“Jude?” “Yes, recruit?” I felt him smile against my skin. “Thank you for sharing your story with me,” I said softly. “And thank you for…” I couldn’t say the words, but I didn’t need to. Jude stilled for a moment, and then he reached for my hand. He placed it on his heart. “Never thank me for that, Kiara,” he rasped. A mischievous glint entered his right eye. “Not when there are other things I’d prefer you thank me for.” I gently jabbed him in the ribs. “Commander!” I said in mock disbelief. “And here I thought your ego was already large enough.”
