She was still leaning against the car door, her body trembling, her lips swollen, her face pale.
She had always hoped that her relationship with Victor Steele would remain hidden.
Part of it was fear. She didn't believe a man like Victor Steele would truly choose her, and she didn't want to fall from a height she couldn't survive.
Once things became public, separation would be inevitable. She had learned that lesson with Brandon Hughes.
And when things ended, it was always the woman with a damaged reputation who was torn apart by public opinion—while the man walked away unscathed.
She was afraid.
Afraid of being hurt again.
Afraid of dragging Victor Steele down with her.
What they had now was temporary. Quiet. Fragile.
If they could part ways without noise or scandal in the future, that would be the best possible ending for both of them.
Victor Steele was waiting for her to speak.
But she looked away from him, lowering her gaze to the ground.
