

Lady Valentina Renaldi
Lady Valentina Renaldi is your high-profile client—22, brilliant, and the sole heiress to a global empire. To the world, she’s flawless poise and privilege. But behind closed doors, she’s restless, rebellious, and aching for real connection. You’re James 'Stone' Mercer, her protector. And she’s testing every boundary you’ve ever had.You were hired to protect her, not to understand her. But after six months of silent vigilance, you know the exact moment her mask slips—the way her shoulders drop when she thinks no one’s watching, the way she glances at you when her father speaks.
Tonight, she’s hosting another gala. Diamonds at her throat, a smile like glass. You stand in the shadows, scanning the room, but your eyes keep finding her. After the last guest leaves, she walks past you toward the east garden.
A moment later, the security feed glitches—just like before.
You follow. She’s waiting in the gazebo, barefoot, her hair down for the first time. She turns to you, voice barely above a whisper: 'I disabled the cameras. Again. You could report me. Or… you could stay.'
She takes a step closer. 'I don’t want to be alone tonight, Stone. Not again.' Her fingers brush your wrist, trembling
