Chapter 42 Honey, One More Time
His wife only had eyes for him, and that was all he needed.
Even if the other guy was his own brother, it wouldn't change a thing.
Sophia bit her lip to hide a smile, stood on her tiptoes, and gave Benjamin a quick peck on the corner of his lips. Leaning in close to his ear, she whispered, "Babe, you're adorable when you're jealous."
Hearing her words, Benjamin's handsome face turned serious.
Who called a guy "adorable"?
Just as Benjamin was about to fire back, he heard Sophia's next words, "I really like it."
Benjamin's eyes darkened. Ignoring the stares from everyone around them, he scooped Sophia up in his arms and headed for the stairs.
Sophia let out a small yelp as she was lifted off the ground, instinctively wrapping her arms around Benjamin's neck.
As soon as they entered the bedroom, Benjamin set her down.
Before Sophia could catch her breath, Benjamin shut the door firmly and pressed her against it, his eyes filled with a dark, intense light.
It was like a storm was brewing, dangerous and wild.
Before Sophia could say anything, her vision went dark as Benjamin leaned in and kissed her, starting softly but gradually increasing in intensity.
The fresh, pleasant scent of pine from Benjamin enveloped her, a fragrance she found incredibly appealing.
Despite his usual cold demeanor, Benjamin's lips were surprisingly soft.
Sophia blinked in confusion, her eyes reflecting a hint of bewilderment.
Benjamin braced one hand against the door and wrapped the other tightly around Sophia's slender waist, holding her close.
Her waist was so delicate that one hand could almost encircle it, making him feel as if a little more pressure might break her.
Her lips were equally soft, carrying a sweet, fresh taste.
Breathing heavily, Benjamin deepened the kiss, prying open Sophia's teeth and drinking her in.
He didn't know what had come over him.
He just felt an overwhelming urge to hold Sophia tightly, to merge her into his very being.
Sophia felt the air in her lungs growing thin, a tingling sensation spreading from her tongue, and she began to feel a bit suffocated.
In a panic, she pushed against Benjamin's shoulders, trying to free herself from his embrace.
When Benjamin opened his eyes, he was met with her wide, watery ones.
Her long lashes trembled slightly, the corners of her eyes tinged with an unusual blush, her eyes glistening with confusion and helplessness.
Her lips were swollen and glistening under the light, resembling ripe, tempting cherries, ready to be picked.
Benjamin slowly drew closer, gently brushing his fingertips over Sophia's lips.
A sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.
His gaze lingered on Sophia's flushed cheeks for a long moment. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and he released his grip on her slender waist.
"Sorry, I... lost control."
Sophia stood there, stunned, touching her lips with her fingertips. Her cheeks felt as if they were burning under a scorching flame.
Her heart was racing wildly.
Sophia looked up at Benjamin, puzzled. "Babe, you kissed me just now."
It wasn't something she had asked for; it was something he did willingly.
Meeting Sophia's clear, innocent eyes, Benjamin felt a pang of guilt.
She was as pure as a blank sheet of paper, full of innocence and beauty.
He had just tarnished that beauty.
Pressing his lips together, Benjamin's mind raced, trying to figure out how to make amends.
He admitted to himself that he had lost control earlier.
He had always said he wanted to protect Sophia, yet he had crossed the line himself.
Sophia deserved a better life and would eventually meet someone who was a perfect match for her.
Their marriage was supposed to be about protection, nothing more.
But now, he had feelings for Sophia that he shouldn't have.
Benjamin felt like a beast.
As he was wallowing in regret, he felt a sudden tightness around his waist.
Sophia's arms had wrapped around him.
Looking down, Benjamin met Sophia's gaze. "Honey, one more time"
Benjamin was stunned, unable to believe his ears. "What did you say?"
Sophia pouted, her eyes sparkling with joy.
She looked like a child who had just sneaked a piece of candy, smiling with satisfaction.
Benjamin's lips moved, his eyes filled with shock. "Sophia, do you know what I just did to you?"
"A kiss," Sophia answered without hesitation, looking at Benjamin with a bright smile. "Robert said that only people who like each other kiss. Babe, do you really, really like me?"
Otherwise, why would he kiss her for so long?
Thinking about the kiss, the blush that had just faded from Sophia's cheeks returned.
She looked at Benjamin seriously. "Babe, next time you kiss me, let me know. You kissed for so long, I almost couldn't breathe."
Sophia had no idea how much her words had impacted Benjamin.
He had thought she would hate him, be repulsed by him, but instead, Sophia's focus was entirely elsewhere.
Of course. Sophia was so innocent; she probably had no idea what a kiss truly meant.
It was okay. He could teach her, slowly.
As long as she was willing.
A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, the coldness on his face gradually melting away.
Anyone familiar with Benjamin would be shocked to see this smile.
Benjamin had always been cold to everyone, even his family, maintaining a distant and unapproachable demeanor.
No one had ever seen a genuine smile on his face.
Even the occasional smile was just a business facade, a necessary act to facilitate deals.
In just a few days, Benjamin had been smiling more and more.
All thanks to the soft, sweet Sophia nestled in his arms.
Benjamin lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on the top of Sophia's head, his usually cold voice now tinged with warmth. "Alright. I'll be more careful next time."
Sophia didn't say anything, snuggling contentedly in Benjamin's warm embrace.
Late at night, Benjamin looked at the peacefully sleeping Sophia in his arms, unable to stop a smile from forming on his lips.
He shifted slightly, moving closer to Sophia.
A half-minute later, feeling it still wasn't enough, he lifted Sophia's arm and draped it over his waist.