Page 23 of Rescuing Sophia

“Pizza? I haven’t had that in… I can’t even remember.” Excitement bubbles up in my voice.

A flicker of something—pity?—crosses Blake’s face before he schools his features back to neutrality. “Pizza it is then.”

The pizza place is cozy, with checkered tablecloths and the mouthwatering aroma of melted cheese and tomato sauce. We settle into a booth, and Blake takes a seat facing the door, his back to the wall. He’s always vigilant—even when on Guardian HQ grounds.

“What do you recommend?” I lean forward, deliberately giving him a view down my blouse.

“The Margherita is good. Classic.” Blake’s eyes flick down for a millisecond before snapping back to my face. He’s interested, but something holds him back.

I need to fix that.

“Kind of boring for my first pizza in years. Can’t we spice it up a bit?” I reach across the table, letting my fingers brush his as I point to an item on the menu. “What about this one?”

“Also good.” He pulls his hand back as if burned.

“Good evening and welcome.” A waiter arrives, a charming smile playing on his lips. “Is there anything I can get for you? Maybe a special recommendation?” His gaze lingers on me, not subtle in the least.

“Just water for now, thank you.” I smile politely, sensing his flirtation.

“Are you sure? We’ve got some amazing cocktails, and I’d love to recommend one just for you.” The waiter leans in slightly, his eyes never leaving mine.

Blake’s eyes narrow, his attention shifting between me and the waiter, growing more intense with each passing moment. As the waiter continues, Blake’s agitation becomes palpable. His jaw tightens, and he leans forward slightly, a muscle ticking in his jaw.

“Water and a supreme pizza.” Blake’s tone is firm, pushing the waiter off with his words. The waiter’s smile falters as he steps away.

Blake’s eyes stay on me, the flicker of jealousy unmistakable as he takes a deep breath, trying to mask his frustration.

“That was a little rude.” I raise an eyebrow.

“He deserves it for looking at you like that.” Blake’s jaw remains tight, tension evident in his voice.

“There’s nothing wrong with that.” I try to keep my tone light.

“There is when you’re with me.” His voice is low and dangerous, a growl beneath the words. “I don’t want anyone else looking at you like that.” Blake leans forward, his gaze intense, burning with a possessiveness that makes my pulse race.

My heart pounds, but I force myself to hold his gaze. I let a seductive smile curl my lips. Perfect. I’m finally getting to him.

“I’m not yours. At least, not yet. You haven’t claimed me, and until you do, the waiter has every right to look.”

“My job is to keep you safe, not complicate things with—more.” His tone is clipped, irritation seeping through as he struggles to maintain his professionalism.

I let his words hang in the air, the unspoken challenge between us thick with tension. The intensity of his possessiveness, the way he struggles against it, stirs something profound within me. Heat rises in my cheeks, the thrill of his barely restrained desire making my pulse quicken.

“What’s wrong with more?” My voice comes out low, almost challenging.

Blake’s eyes flash, frustration and desire warring within them. “I’m here to protect you, not to sleep with you.” His tone is firm, but the raw edge of longing betrays him.

“I don’t see the problem.” I let my fingers brush lightly against his arm. “Why can’t we have both?”

Blake takes a deep breath, trying to regain control. “We barely know each other, and it wouldn’t be right, considering everything you’ve been through. You’re a victim, and I won’t take advantage of that.”

His words ignite a fire within me.

“Avictim?” Anger flares as I snap. “I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions about who I want to be with. Don’t you dare assume otherwise.”

An awkward silence envelops us, thick and suffocating. The airgrows heavy with unspoken tension, each second dragging on like an eternity.

The waiter arrives with our pizza, his cheerful demeanor faltering as he senses the tension. He carefully places the pizza down, his smile wavering.

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