He snickers as he says this, and I'm hard pressed not to smile as well when the people around me start to laugh.
"So let it be proclaimed and celebrated. Your royal herald for the day is now signing off."
ZAHIR IS SWIFT TO PICKup that something's amiss when he sees everyone dressed like they're cosplaying for, well, Wonderland. And when I take him to the Grand Hall, and he sees how its walls and ceiling are adorned with fresh red roses, and all around us are staff dressed like playing cards—-
"They're behind this, aren't they?"
"So, um, I kinda told them today was our first month together, and..." I smile weakly. "Happy Monthsary, I guess?"
When his brothers-in-arms join us, female students are still busy taking selfies as they swoon artfully at Zahir's feet, and...oh my goodness.
Weren't those the guys from our football team?
I'm still doing my best to stifle my laughter when Zahir's selfie duties come to an end, but when his friends bow in greeting as my husband joins us—-
"Fuck you."
All I can do is cough, but upon hearing this, Zahir immediately pulls me close, asking, "Are you alright, my love?"
Oh wow.
I can see that he'sseriouslyconcerned, but since Zahir isn't a master tactician for nothing, I can also see that his tender loving care is deliberate, with how the other sheikhs have shuddered upon hearing his words.
"Ignore them,habibti.Their turn will come soon."
Zahir pulls me to the dance floor, and the all-female orchestra, whose lovely fascinators could have only be designed by the Mad Hatter, starts playing on cue.
"Are you having a good time?" my husband asks.
"More than I should have," I admit guiltily. "Areyouokay? If you want to go home—-"
"Home is where you are, Alysse."
It should have been the cheesiest thing ever, but why does everything sound soprofoundwhen Zahir is the one who's saying it?
"I love you," I whisper shakily.
"You're crying again."
"Because you make life so crazy and wonderful, and I just can't believe—-"
Zahir raises a brow. "What is it?"
"There's something I keep meaning to ask..."
Golden eyes gleam down at me, and my heart skips a beat at how easy it seems for him to read my every thought.
Oh, Zahir.
One Day in Amsterdam
ZAHIR'S LIP CURLEDas he read the briefing sent by his agency. Assignments like this were more suitable for Nassif, not an old grump like him. Whereas Zahir had no patience for the intricacies of subterfuge, the other man was in his element when surrounded by snakes and vultures.
To seduce the Black Dove might be a game that Nassif would find interesting to play, but the mere thought of having to spend time with such a woman already had Zahir gritting his teeth.
One last time.
He would finish this, and then he would inform the Crown Prince that he was done accepting undercover assignments.