Page 114 of Rescuing Sophia

“Jenna and Carter took him toInsanityto play with the other kids. Forest’s unveiling his new VR kid-friendly suite.”

“Oh…” His eyes widen.

As we sit down to eat, the silence stretches between us, thick and heavy. I watch Blake take his first bite, his eyes closing in appreciation.

“This is amazing, Soph.” The use of my nickname sends a shiver down my spine. “Just like I remember.”

I smile, warmth blooming in my chest. “I’m glad. I wanted tonight to be... special.”

“We need to talk.” Blake sets down his fork, his intense gaze meeting mine.

“I know.” My throat suddenly closes off.

He reaches across the table, his hand hovering over mine before gently grasping it. The touch sends sparks of electricity racing up my arm.

“I’ve missed you,” he says, his voice rough with emotion. “But I... I don’t know how to do this after everything that’s happened.”

“I need you. In whatever way we can make work.”

He shakes his head, frustration evident in the set of his jaw. “It’s not that simple. There’s Luke to consider…”

“You always said our dynamic was private.” I turn my hand in his, intertwining our fingers. “Blake, I’m so sorry. For everything. I?—”

“Stop.” His tone carries a hint of that commanding edge I’ve missed so deeply. “You don’t need to keep apologizing.”

I swallow hard, fighting back tears. “I can’t help it. Things still feel... off between us. I want us to be like we were before.”

Blake’s jaw tightens, his eyes darkening with barely restrained emotion. “I don’t know if that’s possible. With Luke, things are different. Not to mention everything you’ve been through.”

I shake my head, my heart pounding. “Luke has nothing to do with what we share. I miss you. I miss your touch, your kisses, your commands, your dominance. I crave it on a cellular level. I want it back.”

Blake’s expression tightens, conflict clear in his eyes. “I was wrong before. Pushing for that kind of relationship was a mistake, given everything.” He stands, pacing the small kitchen. “A power dynamic might be more damaging than I ever thought. It could interfere with your healing. I was wrong to push it before, too caught up in my cravings to consider the implications such things would have on you. It’s my job to watch over you and protect you. Forcing dominance was wrong.”

“No.” I push to my feet, anger flaring hot in my chest. “Don’t you dare make that decision for me. I know what’s in my best interest. Being separated from you, this rift between us only grows wider each day. I need this. I want this.” My voice breaks. “Please. I need it now more than ever.”

Blake shakes his head, his jaw clenched. “I’m not sure if that’s something I can give anymore.”

“Why?” The word comes out as a strangled cry. Fury and desperation war within me. I lunge forward, my fists connecting with his chest. “Why are you pulling even further away from me?”

Blake’s hands close around my wrists, holding me back. The familiar grip and how his body towers over mine triggers something primal within us both. I struggle against his hold, my fury and desperation driving me to push harder.

“Let me go!” I demand, even as my body betrays me, leaning into his touch.

Blake’s eyes darken, his breath coming in short gasps. He spins us, pushing me up against the wall, my wrists now pinned above my head in one of his large hands. His other hand grips my hip, holding me in place.

For a heartbeat, we’re frozen, staring at each other, chests heaving. I look into his eyes, seeing them blown wide with lust and desire. For a moment, everything hangs in the balance, and then something shifts in his gaze.

A switch flips.

Blake’s mouth crashes down on mine.

The kiss is heated and desperate, with weeks of longing and love poured into a single point of contact. I arch against him, my initial resistance shattering under the onslaught of sensation. Blake’s grip on my wrists tightens as he deepens the kiss, his tongue sweeping into my mouth, reclaiming what was always his.

I moan softly, the sound swallowed by his kiss. Blake’s hand at my waist slides up to tangle in my hair, tilting my head to give him better access. He breaks away only to trail heated kisses along my jaw and down my neck.

“Blake,” I gasp, my body trembling against his. “Sir…”

At the honorific, Blake stills. He pulls back slightly, his forehead resting against mine. The internal struggle flickers in his eyes, the fierce control he exerts barely containing the animalistic fury simmering just beneath the surface.

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