Chapter Thirty One

Ayva’s POV

"Hey, stop!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in surprise as Jace playfully poked my side. A mischievous grin spread across his face, a clear sign that he was up to no good. He poked me again, this time on my left side, and I involuntarily flinched, my body reacting to the unexpected touch.

"Jace, seriously, stop!" I pleaded, my voice tinged with annoyance and amusement. But he seemed to be enjoying himself, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he continued to poke me.

"So... you're ticklish?" He said, a devilish smile forming on his face, his tone filled with playful curiosity.

"No, I'm not." I smoothly lied, trying to maintain a composed facade because I knew that if he found out, he would take advantage of it.

"Then why do you react like this?" He asked, his voice laced with amusement, as he poked me once more, causing me to jerk in response.

"Because it hurts." I replied, my voice betraying a hint of laughter, unable to suppress the smile that was tugging at the corners