Cedric
I let out a soft sigh, my heart still racing from the way she had back-hugged me so tightly.
“Okay, fine,” I said gently. “Can you let go of me now?”
She slowly released her arms from around my waist, her hands lingering for a second before falling away. I turned to face her. Her eyes quickly dropped to the floor, refusing to meet mine. I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Despite her sharp tongue and the way she talked so much — always bold, always teasing — she was still so shy. Nervous. It made her look incredibly cute. How could someone be so fiery one moment and so vulnerable the next?
I stretched my hand toward her, gently landing my palm against her cheek. There was a little silence between us, the air thick with tension. I rubbed my thumb lightly over her soft skin, feel
