Chapter 33 

~Valeria ~ “I’m basically hugging you, Valeria,” Stephan says. “The enemy won’t be this gentle. Put your arms around my neck.” “Like this?” “Perfect. Now bend your knees, lean forward, and pull as hard as you can.” I do as he says, and though I don’t get him off my back, he does lift from the ground just a little. “Did you really put any strength into it?” I laugh with embarrassment. “No.” “Oh, so you just want my hug? Is that why you’re delaying it?” My cheeks burn. Having him so close to my ear, feeling his breath on my skin, is… delightful. “If that’s what you wanted, then we should stop this training and go somewhere else.” I like what he says, and for a moment, my mind wants to linger on it. But guilt strikes quickly. Should I really be flirting like this? How would Raphael feel? Then the truth cuts in: he isn’t mine. The thought of what he did twists inside me, and anger rises instead. Suddenly, Stephan is flying over me and slams onto the ground in front of me. “Or you can kick