“Ayame,” Alistair called out, running to catch up with me. “How long are you going to avoid me?” He stepped in front of me, blocking my way. “It’s been more than a week since you started ignoring me.”
Drawing in a deep breath to compose myself, I stated in a dead voice, “I have told you a hundred times and I will tell you again. I. am. Not. Interested. In. Talking. To. You.”
“Ayame, please….” His eyes flashed with pain and regret. “At least give me a chance to explain.”
“What if I don’t give you a chance?” I snapped in a clipped tone. “Are you going to compel me?”
“Ayame…” His voice took on a desperate tone. “You know I will never do that to you.” He grabbed me by my shoulders and looked into my eyes; his cool gaze boring into mine. “I will never hurt you.”
“How can I believe that
