Healing Sophie (18+) - RH//DDLG

46 - Brave Benji & The Fight Against Raoul

"That's a wrap for today, everyone. Great job!"

Dr. Blaire dismissed the class and Sophie stood, stretching her sore limbs. Between the play, her other classes, and working at the library, she felt like she was running her body ragged. The boys certainly didn't help, either. She flushed and pushed the thought away, grabbing her belongings. Theo and Jess waited by the door and the three of them left the auditorium, trying to avoid the stampede of students shuffling out of neighboring classes. Theo had fully transferred into the class after realizing how much he loved it. Sophie enjoyed getting to be around so many familiar faces throughout the week. Even though she lived with the guys, she still felt like she didn't see them enough with her demanding schedule.

As they neared the exit, Sophie reached into her pocket to find her phone and frowned. "Hey guys, I left my phone. I'll catch up." She bolted back into the classroom and made a beeline for her seat, sighing in relief when she found it. She would forget her own head if it weren't attached to her. She quickly slid the phone into her pocket and went to leave before a voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Hey, Sophie." Her entire body froze as she turned around and was met with Marcus's cold, reptilian gaze. She glanced around trying to find anyone, but they were alone and he was blocking the only path out.

"What do you want?," she asked shakily.

He gave a joyless smile and slowly approached, his strong cologne invading Sophie's nostrils as he neared. Every hair on her body stood on end at the proximity. "I wanted to apologize. It seems I may have been a little naughty at that party we met at."

Sophie's chest tightened as he drew closer. She desperately needed to get out of there. It felt like all the oxygen in the room had left her, as if it, too, sensed the danger. "Please, just leave me alone."

He stopped directly in front of her and scanned her face. "You really can't blame me, though. You are gorgeous. No wonder you have so many guys after you."

Bile rose in Sophie's throat as her mind raced for ways out of there. She would kick and scream if it came to it.

Marcus's hand snaked around her waist and before she could process, her fist was flying straight into his face, exactly as Victor had taught her to punch when working on her showcase song. Her hand immediately stung, but Sophie took great satisfaction in Marcus faltering back and groaning. "You bitch!", he hissed. He went to lunge for her, but was halted.

"I-Is there a problem here?" Sophie jumped and glanced at Benji. She hadn't talked to him much beyond rehearsal, but she was happy to see anyone other than Marcus at the moment, despite the fact that Benji was shaking and looking like he would throw up any moment.

Marcus glanced at the curly-haired young man as if he was an annoying speck of dirt on his shoe. "No problem here. Run along."

Sophie froze as she watched Benji glance between the two of them. Just as she thought he had made up his mind to leave, he stepped in front of her, blocking her from Marcus. He was only a few inches taller than her, but her heart warmed at the gesture.

"L-Leave her alone."

Marcus laughed coldly and looked Benji up and down intently before stepping back. "Such a brave little hero." Shivers crawled across Sophie's body as he looked at her once more with that cruel gaze. "Goodbye, Sophie."

Neither Sophie nor Benji moved an inch until they heard the door click shut behind Marcus. Benji relaxed and turned to Sophie. "Are you okay?"

Sophie's eyes watered as she finally released the breath she had been holding. "Y-yeah. My wrist is throbbing, though." She sniffled and looked at Benji. "Are you okay?"