Chapter 40. Ordeal

Staring at empty space, Valentino tried to wrap his head around what had happened a few days back. Despite everything he’d done to Alexandre, he’d been willing to forgive him without hesitation. Valentino didn’t want to believe it. How could Alexandre forgive him so easily?

“I can’t believe you asked your brother to whip you,” Noelle said from her position on one of the couches in Corey’s sitting room. Val ignored her, his gaze directed at nowhere in particular. She sighed.

“I hope you know that he means it. He forgives you. You need to forgive yourself and let go of your self-hatred. It really isn’t healthy,” she told him.

He lowered his gaze.

She was right, but what if they were both wrong?

What if Alex actually wanted payback and would get it by pretending to forgive him. Valentino felt so confused. Noelle pinched Val on the arm and he winced, glaring at her playfully.

“Ow! What was that for? You’re so immature,” he said and she chuckled, her b