“Need anything else?” he asked, voice rougher than before.
“No.” She lingered in the doorway. “Thank you. For everything.”
He nodded, not meeting her eyes. “Get some sleep.”
Morning brought weak sunlight and the smell of coffee. Valentina padded into the kitchen to find Duke on the phone, his back to her as he spoke in low, intense tones.
“...need to move fast. By Friday.” A pause. “Yeah, I know. But this is important.” Another pause. “Thanks. I owe you one.”
He turned as he hung up, stopping short at the sight of her. For a moment, neither spoke. The morning light through the kitchen window caught on his features, softening them. With his hair still mussed from sleep and stubble darkening his jaw, he looked younger, less guarded.
“Morning,” she said finally.
“Morning.” He gestured
