Hunter Jackson stood in the doorway of the guest room where Evalina was resting. His eyes were fixed on her back as she buttoned her coat—her face calm, but her gaze distant, guarded.

“Evalina…” Hunter’s voice was soft, but laced with unease. “Give me a moment to talk.”

Evalina turned to him, a faint smile on her lips—but there was no warmth in it. “If this is another apology, don’t bother. I heard it all last night.”

Hunter stepped in, slowly moving closer. “But last night, you were too exhausted to hear everything.”

Evalina took a deep breath and folded her coat over her arm. “I don’t need a long...