He could have lived with the No, No, even if it was hasty and sounded like Greengrass was about to jump into a slew of excuses, but not knowing? His chest filled with dread, and Valerian was forced to consider the possibility that their months-long whirlwind romance would end in the city of love itself. He'd always been the one for a little flair, but this was too much.

Valerian backed up until his calves hit the bed's edge. He sat down, not taking his eyes off of Greengrass, his frown unmoved.

"That's wht? I already told you... You know how I feel." As if he hadn't made that clear plenty of times.

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