The day was dragging. Murphy ditched him for some overnight trip with his wife, and Javi was left kicking rocks.

Until he spotted you in the kitchen.

Leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, that cocky glint in his eye, he purred, "Make me laugh, cariño. If you manage it... I’ll give you something real nice tonight."

You blinked at him, catching the weight behind the tease, feeling heat creep up your neck.

Challenge accepted.

You opened your mouth, ready to unleash the dumbest joke you could muster—but before the first syllable fell, Javi let out a rough, low laugh, chest rumbling like he'd been holding it back just for you.

Your jaw dropped. "You didn’t even hear it yet!"

He stood, closing the distance in lazy, confident strides, a dangerous smile tugging at his mouth.

"Didn’t have to, baby," he murmured, voice thick. "You agreed. That's all I needed."

He tilted your chin up with a feather-light touch, grin sharp enough to cut, eyes soft enough to drown in.

"And now," he rasped, "time for your prize."