Sophie's Life

Chapter 10: The Aftermath

The rush of adrenaline still pumps through me as I walk away, trying to wrap my head around what just happened. Sophie's kiss—our kiss—keeps replaying in my mind, the heat of it, the intensity, like it was inevitable. But I'm not supposed to feel this way, not about her, not after everything we've been through.

I clench my fists, forcing myself to focus on anything but the taste of her lips. What was that? A moment of weakness? Anger? I can't believe she shoved me, and I can't believe I kissed her back. What the hell was I thinking?

As I keep walking, I replay the entire challenge in my head. Yeah, maybe I pushed too hard, but we were going to lose if someone didn't take control. Someone had to. But Sophie—she doesn't see that. She thinks I'm all ego and no care for the team. She doesn't get that it's not about wanting to show off, it's about needing to win. She'd never understand.

But then that kiss.

I stop for a second, running a hand through my hair, my frustration doubling. She was mad, really mad, and somehow, so was I. But then, for a split second, the anger faded and something else took its place, something I wasn't prepared for. And now I can't stop thinking about it.

Sophie has always been difficult, stubborn as hell, but that's what made working with her feel like a challenge. The way she talks back, never lets things slide, always pushing me. It drives me crazy. But it's not just annoyance anymore, is it? There's something underneath all of it, something I've been trying to ignore.