Chapter 7

Valeria

Raphael’s nose presses against my ear. I hear him breathe, and the warmth of his breath tickles me. It makes me want to press against him. His hand slides around my neck, resting gently under my jaw. He lifts my chin, and I feel his lips trace slowly down my neck, warm and soft against my skin.

“Stop,” I whisper. But I don’t want him to stop—or at least my body doesn’t.

I feel his nose skate to the back of my neck, and then he takes in a long breath.

“Raphael? That’s your name?” I a