Page 27

I shouldn’t want to keep her.
My life was a delicate balance of power and danger, where every move had to be calculated and every decision could mean the difference between life and death. Bringing Sofia into this world was a risk that I couldn’t afford. She was a beacon of light in mydark existence, but that light could easily attract the wrong kind of attention.
I had built my empire on control, on the ability to remain focused and ruthless. There was no room for emotion, no room for weakness. Women in my world were often used as pawns, tools to gain leverage or to exploit. I had seen it happen too many times. A woman could be your greatest downfall. Sofia, with her innocence and her determination, was a distraction that I couldn’t allow.
The danger was too great.
Every enemy I had would see her as a target, as a way to get to me. I had already seen what they were willing to do to Marco. Sofia would be an easy mark, a way to weaken my resolve and force my hand. I couldn’t bear the thought of her getting hurt because of me.
I wouldn’t stand for it.
I gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, marveling at her beauty in the morning light. Her skin was like porcelain, smooth and flawless, and her dark hair spilled over the pillow in soft waves. The sunlight kissed her features, highlighting the delicate curve of her cheek and the soft pink of her lips. She was an absolute vision.
Possessiveness surged through me. The thought of anyone else even looking at her, let alone touching her, made my blood boil. I tightened my hold on her, pulling her closer, and she stirred slightly, murmuring my name softly in her sleep.
She was so vulnerable, so trusting in this moment. It stirred something primal in me, a deep-seated need to dominate and protect her with my life. She needed someone strong to watchover her, and I was more than willing to be that person for as long as she needed until it was safe for her again.
This was temporary. It had to be.
I had to keep her at a distance, to ensure that my feelings for her didn’t cloud my judgment. I had to remember why I had brought her into my world in the first place: to protect her, to keep her safe. And to do that, I needed to stay sharp, to remain the ruthless leader that my world demanded.
The ruthless leader I’d always been.
Sofia deserved a life free from fear, a life where she could thrive without the constant threat of danger. But as long as she was with me, that life was impossible. I would protect her with everything I had, but I couldn’t let myself fall for her.
I couldn’t let her become the one thing that could bring me to my knees.
But that didn’t mean I wouldn’t enjoy her during the time I had her…
Sofia began to stir in my arms, her eyes fluttering open. She looked up at me, her green eyes still hazy with sleep, and a small, drowsy smile curved her lips.
“Good morning,” she whispered, her voice soft and sweet.
“Good morning,la miabella,” I replied, my voice deep with the remnants of sleep. “Did you sleep well?”
She nodded, snuggling closer to me. “Yes. I don’t know why, but I feel safe with you.”
Her words sent a jolt of satisfaction through me. I wanted her to feel safe, to know that I would always protect her. “You are safe with me, Sofia. Always.”
She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine. “What happens now?”
I brushed my fingers along her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin. “Now, you stay with me.”
I didn’t explain any further than that.
There was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she reached up and touched my face, her fingers tracing the line of my jaw. Without meaning to, I leaned into her touch, enjoying the warmth that spread through me.
“Come,” I said, pulling back slightly. “Let’s start the day. We have much to discuss.”
She nodded, her eyes still holding that same hint of uncertainty, but also trust. I knew it would take time for her to fully understand and accept our new reality, but I would be patient.
The two of us climbed out of bed and I watched her naked form move with grace. Her beautiful skin practically glowed in the morning light, and as my gaze roved down her body, I let out a growl that made her jump. Her bare breasts bounced a little bit and my dick throbbed with need.
I wanted to fuck her again, but I wouldn’t. Not yet. She was probably still sore from yesterday.
With a feral surge of possessiveness, I let myself imagine her tight cunt clutching at my cock as I took her for the very first time, the first man to ever take her, and I stepped towardher, unable to stop myself from sweeping her off her feet and throwing her back on the bed.
As her back hit the mattress, she squealed, her eyes widening. She looked up at me, her gaze filled with a mixture of confusion and desire.