Julian could feel the weight of her gaze behind him.

In a low voice, he said, "When I was in my twenties, I spent some time living alone abroad. That’s when I learned."

Francesca didn’t press for details.

There was no clarity between them now. That one stolen moment—however electric—meant nothing. She wasn’t about to bare her soul to him. Besides, exhaustion was settling in, and sparring with him tonight wasn’t worth the ...