Alvaro only shrugged, casual as ever. "I'm used to danger. Besides, guard duty's boring. And anyway, they throw all the newcomers into raids. They have fewer men in there."
Sasha crossed her arms. "Maybe because it's the most dangerous job? You know that this isn't funny, right?"
Alvaro's lips curved into that familiar, maddening smirk. "I wasn't joking." His eyes glinted, steady and sure. "Don't worry, I can handle it."
Something about his tone made her want to smack him—and trust him—all at once.
Sasha's eyes softened, frustration melting into concern. "Of course I'm worried about you," she said. What if he's the villain and dies out there before I can confirm it? she added silently.
Alvaro froze for a second — not at her words, but at her tone. It was rare to hear sincerity from Sasha. He smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I can take care of myself."
"You always say that before something explodes," she muttered.
"Still alive, aren't I?"
