Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
SOPHIA
“I’ll be waiting for your answer.” He hangs up.
His confession leaves me shocked, heat coursing through my body, bringing back the memory of his lips and his hands on me.
What is he doing to me?
I switch the water temperature from hot to cold. I know I’m going to need it.
I try to relax once I’m in the bathtub, but it’s impossible. All I can think about is how much I want to feel that man owning me in every possible way.
And if I want that… why shouldn’t I accept his invitation?
Well, maybe because I know almost nothing about him. Only that he’s a professor and that someone tried to kill him.
The blood on his hands and face that day… I can’t forget it. Maybe it’s a sign I should stay away.
Unfortunately, Salvatore didn’t just leave me wary. He left me aroused and desperate to uncover more about him.
And considering I’m already being threatened for digging into my parents’ accident, what other kind of danger could he really pose?
It’s only two days. I could use them to learn more about him. Honestly, I could use a break from everything—work, the investigation, and my fake husband.
✽
On Friday night, two black SUVs pull up in front of my apartment. Chloe and Stephan are guided to one of them while two other men load our bags into the car.
For a moment, I start to wonder if Salvatore isn’t going to show up and just sent his men to pick us up. But when one of them leads me to the other SUV and opens the door, he’s there, waiting for me, wearing a black suit and his hair down.
I get in and sit beside him, feeling a flutter in my stomach take over.
“Good evening, sweet thing.” He takes my hand, leaning in to kiss it without breaking eye contact.
“For a second, I thought you weren’t here.”
“I don’t intend to miss a single opportunity to enjoy your company. That includes the ride to the airport.”
“It was kind of you to invite Chloe and her… boyfriend.”
“It wasn’t exactly kindness… You wouldn’t have come if they weren’t here, would you?”
“I admire your honesty.”
“This isn’t about honesty, sweet thing. It’s about getting what I want at any cost. However, Chloe doesn’t bother me. In fact, I find her adorable.”
“She told me her father and you are friends. But it seems she doesn’t know much more about you. So maybe you can explain why a professor had blood on his hands and face while running from someone trying to kill him?”
“Is that the only reason you’re here? Curiosity?”
“I’ll answer after you answer my question first.”
“I shouldn’t have been in that place. I got mixed up with some dangerous people.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes. Now you.”
“I thought it was obvious.”
“It’s not.”
“I want to get to know you.”
“Good. It’s nice to know we’re on the same page.”
“Then… tell me more about yourself.”
“What do you want to know?”
“I don’t think you’re just a professor, not if you have business with Chloe’s father and your grandfather seems to be someone important.”
“My grandfather had business with Chloe’s father. I met him through him. Now we share some ventures.”
“Ventures?”
Why is he being so vague?
“Import and export.” I nod, still not entirely convinced he’s being honest. Or maybe he’s just an enigmatic man.
“I guess that explains offering me an ‘unlimited’ reward.”
“Which you refused.”
“I was more worried about getting rid of you.”
“You opened the door for a stranger, knowing there was a chance it could be someone wanting to kill you—or worse.”
“I admit it wasn’t the smartest decision.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m saying that despite your fear, you acted with courage and compassion. You impressed me.”
“I could be dead right now if I’d been wrong to follow my instinct.”
“You’re smart. Even after saving me, you didn’t trust me. And you were right.”
“Right?”
“Even the kindest men can’t always resist temptation. And I wouldn’t say I’m a good man.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“That I couldn’t ignore your beauty. Even after you saved my life, I couldn’t help but look at you differently.”
“Are you telling me you thought about hurting me?” I ask, skeptical.
“What I’m saying is that even if you were right at first, something very bad could have still happened. Anyone else could’ve walked in with no intention of hurting you and changed his mind.”
“You thought about that?”
“Some men can have very dark fantasies.”
“I hope you’re not talking about yourself… Because that’s not a fantasy, that’s sick.”
“Tell me one of your fantasies that you think other people would find strange.”
“Don’t you think it’s too soon for that? Now be honest, even for a moment—did it cross your mind to hurt me?”
“I would never hurt you, sweet thing. Fantasies are just that. Like the thoughts you can’t stop from coming.”
“So that’s a yes? Should I be worried that crossed your mind?”
“A lot of things have crossed my mind since I met you. So you’d have plenty to worry about.” He says, devouring me with his eyes like always.
Salvatore carries a darkness with him. Maybe that’s what draws me in so much. Maybe the fact that my life has been marked by tragedy has made me obsessed with the darker, more shadowed side of human nature.
✽
I’m surprised once again when we reach the airport. Unlike I expected, we’re not just flying first class but on his private jet. Whatever import and export business Salvatore runs has made him a very rich man.
But money doesn’t impress me, not after being adopted by a wealthy family.
During the long trip to Hawaii, Salvatore behaves like a true gentleman, careful and attentive to me at every opportunity.
I usually don’t handle time zone changes well, but I sleep most of the way and wake up just before we land in Honolulu. It’s still early afternoon and Chloe seems more than thrilled to spend some time with Stephan. Maybe she’s actually in love this time.
Salvatore surprises me again when we leave his jet and are escorted to a helicopter that quickly lifts off over the ocean. The whole time, while I take in the view, I can feel his eyes on me. I have to admit, I’m stunned when we finally land on the helipad of a luxurious yacht.
“This place is insane!” Chloe says, euphoric, as we finally disembark. Stephan follows her everywhere like a puppy.
“I was expecting something like a hotel, but this… this is like paradise.” I say, staring at the endless horizon with Salvatore beside me.
“I’m glad you like it. I think you’ll also like what I have planned for us next.”
“What?”
“Let’s find rooms for everyone first.” He says, taking my hand and walking toward the entrance.
“There’s no one else here but us?”
“Just a few staff members.”
“Shouldn’t we call them?” I turn my head to see Chloe wrapped around Stephan at the yacht’s stern.
“She seems more interested in exploring. Someone can help them find a room later,” he says.
I nod, following him. We pass through a spacious, luxurious lounge before stepping into a hallway lined with doors on both sides.
“See if you like this one, sweet thing.” He says, opening one of the doors for me.
I step into the lavish suite, with a bed in the center and windows overlooking the ocean.
“I’ll be in the room next door. Your bags should be arriving soon.”
I turn to face him, standing by the doorway. He’s staying in the room next to mine? The thought sends another shiver through me.