AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She looked to Malik for help. The charming prince would always help her.
Malik held her gaze and then shook his head. He went to straighten his tie, but he had taken it off. He rubbed at the buttons of his dress shirt instead. “Soph, you have a lot happening right now. I’m sure you’re overwhelmed and confused. You don’t have to decide now. We can figure it out once you and Sunny are safe and settled again.”
Sophie stared at him. She wanted to yell to the world that she didn’t need any time to decide. It was Malik for her—always, every day, every year, her entire life. Why was he giving her the out? Simply being the kind, patient gentleman she knew him to be? Or maybe Chad was right and Malik was such a player that he didn’t know how to change. He’d spent six years dating beautiful, accomplished, and incredible women. Maybe he realized he wasn’t ready to leave that life for an endangered single mum and the responsibility of a little girl.
“Thank you,” she managed when she wanted to beg him to commit to her. “I’m exhausted and not thinking very clearly right now.”
Malik nodded tightly and then said to Chad, “Levi had something he wanted to show you on the security cameras.”
“All right.”
Malik gave Sophie one last long look then turned and walked down the hallway, disappearing down the stairs.
“I have to go.” Chad sounded so disappointed. His gaze swept over her.
She had to let him down, but maybe now wasn’t the time. “Thank you again for watching over us.”
“It’s my pleasure, believe me.” He was always so suave and smooth. Sophie had liked that about him because it reminded her of Malik. Now that the real deal was here and had just walked down the stairs … She didn’t want anything but Malik. A day ago, he was nothing but an ache from her past. Now he could be her future. Him and Sunny. She prayed that he felt the same and was done with his playboy days. Could a womanizer of Malik’s magnitude settle down with an instant family?
Sophie smiled at Chad and hurried into her room, closing the door. Listening intently, she heard his footsteps move away and down the stairs. She leaned her head against the door. What a mess. She should try to sleep, but an intense need built inside her.
She’d let Malik walk away. What kind of crazy person did that? Yes, it would stink to hurt Chad, but she had to rip that band-aid off and make sure Malik knew he had her full heart. She could only be true to the man she loved. Chad would understand that. If Malik wasn’t ready to settle down or needed time, she’d have to deal with that, but she needed him to know the truth.
He claimed she’d stolen his heart, but he owned sole possession of hers.
Flinging open the door, Sophie tied a double knot in the robe this time as she rushed down the hallway and stairs. Raised voices drew her up short, and she crept around the wall of the foyer, peering into the main area.
Chad and Malik were squared off, studying each other with narrowed gazes. She had no idea what had been said before she came upon the scene, but it obviously wasn’t good. Her heart thumped irregularly. She didn’t want these two impressive men to fight because of her.
Captain Levi stood close by, shifting his weight and looking between Malik and Chad. They were both strong, brave, and handsome, each dressed in high-quality button-down shirts and slacks. Malik’s clothes were still ripped and dirty from their tumble down the ravine. If anything, his not-perfect state made him more attractive. He’d become rumpled to protect her.
“Major,” Captain Levi said, obviously trying to draw their attention and distract them from the impending battle. “Can you look at this footage for me? It’s probably just an animal, but …”
“Yes, Major, please look at the footage and stop chasing after my girl,” Malik snarled.
Sophie had never heard Malik speak like that before. Both men had to be as exhausted as she was, and tensions were high with the threats from William and the responsibility of keeping her and Sunny safe. She loved hearing Malik call her ‘his girl.’ Should she step forward, let them know she was here, and proclaim she was Malik’s now and forever? Would she get the chance to kiss him again tonight? That was a selfish thought, but she had a hard time pushing it away.
“She is not your girl.” Chad shoved Malik.
Sophie gasped as Malik slugged Chad hard in the jaw. Chad slammed his fist into Malik’s abdomen in turn.
“No!” she cried out, running toward them.
Captain Levi stepped between them as both men swung to look at her.
“Soph …” Malik’s blue eyes lit her up from the inside out. He wouldn’t ever desert her or back down. He’d give up his philanderer life for her. He’d fight even his friend Chad for her.
“Please.” She raised her hands. “Don’t fight.”
The door from the garage into the main area opened. Lieutenant Mason stumbled in, his face battered and bruised, his hands secured behind his back.
“Lieutenant.” Chad started forward. “What happ?—”
Men dressed in black rushed into the kitchen, huge automatic guns leveled at Malik, Chad, and the captain.
Chad and Captain Levi yanked out their sidearms, but two pistols against a dozen heavy machine guns was obviously an unfair fight.
Malik sprang forward and ushered her toward the staircase.
