In other circumstances Nick would have run off with Valeria to the nearest hospital, but as soon as they had left the event hall, the girl's face had completely relaxed, and she never winced again as she watched him drive. So Nick didn't think twice about steering the car toward his apartment.

He opened the passenger door and carried her in her arms again as they rode up in the elevator. He did his best to maintain control as they entered the apartment and placed her gently on the couch.

He pu