Chapter 38 

~Valeria ~ When I wake up the next morning, I’m alone in my bed. Raphael and I spent the night together, and it was nice and sweet. He was so gentle—a welcome change—but he left early. A few knocks come from my door. “Miss Valeria, you have been called to go to practice.” I hear Nolan at the door. I rush over and pull it open. “What? Have they started again?” “Yes. It was decided today that training will begin once more. Everyone is expected at the training grounds.” “Okay.” I quickly get ready and head out. When I arrive at the training grounds, I’m shocked to see Raphael half‑naked and sweaty. He stands next to Antonio and Stephan, who doesn’t look happy. “Is that Raphael?” a girl says. “Yes!” another giggles. “Oh my gosh! He looks so hot!” He looks impossibly hot. I narrow my eyes at him as I step into the seating area and drop to the floor. Raphael grins and throws me a wink. I take a seat next to Grimm, and he immediately speaks. “I’ve been thinking about what you said yesterday.