Page 6 of Rescuing Sophia

I’m so fucked.

I clear my throat, trying to find my voice. “Do you remember me? From the yacht?” My words sound hollow compared to the storm of emotions raging inside me.

“Of course, I remember you.” Her eyes widen slightly, and a small, almost shy smile plays on her lips. “How could I forget the man who saved me?”

She shifts slightly, the movement causing a strand of dark hair to fall across her face. The urge to reach out, to brush it aside, and feel the silky softness of her hair slip through my fingers consumes me.

Her storm-cloud gaze pierces through me, reading every thought and desire I’m trying to suppress.

The room’s atmosphere shifts, the air thickening with anundeniable chemistry. Her eyes lock onto mine, and the spark of interest in her gaze mirrors my intense attraction. The tension between us crackles, electric and palpable.

“How are you doing?” My voice is rough.

“I’m okay, considering the circumstances.” Sophia sighs softly, her shoulders lift and fall. The subtle scent of lavender wafts toward me. Her gaze locks onto mine, and she bites her lower lip gently. “I don’t know what happens next.”

“Uh, yeah.” I try to clear the haze clouding my thoughts. “I’m here to talk to you about that. Guardian HRS is concerned about your safety. We’d like to offer you quarters and protection.”

“Really? For me?” Her brows arch in surprise, lips parting slightly, drawing my attention. She leans forward, her fingers grazing the bedspread, creating a soft rustle.

That and more.

It’s themorepart which is the major fucking problem.

“It’s the least we can do, considering how you helped us.” I shift on my feet, trying to appear nonchalant, but the room feels smaller with her so close.

“What did I do? You rescued me.” She tilts her head, dark hair cascading over one shoulder, releasing a subtle hint of her floral shampoo. Her eyes remain fixed on mine, a playful curiosity in them.

“The safe and the drives. We want to ensure you’re safe.” My voice falters, remembering her bravery as she guided us to the crucial information cutting through the chaos.

“Thank you.” Sophia’s gaze softens, and she offers a small, appreciative smile. “For everything.” Her voice is warm and sincere.

“We’ll take care of you, Sophia. You can count on that.” I swallow hard, my senses overwhelmed by her presence and the intensity of her gratitude.

“We?” She tilts her head, a playful glint in her eyes. “What about you?”

A hint of flirtation laces her voice, and the question hangs between us. The heat between us intensifies; the chemistry undeniable as she waits for my response.

“I’ve been assigned to oversee your needs. To take care of you.” My voice comes out huskier than I intend, thick with desire.

Her eyes widen, the playful glint growing sharper. The air between us crackles with electricity. My heart pounds as I catch the subtle parting of her lips, an unspoken invitation, and the faint hitch in her breath.

“Take care of me? Well, that’s a wonderful surprise.” Her voice is soft and flirtatious. “Exactly what does overseeing my needs entail?” Her eyes lock onto mine with a dangerous mix of curiosity and desire.

“Anything you need,” I whisper, my voice barely holding steady. “I’ll make it happen.”

My pulse races, palms damp, as I fight to keep my composure.

“Anything?” Her eyes sparkle with a hint of mischief, testing the limits of what anything might mean.

I swallow hard, forcing myself to stay focused. “Anything we would do for those in your situation.” I steer away from the dangerous territory we seem to be stepping into. “We have a place called the Facility where we take the women we rescue. It’s a halfway house that helps them recover from their trauma and get back on their feet, but with Jonathan Greaves still out there, we think it’s safer for you to remain on Guardian HQ grounds.”

At the mention of Greaves, Sophia flinches, her face paling.

“He’s a monster, a truly terrible human being. I can’t believe I’m finally free of him, but it doesn’t feel real. This feels like a dream. I’ll never be able to repay you for what you did.”

“It’s my job.”

“Your job?” She tilts her head, giving me a slow, deliberate once-over.

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