Matilda leaned back in her chair, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "You know, despite everything, moments like these make it all worthwhile," she mused, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at Zafron.
Zafron couldn't help but smile in return. "Moments like what? Plotting our daring escape while surrounded by murderers and psychopaths?" he teased.
Matilda giggled, playfully swatting his arm. "No, silly. Just... this. Us. Together."
Zafron reached out and took Matilda's hand in his. "I know what you mean," he said softly. "Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky."
Matilda's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "Oh, stop it, you," she said, but her smile widened. "You're going to make me blush."
"Too late," Zafron chuckled, gently poking her cheek.
Matilda stuck out her tongue at him, the gesture so childishly endearing that Zafron felt his heart skip a beat.
[Good grief,] Calista muttered. [You two are worse than a pair of lovesick teenagers.]
