The estate was quiet that evening, the gentle hum of cicadas filling the air. After their playful banter and shared laughter during the girls’ night, the others had retired for the night.
Sophia found herself unable to sleep. She wandered the halls of the grand mansion, her thoughts restless.
Her bare feet padded softly against the cool marble floor as she made her way to the kitchen.
She poured herself a glass of water, letting the cool liquid soothe her nerves.
“You’re up late,” came a familiar voice from the shadows.
Sophia nearly jumped, her glass slipping from her hands. Before it could shatter, Lucius appeared beside her, catching it with ease. His proximity sent a shiver down her spine.
° Obri J!!!!!°
“Do you always sneak up on people like that?” she asked, her voice slightly breathless.
He smirked, setting the glass on the counter. “Only on those who wander the halls like ghosts.”
“I couldn’t sleep,” she admitted, leaning against the counter. “What about you?”
Lucius tilted his head, his gaze piercing. “Sleep and I have never been close companions.”
Sophia’s lips quirked into a small smile. “You’re so dramatic sometimes.”
He stepped closer, his eyes darkening. “And you’re too trusting. Wandering alone at night… you never know what could be lurking.”
Her heart raced as he loomed over her, his presence both intimidating and intoxicating. “Are you trying to scare me?”
“Maybe,” he said softly, his voice like a velvet caress.
Sophia felt her breath hitch as his hand reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. His touch lingered, his fingers trailing down to her jawline.
“You’ve been on my mind,” he admitted, his voice low and gravelly.
Sophia’s cheeks burned. “Lucius…”
“Don’t say anything,” he murmured, stepping even closer. “Just… let me do this.”
Before she could respond, his lips were on hers.
The kiss was slow and tentative at first, but it quickly deepened, becoming a fiery exchange that left her dizzy.
Sophia’s hands found their way to his chest, clutching his shirt as if to anchor herself.
Lucius’s arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.
The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in that moment.
---
Lucius broke the kiss, his breathing ragged as he rested his forehead against hers.
“You have no idea what you’re doing to me,” he whispered.
Sophia’s eyes fluttered open, her gaze locking with his.
“Maybe I do,” she replied, a hint of playfulness in her voice.
A low growl escaped his throat, and he lifted her onto the counter, his hands firm on her hips.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Sophia.”
“And what if I want to play?” she challenged, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucius’s eyes darkened, his control wavering. He leaned in again, his lips grazing her neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.
Sophia tilted her head, giving him better access as her fingers tangled in his hair.
Just as things threatened to spiral out of control, Lucius suddenly pulled back, his expression conflicted.
“I can’t,” he said, his voice strained. “Not like this.”
Sophia blinked, her heart pounding. “Why not?”
Lucius took a step back, running a hand through his hair. “Because you deserve more than this—more than me.”
Sophia slid off the counter, her feet touching the cold floor. “Lucius…”
He shook his head. “Go to bed, Sophia. Please.”
°........°
Her heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice, but she nodded, knowing he needed space. “Goodnight, Lucius.”
As she walked away, she felt his gaze burning into her back.
---
The next morning, the house was buzzing with activity. Crystal and Rose were preparing breakfast, while Kai was playfully pestering them.
Ji-hyun had taken over the living room, scrolling through her phone and occasionally shouting at the others to keep the noise down.
Sophia tried to act normal, but her thoughts kept drifting to the previous night.
She could still feel the ghost of Lucius’s touch on her skin, the taste of his kiss lingering on her lips.
Meanwhile, Lucius stood in his study, staring out the window. His jaw clenched as he recalled the events of the night before.
He couldn’t afford to lose control like that again. Not with the dark forces now targeting Sophia.
A sudden knock on the door broke his thoughts. Kai entered, his usually jovial expression replaced with a serious one.
“They’re coming, aren’t they?” Kai asked, his voice low.
Lucius nodded. “They’ve sensed my weakness.”
Kai frowned. “Sophia.”
Lucius turned to face him, his eyes glowing faintly. “They won’t touch her. I’ll destroy anyone who tries.”
Kai smirked, though there was a hint of worry in his eyes. “You’re scary when you’re protective, you know that?”
Lucius didn’t respond, his mind already racing with strategies to keep Sophia safe.
---
A New Danger
Later that day, as the group gathered for lunch, an uneasy feeling settled over Sophia. She couldn’t shake the sense that someone—or something—was watching her.
Lucius noticed her discomfort and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’re safe here,” he said softly.
She looked up at him, her eyes searching his. “Are you sure?”
He gave her a small, confident smile. “I promise.”
But even as he spoke the words, Lucius knew the battle was far from over. The dark forces were relentless, and now that they had identified Sophia as his weakness, they would stop at nothing to get to her.
This is the time to an end to this madness
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
Romance"Beyond Shadows" In a world where darkness whispers secrets and power knows no bounds, a young orphan's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are crushed by the cruel betrayal of her own blood. Sold into an unforgiving fate, she finds herself in the eni...
