Chapter 25. As Long As I’m Here

“The pleasure is mine,” Hans answered as his smile widened, but it only made me more uncomfortable. “You look so much better than the pictures, and you have smoother and whiter skin.”

Frowning, I tilted my head.

Sure, it was a compliment. But why do I feel different about it? I also don’t like how he looks at me, too.

For other people, it might be normal, and they might have felt butterflies in their stomach once they were in my shoes.

But not me.

I could feel something in his gaze. Something deeper and darker.

“Thanks,” I answered, and I’m glad that I didn’t stutter. I can’t let Hans see that he’s having an effect on me. “Shall we go?”

Smiling widely, I gently tried to pull my hand from him. But he didn’t budge. Instead, his grip tightened as he looked me in the eye.

“As you can see, you’re exactly my type, Seraphina Serenity,” Hans muttered as he leaned toward my ear. “I guess your parents prepared you to be someone I would like. And