Seven PM. One hour until showdown.
Valentina found Duke outside the safe house, sitting on the porch steps in the gathering darkness. His leather jacket hung loose on his shoulders, and a cigarette dangled from his fingers—something she'd never seen him smoke before.
"Didn't know you still did that," she said softly.
"I don't. Not for years." He took a drag, exhaled slowly. "Seemed appropriate for tonight."
She sat beside him, careful not to touch. The air between them felt electric and fragile all at once.
"You didn't have to give me up," she said.
"Yes, I did." His voice was flat. "You were in jail because of me. Everything bad in your life traces back to me, Valentina. Better you're free without me than trapped with me."
"That's not your choice to make."
"It was the only choice
