Explosion

The ticklish urge was no longer controllable for Andreas. Fortunately, the calm and authoritative demeanor that had been required during the earlier meeting could now be discarded.

Andreas burst out laughing as he and Vlora sat in the car. Vlora turned to him, her expression a playful mixture of curiosity and amusement.

“You seem so happy,” she said.

For a moment, Andreas didn't answer. He continued to laugh, and Vlora didn't interrupt, but rather seemed to enjoy the moment.

Only when his breathing became labored and his eyes moist did Andreas stop laughing. He took in as much air as he could and then sighed.

“Oh, God. This is really funny, Vlo.”

Vlora smiled faintly, noticing the lingering traces of laughter in Andreas' voice. “I admit it, Reas. Your performance back there looked really natural.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Vlora nodded as Andreas grinned with a teasing glint in his eyes. “When you scolded Jonas and acted surprised, as if you had just realized his intention to leave you alone i