“How wrong?” he repeats asking, his question surprising me. What does he mean by that? How wrong? I mean, it’s wrong in every possible way.
“It’s just hugging. Why are you making such a fuss about it? Why are you acting like I’m harassing you?” His voice lowers, but his grip doesn’t loosen. “You were hugging me back a few minutes ago. So, why are you fighting it now?”
“This is wrong,” I repeat, my voice firmer this time.
But he ignores me, as if he hasn’t heard. I stand frozen, speechless, the sound of his drumming heart filling my ears.
“Can you feel my heart, Maya?” he asks softly. “This is what happens every time you’re close to me. Even when I just think about you.”
I want to say something, anything, but the words seem to have abandoned me.
“I’m attracted to you, Maya,” he continues, his voice raw with vulnerability. “I’ve fallen in love with you. You’re the reason I rejected Princess Ferrior. Because, for some reason, I’ve realized the kind of person I truly want. Not just someon
