Serena sat at the kitchen table, her fingers wrapped around a mug of tea. She still felt the dizzy haze from last night’s drinks, the laughter, the teasing—it had been fun, but also reckless.

Roman entered quietly, removing his jacket. He didn’t immediately sit or speak, just watched her for a moment, noticing the slight flush on her cheeks, the way her hair had fallen loosely around her face.

“You slept at all?” he asked finally.

She looked up, surprised he was so calm. “A little… but not much.”

He moved closer and rested his hands on the edge of the table. “I know I didn’t say it yesterday or...