Valen’s POV

I was ill.

Clearly.

It was the only explanation as to how I had allowed myself to be talked into a…date.

And she hadn't even had to try very hard.

"No," I'd said. And had meant it.

Spending any more time with her than was absolutely necessary would not be wise. And a date was not necessary.

But her eyes had lost that excited glow and she'd pouted.

Pouted for f*cks sake.

I'd been done in by tearful hazel eyes and ...