Maya’s Pov

I tried to match Louis’s calm steps, but my heart beat unevenly in my chest. I was suddenly aware of everything, how tightly I was holding his hand, the smudge of dirt on my jeans, the slight tremble in my fingers.

“They’re just curious,” Louis whispered.

I nodded but didn’t reply. I could feel the small crowd forming behind us as we neared the main house.

I felt like a stain on something pure.

We walked up the steps of the main lodge. My eyes caught the ...