Chapter 50 50
Sofía left the academy the moment her classes ended.
Her chest felt tight as she boarded the bus, dread pounding in rhythm with her heartbeat. She already knew deep down that her job was gone. Still, she needed to see for herself. Maybe, just maybe, her boss would show mercy.
One part of her mind screamed that Mr. Ruiz would never allow her to work again. He was possessive, controlling someone who believed ownership came with command. And yet, another part of her refused to submit completely. She wanted to try. She wanted to be defiant.
When she stepped into the café, Noelia’s eyes widened dramatically. For a full minute, her friend only stared before rushing forward and throwing her arms around Sofía in a tight hug. Sofía hugged her back, relief and sadness colliding in her chest.
Their moment was cut short.
“In my office, Sofía. Now.”
The sharp order made them separate instantly.
Noelia gave her a sympathetic look, silently mouthing that they’d talk later as Sofía walked toward the office.
The letter was waiting for her.
Termination.
Her prolonged absence had cost her the job.
With a heavy sigh, Sofía left the office and joined Noelia in the kitchen, the paper still clutched in her hand.
“I’m so sorry,” Noelia said softly, eyes flicking to the letter.
“It’s okay,” Sofía replied quietly. “I expected it.”
Noelia gave her a sad smile. “Where were you all these days? Your phone was off.”
“Life happened,” Sofía said, forcing a faint smile. “The last few days were… disastrous. But I’m coping.”
They exchanged a final hug before Sofía left.
The bus ride felt endless. After getting off, she walked a long stretch before finally reaching his house. Standing at the doorstep, she paused to take a few deep breaths.
Please don’t be home.
His car wasn’t outside.
Relief loosened her chest slightly.
She entered the code he’d given her that morning and slipped inside. The house was silent.
She went straight to her room, locked the door, shed her clothes, and stepped under the shower. The hot water washed away some of the tension coiled in her body. By the time she stepped out, wrapped in her bathrobe, her shoulders had relaxed.
Until she screamed.
Fernando sat on her bed like a king on his throne massive thighs spread, elbows resting on his knees, fingers laced together in a powerful grip. Tattoos traced along the lines of his bones, dark and commanding.
He inhaled slowly.
His gaze lifted, dragging deliberately from her bare legs upward, stopping only when it reached her eyes.
Her skin buzzed everywhere his stare touched.
“Come here,” he said, patting his thigh with that large, veined hand.
She froze.
Her body locked in place, followed by a slight shake of her head.
Fernando tilted his head slow, deliberate.
A warning. A threat.
She clenched her robe and took hesitant steps toward him. When she was a foot away, she stopped, staring down at the floor as though it held the secrets of the universe.
In a blink, his hand shot out, grabbing her wrist and yanking her forward.
She shrieked softly as she landed on his thigh.
Her body stiffened instantly. She tried to stand, panic surging but his hand pressed against her stomach, firm, unyielding.
“Stay.”
The single word froze her completely.
The position was humiliating. She could feel his thigh beneath her, solid and warm. Her face burned crimson as she cautiously wrapped her fingers around his wrist, terrified he’d move his hand elsewhere. Her grip was useless her hand far too small to restrain him.
He stayed still for a long moment, as if lost in thought.
“You do realize,” he said suddenly, “that you’re very important to me.”
She didn’t answer.
His gaze snapped to her face, pinning her in place. Unsure what to say, she nodded faintly, peeking up at him through her thick lashes.
“Good girl.”
He patted her thigh, satisfied, then lifted his free hand to brush her damp hair away from her face.
“Now tell me,” he continued calmly, “why you went to that café when I told you not to go anywhere.”
Her entire body tensed.
“I… I…” Fear wrapped tightly around her throat.
His unwavering stare forced the words out of her.
“M-my job,” she whispered. “B-but I got fired.”
“You’re my what, Ana?” he asked quietly.
She swallowed.
“S-stu—”
His fingers dug sharply into her waist.
“G-girlfriend,” she corrected immediately, barely above a whisper.
“So,” he said smoothly, “whatever belongs to me is yours.”
He placed a golden credit card into her palm.
She stared at it. Then at him. Then back at the card.
Shaking her head, she slid it into the front pocket of his shirt.
“I c-can’t,” she murmured. “I’ll only u-use my own money.”
Silence stretched.
Finally
“Alright.” He shifted effortlessly. “Go change. We’re grocery shopping.”
She blinked, confused, glancing down at her thighs.
She tried to stand.
This time, he let her.
But before she could step away, his hand caught the nape of her neck, turning her sharply as his lips pressed against her skin.
A painful hiss escaped her when he bit down then soothed the mark with slow, deliberate sucks.
“Much better,” he murmured, staring at the darkening mark on her flawless skin with clear satisfaction.
Claimed.