Chapter 288 Advice and Intimacy

Chapter 288 Advice and Intimacy
Leila's POV

"I don't know, Leila," Sophia sighed, twisting a strand of hair nervously. "What if I make a move and he rejects me? Our relationship would be ruined."

"Don't hesitate," I urged, squeezing her hand. "If you like him, go after him boldly. Otherwise, you might wake up one day to find someone else has claimed him, and by then, your regret will come too late..."

Sophia bit her lip, uncertainty written all over her face. I pulled her closer, whispering strategies and encouragement.

For the next half hour, we huddled together on the couch, my voice barely above a whisper as I outlined potential approaches she could take.

"The key is confidence," I explained. "Men like Adam appreciate directness. Don't be subtle—he'll miss it completely."

Sophia listened intently, occasionally nodding or asking questions. I could see her absorbing every word, mentally preparing herself for action.

The sound of approaching footsteps made us pull apart. Adam appeared in the doorway, car keys in hand.

"Sophia, it's getting late. We should probably head out," he said, glancing between us curiously.

"Of course," Sophia replied, smoothing her dress as she stood.

I walked them to the door, deliberately hanging back with Sophia as Adam went ahead to the car.

"Remember what I told you," I whispered, gripping her arm gently. "Think about it seriously, okay?"

Sophia's ears turned slightly pink, but she nodded. "I will."

I watched them from the doorway as they walked to Adam's car, noting how he politely opened the door for her. A small smile played on my lips as I waved goodbye. Those two had potential. They just needed a little push in the right direction.

After closing the door, I turned to find Theron leaning against the wall, watching me with amusement dancing in his eyes.

"What exactly were you telling her to consider?" he asked, pulling me into his arms.

I laughed, settling comfortably against his chest. "Just giving Sophia some advice about Adam." I recounted our conversation, including my encouragement for her to be more proactive in pursuing my brother.

Theron tapped my forehead lightly. "You're playing matchmaker now? What if it backfires? Not everyone appreciates unsolicited romantic intervention."

I nestled closer, breathing in his familiar scent. "It won't backfire. You don't understand my brother like I do. If Adam wasn't interested, he wouldn't tolerate her advances, regardless of any obligation or gratitude he might feel. If someone he didn't like tried to kiss him, he'd push them away immediately, possibly even throw them out. The fact that he hasn't rejected Sophia means he's deliberately allowing her actions."

Theron raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So you're saying your brother reciprocates her feelings?"

"Almost certainly," I replied confidently. "Those two just need to tear down the final wall between them... Actually, it's more accurate to say Adam is enjoying this little game too much. I think he's perfectly aware of Sophia's feelings for him."

Theron offered a different perspective. "I'm not so sure. He might be holding back because he wants to confirm the extent of his own feelings first."

I looked up at him, not fully understanding.

"Your brother strikes me as the cautious type, even with emotions," Theron explained. "He wouldn't acknowledge their connection until he's absolutely certain he can give her his complete devotion."

I considered this thoughtfully, recognizing the truth in Theron's assessment. "You're right. Adam is somewhat of a perfectionist. He approaches everything, including relationships, with thoroughness and certainty."

"Exactly," Theron nodded.

"But I'm still confident about them," I added. "Even if Adam is taking his time, once he commits, he'll give Sophia complete security. When they do get together, they won't separate."

Theron's arms tightened around me. "So you're not worried about them?"

"No," I smiled. "They just need time. They'll find their way to each other eventually."

"Good," Theron whispered against my ear, his voice deepening with a magnetic quality that sent shivers down my spine. "Then you can stop worrying about them and let me take you for a shower."

The implication in his tone was unmistakable, heating my skin instantly. My ears burned, but I didn't resist. Instead, I looped my arms around his neck.

"Well, if you insist," I teased, my voice soft.

"It would be my pleasure," he murmured, his eyes darkening as he lifted me into his arms.

Theron carried me to our master bathroom, setting me gently on the non-slip mat. The warm water cascaded from the overhead shower, immediately soaking through my silk nightgown and clinging to every curve of my body.

Rather than removing my clothes, Theron let his hands glide over the wet fabric, the added friction intensifying each touch.

His calloused fingers traced my shoulder blades, spine, and the sensitive hollow of my lower back, moving in slow, deliberate circles that elicited involuntary tremors through my body.

"Mmm..." A soft moan escaped my lips as I shivered beneath his touch. The wet silk sliding against my skin created an exquisite sensitivity that made every caress feel magnified.

His breathing grew heavier, mixing with the sound of flowing water. Bending down, his mouth found the sensitive peak beneath the soaked fabric, teasing with his tongue in slow, deliberate motions that sent waves of pleasure through me.

"Ah..." I arched instinctively toward him, my toes curling against the wet floor, nails lightly scraping across his muscular arms. The water continued to cascade over us, but did nothing to cool the heat building between us.