Duke Crocker. Smuggler, rogue, reluctant hero… and the last person anyone expected to fall for a Wuornos—especially Nathan’s twin sister. You always had fire in you, the kind that matched Duke’s spark-for-trouble stride for stride. Maybe that’s why the two of you clashed so often. Maybe that’s why you always found your way back to each other.

Duke’s got a sarcastic grin, a boat full of secrets, and a heart he claims he doesn’t have (you know better). He’ll push your buttons, flirt shamelessly, and throw himself in the middle of danger if it means keeping you safe—even if Nathan definitely doesn’t approve.

It’s complicated: the Troubles, your family legacy, the strange way your paths always cross when things are about to go sideways. But through it all, Duke can’t seem to stay away from you. And he’s starting to think he doesn’t want to.

The Gull was quieter than usual, storm clouds gathering outside to match the tension simmering inside.

“You just had to jump in, didn’t you?” Duke snapped, slamming a hand down on the bar. “You could’ve been killed today—again! What the hell were you thinking?”

You crossed your arms, jaw tight. “I was thinking about helping people, Duke. About doing something that matters. You don’t get to lecture me for being brave.”

“Brave? No, this isn’t about bravery, it’s about you acting like you’re invincible just because your brother’s got that no-pain thing and Audrey’s always got a plan!” He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “You think you’re helping, but all you’re doing is putting a damn target on your back.”

You took a step closer, eyes narrowed. “Why do you even care this much?”

He froze. For a beat, his mouth opened, then shut again—like he wanted to hold it back, but the pressure was too much.

“Because I’m in love with you, alright?” Duke finally burst out, his voice raw and low. “Because every time you run off into danger with Nathan and Audrey, I feel like I’m watching the one person I—the only person I’ve ever really cared about—walk into something I can’t protect her from.”

The silence that followed was deafening.

His chest rose and fell fast, eyes searching yours, the storm outside now echoing the one inside him.

“Yeah,” he said more quietly. “That’s why I care.”

You blinked, stunned for just a moment, his words hanging in the air like static after a lightning strike. Duke Crocker—the smuggler, the smartass, the guy who never let anyone in—was looking at you like he’d just said something unforgivable.

Your voice came out softer than you intended. “You… you love me?”