Chapter 58 58
His forest-green eyes widened until they looked impossibly large as he went rigid where he stood. Slowly painfully slowly his gaze dragged over her from head to toe, lingering in a way that sent goosebumps rippling across her skin.
She noticed the way his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. His fingers rose to loosen the tie at his throat, and the tattooed muscles of his neck stood tense beneath his skin.
Sofía faced him with her shoulders drawn in, nerves coiling tight in her chest. What she didn’t realize was that the mirror behind her revealed everything her bare back reflected clearly to his eyes. The sight was nothing short of exotic, and Fernando found himself momentarily undone by it.
He took a step toward her.
Then another.
She swallowed hard, suddenly hyperaware of herself, fear creeping in for reasons she couldn’t quite name. Maybe it was the irrational dread that he would find her lacking that he would look at her body and turn away in disgust.
Nothing could have prepared her for what came next.
“You look so fucking hot.”
The low purr in his voice made her throat tighten as her eyes locked onto his polished black shoes, watching them close the distance between them.
Me? Hot?
She almost laughed at the absurdity of it but the tension in the room stole the sound from her throat.
“Don’t you dare think I’m making it up,” he continued roughly. “Just fucking look at yourself. Damn.”
The way he said that single word sent a shiver straight through her.
She opened her mouth to speak but her eyes met his.
The dark intensity in his gaze made her freeze. She snapped her mouth shut and dropped her eyes immediately, trembling.
Fernando was lost.
If only she could see herself the way he did. Her confidence would skyrocket. She was a rare kind of beauty a woman with a breathtaking body and a kind, innocent soul.
A lethal combination.
And she was all his.
His gaze flicked to her ears and stilled.
They were bare.
He noticed the jewelry box resting untouched on the dressing table.
“Why didn’t you wear the earrings?” he asked calmly.
She gulped, fingers automatically twisting around the heart-shaped pendant at her neck a habit she always fell into when she was nervous.
She couldn’t bring herself to answer.
“Ana.”
That single word was warning enough.
“I… I c-can’t,” she stammered softly.
He arched a brow before stepping closer too close invading her personal space. She sucked in a sharp breath as his rich cologne wrapped around her senses.
“Why?” His voice was thick, rough.
She could feel his warm breath near her crown.
“T-they’re e-expensive,” she whispered.
He tilted his head slowly to the side, exposing the deadly tattoo along his neck. The sight alone made her breath hitch.
“Look at me.”
She didn’t move.
Fernando lifted a finger beneath her chin, forcing her gaze upward. When her blue eyes met his, something strange twisted inside his chest.
“You’re far more fucking expensive than those cheap pieces of stone,” he rasped.
“You’re my jewel, baby.”
He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, his touch igniting goosebumps across her skin.
Her heart leapt violently, butterflies crashing through her stomach like a storm. It beat so hard she was certain it would break free from her ribs.
She couldn’t speak.
This man was stealing her soul claiming her heart without even trying.
Fernando picked up the box and removed the earrings. Stepping closer, he brushed his knuckles along her neck, drawing a sharp inhale from her lips.
Slowly deliberately he fastened one earring in place, sparks flaring at the slightest contact. His fingers traced her collarbone, coaxing a shiver from her, before he secured the other earring as well.
Then he leaned in and breathed hot air against her ear.
Her knees nearly buckled.
His lips brushed her neck in a soft peck that instantly deepened, turning needy in the span of a heartbeat. Her body swayed and before she could collapse completely
His arm wrapped around her, pulling her flush against his chest.
His kisses grew fiercer, stealing her breath as heat surged through her veins.
“I want to tear this dress apart,” he muttered against her ear, flicking his tongue there and making her breathing stutter.
“S-stop,” she pleaded, clutching his biceps for balance.
“Hmmm…” His chest vibrated beneath her hands he was close to losing control.
Her mind was going hazy, unraveling beneath his touch.
“W-we’re g-getting l-late,” she stammered.
A low growl tore from his chest as his calloused hand slid over her bare back, setting her skin on fire.
She was melting helplessly, dangerously.
“I’m trying,” he growled, jerking her closer and pulling a whimper from her lips.
“But your scent is so fucking addicting.”
Her heart slammed violently, pounding so loud she was sure he could hear it.
Her entire body buzzed with sensation but they had to stop.
“F-Fernando…” she whispered.
At the sound of his name, he froze.
He pulled back just enough to look at her face.
For a fleeting second, Sofía could have sworn his eyes flashed gold bright, unnatural before the color vanished. She blinked, unsure if it had been real or just her imagination.
“Say my name again,” he rasped, dazed.
She lowered her gaze and whispered it like a prayer.
“Fernando.”