The defiant jut of Agathe’s jaw ground Luke’s patience down to a fine powder. If he had his way, this stubborn-headed woman’s skepticism would soon shift.
“Don’t think of my ultimatum as strong-arming.” He smiled, unwilling to let her leave, unwilling to let her see the roaring emotions churning through his stomach. She had that soul-shattered look again. A look he’d seen a thousand times before. That same pained stare many of his army buddies held, the ones who returned home whole in every way but their minds.
That look made him regret not letting her leave Tiluma as she’d asked, though he, too, could be stubborn. And in this case, he hoped his stubbornness would be for a greater good.
“Think of this as a trial.” He shrugged, certain someone as intelligent and headstrong as Agathe coul
