Arthur pulled Valentina closer, feeling her heart beating faster as his power connected with her emotions.
What started as a meeting about intelligence had become something much more personal - she was scared because he was about to leave on a dangerous mission.
"Give me a good reason to come back," he whispered in her ear.
Her purple eyes showed both desire and fear. "You know I'm completely yours. But if this is really goodbye—"
"This isn't goodbye." His lips gently touched her neck, making her shiver. "Think of it as making sure we have a future together."
Before Valentina could reply, Arthur's enhanced hearing picked up familiar footsteps in the hallway. Light, careful steps that could only belong to one person.
"Lily," he called out without turning around. "Come in."
The door opened slowly, and his loyal maid walked in carrying some papers. She immediately noticed the tension between Arthur and Valentina - how close they were standing, the charged energy in the room.
