Page 26 of Valley

“Sean?” I snapped, anger flaring up. I expected one of her friends to give her a lift, not another man. I had no right to be pissed, but I was.

“She asked him for a ride,” Adam said defensively, seeing my anger. “She seemed sad, and you know Sean, he wasn’t going to say no.”

Yeah, Sean, the regular fucking saint. I took a long drink of my beer, trying to calm down. “Is he back?”

“Yep, he’s got gate duty,” Adam replied, moving back to his work.

I clenched my jaw, fighting the urge to go interrogate Sean. I hated Kezia so much in that moment, hated her for taking Madeline away from me. The one woman that I wanted and truly needed.

“Where the hell did you go?” Midnight asked, sliding onto the stool next to me. “I saw you ride out of here like hell on wheels.”

“I just needed a ride in the wind,” I said, evasively.

“What happened? One minute you’re strutting around with Madeline, and then you bolt out of here without her. Next thing I see, she’s leaving on the back of Sean’s bike.”

He took her on his fucking bike.

My fist hit the bar before I could stop it, drawing the attention of everyone around me. I took a deep breath to calm myself. “I don’t want to talk about it. Got me?”

Midnight gave me a long, searching look before standing up. “Fine. You know where to find me when you do.”

I watched him walk away, then stood up, needing to be alone. Not in my room, not with Madeline’s scent still lingering in my bed. I headed outside, seeking a quiet spot away from the noise.

Pushing open the door, I saw the bonfire lighting up the night, everyone laughing and having a good time surrounding it. Their happiness grated on my nerves. “Valley?” Tracy’s voice came from beside me. “Are you okay?”

“I’m just fucking great. Why do you ask?” I snapped, looking at the night sky in irritation.

“I was just worried about you,” she said softly, touching my arm and backing away when I jerked. “Why are you so different? So mean?”

“I’m this way because everyone, including the devil himself, won’t leave me the hell alone,” I snarled, stomping away and straddling my bike. I tore away from the clubhouse, riding aimlessly until I found myself across the street from Madeline’s apartment. I had no idea what I hoped to gain and her dark windows offered no answers, but the chain that bound me to her pulled tight, refusing to let go.

I sat there for what felt like hours, my mind a storm of regret and longing. The street was quiet, the only sound the distant hum of traffic and the occasional bark of a dog. I couldn’t see her, couldn’t reach her, but I could feel her presence as if she were right beside me.

Just then, the soft glow of a lamp illuminated one of the windows. My heart leaped into my throat as I watched a silhouette move behind the curtain. It was her. Even from thisdistance, I could sense her sadness, her confusion. The urge to go to her, to beg for forgiveness, nearly overwhelmed me.

But what could I say?

What excuse could I offer that would make sense of the mess I’d made? I was too deep in this nightmare with Kezia to drag Madeline into it. She deserved better—better than me, better than the danger I’d put her in.

As the light flickered off and her silhouette disappeared, a crushing weight settled over me. I started my bike, the engine’s roar filling the silent street, and tore away from her apartment. The wind whipped past me, but it couldn’t blow away the image of Madeline’s sad eyes or the hollow ache in my chest.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Chapter Seventeen

I STOOD ATthe front of the spacious dance studio, my reflectionstaring back at me from the mirrored wall. The rhythmic thump of hip hop beats pulsed through the speakers, filling the room with energy. I wore a loose tank top and fitted joggers, my hair pulled back into a high ponytail. Sweat glistened on my forehead, but my smile was bright and infectious, hiding all the pain and sadness inside me.

“Alright, everyone, let’s take it from the top!” I called out, clapping my hands to get the attention of my students. The class, a mix of eager teenagers and enthusiastic adults, gathered in front of me, their faces a blend of concentration and excitement.

I positioned myself in the center, counting off the beat. “Five, six, seven, eight!” On cue, we all moved in unison, our bodies flowing with the music. My movements were sharp and precise, yet fluid, a perfect embodiment of the hip hop style. This was one of my favorite genres to teach because it was so much fun.

“Pop, lock, and drop!” I shouted, demonstrating each move with precision. “Make sure to hit every beat. It’s all about feeling the music.”

As we danced, I weaved through the rows of students, offering individual tips and encouragement. “Great job, Millie! Keep those arms strong. Carlos, watch your footwork, stay light on your toes.”

I loved these moments, watching my students improve with each session. It was more than just teaching dance; it was about building confidence and self-expression. I saw the joy in their eyes, the sense of accomplishment when they nailed a tricky combination.

“Remember, hip hop is about attitude,” I said, pausing the music for a moment. “You have to own it, make it yours. Don’t be afraid to show your personality.”

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