Chapter 54: Sofia

We’re back at the cabin now, and the guys are all seated around the large dining table, their laptops open and brows furrowed in deep concentration. I’ve always known there’s a serious side to them, but seeing them like this, it’s a reminder of who they really are—what they deal with. It’s not just the easygoing guys who laugh with me and tease me. They’re tough, powerful men, and when they’re locked into whatever work they’re doing, it’s hard not to admire that focus.

I’ve never asked too much about the specifics of their business—truthfully, I’m not sure if I want to know. But there’s something about watching them now, each of them immersed in their tasks, that stirs something in me. They’re intense, and yes, maybe a little scary, but that seriousness, the way they frown and focus… It’s kind of hot, if I’m being honest. The way Nate runs a hand through his hair when he’s thinking, the way Riley’s jaw clenches every time he clicks through something on his screen, or how Danny and Leo exchange looks every now and then, deep in silent conversation—it’s captivating.

It’s strange how normal this feels now. Being here with them. Even with the weight of everything that happened today in the village, I still feel… safe. Happy, even. It’s like being around them has become the most natural thing in the world for me.

I glance at the clock and realize it’s getting late, and we haven’t eaten since lunch in the village. I push myself up from the couch, trying not to disturb their focus, and make my way to the kitchen.

The fridge is stocked with enough ingredients to whip up something decent, so I decide to make dinner for all of us. I pull out some vegetables and start chopping them finely, losing myself in the rhythm of the knife against the cutting board. It feels good to do something with my hands, something normal.

I decide on making meatloaf—something hearty and filling. The guys have been taking care of me in ways I never imagined possible, and I want to return the favor, even in this small way.

As I chop onions, peppers, and carrots, I can hear the soft tapping of fingers on keyboards from the other room. I sneak a glance through the kitchen door, and there they are—heads down, completely immersed in whatever they’re doing. Every now and then, I catch Nate rubbing his temples like he’s deep in thought, and Danny will mutter something under his breath to Leo, who gives him a curt nod. Riley’s just quietly focused, his fingers flying over his laptop keys like he’s solving the world’s biggest problem.

I mix the ground beef and vegetables together, adding in breadcrumbs and seasoning, shaping the mixture into a loaf, and placing it in the oven. While it cooks, I start peeling potatoes for mashed potatoes, trying not to get distracted by the occasional glimpse of the guys working.

“Hey, smells good in there,” Leo’s voice breaks through my thoughts.

I glance over my shoulder and see him leaning against the doorframe, watching me with that easy smile of his.

“Just making a little something for dinner,” I say, feeling my cheeks warm under his gaze.

He steps into the kitchen, peeking into the oven. “You didn’t have to do all this. But… I’m not going to lie, it smells amazing.”

“I wanted to,” I shrug, “You guys have been taking care of me… It’s the least I can do.”

He leans closer, and for a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. But instead, he reaches for the spoon in the mashed potatoes and takes a small taste. His eyes light up.

“You’re spoiling us, Sofia,” he says, grinning, and it sends a little flutter through me.

I give him a playful shove, trying to hide how much his words affect me. “You’re not the only ones who know how to make someone feel special.”

He laughs softly, and then, as if remembering something, turns back toward the dining room. “I’ll let the others know dinner’s almost ready. But seriously, thanks for this.”

I watch him leave, my heart doing a little somersault. It’s the simple things, like these fleeting moments, that keep pulling me deeper into this strange, wonderful life I’ve found myself in.

While the meatloaf finishes cooking, I set the table, placing a few candles I found in a drawer to make it feel cozy. The mashed potatoes are done, and I check on the vegetables roasting in the oven.

I glance at the timer on the oven—thirty minutes left. Plenty of time for a bath. After a long day, my muscles are aching, and the idea of soaking in warm water sounds perfect. I head to the washroom and start running the water, watching the tub fill up with bubbles, rising and swirling around the surface. The scent of lavender fills the air, making me feel calmer already.

As I move to grab a towel, I catch Leo’s eyes from across the room. He’s sitting at his laptop, focused but still watching me out of the corner of his eye. I smile a little, feeling a soft flutter in my chest. I bite my lip, feeling a little playful, and leave the bathroom door slightly open before stepping inside.

The moment I sink into the warm water, my entire body relaxes. The heat soothes my sore muscles, and I let out a content sigh, leaning my head back against the cool edge of the tub.

Soft knocks come at the door, and my heart races. I know who it is. Leo comes in first, his eyes immediately drawn to my exposed shoulders, which are the only thing popping out of the bubbles. He swallows hard, his throat bobbing.

“Fuck, Sofia,” he breathes, his voice husky. “You look… incredible.”

Riley comes in after him, his eyes widening as he takes me in. He licks his lips, his gaze fixed on me like a possessed man. I can feel my nipples hardening under the hot water, my body responding to his lustful stare.

“Jesus, Sofia,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough. “You’re so fucking sexy.”

I feel a thrill run through me, a surge of power. It's almost like I'm in control here, I'm the one teasing them, tempting them. I smile, my lips curling up in a wicked grin.

“Like what you see?” I ask, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Leo steps closer, his eyes darkening with desire. He reaches out, his fingers brushing against my naked skin. I shiver, a jolt of electricity shooting through me. He leans down, his lips brushing against my ear.

“You have no idea,” he growls, his breath hot against my skin.

Riley still seems like he's in a trance, waiting near the door. I nudge him closer with a tilt of my head, and he's sitting on the side of the tub in less than a second. I feel slightly vulnerable, being completely naked, but the bubbles act as a shield.

Leo leans forward and kisses the side of my neck, then my shoulders, slowly tracing my collarbones. Riley claims my mouth, his movements desperate, his sleeves getting wet as he leans over the water.

Not long after, I feel two more bodies filling the room, and I don't have to look up to know who it is. Danny is on the other side of the tub in an instant. "No one told us there was a party in here." He said with a smile, dipping his hand under the water to touch my back, rubbing up and down until he grabs a fistful of my ass, making me jump slightly.

Nate wastes no time at the opportunity, hopping into the bath with all his clothes on, sitting on the opposite side facing me, opening his arms just enough. The other guys back up for a second, and Nate grabs my waist, bringing me closer to him until I'm straddling his lap still covered by his now wet jeans. His wet t-shirt clings to him like a second skin, showing all of his muscles underneath.