e had worn me out. And, if a small part of me appreciated his presence, the other part, the part that needed independ

uted, walking qu

ransform at the sight of me, his smile lighting up

approaching me. But I felt the inten

tration that had been inside me for days. "Why are you still here, foll

y anger. "I'm not following you, Lyana. I

d your 'protection'? » I replied ironi

g scent, the scent I had learned to recognize in an instant. "Since I met you," he whispered in

so... stubborn, possessive. "You don't understand anything.

think you realize what that means to me, Lyana. When I say

sked, raising my voice. "Wha

tened, almost vulnerable. "Of everything and everyone

, almost fragile, in his voice. Part of me wanted to believe in his intentions, in his

ted, my voice calmer but resolute. "And you

r despite myself. "You say that now," he finally whispered. "But I know you feel this

turbed me. Yes, there was a strange connection between us, something that was be

ad and walked away, leaving him alone. I felt his

g he had said. This bond...this almost palpable obsession. And desp

he front door, I jumped when I saw Nathan there in front of m

oing here? » I

readable. "I wanted to m

zy, Nathan. You don't have to come

eater determination. "You can keep sayin

sily blocked it with his hand, and I found mysel

spered, feeling my voice weaken

ers against my cheek, and a shiver ran through my bod

urned to see another boy, Thomas, approaching. He smiled at me

stop by and see you," Thomas said casually,

ely placed himself in front of me, as if to p

ng here," Nathan spat, hi

tude. "Um, excuse me? Lyana is a friend, an

ightening slightly on my arm. "Because

ous at his behavior. "Nathan, that's enough.

nd possessiveness. "I've got your back, Lyana.

on and frustration on his face. "Okay, I t

uncomfortable under Nathan's intimidating attitude. O

er. "You have no right to behave like that. Thomas is a frien

ognized, but this time there was a shadow of uncertainty, as

didn't want to... it's just... when I see you with someone else, it's st

ng, had something touching, since

nship...or whatever it is between us...to have a chance, you need to stop tre

nderstand. I'll try. But know that what I feel for you

n us, so strange and unexpected, upset me as much as he did. But I knew I had to pro