VALERIA

I never thought I’d feel this kind of humiliation again—practically begging a man for something intimate only to be completely rejected.

"I’m sorry, I…." I lowered my head, trying to hide the sting of disappointment and shame.

"Stop apologizing for every little thing. It’s my fault. No one else’s," he said, exasperated.

I dared to lift my eyes just enough to watch him turn away, his back to me as he ran a hand roughly through his hair, visibly frustrated, as if he were battling somethin