Chapter 64

The ride to the hotel had been smooth. Although their moment back at the bar was filled with subtle tension and playful glances exchanged between sips of expensive liquor, Bianca knew exactly where it was heading, and she had no complaints. There was something about Valerian that intrigued her—not just his presence, not just his confidence, but the way he seemed so utterly in control without even trying.

When they arrived, the private elevator took them straight to the penthouse suite. The moment the doors slid open, Bianca stepped inside first, taking in the sheer

luxury

of the space. The room was massive with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city skyline. A fireplace crackled low in the corner, that gave a warm glow against the dark marble walls. The bed was large, impossibly inviting, and it stood at the center, draped in crisp black sheets.

“Not bad,” Bianca murmured, slipping off her coat and draping it over the velvet chaise lounge. “I was expect