His gaze softened — just a fraction. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Even after what he's done, you're going to worry about him."
"Of course," she said, eyes glistening. "Because that's what decent people do, Winn. They care, even when it hurts."
Winn let out a long exhale, rubbing his temples. "And I'm not going to hear the end of it until I do something about it, will I?"
"No," she said stubbornly. "You won't."
He stared at her, then laughed softly — a low, rumbling sound that carried both affection and defeat. "Great," he muttered. "What's in it for me?"
Ivy tilted her head up, a teasing smile tugging her lips. "You mean apart from eternal peace and the knowledge that you didn't get a man killed?"
Winn smirked. " I was thinking something more immediate."
"What?" Ivy blinked, half in disbelief, half in amusement.
