He hadn’t noticed her yet. Valentina took a moment to simply watch him, to appreciate the man he’d become. Strong, steady, respected. A man who led by example, who protected what was his, who waited patiently for what he wanted.
And what he wanted, she now knew with quiet certainty, was her.
The question was, did she want him back? The answer came without hesitation, rising from a place of clarity rather than fear. Yes. She wanted this man, this life, this community. Not because she needed saving or protection, but because she chose it. Chose him.
As if sensing her presence, Duke looked up. Their eyes met across the yard, his widening slightly in surprise. For a heartbeat, neither moved.
Then Duke stood, excusing himself from his companions, and walked toward her with a measured stride
