His thumb strokes my palm. “I’m serious, Rowan. I’ve spent my life doing things most people would consider unforgivable. I’ve never claimed to be good. But you…” His voice softens. “You make me want to be better. And watching you navigate this impossible situation with such grace… it humbles me.”
Tears prick my eyes. “I don’t feel graceful. I feel like I’m stumbling in the dark.”
“We both are.” He squeezes my fingers. “The difference is, I’m used to the dark. You’re still learning how to see in it.”
The car pulls up to our secure compound. Through the window, I can see the gardens, the high walls, the armed guards.
Our beautiful prison. Our necessary sanctuary.
“Agent Carver will be back,” I warn. “And he won’t be alone next time.”
“Let him come.” Vince’s snarl is steel and smoke, le
