They rode back through winding lanes, rain-muted streetlights painting soft patterns across the windshield while Valentina nestled closer to Lucas, feeling the steady thrum of his heart through his shirt. When they arrived, he carried her up the stairs with careful strength, his movements patient and silent—a world away from the chaos of the evening—and placed her gently on the edge of their bed.

In the bathroom, he ran a deep bath infused with lavender oil, watching steam curl around ...