Chapter 20: More and more surrendered

**SOPHIE MADSON’S POV**

After dinner, Steven was exhausted, and I had nothing left to do but head to my room. We climbed the stairs, chatting quietly, and when we reached his room's door, I looked at Steven with a simple smile on my lips, and he returned the gesture.

"So... good night," Steven bid farewell.

"Good night, Steven," I replied.

He approached to kiss me on the cheek. In a confusing exchange, our faces turned away from each other without synchronization, and Steven accidentally planted a kiss on the corner of my lips. We were both surprised and quickly stepped back. I felt my face blush, and my heart raced.

"Sorry, I mean—" Steven tried to speak.

"No, it's okay. I... I'll just go!" I interrupted.

We cut each other off, and I hurried down the hallway, somewhat dazed by what had just happened. Closing the door, I leaned against the wood, took a deep breath, and closed my eyes, remembering the touch of his lips on the corner of my mouth. Our night in that hotel had never been so vivid in my mind until now.

The desire became increasingly uncontrollable, and fear crept in. Taking a deep breath, I decided to prepare for rest. I chose a comfortable pajama and got ready appropriately. I would rest and watch a good movie since I had nothing else to do at the end of the day.

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*In the morning…

I was ready for another day of work and wearing comfortable clothes as I was planning to visit my mother in the hospital. As I left the house, my attention was on my phone, and when I approached the car, I noticed Steven waiting for me, immediately opening the door.

"I'll retake you," he smiled.

"Wow, that's... amazing. Thank you!" I grinned and entered excitedly. I loved this new version of Steven; it's so helpful nowadays.

I fastened my seatbelt, settled into the seat, and was very happy with his gesture as he took his place as the driver. I observed Steve in an upright position, always with an imposing posture. There was no denying how handsome he looked when dressed appropriately for work.

"I'll head to the office right after," I asserted.

"Take the day off, Sophie," he suggested.

I was driven by work; besides, there was nothing else to do, and not working was uncomfortable for me.

"I have a crucial monthly plan and can't afford to lose more time. It's due tomorrow," I warned, concerned.

"You can do that from home, Sophie. It would be much more productive outside the office at the moment."

"Why do you say that?" I needed clarification on his observation.

"It's just a suggestion, considering the numerous rumors circulating in the building. Maybe that bothers you," he replied indifferently, treating the matter as trivial.

"I understand. I'll consider that suggestion," I listened attentively, and Steven was right; I could focus better at home, especially since this project requires much effort.

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*We arrived at the hospital…

Steven mentioned that he needed to take a brief leave but would return soon. It would be enough time for the visit.

I entered the hospital, sighing at the difficulty of seeing my mother there for so many days. Her case required a lengthy treatment, and being in the hospital was undoubtedly safer. Thanks to Steven, my mother's treatment was impeccable, and in reality, thanks to me too, as I had accepted that proposal just to save her.

As I stood in front of the room, I opened the door slowly and saw her move her head, looking at me with a faint smile. Today, she was quiet, but the morning hour might have influenced that.

"Hi, Mom, how are you feeling?" I asked affectionately.

She smiled. I approached the edge of the bed, touched her hair, and kissed her forehead. My mother closed her eyes, feeling my care.

"A bit sleepy, but I'm fine, dear. And how about you?" she asked, always concerned.

"I'm doing very well, missing you... a lot," I affirmed.

"What's that on your arm?"

She looked at the burn, which now had a slightly darker mark on my arm. I gave a half-smile, pondering how to explain it to her without causing worry.

"I was making coffee when I accidentally bumped into something, and it spilled on me. Don't worry, Mom."

"Be more careful, dear. You've always been clumsy," she smiled weakly. "By the way, how's your marriage?"

The unexpected question took me aback. I took a deep breath and looked away, observing the devices connected to my mother. I reflected on the response I should give her.

"Hector and I divorced a while ago. Our paths diverged, and I'm focusing exclusively on work," I lied, but for a good reason.

"I can't deny that's good news. I never liked that guy. However, don't work too much, have fun, and don't wear yourself out," she advised affectionately.

"I will; everything is under control," I reassured.

We discussed various topics, and she became more animated with my company. Breakfast arrived, and I helped her eat, noticing her appetite, which reassured me.

Sometime later, I heard knocks on the door, and looking back, I saw Steven entering with a bouquet and some chocolates. I opened a broad smile and was enchanted by his kindness. He came straight to my mother and me. I observed as he handed me the beautifully decorated box of chocolates and gently gave the bouquet to my mother.

"Hello, Mrs. Madson. It's a pleasure to meet you!" Steven greeted me with a smile.

"Wow, thank you so much! Who is this handsome young man, dear?" she was pleased.

"He's...," I hesitated, not knowing how to respond.

"I'm Sophie's boss."

He helped me with the answer, and I breathed a sigh of relief. After informing my mother about the end with Hector, it wasn't the right time for her to learn about marriage. It would be too much information for her, and I would need to explain the situation in detail.

"I'm glad she has a kind boss like you. Thank you for the flowers."

I looked at him, happy to see him handle the situation well in this first meeting.

"Sophie is an admirable person; she deserves people to be kind to her," he continued the conversation.

"A person who values my daughter will always be welcome," my mother affirmed happily. "Thank you for the flowers, sir."

We spent more time at the hospital, discussing the daily procedures with my mother. She took a medication that caused drowsiness, and I let her rest.

*Sometime later...

We returned home. I got out of the car, and Steven stayed there, giving some orders to his employees. I retreated to the room to compose myself. I would work diligently and focus on my job, as I had an almost impossible mission to accomplish by tomorrow.

After a shower, I opted for a white T-shirt and comfortable sweatpants, and I was ready for work. I grabbed my laptop and placed it on the dresser, sat in the comfortable chair, and started to type, filling in each gap. Ideas flowed in my mind, using all my creativity.

When I looked at the clock, I was surprised to see that the hours had passed so quickly. It was already quite late, and I heard a knock on the door. I spoke loudly, authorizing the entry, and Steven appeared.

"How's the work going?" he asked as he approached. "I brought coffee to help you."

He showed the cup in his hands, and I smiled in gratitude. Steven came even closer, placing the cup on the furniture.

"I can't deny that it's quite challenging," I gave smiled half-heartedlyeven stood behind me and leaned over my shoulder, resting his hands on the furniture. I felt the woody perfume that brought back good memories, taking a deep breath to appreciate that aroma even more. He looked at the laptop screen, observing.

"It's great, but there's a part that can be replaced and make it even better. This part of the plan..."

He pointed to a place on the screen, and I noticed the mistake. I immediately deleted that part and started typing it again, correcting that section. With his presence, I felt inspired, the scent and his breath close to my ear.

I typed quickly under his gaze and finished with a period. He looked attentively and in silence.

"Wow, very good! Perfect, Sophie, congratulations."

I clapped happily at his opinion. Steven understood the subject very well; I knew he had studied a lot to be in the position he held. I looked to the side, making our eyes meet. Our faces were so close, and I became utterly lost in that gaze. I also noticed the slightly open and inviting lips.

"Thank you, Steven," I whispered.

We couldn't contain ourselves; he held my arm, and I stood up, embracing his neck and starting an intense kiss. The perfect fit of our lips allowed me to savor each other's taste deliciously. His hands roamed my body, showing how much he desired me. Steven pressed me against him, rubbing our bodies and feeling the erection that began to become evident.

He nibbled my lower lip provocatively. My breath was heavy like his, and I felt the bulge brushing against my hip. I felt excitement taking over my most intimate part, wetting my underwear, and his hands squeezed my hips, making me rub even more against the brutal and covered cock.

"Steven..." I whispered.

"I want this; I need to feel you!" he added.

At that moment, I realized that it couldn't be like this. I was afraid that he would change right after, making me regret giving in to desire. I needed to be sure of this.

I pushed his shoulders so that Steven stepped back, and he looked surprised and confused. I gazed at him with heavy breathing, pushing away the hair falling on my face.

"It's better not to," I asserted.

"But... but..."

"I'm sorry, but I want to be alone. Thank you for your help; it was incredible," I affirmed.

He looks at me as if waiting for me to change my mind. I know I'm doing the right thing, as this has happened before and didn't turn out well. I vividly remember the day at the hotel when he left to answer the phone, and everything changed.

"Okay, I respect that. Good night!" He wasn't upset; I noticed his expression was calmer and more understanding. I felt relieved by his reaction and watched him leave the room.

I put my hand to my forehead and again found myself in front of the notebook.

Wow!

If we could bring to fruition what we started, it would be intense. I would surrender to this man like never before. I shake my head, trying to push away the thoughts, forget what happened, and focus on my mission. I want to deliver the perfect plan to that company, or my name isn't Sophie Madson or Sophie Walker.