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“What do you mean, maybe?” That connection between them, her hand in his, was doing weird things to her.
Not just sexual things, either, and that had her biting her lip with worry.
“It could relate to you and still be a state secret,” he explained.
“For crying out loud,” she said with exasperation. “You do not need to conjure up every potential scenario. What are the chances of that, really?”
Color burnished his cheeks.
Oh, wow, he was embarrassed.
“It is my nature to look at all potential outcomes.” He sounded almost humble.
“Or you were taught that too.”
“Regardless, it is far too ingrained.”
“I believe you, but maybe just accept that not all of them are going to come to pass and let them go.”
“That is not my way.”
“I know Nikolai is the oldest, and the king, but seriously, Dima, I swear you outdo him.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I think you may be more arrogantly certain of your own ideas than even he is.”
“My brother listens to counsel.”
“While you keep your own.”
Dima didn’t say anything, possibly realizing the attempt to refute her words would force him to lie.
“You’re also more of a worrier.”
“I do not worry.”
“What would you call going through every possible doomsday scenario before you commit to a course of action?”
“Being responsible.”
That surprised a laugh out of her. “Promise me anyway, Dima.”
“I like when you use my name.”
He’d said so, and maybe her use of his title had been as much to annoy him as establish emotional distance when she was so hurt and angry.
“Great. I’ll make a deal with you. As long as you exhibit trust in me that is in line with being my friend—”
“And lover,” he slotted in, interrupting her like he never interrupted anyone.
“That’s still up for debate.” Though she hadn’t pulled her hand from his, had she? “Anyway, as long as you do that, then I will call you Dima.”
“This includes telling you about things like the leak of confidential information that coincided with your visits and video calls with Nataliya?”
She’d thought they’d already established that, but she gave him verbal agreement anyway. “Yes.”
He thought for several long seconds.
