𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬

Chapter 8: An Unexpected Invitation

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Sofia took a deep breath as she approached Alexei's mansion, her heart pounding in her chest. The grand estate loomed before her, its towering gates and pristine gardens making her feel small in comparison. She could feel the weight of her mother's request-an invitation for Alexei to join them for dinner-resting heavily on her shoulders. Clutching the bouquet of flowers and a few other gifts her mother had insisted she bring, Sofia hesitated for a moment before finally knocking on the massive wooden door. Inhale, exhale.

It swung open almost immediately, and there stood Alexei-bare-chested, his skin glistening with droplets of water, evidence that he had just come from a swim. His hair was damp, and a lazy smile played on his lips, but his expression changed to one of surprise when he saw Sofia barely visible behind the massive bouquet she was holding.

"Sofia?" Alexei asked, trying to peer around the flowers. His voice was laced with amusement as he took in the sight of her, nearly hidden behind the gifts.

Sofia blushed deeply, her mind flashing back to the kiss they had shared outside the bar. The memory made her feel suddenly self-conscious, and she struggled to find her voice. "H-Hi, Alexei. My mom... well, she... um, she wanted me to bring these over and-" she stumbled over her words, feelings flustered.

Alexei chuckled, stepping aside to let her in. "Come in, come in," he said warmly. "Here, let me help you with that." He reached out, taking some of the flowers from her and placing them on a nearby table.

Sofia stepped inside, grateful to be out of the doorway and out of view of any potential onlookers. The interior of Alexei's mansion was as impressive as the exterior-high ceilings, luxurious furniture, and large windows that let in streams of sunlight. But all Sofia could focus on was Alexei, who was now standing only a few feet away, his broad shoulders still glistening from his swim.

She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "My mom wanted me to ask you something," she said, her voice still a little shaky. "She, uh, she wants you to come over for dinner. Tonight. With my parents."

Alexei raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Dinner? With your parents?" He took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Sounds serious."

Sofia laughed nervously, shifting the weight of the remaining flowers in her arms. "It's just dinner. My mom... well, she's really curious about you. And I thought... I mean, we thought it would be nice."

Alexei's gaze softened, and he gave her a reassuring smile. "I'd be honored to join you and your family for dinner, Sofia."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and she found herself unable to look away from him. "Great," she managed to say, though her voice was barely above a whisper.

Alexei noticed her lingering gaze and the pink tint to her cheeks. He stepped even closer, close enough that she could smell the faint scent of chlorine from the pool mixed with his cologne. "Are you blushing?" he teased, his voice dropping to a low, intimate tone.

Sofia's blush deepened, and she bit her lip, looking down at the floor. Yes. "No, I... I just... It's just warm in here," she stammered, knowing full well that wasn't the reason.

Alexei chuckled, reaching out to gently lift her chin so she would look at him. "You're cute when you're flustered, you know that?"

Her heart skipped a beat at his touch, and she felt her breath catch in her throat. The way he was looking at her, with that intense gaze, made her feel both nervous and excited at the same time. "I should, um, go... I need to help my mom prepare for dinner," she said quickly, pulling back slightly, though she didn't really want to.