Alexander Thorne's POV

Phone in hand, I tap on the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the line-up of cars in my private garage. My mind is elsewhere.

Dimitri left thirty-five minutes ago. I sent Garvey home, too, but I've been seated inside this car, waiting.

Dinner for Sophia and her new dress sits on the passenger seat beside me.

My fist clenches tight around my phone. My patience is wearing thin, but I don't have a choice.

I unlock my phone and stare at the text I was forced to send because this inattentive Psycho wouldn't pick up my calls. I delete the text after some seconds.

My phone vibrates all of a sudden.

Caller ID: Psycho

I immediately pick up. "Why didn't you answer your phone? Is what I pay you not enough?"

"My apologies, Mr. Thorne. Was at a seminar. No phones were allowed."

Exhaling deeply, I put a hand on my head.

She's silent. It tells me she's read the text.

"Have you deleted it?"

"Of course."

I nod, dropping my eyes to the luxury shopping bag containing Sophia's clothes. I replay what happened between us on my sofa. I replay when I lost control. How I did, I'm not sure.

Keeping her close and occupied was the only way I could contain whatever happened to me.

"How did you stop?" Psycho asks.

"She stopped me," I answer, tasting the bitterness of a bruised ego on my tongue.

"Isn't that a good sign?"

"It's not."

"Do you wanna come in tomorrow? I can fix an appointment for eight."

"Make it one P.M.. I have somewhere to be in the morning..."

"All right. See you tomorrow, Mr. Thorne."

I hang up and take the things from the passenger's seat, then exit the car.

The penthouse is quiet when I get inside.

"Sophia?" I call.

There's no response.

Slowly, I drop the bags on the coffee table.

The plastic bag containing her dirty clothes is still on the floor, where she left it. It's giving me a headache.

I slip my phone inside my pocket, making my way to the dark room she ran into when Dimitri arrived.

"Soph?"

Still no answer.

I enter and stop, staring at her still, small silhouette, curled up on the floor.

Brave of her to fall asleep in a man's house.

I drop to my knees to wake her.

"Sophia-"

A phone buzzes. It's not mine.

A light appears, and I see her phone in her grip. Turned on. Not off like I told her to do earlier.

I take the phone out of her grip. She doesn't even budge. After all her adventures tonight, passing out must have been inevitable.

But I know her parents. Sophia is their world, and they'll stop at nothing to find their daughter, including tracking her down.

Quickly, I enter the passcode and unlock her phone. Overstepping? Yes. But I happen to know her passcode. And just as I guessed, her location is turned on. I turn it off.

There's a chat message from 'Layla's friend': {You can just pay me for gas. Don't bother about the full payment.}

A call comes in.

Caller ID: Love of my life.

Her boyfriend? I can't tell; there's no picture.

I let it ring. Just as I'm about to turn off her phone, it vibrates again. It's the same caller.

Exhaling in irritation, I answer it.

"Sophia?!" Mr. Rose's distressed voice scrapes my ear. "Where are you, my love? How are you?"

I take the phone away from my ear, staring at the screen.

Her father is the love of her life? Interesting.

"Is this Sophia's boyfriend?!" He barks suddenly, tone switching. "Did you run off with my daughter?"

Boyfriend?

"I'll find you, and when I-"

I hang up and turn her phone off, then return it to her purse that's spilling out dollar bills.

I take out my phone, opening the chatting app.

There's a message from Mr. Rose: {We caught someone who saw a man help Sophia get down from the wall. He said the man was her boyfriend. I'm really sorry for the trouble, Son. I'll teach her better.}

I type my reply: {It's not a problem, Father-in-law. We'll all have breakfast together tomorrow. I assure you, she'll be found soon.}

I return my phone to my pocket, take her purse, and scoop her into my arms.

Face plain and peaceful, she remains sleeping, unaware of all that's happening as I carry her to my bedroom.

******

- - - -

Sophia's POV

My body aches as if I've been climbed and hit. My injuries sting softly. I let out a breath, turning on the comfortable bed. Pillows so soft and clean. Fresh, amberwood, cocoa...

I blink my eyes open.

For a few seconds, I keep my gaze on the white ceiling, struggling to arrange my fuzzy thoughts and see clearly. Nothing registers yet. Until-

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty,"

My whole body tightens with awareness. It's immediate.

I turn my head sharply. Dark eyes are already locked on me. My vision blurs, but I see. And everything comes rushing back-my failed escape, his penthouse, treating my wounds, our hot kiss, Dimitri.

Now, I'm waking up beside him?

What is going on?! Why are we in bed together? Under the same sheet.

The same sheet?!

An alarm goes off in my head.

I grab the sheet, about to lift it to see if I'm undressed. But he's faster. He grips it from underneath, stopping me.

My pulse stumbles into a fast rhythm.

"I'm naked." He utters.

What?!

"Oh my god!" I plaster my eyes with both hands, shrinking away from him in panic.

He moves toward me, and I feel the heat from his body.

Oh, God.

My eyes open to see him rising. The sheet falls.

I turn away quickly, eyes closed, squeezing the sheet. But without failing to glimpse black clothes.

He breaks into a short chortle. Nothing else. And slowly, I turn my head, opening my eyes halfway.

He's seated, looking over me.

I stare now, only to see he's fully clothed, not naked, not smiling either.

I should punch him in the face, but he looks sinfully gorgeous and dangerous; I might regret my action.

"Can't take a joke, hm... thought you were about to cry." He says softly, lifting his hand to my face. He brushes hair from it, and I shiver.

"Did the thought of being naked with me scare you?"

I swallow hard, heart racing, brain booting like Windows 7 on a bad day.

"You fell asleep in that room... so I brought you to my bedroom." He slowly leans toward me.

I blink, determined to keep my eyes open.

"You're the first woman." He whispers in my ear, then locks his gaze on mine. "I wouldn't have sex with you without your consent."

My stomach dips, heat spreading within me.

"And just so you know," he lifts himself above me, under the sheet, eyes not moving from mine. "No sex until we get married."

He doesn't drop his weight on me, but he plants his legs between mine, hovering above.

The heat slides up my neck now as I struggle to keep still.

"We're not kissing again, too." He announces, his small, pink lips forming a beautiful pout when he says 'too'. "But we'll do other things..."

He inches close, face above mine, body above mine. However, he keeps his weight suspended.

"Other things you're not ready to handle yet..." His voice is barely a whisper-sultry, low, dark.

I feel his knee brush my thigh, where he bandaged, and my eyes close finally with a sigh. I turn my head away, suddenly wanting to feel his weight on me as I'm hypnotized.

Soft lips press under my left eye, kissing my mole.

"You've got beautiful, hazel eyes... can I see them?"

I oblige him, slowly opening my eyes. His face blurs, but I know he's staring-into my soul, my mind-a mind I might be losing soon.

"Want a teaser?"

My pulse slams hard, aching with desires I didn't know I possessed.

He waits.

After a long pause, I give him a slow nod, because it seems like the only option. My fingers curl tight around the sheet.

He adjusts. Then I feel his hands gently part my legs, spreading.

I gasp, shutting my eyes.

"Open your eyes," he commands softly.

I open them, trembling, breath rapid in his face. My chest swells.

Then,

"That's all for today, Love." He slowly withdraws his hands. "We've got breakfast at your house."

"Breakfast?" I whisper, still swimming in what he's just made me feel.

He replies with a nod, then withdraws completely.

I watch him roll off the bed. He stands tall and huge, moving around freely like he owns the place. He does.

"Your phone was turned on." He mutters, calm and controlled, walking away. "The love of your life called. Thought it was your boyfriend. Was going to tell him you're engaged... turned out to be your father."

"What?"

"Your father believes you spent the night at your boyfriend's. That's the story we're going with."

"W-what? H-how?" I sit up in shock.

"We leave in thirty minutes. Your clothes are in the guest bedroom." He says and opens a door. He slips in.

As if on cue, his shirt falls off his back. And so does my mouth-to the ground.

Just before the door shuts, I glimpse a back so broad and toned. A masterpiece of ink and muscle.

'He's not the type of man you'd want...' Dimitri's words echo in this moment.

But why do I still want him... even after eight months of staying away?

Sophia’s POV

He’s got nipple piercings, a back half-full of tattoos, smokes cigars, swore never to get married, but says he’s marrying me in October.

I’m the first woman he’s invited into his penthouse and bedroom, he kisses like a sinner, and promises to show me things I can’t handle yet. He lies well, too.

Just the perfect red flag. 

From the corners of my eyes, I watch him type on his iPad.

All covered up in a navy blue suit. You can’t tell what’s underneath or in his head.

He’s returning me home. 

My dad went in search of me and found Layla’s friend still lurking around the street of our home. According to Layla’s friend, ‘my boyfriend’ helped me down the wall, and I ran off with him. 

I’m grateful he went with ‘boyfriend’ instead of describing Alexander.

I turned my phone on while waiting for him in that dark room.

Alexander said he informed my father this morning that he’d found me at some apartment. 

I don’t know if I’m dying today or if I’m lucky that my night with Alexander gets to remain a secret. And why do I prefer it that way?

My mom will pass out if she finds out I was in the arms and bed of a man throughout the night—the very man she’s giving me away to.

When my house is in sight, I clench my fists, silently hoping that things go well.

I stare at the high walls, replaying how I desperately climbed the tree and jumped off last night.

I must have lost my mind. I can’t believe I did that. I guess I really didn’t want to be tied down to a ‘heartless fool’ before I even get to live. 

But look who the heartless fool is! Not heartless, and definitely not a fool.

Alexander puts his device aside and meets my gaze.

My chest flutters with warmth. Everything that happened between us replays in my mind. 

My emotions keep colliding—fear, attraction, shame, longing. It overwhelms me.

Do I want to be sold off and tied down to this man? A man I barely know, yet I’m insanely attracted to? A man who screams danger, yet I wanna know how dangerous it can get? 

I really don’t know.

He slowly reaches for my left hand and pulls me close.

I stare as he laces our fingers. His hand swallows mine.

“Everything will be fine,” he mutters and kisses the back of my hand. “I’m going to tell Dimitri about us.”

About us?! 

I’ve not even agreed to anything, and there’s already an ‘us’?

But he keeps kissing my hand, and my mind naturally travels to how he kissed my boobs through that Polo shirt he gave me.

My insides tumble. He makes me feel too much. And deep down, I know what I’ve felt is nothing compared to all he can do to me.

The gates open, and Garvey drives in.

My stomach tightens. 

Alexander leans close and cups my face. “You won’t get even a scolding. I promise you.”

I nod, hopeful in whatever magic he plans on using.

“They don’t look so mad.”

I lift my eyes and slowly turn my head to see my parents. They’re waiting outside. Smiling.

Smiling?

My mom wastes no second in coming for me as soon as I’m out of the car.

“Mom?” I mutter when her arms wrap tight around me.

“Do you know how worried we were?” Her voice breaks. 

Tears sting my eyes. Every rage, betrayal, and determination I felt last night has drained out of me.

“I’m sorry,” I choke, putting my arm around her as I inhale her warm, sweet smell.

My eyes meet my dad’s. Only love fills his gaze. No anger. It’s comforting.

I watch Alexander go to stand with him, ever calm and in charge. I can’t help but wonder what else he must have told them.

“Let’s have breakfast first,” my mom says, brushing my hair. “Your fiancé has to be at his company soon.”

My fiancé… There it is again. I sigh and withdraw from her, masking how uncomfortable I feel with a tight smile.

The dining table is set with a feast. 

My dad takes his place at the head of the table. To his left is my mom. Alexander sits at his right, while my breakfast is served beside him. 

We eat in silence at first. No mention of my crazy stunt last night or the supposed boyfriend I have—the reason my parents believe I don’t want to get married.

“When would the wedding be announced publicly?” My father breaks the silence.

And Alexander answers in a breath, “After Dimitri’s wedding, next week.” 

Bacon hangs in my throat. I go still, cutlery in my fist.

“Ah, yes! Dimitri Belcroft. It’s been the talk of the town. I should visit his father soon.” 

“Since it’s an intimate wedding, we didn’t get an official invite.” My mom chirps. “But Sophia is going. You both can leave together.”

I stare at my food, unable to chew or swallow anymore. 

“Would you want that?”

I was looking forward to the wedding, hoping to see Alexander again. But now I just—

“Sophia?” My mom calls.

I look up to see my parents staring at me, then I turn to Alexander. He’s staring, too, waiting for an answer.

“Do you want to go to Dimitri’s wedding with me?”

“I can just go on my own,” I answer and look away. 

The table is quiet again. 

Strength seeps out of me.

That suffocating feeling creeps back in, stealing my breath—the feeling of zero control over my life, my choices, my happiness. Once again, I’m powerless. Nothing new.

My appetite evaporates quickly. 

I drop my fork and exhale. 

My hands tremble. I fight back tears with every fiber of my waning strength. I don’t want to embarrass myself beside Alexander. I don’t want to seem weak and stupid, even though that’s how I feel on most days.

“I’m going to my room,” I announce, rising without lifting my head.

“Sophia?” My mom hisses sternly.

My lips quiver, threatening to break my will. 

Apparently, my attraction to him is not even enough.

Turning, I push my chair back, ready to leave.

And my dad’s fork clatters on his plate.

“Sophia Rosetta.” He says with a firmness that sends a tremor to my bones. “Sit, and let’s have breakfast.”

The tears slip out now, dropping on the table. 

As sweet as my dad is, his wrath is something I avoid like the plague.

Ashamed, I slip back into my seat, eyes on my food.

From the corner of my eye, I see Alexander’s jaw clench—barely, but enough for me to notice.

I suddenly feel his hand on my left knee and draw in a breath, but he taps softly. As if reassuring me. It’s calming. I catch my tears and take my fork.

“The wedding isn’t until October. That’s enough time to get to know ourselves.” He says, still tapping my knee. 

My dad nods, glancing briefly at me.

Alexander soon announces that he has to leave. My father walks him out, taking their discussion about a merger and acquisition out of the house. And I’m left with my mom. 

I pick at my food to distract myself from her piercing gaze.

“End things with him.” She says suddenly.

I lift my eyes to her, confused for a second. Then it comes to me—the boyfriend I don’t have.

“I can’t believe you ran away with a good-for-nothing.” She lets out a long breath, distress and disappointment etched on her face. “We didn’t raise you that way.”

I remain quiet. 

“Do you know how embarrassing it was for your father to hear from him that you were at a guy’s apartment? Do you know how embarrassing it was to apologize on your behalf? Sophia, why would you do something so humiliating?!”

“Because my words mean nothing to you and Dad!” I reply as my chest pounds, “I said I didn’t want to get married, but you went ahead to set up a fifth one for me. Running away seemed like my only option since I couldn’t kill myself.”

“Kill yourself?!” She gasps, eyes widening in horror. “The pills in your closet…”

Her eyes spread even more, face paling. “Why would you—”

My dad returns.

I shift in my seat, but I’m not done yet. 

“For the last four years, all you’ve been doing is trying to marry me off! I’ll be twenty-four in October, but I’ve never made one decision myself. Do you hate my guts that much, or is having money more important than what your daughter wants?!”

My mom’s mouth falls open, her eyes growing misty.

“We let you go to London to study. That was your decision.” She says.

My nails dig into my palm. “The only reason you and Dad let me go is just so you could brag to everyone that your only daughter was awarded a prestigious scholarship! 

“That’s all that matters! Our reputation. Our status! My perfection! You cried so hard when I had to leave, making me feel so guilty. Yet you willingly want to give me away to–to—”

My voice cracks, tears causing my throat to tighten. 

“Is that why you jumped over the wall? Risked your life to prove a point?” My dad speaks finally.

I palm my face, sobbing in defeat.

“Ran off with a nobody… that could have–could have harmed you.” My mom murmurs.

A humorless chuckle slips out of me. I drag my fingers through my hair and look at her. “And you think Alexander is the safe choice?”

Sophia’s POV

⁓August 25, 2025: Dimitri & Lena’s Wedding Day⁓

It’s exactly one week since my failed attempt at running away. One week since my second and best kiss ever. One week since I got reintroduced to Alexander Thorne as his fiancée. 

And one week of receiving large rose bouquets from him daily. It’s a garden in my bedroom.

I didn’t get scolded as he promised. 

I remained at home, mostly in my bedroom, being the good and praiseworthy daughter as usual, of course, after my mom confirmed my non-existent boyfriend didn’t take what I should be saving for my wedding night with Alexander.

My parents—my mom especially—believe he’s the best man any woman can ask for. She counts me the luckiest and herself the luckiest mother. He could do no wrong in their eyes.

In my eyes, I’m not sure yet.

Because he’s looking at me now from across the room, and the look in his eyes tells me he wants to do everything wrong to me. 

His gaze pins me, dark and unyielding, despite the happiness floating in the air at this wedding reception, despite his involvement in the couple’s activities since he’s one of Dimitri’s best men.

A wave of heat floods through me. And one-week-old memories begin bleeding into my mind: the feel of his lips on mine, the feel of his piercings against me, his hands on me, his scent, his dark, enticing gaze… The delicious taste of his mouth.

I still crave it in my sleep.

“Alex, focus!” Dimitri’s cheerful voice rings across the gorgeous hall.

I drop my gaze quickly and pick up my champagne glass, sipping. I’m the cause of his distraction. 

When I raise my head, his eyes are back on the golden rope they’re all pulling in a tug-of-war.

A precious smile is plastered on his face as he stands behind Dimitri. Dark hair falls over his eyes. He’s so beautifully made. His deep blue suit fits him majestically; he should be jailed for looking so good.

He mutters something to the person behind him, Lucio, the second best man, and they all laugh, pulling even harder.

Team Dimitri vs Team Lena. Five against Five.

Team Dimitri: Dimitri, Alexander, Lucio, and the rest of the men in their circle. One is absent.

Team Lena: Lena (the most beautiful woman and wife I’ve ever met), Emily (her best friend and maid of honor), Barbara, and the rest of the ladies in their circle.

Lucio and Emily actually got married yesterday, and along with Lena, they’re the only three outside the circle—all older, wealthier, and partly way out of my league socially. Thanks to Dimitri, I get to hang out with them.

The ladies pull harder, failing miserably yet still trying and laughing. Anybody can tell the guys are being easy on them.

The hall echoes with loud cheers, and I can’t help but join in. 

“Team Lena!” I cheer, clapping my hands in excitement.

The winning side gets a million dollars. If the ladies win, Dimitri pays. If the guys win, Alexander pays since the game was his idea.

“You fraudsters are way stronger!” Barbara yells, pulling the end of her side. “It’s unfair!”

“Get another lady,” Dimitri replies, staring at his woman like she’s a prized jewel. 

I read Lena’s lips in this moment, “Let us win,” she mouths to her husband, giggling.

“Saw that.” Alexander voices behind Dimitri.

“Sophia?!”

My ears tingle, and immediately, my eyes travel to Barbara.

“Sophia, join us!”

“M-me?” I stutter, pointing a finger at myself.

“YES!” The ladies chant desperately.

My cheeks burn, and naturally, my eyes meet Alexander’s gaze.

A perfect smirk forms on his lips before he throws the most heart-fluttering wink at me.

My heart skips a beat.

“SOPHIA?!” They plead again.

I drop my glass and purse on the cocktail table and hurry to join them. 

“Hello, Sophia,” Barbara greets, making room for me. “It’s been a minute.”

“Good evening, Barbara,” I smile at her.

“Your shoes…” she mutters, and we both stare at my René Caovilla Chandelier Sandals.

“Um…”

“As long as you don’t fall.” She says with urgency, turning serious. 

I grip the rope. Now five against six.

“Brace up, Sweetie,” Candace says in front of me. “That money is paying for my new Porsche.”

I give her a nod, feeling the thrill buzz through me.

And in 3, 2, 1, we begin pulling again.

I’m yanked forward so hard my breath escapes in a shocked gasp. 

My toes curl desperately inside my sandals as I pull, fighting not to end up face flat on the ground. 

Suddenly, the guys start coming toward us, tilting.

“Yes!” Candace hisses, pulling harder than anyone else.

“They’re letting us win,” Barbara admits.

“Who cares?” Candace replies. “Pull the fu—ing rope!”

I pull, marching backward with my heels. My arm and fist muscles clench.

Cheers echo. And in a minute, the guys slowly let go, making sure we don’t fall as we pull the rope to our side.

The room erupts in screams and claps.

My smile stretches wide as I’m dragged into a group hug. 

“We’re all giving Sophia fifteen grand each,” Barbara says, panting as she strokes my back. 

Warmth moves across my face when they all agree with excitement. I wasn’t expecting anything.

“Thank you,” I mutter, catching my breath.

Before we disperse, I say hearty congratulations to Lena. The last time I saw her, she was wreaking havoc. Ended up ruining New Year’s Eve for everyone. It’s good to see her happy again. 

She and Dimitri had the roughest year; we’re all just grateful they’re in a better place now. 

I take another drink from a waiter’s tray and return to my table.

The first thing I do is scan the room for Alexander. He vanished so suddenly. 

I keep scanning as Lena and Dimitri are invited to the dance floor, but he’s nowhere in sight.

Coos fly across the room. 

“Aw…” I murmur, staring as Dimitri wraps an arm around Lena’s waist. 

He pulls her close, and my eyes water because Lena starts crying.

They’ve been through so much.

I look around, and I’m not the only one fighting tears. The church wedding was even worse. A feast of water works; I was no exception. It was a lovely ceremony—the kind that makes you believe in love.

The lights in the room dim completely, and only a spotlight shines on the couple.

I take out my phone and start filming them, dabbing tears at the inner corners of my eyes. 

Love is something I’ve only dreamed about. It never came, so I poured my affection into something else—studying. And being so good at it that I could go far away from my parents’ ever-controlling presence.

The one guy I had a major crush on for years and believed was my love got engaged earlier this year. So, no luck in love.

Dimitri suddenly kisses Lena, and the roof is raised.

Squealing, heat spreads to my neck, and I stop filming. 

They don’t stop kissing; all tongues, no brakes.

The guests go crazy, feasting and cheering.

And suddenly,

“Hello, Beautiful,” 

My breath hitches.

Alexander moves close, exploiting the darkness of the room. 

I stay still, feeling the heat from his body caressing me from behind.

He brings his face close to my ear, lips hovering, warm breath brushing me.

I blink, curling my fingers nervously as I picture his perfect face.

“Good to see you,” he murmurs and kisses the skin behind my ear. “Received my roses?”

I give him a slow nod, noting the butterflies awakening in me. “Thank you. They were - they were pretty.”

“Anything for my wife-to-be…”

I drop my gaze, feeling warm inside instead of defensive like I was a week ago.

Since finding out he’s the one I’ve been set up with, the words ‘husband, marriage, couple, wedding, and fiancé’ don’t trigger me anymore. 

He grows quiet. Then slowly, he pulls me against him.

I drag in a shaky breath, heat blooming beneath my skin. 

Worry pounds in my head—worry that someone might see us despite the darkness. But he curves an arm around my stomach, ensuring there’s no space left between us.

My head swims. I shut my eyes and open them again. They stay on the couple, still kissing and slow-dancing in the middle of the room.

Watching them now, my body pressed against a warm brick wall who smells so delicious, I think of other things—the other things I’m not ready for yet.

“How much did you get from the tug of war?” He says against my right ear.

“Seventy-five.”

“You’ll get one-twenty-five tomorrow. I’ll send it as a gift.”

Words fail me.

He’s giving me money already? $125k?!

“Told your parents I’ll bring you home,” he continues softly, moving his other hand to wrap around me. 

A sigh escapes me as I close my eyes, feeling. Indulging. I’ve never felt anything like this before—never felt anyone take over my senses so effortlessly.

“I wanna spend some time with you, Sophia.” 

Unconsciously, I lean into him, head against his chest.

His chest rises against my back in a deep inhale, and in a second, he plants a kiss on my neck.

My head tilts against him.

“Let’s go to my penthouse… We’ll have that house tour… and do other things.”

Other things like what? But I keep my thoughts to myself.

“Meet me at the garage in five minutes.” He whispers, voice heavy with lure.

When he slips away, I start breathing again.

My chest pounds.

The lights come on, and he’s gone. Life keeps moving like I wasn’t just seduced in the dark.

I put a shaky palm over my forehead, glancing at Dimitri still dancing with his bride. 

There’s no time to think. I just really wanna find out what ‘other things’ mean.

I grab my purse and turn around, quietly finding the exit.