Page 74 of Trapped with the Undercover Prince

He made it sound so easy. “That’s hard to do. I’ve never really had anyone I could rely on besides my grandmother.”

He lifted their linked hands and kissed the back of hers. “Rely on me. I’m not going anywhere.”

He met her gaze, his expression calm and serious and full of something bigger than either of them alone. Something wonderful. Something powerful enough to destroy both of them.

He meant it.

Her stomach churned while her brain attempted to reconcile her feelings for this amazing man and the reality of her situation. She had a life waiting for her in Boston. Job offers to decide on.

There was so much they didn’t know about each other, but she could see he was serious in his vow to support her.

His generosity toward her and trust in her had been there from the moment their eyes met in the train station in France. He’d been acting as her support all along.

She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Okay, I can do that.” She tried to smile, but the muscles in her face were too stiff. “But after I’m done at the hospital, we need to go somewhere private so we can talk. I feel like I’m a leaf in a hurricane wind.”

“You’re reading my mind.” He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. “Take some more deep breaths; we’ll be at the hospital soon.”

She followed his advice, letting herself relax in her seat and focus on breathing slow and deep. He parked near the staff entrance and guided her inside. They were met by one of the nurses who’d been on her surgical team and whose English was excellent.

“Hello, Sabine. How’s Luke?”

“His hemoglobin is still dropping, Dr. Anna. The chief surgeon wants to go back in and find the bleeder.”

“Does he want me to assist or observe?” She thought about that question for a moment. “I should observe.”

Sabine’s eyebrows went up a fraction. “Why not assist?”

“People learn more by doing.”

Sabine smiled. “Would it be okay if our surgical residents observe as well, and ask questions?”

“Of course.” Anna glanced at Zar. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be.”

“I have some work to do in the city,” he replied. “I’ll keep in touch with...” He glanced at the nurse. “Sabine?”

“Oh,” she said, surprised. “Certainly, Your Highness.”

“Give me your phone so I can put my number in.” He held out his hand. “Can I count on you to not share it with anyone?”

“Yes, I promise. I’ll keep it to myself.” Sabine gave him her phone, her eyes shining with surprise.

“Anna, I’ll pick you up here when you’re done.”

“Sounds good.”

He stepped close to her and kissed her just a touch too long for it to be anything other than a lover’s kiss.

Once the door was closed behind him, Sabine sighed. “He’s so romantic with you.”

Anna stared after him. “He’s the kindest, most thoughtful man I’ve ever met.” She turned and was met by Sabine’s grin.

“Is it true you’re engaged?” Sabine asked, her eyes sparkling with joy.

What was she supposed to say? She didn’t want to sabotage Zar’s plan to lure out the terrorists, but she also didn’t want to lie.

Deflect, deflect, deflect. “I’m not supposed to talk about...that. Nothing is official.”

Sabine’s smile grew. “The way he was looking at you, it’s just a matter of time.”

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