.”
“I left him,” she reminded him, anger building. “I walked away from that life.”
“And came running back to your hometown.” Duke’s eyes were cold. “Convenient.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means maybe you’re just using me as a rebound. A way to feel something after your marriage crashed.” He crossed his arms. “I’m not interested in being your consolation prize, Valentine.”
Fury ro
