“Did you ever love me?” Solene’s question hung in the haze of smoke and blood.

Lucien’s heartbeat thundered beneath his vest. He didn’t answer, couldn’t. Instead, he kissed her, hard and raw, like it was their last gasp of air.

INFILTRATION HALLWAY – 3:22 a.m.

Solene, pistol still warm, as Lucien closes the gap, his hand steady on the weapon he dropped.

Solene’s voice trembled. “If you did say it.”

Lucien murmured against her lips. “I’m still ...