Page 260 of Bad Prince

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I start brushing my fingers through it.

She melts.

Actually melts.

A soft sigh leaves her lips, eyes drifting shut for a moment.

“Don’t stop,” she murmurs.

“Wasn’t planning to.”

This is dangerous.

Not because it’s intense.

But because it’s… easy.

Comfortable.

She fits here.

Too well.

The movie plays on.

Background noise.

My hand keeps moving through her hair.

Her fingers trace absentminded patterns against my wrist.

We don’t talk.

We don’t need to.

And for a second?—

I understand the appeal.

Why someone would choose this.

Stay here.

Build something here.

She shifts suddenly.

Turns.

Pushes up just enough to look at me.

Her eyes are darker now.

Focused.

Intent.

Before I can react?—

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