Page 42 of Rescuing Sophia

Sophia’s smile softens, her eyes misting slightly. She squeezes my hand; her thumb tracing patterns on my skin.

“It’s all thanks to you. You’ve given me a chance at a real life.”

“You did that yourself.” I shake my head, marveling at her strength.

We eat in comfortable silence, exchanging soft smiles and lingering looks. The clink of cutlery and the gentle hum of the refrigerator create a soothing backdrop to our meal.

My mind keeps drifting to her earlier comment about punishments. Excitement bubbles beneath the surface, but I need to navigate with the utmost care.

“So, what’s the verdict?” Sophia speaks up, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

“Well, the food’s decent, and the company’s not bad…” I pretend to consider it, tapping my chin thoughtfully.

“Jerk.” She kicks me playfully under the table, her laugh ringing like music.

“Seriously though, it’s good.”

“Just good?” Her smile slips.

“Better than good. It’s extraordinary, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than sitting across the table from you, eating this fantastic meal.” I capture her foot between mine, grinning. The warmth of her skin seeps through my socks.

Sophia’s smile softens, her eyes taking on a faraway look. She pushes a piece of chicken around her plate, suddenly lost in thought. The comfortable silence stretches for a moment, broken only by the soft clink of cutlery against the plate.

“Blake,” she says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Can I ask you something?”

The sudden change in her tone makes me sit up straighter. “Of course, Soph. Anything.”

She takes a deep breath as if steeling herself. When she meets my gaze again, her vulnerability catches me off guard.

“How can you...” she starts, then stops, swallowing hard before continuing. “After everything that’s happened and everything I’ve done, how can you want to be with me?”

The abrupt shift in conversation throws me for a moment, but I lean forward, ready to reassure her. The vulnerability in her eyes makes my heart ache.

“How can I not be fiercely and utterly attracted to you?” I meet her gaze steadily. “Your past does not define you. You’re so much more than that.”

“I don’t deserve you.” She blinks rapidly, emotion clouding her eyes. A tear slips down her cheek.

“Hey.” I move around the table to kneel beside her chair. The hardwood floor is unforgiving against my knees, but I barely notice. I brush away her tears with my thumb, cupping her face. “None of that. You deserve the world, Soph. And I intend on giving it to you.”

“Sorry, I’m an emotional mess today.” A strangled laugh escapes her. She leans into my touch, her skin warm against my palm. “I didn’t mean to ruin dinner with my insecurities.”

“Dinner’s not ruined. It was amazing.” As I clear the table, the clatter of dishes fills the air, and Sophia comes up behind me. She wraps her arms around my waist, pressing her cheek against my back.

“Thank you,” she murmurs, her breath warm through my shirt.

“For what?” I turn in her embrace, setting down the plates to cup her face in my hands. Her skin is soft, a contrast to the roughness of my palms.

“For being you.” Her voice is barely above a whisper, filled with emotion.

I lean down, pressing my forehead to hers. Our breath mingles, the taste of dinner still lingering.

“I’m all in, Soph. I want this… with you. Whatever comes next, we face it together.”

“Together.” A small smile plays on her lips. “That sounds nice.”

I kiss her then, soft and sweet, pouring all my feelings into it. Shetastes of tomato sauce and hope, of new beginnings and second chances. When we part, both slightly breathless, I can’t help but grin.

“Now, about that punishment…”

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