20 Zara

20

Zara

I made sure all the lights and bags were placed properly when I heard his footsteps getting closer. My breathing and heartbeat had finally calmed down. I had realized that I may or may not have exaggerated snapping at him, but the way he could so easily get close to me scared me. Not physically, but emotionally, mentally. It had been difficult forgetting about him two years ago. I didn’t want to repeat that, but if Hayden kept trying to get close to me, I… I wasn’t sure what would happen.

He didn’t even know I was the Princess of Azmia.

“I am sorry, Zara,” Hayden looked at me, his blue eyes gleaming at me as the sun setting behind him. The wind ruffled his hair as he swallowed the lump in my throat. “I got jealous—no, I am jealous of Noah for knowing you so well. Physically and as a friend. I won’t touch you again without your consent and I am sorry.”

He repeated it once more, redness slashing over his cheeks and neck. I stared at him for a while and said, “Apology accepted.