Chapter 82. Make Me Love Him Again

Athena

“Tristan Hayes,” I said through gritted teeth. “If you dare try that thing you’re about to do.”

I heard him giggle playfully, the sound so carefree and boyish that it caught me completely off guard.

“I’ll never do anything unless you ask me to. I was just practicing,” he said with that mischievous grin that used to make my heart skip beats when we were teenagers.

I pushed him away, not knowing whether I should be angry or amused by his behavior. “You’re not a child, Tristan. Grow up.”

I started walking away from him, needing space to think clearly, but he caught my arm and pulled me back against his chest. The contact sent electricity shooting through my entire body, and I hated how my treacherous heart responded to his touch.

“I don’t care, Ath. I don’t mind being a child for the rest of my life, as long as you get to love me,” he said, his voice soft and sincere.

I looked at him with what I hoped was an annoyed expression, th