Her anticipation was palpable as he returned and resumed his seat. He observed her for a moment, seemingly mulling over his next words. Despite her impatience, he continued to draw out the silence, transforming it into a tantalizing game of suspense. After a couple of minutes, he finally shifted, stretching his legs out in front of him and crossing them at the ankles. His hands rested in between his knees, and he licked his lips, drawing his lower lip into his mouth - a gesture she had seen Klive make when he was unsure of what he wanted to say.
"I'll share something with you, but you must promise not to breathe a word of this to anyone. Not even my brother," he finally broke the silence, his voice barely a whisper. Her response was an eager nod, indicating her readiness to keep his secre
