Chapter 7 Fiancé Vs Boyfriend

Sophia's POV

He's got nipple piercings and a back half-full of tattoos. Very neat ones.

What else?

He smokes cigars, he swore never to get married, but says he's marrying me in October, I'm the first woman he's invited into his penthouse and bedroom, he kisses like a sinner, and promises to show me things I can't handle yet. He lies well, too.

A slow breath sips through me as my eyes travel to him. I stare from the corners of my eyes, watching him type on his iPad.

All covered up in a navy blue suit. You can't tell what's underneath or in his head.

He's returning me home.

My dad kept looking for me like he said he would and found Layla's friend still lurking around the street of our home.

According to Layla's friend, 'my boyfriend' helped me down the wall, and I ran off with him.

I'm grateful he went with 'boyfriend' instead of describing Alexander.

And when Alexander answered my phone, the first thing my father said was, "Are you Sophia's boyfriend?"

I turned my phone on while waiting for him in that dark room.

Alexander ended the call immediately and later informed my father that he'd found me at some apartment.

I don't know if I'm dying today or if I'm lucky my night with Alexander gets to remain a secret, and why do I prefer it that way?

Garvey got me a dress. Classy and my perfect size. Alexander also laundered my top. The stain couldn't go out completely, but at least I'm not showing up in front of my parents without a bra.

My mom will pass out if she finds out I was without one throughout the night, in the arms and bed of a man-the very man she's giving me away to.

When my house is in sight, I clench my fists, silently praying that things go well.

I stare at the high walls, replaying how I desperately climbed the tree and jumped off last night.

I must have lost my mind. I can't believe I did that. I guess I really didn't want to be sold off and tied down to a stranger before I even get to live.

Alexander puts his device aside and meets my gaze.

My chest flutters with warmth. Everything that happened between us replays in my mind.

My feelings keep colliding-fear, attraction, shame, longing-none of them settling long enough for me to breathe.

Do I want to be sold off and tied down to this man? A man I barely know, yet I'm insanely attracted to. A man who screams danger, yet I wanna know how dangerous it can get.

A man who looks at me like... and makes me feel-

He slowly reaches for my left hand and pulls me close.

I release a breath, staring as he laces our fingers. His hand swallows mine.

"Everything will be fine, Sophia," he mutters and kisses the back of my hand. "I'm going to tell Dimitri about us."

About us?! I've not even agreed to anything, and there's already an 'us'?

I feel my eyes widen, but he keeps kissing my hand, and my mind naturally travels to how he kissed my boobs through that Polo shirt he gave me.

My insides tumble. He makes me feel too much. And deep down, I know what I've felt is nothing compared to all he can do to me.

The gates open, and Garvey drives in.

My stomach tightens.

Alexander leans close and cups my face. "You won't get even a scolding. I promise you."

I nod, hopeful in whatever magic he plans on using.

"They don't look so mad."

I lift my eyes and slowly turn my head to see my parents. They're waiting outside. Smiling.

Smiling?

My mom wastes no second in coming for me as soon as I'm out of the car.

My heart races.

"Mom?" I mutter when her arms wrap around me.

She squeezes, snuggling. Her voice breaks, "Do you know how worried we were?"

Tears sting my eyes. Every rage, betrayal, and determination I felt last night has drained out of me.

"I'm sorry," I choke, putting my arm around her as I drag in her warm, sweet smell.

My eyes meet my dad's. Only love fills his gaze. No anger. It warms my heart.

I watch Alexander go to stand with him, ever calm and in charge. I can't help but wonder what else he must have told them.

"Let's have breakfast first," my mom says, brushing my hair. "Your fiancé has to be at his company soon."

My fiancé?

I withdraw from her, masking how uncomfortable I feel with a tight smile.

The dining table is set with a feast.

My dad takes his place at the head of the table. To his left is my mom. Alexander sits at his right, while my breakfast is served beside Alexander.

We eat in silence at first. No mention of my crazy stunt last night or the supposed boyfriend I have-the reason my parents believe I don't want to get married.

"When would the wedding be announced publicly?" My father breaks the silence.

And Alexander answers in a breath, "After Dimitri's wedding, next week."

Bacon hangs in my throat. I go still, cutlery in hand.

"Ah, yes! Dimitri Belcroft. It's been the talk of the town. I should visit his father soon."

"Since it's an intimate wedding, we didn't get an official invite." My mom chirps. "But Sophia is going. You both can leave together."

I stare at my food, unable to swallow or chew anymore.

"Would you want that?"

"Sophia?" My mom calls.

Huh?

I look up to see my parents staring at me, then I turn to Alexander. He's staring, too, waiting for an answer.

"Do you want to go to Dimitri's wedding with me?"

"I can just go on my own," I answer, looking away.

The table is quiet again.

Strength seeps out of me.

That suffocating feeling creeps back in, stealing my breath-the feeling of zero control over my life, my choices, my happiness. Once again, I'm powerless. Nothing new.

My appetite evaporates quickly.

I drop my fork and exhale.

My hands tremble. I fight back tears with every fiber of my waning strength. I don't want to embarrass myself beside Alexander. I don't want to seem weak and stupid, even though that's how I feel on some days.

"I'm going to my room," I announce, rising without lifting my head.

"Sophia?" My mom calls firmly.

My lips quiver, threatening to break my will. A sickening twist pulls in my stomach.

Apparently, my attraction to him is not even enough.

I turn, ready to leave.

And my dad's fork clatters on his plate.

My chest thuds.

"Sophia Rosetta." He says with a firmness that sends a tremor to my bones. "Sit, and let's have breakfast."

The tears slip out now, dropping on the table.

As sweet as my dad is, his wrath is something I avoid like the plague.

Reluctantly, I slip back into my seat, eyes on my food.

Alexander's jaw clenches-barely, but enough for me to notice.

I suddenly feel his hand on my left knee. I draw in a breath, but he taps softly. As if reassuring me.

Surprisingly, it's calming. I catch my tears.

"The wedding isn't until October. That's enough time to get to know ourselves." He says, still tapping my knee.

My dad nods, glancing briefly at me.

Alexander soon announces that he has to leave. My father walks him out, taking their discussion about a merger and acquisition out of the house. And I'm left with my mom.

I pick at my food to distract myself from her piercing gaze.

"End things with him." She says suddenly.

I lift my eyes to her, confused for a second. Then it comes to me.

The boyfriend I don't have.

"I can't believe you ran away with a good-for-nothing." She lets out a long breath, distress and disappointment etched on her face. "We didn't raise you that way, Sophia."

I remain quiet.

"Do you know how embarrassing it was for your father to learn from him that you were at a guy's apartment? Do you know how embarrassing it was to apologize on your behalf? Sophia, why would you do such a thing?!"

"Because my words mean nothing to you and Dad!" I reply as my chest pounds, "I said I didn't want to get married, but you went ahead to set up a fifth one for me. Running away seemed like my only option if I didn't want to kill myself."

"Kill yourself?!" She gasps, eyes widening in horror. "Why would you-"

My dad returns.

I shift in my seat, but I'm not done yet.

"For the last four years, all you've been doing is trying to marry me off! I'll be twenty-four in October, but I've never made one decision myself. Do you hate my guts that much, or is having money more important than what your daughter wants?!"

My mom's mouth falls open, her eyes growing misty.

"We let you go to London to study. That was your decision." She says.

My nails dig into my palm. "The only reason you and Dad let me go is just so you could brag to everyone that your precious daughter was awarded a prestigious scholarship!

"That's all that matters! Our reputation. Our status! My perfection! You cried so hard when I had to leave, making me feel so guilty. Yet you willingly want to give me away to–to-"

My voice cracks, tears causing my throat to tighten.

"Is that why you jumped over the wall? Risked your life to prove a point?" My dad speaks finally.

I palm my face, sobbing.

"Ran off with a nobody... that could have–could have... harmed you." My mom murmurs.

A humorless chuckle slips out of me. I drag my fingers through my hair. "And you think Alexander is the safe choice?"