261 Irritated?

Avelina was quiet, and she didn't break eye contact with Draven for a few seconds. Abruptly, she coughed, averting her gaze.

Draven tipped his head to his side, patiently waiting for her to speak. "Avelina, tell me what it is. Or…don't you want to tell me any more?" 

"Of course I do!" Avelina instantly faced him. She took deep breaths and balled her fists, mustering up the courage to speak. "Uh, well, what I wanted to talk to you about was, um, well…it was…"

"What?" Draven's eyes were lit up with anticipation. She seemed nervous to say what it was, so he couldn't help but be curious.

Avelina lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. She said, "I want us to stop being distant." Her voice was tender. "I don't want it anymore." She shook her head.

Draven was taken aback by her words. He peered at her and shifted closer to her. "Why? Did something happen?"