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