I yawn, blinking several times to clear the fuzz from my eyes as I try to focus on this complex dissertation, written in French, that I need to revise, translate into German, then revise again. Since the incident with Fritzi, Basil has made sure that I spend minimal time in the office and I've been working mostly from the apartment. He's been very busy with tracking Fritzi down, so I haven't seen him all that much, but when I do he's very sweet and avoids Fritzi and his family completely.

I suddenly hear a knock at the door and groan. I smooth back my wild curls and walk over, not bothering to peek through the peephole as I open the door, "Bas-" I shut my lips and I let him in, shutting the door behind him. I try to speak again but he cuts me off with a hard kiss. He grips my shoulders and pulls me closer. I melt into him and deepen the kiss, my hands gripping the front of his shirt. When at last we pull apart for air I have to steady myself, "What was that for, Basil? What are you doing here?" He doesn't let go, but I see the cloud nine sparkle in his eyes.

"We got them, Zipporah. Fritzi and Helmut are in custody. They can't hurt you again," Basil explains then loosens his grip on my left shoulder holding up an article of clothing I haven't seen in a long while. My coat! I stare at it then Basil in befuddlement, "I had it washed for you. She kept it as a trophy no doubt."

"Thank you, Basil." I take the coat and hang it up in my tiny closet before turning back to him. Now I notice my disheveled appearance and blush, grabbing a hair tie and pulling my hair back while smoothing out my house clothes.

"You look fine, Zipporah." Basil reassures. I blush more and he smiles sweetly at me.

"Okay..," I sigh in response, walking towards him and straight into his warmth. I hug him tightly and he wraps his arms securely around me. Basil rests his head on top of mine for a while, rocking me gently back and forth as I shed tears of relief over the news, "Basil,.."

I shiver as his arms shift downwards to my hips. Basil leans down and starts to press soft kisses to my forehead, cheeks and lips. I let him, closing my eyes. I feel his breath on my skin and then he pecks the bridge of my nose before continuing the sweet kisses all over. I clutch his shirt and try to resist the sleepy haze coming over me. I remember my work and how I've been working since four AM. My willpower to discontinue with Basil gives and I push it to the side, focusing on him. I cup his face and kiss him hard. He kisses back then pulls away, looking straight into my eyes.

"Ich liebe dich, Zipporah. [I love you, Zipporah]"

"Ich liebe dich, Basil. [I love you, Basil]" We grin and lock lips again, Basil bringing me to his chest and beginning a new barrage of passionate kisses. My heart speeds up, giddy with emotion.

I meant it. 100%. I love him, my handsome, loving Prince.

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~Uilosris