CHAPTER NINETY-FOUR

CHAPTER NINETY-FOUR
ELENA

"Is she going to need a retinal scan to get in? Blood sample? Proof she's not a robot?" I asked, watching Alexander arrange for Sofia's security clearance.

He shot me an amused look. "Just ID. Though the robot test isn't a bad idea."

I was nervously fluffing pillows for the third time when Alexander caught me by the waist. "Relax. It's just Sofia."

"In billionaire land," I reminded him. "What if she hates it? What if she thinks I've turned into some trophy girlfriend?"

Alexander kissed my forehead. "She won't. And you haven't."

"How's Marco doing?" I asked, changing the subject, "Have you heard from him?"

"He's home from the hospital. The doctors say he needs rest, but he's recovering well." Alexander's expression softened. "I've arranged for private nurses to keep an eye on him."

"Of course you have," I teased. "Is there anything you can't solve by throwing money at it?"

"Your stubbornness," he shot back. "Though I'm still working on that."

The intercom buzzed before I could retort. "Miss Martinez is here, sir," the security guard announced.

My heart leaped. "Send her up!"

Sofia rushed out of the elevator just like a strong human hurricane. "Holy shit!" She made a circle, looking all around at the penthouse. "This place is bigger than my entire apartment building!"

I hugged her, and all of a sudden, I felt how much I had missed her. "You have to see the bathroom. It's as big as your living room."

She hugged me close and moved a bit away, looking at me more clearly. "Richer," she said quietly before glancing at Alexander, who smiled at both of us.

"Sofia," he stepped in and extended his hand. "I'm pleased to finally meet you in person."

She glared at him, "Are you the person who is monopolizing all of my best friend's time?"

"Yes, I'm the one in trouble. But she's hard to stay away from," replied Alexander.

She arched her eyebrow in surprise, "You speak well. I see why she favored you."

I grinned. "Come on, I'll give you the tour."

As we toured the penthouse, Sofia's eyes grew wider in each room we entered. "Is that a real Picasso?" she whispered to me as we passed through the living room.

"I don't know," I replied softly. "I don't want to know how expensive they are."

As we arrived at my studio, Sofia let out a big gasp. "Elena, this is incredible."

"He had it built for me," I said softly, watching her take in the perfect lighting, the high-end supplies, the endless space.

She regarded me solemnly. "He loves you a great deal, yes?"

"I think so," I replied, a flush rising into my cheeks. "It just came on so fast."

When we caught up with Alexander, he was discussing with the chef what lunch would consist of. "I hope you like Italian, Sofia."

"Do I like it? I adore it," Sofia declared. "But don't get the idea that that gourmet pasta will win me over."

"I would not do that," said Alexander, "I was saving that for dessert."

I was surprised when Sofia suddenly laughed. My best friend, my boyfriend and I found seats at the dinning table and I was holding my breath to see how they would get along. They seemed to get along really well the second they met. Alexander was asked about his business by Sofia and in sharp contrast to what I predicted, he answered honestly.

"So you basically grew up with a silver spoon the size of a shovel," Sofia said, twirling pasta on her fork.

"More of a silver shovel with a diamond-studded handle," Alexander replied. "But I have been endeavoring to do some good with it."

Alexander seemed so calm and relaxed with Sofia and it really warmed my heart. Watching my two most favorite persons in the whole world getting along so well meant so much to me. He was handling Sofia's jokes and sarcasm so well. My exes usually took her sarcastic remarks personal and found her annoying.

"You know," she said, pointing her fork at him, "you're not what I expected you to be."

"What did you expect?" Alexander asked.

"Some stuck-up asshole with a God complex." Sofia shrugged. "But you're almost normal. Except for the whole 'I own half of Chicago' thing."

Alexander broke out into a genuine laugh which even made his eyes smile. "I'll take that as a compliment."

He received a phone call, checked the display and then apologized to leave the room. "I need to take this. Business emergency."

After he walked out of hearing range, Sofia leaned forward. "Okay, spill.
"He's hot, he's rich, and he doesn't seem like a total jerk. What's the catch?"

"Complicated family, people breaking into the penthouse, mysterious past..." I ticked off on my fingers. "But other than that, no catch."

"And the sex?" Sofia waggled her eyebrows.

I felt my face heat up. "Sofia!"

"That good, huh?" She grinned wickedly. "Details, please. I need to live vicariously through someone."

I glanced toward the door to make sure Alexander wasn't returning. "Last night was... intense. After the break-in, we were both on edge, and—"

"Wait, was this angry sex? Make-up sex?"

"More like 'I'm terrified of losing you' sex," I admitted. "It was like he needed to make sure I was real. That I was his."

Sofia fanned herself dramatically. "Girl, you hit the jackpot. Rich, hot, AND good in bed? That's the holy trinity."

"It's not just about that," I said, though I couldn't help smiling. "He sees me, Sofia. The real me. Not just the struggling artist or the girl who spilled champagne on him."

"And you love him," Sofia said, her teasing tone gone.

"I do." The admission came easily. "God help me, I really do."

"I see," Sofia said softly. "He is looking at you as if you were the only person in the world."

When Alexander returned, I observed how his eyes warmed up at the sight of me. Had I always noticed that in his eyes before this moment?

"Sorry about that," he said, "Problem solved."

When the time was near that the sun would be setting, Sofia was preparing to leave. Alexander gave us some space to say our goodbyes.

She embraced me tightly. "I like him too," she whispered. "He is very nice to be around."

"Thanks for coming," I said. "I've missed you."

Sofia stopped and looked serious all of a sudden. "There's something else. Someone's been asking about you around the neighborhood."

The idea made my blood freeze. "What do you mean? Who?"

But Alexander’s arrival meant that she did not get to answer. Sofia gave me a meaningful look that clearly said we'd discuss this later.

"I'll walk you down," Alexander offered.

"No need," Sofia said brightly. "I know the way. Besides, I'm sure you two have better things to do." She winked at me.

After Sofia left, I couldn't shake the chill her words had given me.