SIGRID

Silas tensed the moment I got close, his breathing growing heavier, and I could hear the rapid hammering of his heart against my chest.

He remained rigid in my grasp as I wrapped my arms around his back, my face burying itself in his neck.

His hair tickled my nose, and that delicious citrus scent clung to his skin—like a tree heavy with ripe oranges.

For some reason, I suddenly craved a juicy orange.

"Just a few seconds. We're only pretending, Silas," I whispered, slightly worried.

"Mmm,