Chapter 80 This Is Not Bullying, It's Love
Sophia walked over and hugged Benjamin's arm, burying her face in the crook of his elbow, nuzzling him like a kitten.
She was clearly trying to be cute.
To a grown man, such actions were nothing short of a trigger for his desire.
Benjamin's eyes darkened as he grasped Sophia's wrist.
With a swift motion, he pulled her into his embrace. "Sophia, we need to talk business. Cut it out."
Sophia looked up at Benjamin, confused.
She wasn't fooling around. She was talking about serious matters too.
Benjamin sighed, his deep, eyes lingering on Sophia's clear, innocent ones for a moment before he looked away.
From his observations over the past few weeks, Benjamin realized that even though Sophia often talked about love and affection, she didn't really understand the dynamics between men and women.
But it made sense.
Sophia had lived in the mountains for years, with only Robert and her fellow disciples for company. Perhaps no one had ever taught her these things.
But that was okay. Benjamin had enough patience to teach her what love truly was.
He gently stroked Sophia's soft hair, planting a tender kiss on the top of her head, his eyes filled with a deep, unfathomable darkness.
Sophia leaned against Benjamin's chest, still confused about what had just happened.
Weren't they just talking about Flynn coming to the White Family? Why had the atmosphere suddenly become so strange?
"The person who threw hot water on you has been detained. Even if the Browns kneel before you, it won't change anything."
Just as Sophia was wondering if she should say something, Benjamin's deep, husky voice sounded from above her.
There was a palpable anger in his tone.
Sophia nodded vigorously in agreement. "Why should I be responsible for Isabella's reputation? I'm the victim here. Their moral blackmail won't work on me."
She wasn't stupid.
If Sophia agreed to help Isabella, they would think she was trying to curry favor with the Brown Family.
Thinking about the Browns' strange ideas, Sophia felt this was very likely to happen.
"You're right. If you don't want to see them, I can find something else to occupy them." Benjamin gently stroked Sophia's hair.
"By the way, in two days, the Martinez Family is hosting Isabella's engagement party. I had a gown custom-made for you. Do you want to see it?"
"Yes!" Sophia lifted her face from Benjamin's chest, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Sophia opened the gift box and couldn't help but gasp.
The dress was beautiful.
"Go try it on. If it doesn't fit, I'll have it altered."
Seeing the joy on Sophia's face, Benjamin knew she loved the dress.
He had it specially designed by the top designer in the country, according to Sophia's preferences.
He couldn't wait to see how she would look in it.
"You're the best, honey!" Sophia kissed Benjamin on the corner of his lips, then hurried off to the dressing room with the box.
About ten minutes later, the dressing room door opened.
Sophia walked out slowly, wearing a floor-length gown in a delicate shade of lilac.
The dress was understated yet luxurious, simple yet elegant, making Sophia's skin look even more delicate.
The strapless, fitted design accentuated her figure, adding a touch of alluring sensuality.
The layered skirt was adorned with tiny crystals and intricate patterns, making it exceptionally exquisite.
Benjamin's eyes flashed with astonishment.
He knew Sophia was beautiful, but he hadn't expected the gown to transform her from innocent to irresistibly alluring.
"Honey, do I look good?" Sophia rarely wore evening gowns. Seeing the heated look in Benjamin's eyes, she felt a bit shy.
Blushing, she walked up to Benjamin, looking at him expectantly.
Benjamin stood up from the couch, his eyes sweeping over Sophia's bare shoulders and enticing curves, pausing for a moment.
"You look beautiful."
He lowered his gaze, his thick eyelashes hiding the storm brewing in his eyes, his voice hoarse.
"Really?" Sophia didn't notice Benjamin's change in demeanor. She hugged his arm and playfully said, "Honey, you can't lie to me!"
"I'm not lying. You look stunning," Benjamin murmured.
Benjamin's half-lidded eyes met Sophia's clear ones.
Instinctively, he reached out his thumb and gently caressed the corner of her eye, his touch tender and lingering.
Sophia's eyes were the most beautiful Benjamin had ever seen.
He never knew he could be so moved by a pair of eyes.
The restlessness in his heart surged like a tidal wave, brewing a massive storm.
Benjamin's Adam's apple bobbed as he slowly leaned down, placing a kiss at the corner of her eye.
"Change back into your other clothes. I'll get you a different dress, okay?" Benjamin's lips trailed from the corner of Sophia's eye down to the edge of her lips.
Sophia was his one and only treasure, and he wouldn't allow anyone else to covet her.
If she wore this dress to the party, she would undoubtedly become the center of attention.
The thought of other men looking at her made Benjamin feel like something was tearing at his heart.
He even had the urge to destroy everything.
Sophia had no idea what Benjamin was saying.
All she knew was that her heart felt like it was pounding with the force of a wild rabbit.
Benjamin's kiss was gentle and lingering, his breath filled with his refreshing scent.
Sophia's breathing became erratic.
Benjamin lowered his eyes, taking in all her expressions, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
The next moment, under Sophia's bewildered gaze, Benjamin cupped the back of her head and kissed her lips.
As Benjamin's face loomed closer, Sophia's mind went blank.
At first, Benjamin's movements were gentle and tender, almost unbearably so.
Gradually, his actions became more urgent and forceful.
Sophia couldn't help but let out a soft moan, feeling breathless.
She furrowed her brows and pushed against Benjamin's chest.
Reluctantly, Benjamin released Sophia, his eyes darkened with desire.
"Sorry, I couldn't help myself." Benjamin gently stroked Sophia's flushed cheek, his smile particularly captivating.
Sophia's eyes were slightly red, her pink lips now a deeper shade of red.
In the light, they looked irresistibly tempting, silently begging to be kissed.
"You bullied me," Sophia pouted, glaring at the culprit in front of her, her eyes full of accusation.
"That wasn't bullying. That was love." Benjamin's hand gently caressed Sophia's hair, his smile tender as he looked down at her, like a hunter coaxing his prey into a trap.