Page 60 of Trapped with the Undercover Prince

Trauma, she was processing the trauma. That’s why she was a blubbering mess. “This is all the terrorists’ fault. I was perfectly happy until they arrived and blew everything up. Twice.”

“You tell them,” Zar said, his tone encouraging. He brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. He did that a lot. Kissed her hand or wrist or touched her back. He was so comfortable with little touches and kisses.

“Zar, are you a romantic?” she asked.

He considered that for a moment. “I never thought so, but with you, I can’t help myself.”

“So, this isn’t all for show? You actually want to...”

“Be with you,” he finished. He glanced at her with a surprise smile on his face. “Yes. You’re like sunshine. I can’t help but feel happy around you.”

The icy band that had been growing tighter and tighter around her chest loosened. Soft warmth surrounded her, blanketed her, held the cold world at bay.

“That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

“Are you sure? Because what I’m about to say next is pretty wonderful.”

“Well, don’t keep me in suspense. What is it?”

He looked at her with wide, excited eyes. “Let’s stop for ice cream.”

She burst out laughing. “That sounds really good.”

And yet, her heart was still sore, and her hands continued to shake. She might be the sunshine, but rain clouds hung on the horizon.

A storm was coming, and she didn’t know if she would survive it.

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