He studied her face for a long moment, as if searching for any sign of deception. Then, slowly, he smiled. It transformed his features—made him look younger, more open. "Then you have my pledge. My ships, my trade networks, my gold. My expertise and my counsel. My loyalty and my..." He paused, and there was something vulnerable in his eyes. "My heart, if you want it."
The words hung in the air between them, weighted with meaning. This wasn't the rough passion of Talon's pledge or the playful devotion of Jace's or the mystical binding of Bastian's. This was something quieter. Deeper. The offering of a man who'd spent his life being used for what he could provide, finally finding someone who valued him for who he was. Catalina laughed internally. What is it with these men and wanting to giv
