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I glanced at her for a moment, my heart aching for her, knowing the pain she had experienced. “You don’t have to do this alone, Sofia. We’re in this together.”
She gave me a small smile, her eyes never leaving the road. “I know. And that means everything. I just...I want to make sure I’m strong enough for this.”
“You’re strong enough for this. You’re one of the strongest people I know.”
She turned to look at me, her eyes narrowing. “You don’t have to say that.”
“Princess, when are you going to get it through your head?” I asked her. “I only say things I want to say. I only do things I want to do.”
“It’s nice to hear it, anyway,” she said, looping a strand of wet hair behind her ear. “I appreciate it.”
We didn’t talk much more after that. We got to my apartment building after only a few minutes.
“Here we are,” I announced, as I pulled into the underground parking of my complex. Sofia followed me through the starkly lit corridors, her footsteps echoing mine. I opened the door to my apartment and Sofia looked around appreciatively as she stepped inside.
“Nice place,” she commented, as she removed her shoes and followed me to the living room. I wasn’t surprised she was impressed. I had gotten the same interior designer as Grayson because I spent a lot of time working out at home. It was all modern design, with sleek lines and clean surfaces that spoke of minimalism and simplicity. Soft lighting and strategically placed mirrors gave the illusion of space and depth, reflecting the cityscape outside the massive windows that spanned one entire wall. I watched as Sofia walked around and pressed her hand against the walls, which were painted in a soothing shade of muted gray.
“Do you guys all shop at the same place?” she asked as her gaze settled on my furniture, which was a mix of classic and contemporary pieces, each one carefully chosen to create a harmonious and calming environment. The centerpiece of the room was a large, plush sofa in a rich shade of burgundy, its inviting embrace beckoning Sofia to sink in and relax.
“Same interior designer,” I told her. “What do you want to eat?”
Sofia considered my question for a moment, “Something spicy, but not too spicy. And something with protein, please. I worked up an appetite earlier.”
I nodded, already having a place in mind. “Chinese food it is. We’ll get takeout from that place down the street. They have a great spicy chicken dish.”
Sofia smiled, “Sounds perfect. Is there a shower I can use?”
I led her towards the large bathroom, complete with a state-of-the-art rain showerhead. She looked impressed as she turned it on, the hot water cascading over her body. “You can borrow some of my clothes. They’ll be big on you, but it doesn’t matter. It’ll be more comfortable than your sweaty clothes. I’ll put your clothes in the wash so you can wear them before you go.”
“Thanks, Victor,” she said, standing up on her tiptoes and pressing a kiss against my cheek.
Sofia emerged from the bathroom, her hair still damp and a smile on her lips. She was wearing my clothes, a simple black T-shirt and a pair of his sweatpants that hung loosely on her frame. She looked comfortable and sexy, her eyes shining as she looked up at me.
“Thank you for everything, Victor,” she said softly, her voice filled with emotion as she sat down. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“You’ll never have to find out,” I replied, sitting next to her. “Just ordered the food. They’ll be here soon.”
“Thank you,” she replied, tucking her legs under her. “It’s been a nice day. Like, being able to do something when I’m worried sick about my brother has been very good for my mental health.”
As if on cue, Midnight, sleek and obsidian, wound herself between Sofia’s legs, purring like an idling engine. Oliver, who was still getting used to my apartment, sauntered over with less enthusiasm but equal curiosity.
“Hello, beautiful,” Sofia cooed, leaning down to stroke Midnight.
“Midnight’s the queen of this castle,” I said with a chuckle, watching as Oliver approached Sofia with caution before head-butting her hand, demanding his share of affection. “And Oliver, don’t quote me on this, he hasn’t been here long, but I think he’s the old soul.”
“Hey there, Oliver.” Her laugh was low and warm, a sound I hadn’t realized I’d been craving amidst the cold precision of our training. “It still weirds me out that you’re a cat guy, Victor. I would’ve never figured that from looking at you.”
“Not a cat guy,” I said. “I like animals. Animals don’t lie. They know who they can trust.”
“Is that so?” She glanced up, her smile lingering as Midnight flopped onto her back, demanding belly rubs.
“Absolutely. They’ve got instincts sharper than any blade. If Midnight and Oliver like you,” I paused, crossing my arms, “well, you must be something special.”
“Or maybe I’m just good with animals,” Sofia countered playfully, though her eyes held an edge of seriousness.
“Are you?”
“No,” she replied, laughing. “We never had pets growing up.”
