The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1385

"Of course I," Martin was visibly nervous, his gaze locked into hers, yet he couldn't bring himself to deceive her, "want it all."

He yearned for both.

The sincerity in his eyes appeared to Serena as nothing more than a wolf in sheep's clothing, "So, hanging out with me, you've always had ulterior thoughts, right?"

Martin was puzzled. To him, these 'ulterior thoughts' were simply an extension of his affection for her.

Seeing her upset, Martin didn't dare to soothe her with his actions anymore. He could only try to explain verbally.

"I'll admit, I'm drawn to you, because I like you. I want to kiss you, hold you, take your hand. I want you, all of you, for myself. But more than that, I want your heart. I hope to have a place in there, even if it's just a tiny corner, that would be enough for me."

Serena turned her face away, silent.

"I'm sorry, Serena. I'll be more mindful from now on." Martin gently tugged at her sleeve, not daring to take her hand, "Please, don't be mad, okay?"

Serena purposefully shrugged him off and marched ahead.

"Serena." Martin felt uneasy, fearing she might think of him as a creep and cut him off for good.

When Serena saw him anxiously catch up, the sense of control over him suddenly lifted her spirits.

"Are you smiling?"

Martin caught a fleeting smile on her lips, which eased his anxious heart, and a grin spread across his face, "Does this mean you've forgiven me?"

"From now on, you can't touch me without my permission!"

Martin found this a bit tough, but anxious not to upset her again, he simply nodded in agreement, "Okay."

Serena glanced at his hand, and Martin quickly retracted it, not even daring to touch her sleeve again.

Her mood improved even further, reveling in the power she held over him.