He groaned low in his throat—miserable—and kept staring at the fighters.
“It’s just…” He finally spoke, voice rough. “I’m very embarrassed. I should have tried harder to stop you.”
I stepped in front of him, forcing him to meet my eyes. “It wasn’t your fault.”
He made a face—like he didn’t believe me.
I couldn’t help it. A small laugh slipped out. “You can’t deny I’m a good kisser.”
His nose wrinkled. “Eww.”
I laughed again—real this time. The knot in my chest loosened just a little.
The atmosphere between us softened—still awkward, but less suffocating.
I started to relax.
Then I heard my name.
“Hazel! You b***h!”
I turned.
Liora stormed across the training field—face twisted in fury, fist clenched at her sides.
I groaned and rolled my eyes. “What does she want this time?”
S
