His Sinful Revenge

Sophia:

I'll give you two days, Sophia. Two days."

Jack's threat replayed in my head. Stealing from a billionaire like Lucas Louis?

That was crazy. A priceless da Vinci artwork? Even crazier!

Yet, here I was, palms sweating, in Louis' freaking' mansion. This was insane. Jail time was a real possibility, but hey, gotta do what you gotta do, right? For my sick mom at most.

Oh my God, I'm so nervous and scared!

My heart pounded so fast as I reached the heavy glass door. With a quick press of the laser pointer against the keypad, and with a silent click, I was in.

The room was dimly lit, with the smell of old money and leather-bound books thick in the air.

There were collections of paintings displayed around the walls, and there, amongst the masterpieces, hung the Da Vinci. It was smaller than I expected.

"Once you carry out this deal, I'll let go of all the money you still owe me." Jack's voice echoed in my head.

"Alright, let's do this!" I mumbled.

In a practiced move, I went straight for it, straight into my backpack.

Rushing for the exit, I threw open the door and stepped into the hallway, eager to make my escape.

Suddenly, a deep voice startled me. "Lost, are we?"

I turned around to see a tall, handsome man with a strong jawline; he had a hint of beards that shadowed his cheekbones and a warm smoky sapphire set of eyes.

This had to be Lucas Louis.

"Uh, nope," I stuttered, forcing a smile. "Just making sure I'm at the right spot for the delivery."

He arched an eyebrow and had a hint of amusement playing in his eyes. "Delivery for me? Interesting. What is it?" he asked, still in amazement.

Thinking fast, I pulled out a fake invoice. "Special delivery, sir. A one-of-a-kind hand-blown Italian crystal vase, as per your order." I said, my hands shaking as I stretched to show him.

"You know, I was expecting a guest, and I thought perhaps she might have missed her way," he quipped.

"And... you've never met this guest before?" I asked, with fear washing all over me. I needed to leave as soon as possible, even though his charisma made me feel drawn to him.

He chuckled, a rich sound that sent shivers down my spine, both exciting and terrifying.

"Crystal vase, huh? Now that's interesting. Come on, I'll show you where to put it," he continued, like my question was irrelevant.

Panic surged through me. This wasn't good. Leading him to the artwork meant getting caught.

Time to improvise.

"Sir," I blurted, "company policy says I have to deliver these fragile items directly to the designated room."

He studied me for a moment, then shrugged.

"Alright. Lead the way then."

My mind raced. There was no designated room. As we walked, I faked a stumble.

"Oh no!" I yelped, clutching my ankle dramatically.

Lucas reacted instantly, catching my arm. "Whoa dear, you alright?" His touch sent a jolt through me. a confusing mix of fear and something else entirely. Attraction, I guess.

"Think I twisted my ankle," I whimpered, milking it for all it was worth.

"Here, sit down," he said, guiding me to a plush armchair on the landing. "Let me take a look." He said, his voice was tinged with concern. "You should probably ice it."

"Thanks," I gushed, forcing a smile. "I should probably get going anyway."

He nodded, his gaze lingering on me a bit too long.

"Maybe another time, then. We could chat...art." He gestured toward the fancy paintings on the walls. "I'm throwing an art gala next week. You seem to have an eye for the finer things."

My breath hitched. This man, the very person I was robbing, was inviting me to a party? The audacity was...charming.

"That sounds awesome, Mr. Louis," I said, my voice surprisingly steady. "But I'll be, uh, out of town."

A complete lie but escaping with a priceless painting seemed like a more pressing engagement.

He walked closer, each step was a silent nudge. My breath hooked as his warmth washed over me. He smelled amazing, like clean air and something sweet.

My fickle brain screamed, "Kiss him!" but the other half, the smart half, yelled, "Get caught!" Ugh, here we go again, my head in a battle.

The space between us was filled with tension, so thick that I could practically see it. Focus, Sophia!

"Call me Lucas," he said sweetly, breaking the tension I already felt in my stomach, and then he paused for a while, scanning me from head to toe, but nicely.

"If you reconsider, the offer stands." His voice was as sweet as chocolate, I wanted to lick it. Silly me, it's impossible to lick someone's voice.

With a final, lingering glance at his dreamy, smoky sapphire eyes, I mumbled "goodbye" and limped away, with feelings of excitement.

God, give me a chance to kiss this man.

********

A wave of nostalgia hit me on my way home, bringing Maya, my best friend, to mind. I had spoken to her about this ordeal the day Jack threw this task at me.

She had been my confidante from childhood; she had cried with me, laughed, and shared every possible memory with me.

Reaching my apartment, I gently placed the knapsack by my bed.

I fumbled for my phone, desperately needing to talk to Maya.

Hey Maya," I stammered, my stomach bubbling with worry. "Can we talk? It's important."

"Always, girl," Maya said, her initial excitement fading. "Spill it. How'd the, uh, mission go?"

The words caught my throat. "It went okay," I finally managed to say, with guilt hitting me hard.

"Okay? Soph, this is huge! You finally got free of Jack's debt, and your mom's treatment for dialysis depends on this." Maya's voice was firm, mixed with a hint of frustration. "You made the right decision."

"Did you even meet him?" Maya suddenly asked, quickly changing the subject.

"Yeah!" I blurted, excitement pounding in my chest. "And guess what? He's actually really nice, exactly my type. But someone like him wouldn't even look twice at a girl like me."

Maya burst out laughing. "Stop being ridiculous! You're gorgeous, Soph! Who wouldn't want to date you?"

I scoffed. "Come on, Maya, be real. I'm practically invisible. Besides, he invited me to an art gala."

"Hold on," Maya said, her voice covered in disbelief. "He what?"

"He invited me to an art gala," I repeated, suddenly nervous and excited at the same time.

"And you said no?" Maya blurted. "Why in the world not?"

"Because" I sighed, "it feels wrong to get close to someone I stole from, even if he is hot."

Maya made a grin I could practically hear over the phone. "He'll never suspect a thing. Go to that gala, girl!"

"I don't think so," I said hesitantly.

"Yikes! Maya replied, though I could hear the disappointment in her voice. "That's too bad but anything you say anyway."

"Thanks, Maya. Love you. Bye."

"Bye, Soph. And hey, change your mind anytime, okay?"

With a sigh, I hung up the phone, the weight of my decision heavy on my shoulders.

*****

Days flew by in a haze. News stations were all over the stolen da Vinci, cops were clueless, and Jack? Weirder than ever. Dude called me to congratulate me on a "sweet heist."

Except, the sweetness had turned sour in my stomach. Lucas was, like, super nice and totally didn't deserve this.

"Jack," I choked, guilt twisting my insides, "This feels messed up. Lucas-he's a good dude. I gotta give it back."

"No way!" Jack roared. "Don't even think about it. You mess with this; you're toast."

The line went dead. Jack wasn't playing. This was big trouble.

SOPHIA:

The night of the gala arrived.

Dressed in a borrowed dress that felt like a costume, I entered the mansion, there were lots of men and women in glittery dresses that spoke of class. I looked too odd to be here.

My eyes scanned the room, finally landing on Lucas. He looked even more handsome in a tuxedo; he had a smile that lit up his face when he saw me.

"Sophia! You came," he boomed over the music.

"Changed my plans," I winked, also struggling with the stolen art secret that was buried deep within me.

Wow," he whispered. "You look stunning," he said in a low voice that made my heart skip.

My cheeks burned with a blush so fierce that I forgot to say thank you. I offered a shy smile instead.

This guy was seriously hot! and a compliment like that, especially from him-well, let's just say it wasn't something I heard often. Especially not since Justin, my lying, cheating ex who dumped me for some imaginary "better" girl.

Blah.

Back to reality Soph, you have a whole package in front of you.

"Come," he said, gesturing towards where some art was displayed beautifully.

I followed him and then found myself drawn to a unique artwork. I've always had a thing for art though.

A fun fact about me.

Suddenly, a particular piece caught my eye. It wasn't anything I'd ever seen before. The brushstrokes seemed to convey a powerful emotion, a story waiting to be unraveled.

"Isn't this... The Unbreakable Thread?

I gasped, surprised by the name rolling off my tongue.

"Hmmm, you're right," Lucas said, a spark of surprise crossing his eyes. I could see the surprise in his eyes. I had impressed him.

Great!

"They say the artist was inspired by the fierce love between a mother and her child." He mused.

"I love the way she tells stories with her paintings," I said, brushing my fingers lightly over the surface. This particular piece reminded me so much of my mom and me.

"You have a fascinating way of looking at art," Lucas said, studying a shimmering Monet.

"It's like you can see the soul of the painting." His sapphire, smoky eyes held a spark that made my heart race.

"Maybe I just appreciate the stories they tell," I countered, brushing a finger along the cool surface of a Van Gogh.

"You're an enigma, Sophia," he murmured, his voice husky. "I can't wait to get to know you better."

I gave a low giggle, my face blushing all over.

Music swelled in the background, a slow song filling the air. Lucas extended his hand, giving me a silent invitation. My breath hooked.

"Dance with me," he gestured.

Damn! His voice. I could cum if he repeatedly talked like that to me in split seconds.

This was crazy.

Here I was, the girl who stole from him, about to dance with him. My hand trembled in his as we swayed to the music, and then a comfortable silence settled between us.

As the night wound down, Lucas leaned closer.

His eyes held mine, there was a spark of something deeper igniting within them. We were inches apart, the air threatened with unspoken desire. My heart began to beat very fast.

He leaned in close, his lips almost on mine. My heart went wild.

But then the words blurted out before I could stop them.

"I need to use the restroom!" I practically yelled, ruining what would have been, the very thing I had craved for. Kissing him.

He pulled back, confused. "Uh, yeah, of course," he stammered, pointing down the hall. "The little door there." He said, pointing towards a small door in the hall.

I got into the fancy restroom, looked at myself in the mirror, and gave a deep sigh.

As I turned to open the door, I stumbled on the floor and saw a huge figure standing before me. It was Lucas; he helped me up. Then things got weird.

He held me close to the wall and stared at my bare skin in a creepy way that made me feel dreamy.

"Is it just me, or do you fall every single time?" His voice was deep and sexy.

Oh my God, his voice was doing things. He needs to stop, or I might pounce on him.

I cleared my throat. "Umm," I gave a fake giggle. "No, that doesn't happen often... Yeah, so what are you doing here?"

I asked with so much curiosity.

What was he doing in the restroom?

"You spent so much time in here, came to check if you were alright."

His eyes, his lips, his jawline-they were calling my name!

Kiss me Lucas, my thoughts beckoned.

Lucas, as if reading my mind, leaned in and kissed me. His lips were surprisingly soft, and before I could fully register it, I found myself kissing him back. Then he whispered in my ears.

"I want to know more about you."

Our mouths moved slowly, and his hands dug down the neckline of my dress, trying to cup my breast with his broad palm.

I let out a sharp moan.

This is insane," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

A slow smile curved his lips. "Maybe," he murmured, "but incredibly tempting."

I had gotten so wet, hoping that there would be more, but Lucas pulled away slightly, adjusting his dress.

"This was nice, but I like to do things the right way and in the best places." He said, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Fuck! I'm so embarrassed. I feel so cheap.

What does that even mean?

"I'll be waiting for you in the hall," he said again, turning to go.

I just gave him a dumb nod. My brain went blank; I couldn't think of anything to say.

"Uh, yeah," I mumbled. He's such a gentleman. My ex would have torn me into pieces, digging so hard, right here and right now.

Ugh! I don't deserve this man.

Smoothing out my dress, I rejoined the party. Across the room, I spotted Lucas deep in conversation with a sophisticated woman who seemed to be in her late fifties. Her blonde hair was neatly styled in a classic bun.

As I got closer, Lucas caught my eye.

"So, mother," he exclaimed.

Oh, she's his mother. I realized.

"Meet Sophia; she's such a delight," he said as he introduced me with a gesture. There was a wide grin playing on his face.

His mom scanned me fiercely, and her face had a hint of disappointment. Probably I didn't look like wealth. Unsuitable for her son.

"Hmmm," she pouted.

"Would catch up with you later, Lucas," she said as she gave me a sharp eye and then walked away.

Lucas gave out a chuckle, and then he faced me. "Don't worry about her; she'll come around." He said, trying not to make it a big deal.

But I knew it was a big deal.

"I, uh, need to get going. My mom...well, she's not feeling well, and you know how it is with parents, right?" I said, stuttering heavily.

Guilt poked at me. It felt awkward to think that I had just stolen from this charming, kind man.

Every time I met his gaze, affection flared, making the whole situation feel even more wrong.

Deep down, I knew I owed him nothing but to return the artwork, and I was going to do it.

"Let's meet again, Sophia, tomorrow for dinner," he said with an attractive smile playing on his lips, his eyes full of charm.

I felt a sudden excitement all over me. Maybe this whole thing wouldn't be so bad after all. A great opportunity to return the artwork anonymously.

"Okay." I agreed, turning to go with an endless smile celebrating on my face.

Rushing in, I fired off a text to Sophia.

'I don't feel good about this theft. Maya, Lucas is a good man and doesn't deserve what I did to him. And... I think I like him. I have decided to return the artwork.'

A buzz came later with Maya's reply.

'Aww, That's beautiful. My best friend is in love with a billionaire. Just do you, Hun, if that makes you happy. I support you all the way. Xoxoxo'

That's it! That's all I needed.

With butterflies fluttering in my stomach, the next night arrived. Dressed to impress, I grabbed the artwork hidden in a bag.

Tonight, I'd return the stolen piece anonymously, then finally meet Lucas once more.

Just as I got to the mansion, I met the most shocking and terrifying shock of my life. Jack! Beside him, Lucas.

But it wasn't his presence that sent a cold shiver down my spine.

It was the raw hatred burning in Lucas' eyes, a hatred aimed directly at me.

My blood ran cold. Jack stood there, a cruel smirk twisting his lips. He held a familiar object-a small, black phone case. My phone case.

The one containing the laser pointer he had given me-the very tool I had used to unlock the door, to steal the Da Vinci artwork.

Sophia

There was a crackle of tension in the air. Jack, enjoying the chaos he had created, walked toward the open door with a sarcastic laugh that left his lips empty.

"Well, Mr. Louis," he drawled, "seems you have some... crucial matters to attend to." he said slyly.

He winked at me with a gesture dripping with malice before disappearing into the night.

Lucas stood behind a massive concrete Mahogany desk. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows that showed across the walls. He had turned around as I entered, leaving me to face his back. He couldn't bear to look at me. There was a deep silence that seemed to go on for eternity.

"Lucas," I finally managed to say, my voice barely a whisper.

He remained still for a bit longer, then slowly he turned back to face me. His sapphire eyes, usually warm and inviting, were now cold and distant.

He held up my phone case, the little red laser pointer glinting accusingly in the dim light.

"Sophia," he said, his voice had a mean tone that scared the hell out of me.

It wasn't anger, not yet. It was a cold disappointment that cut deeper than any rage could.

I felt very ashamed.

"I... I can explain," I stuttered, the words hooked my throat.

"Can you?" he challenged; his gaze unwavering.

"Explain why you lied to me, why you had to steal from me." Each word felt like a razor blade cutting through my body and piercing through the thin wall of lies I had built.

Tears gathered up in my eyes, blurring his sexy features. The guilt that had been gnawing at me for days now became a reality.

"I didn't mean to..."

"But you did," he interrupted, his voice hardening. "You not only betrayed my trust, but you betrayed the very thing you pretended to appreciate-art."

He gestured towards a wall not far away, from which hung an empty frame that mocked me for being empty.

There were no shouts, no threats. Just a sad awareness of the terrible consequences of what I had done.

"Please, believe me," I pleaded, my voice trembling. "I..." My voice cracked.

"I brought it with me," I managed, holding out the bag. "To give it back. I never intended to hurt you." A sob cut me off, tears flowing freely now.

Lucas leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers. "So, tell me, Sophia," he said, his voice regaining control, "what happens now?"

The weight of his question felt like a heavy bomb, I couldn't contain it.

The world I was beginning to construct in my head, which had Lucas and I in it, had just crumbled right before me, leaving me exposed and vulnerable.

Tears flowed down my face as I met his gaze, pleading for a shred of understanding and a little forgiveness.

"I don't know," I choked out, my voice filled with so much pain. It felt as if my heart was about to yank off.

Lucas simply watched me, his expression unreadable, leaving me hanging in uncertainty. And then, he nudged his head a little forward. He had a cruel smile twisted on his lips.

"So, this is what I get for opening myself up to you?" His voice was heavy with disgust.

"A common thief who deserves to rot in jail for the rest of your pathetic life!"

Fear washed through my body. The word jail echoed in my head. The very horrifying consequence I was totally afraid of. Panic choked my voice, so that I couldn't defend myself.

Lucas's rage emerged in the air. He looked at me with so much disgust as he scanned me.

I became even more frustrated now.

"I... I'm so sorry," I stammered, the words came out in a hopeless mess. It sounded like a broken record already.

But Lucas wasn't having it. "Sorry doesn't cut it!" he roared; his voice mixed with a dangerous tone.

"Do you have any idea what you've done? You tried to steal a priceless heirloom-a treasure passed down through generations in my family! My father's legacy!"

He leaned in, his face expressed with so much anger.

"Tell me, what were your plans for the money? A life on the run? Or maybe you had someone special to spend it with?" His voice dripped with sarcasm; each word was like a fresh knife twisted in my already gaping wound.

"Lucas, please," I rasped, my voice thick with emotion. "I know I messed up terribly. But you have to believe me, it wasn't about the money or the thrill. It was..." I paused, and then I continued. "I was just about to tell you everything about Jack..."

But my pleas fell on deaf ears. A harsh scoff escaped his lips.

"Spare me the excuses, Sophia! You're not only a shameless criminal, but a bloody liar too."

His words were so harsh that they left an imprint of shame on my soul. I was so embarrassed. The Lucas who looked at me with so much admiration now sees me as a common thief.

"But how would you know if you don't get to hear me out?" I said as I sank into my tears. I was crying heavily now.

But my tears wouldn't move him.

"Maybe you still have a chance to untangle this mess," he said with a tricky smile on his face.

My hope sputtered. "Anything," I blurted, desperate for redemption.

Lucas leaned in, and then he whispered, "You marry me."

The words hit me like a physical blow. Marry him? The punishment seemed absurd, yet the alternative was far worse. Going to jail.

"What?" I gasped, trying to digest what he had just said.

"Our marriage would shut down any gossip about what really happened," he explained, his voice lacking warmth.

"And then what happens to me?" I asked with every atom of surprise.

"Leave that to me," he interjects, mischief swelling in his eyes.

The truth of his words slammed into me. This wasn't about love or forgiveness. It was a cold, calculated move to protect his image at my expense and also to punish me. Shame burned hotter than ever, but it was replaced by the terror of jail.

Overcome with tears, I realized everything felt hopeless. Jack, with no regard for my mom's illness, had shattered my world.

The thought of her learning the news and the immense stress it would cause terrified me. I hated myself for it.

Lucas nudged forward, his gaze pinning me in place. "So, Sophia," he said, his voice a chilling whisper. "Jail or marry me? Choose wisely."

"Lucas, please," I choked out, my voice in a whisper. "There has to be another way. We can fix this, I swear."

Lucas chuckled so loudly that it scared me.

"Beggars do really have a choice, huh?" He scoffed. "You must be joking. I gave you only two options, Sophia," he pronounced my name with so much defiance in his voice.

"And you must choose one!" He yelled; his eyes red with rage.

And then I realized that Lucas had a way of controlling his emotions. He gave them out very little, and then snap! He holds them back. Just like when he kissed me.

"Lucas!" I sobbed. "Make me your servant; anything; give me the most dishonorable work; I'll do it." But I... can't marry you. I have a sick mother and I can't leave her alone." I beckoned.

"Alright then, jail is a better option for you; let's see how you get to take care of your sick mother." He mimicked mockingly.

I had a sudden rush of blood flowing through me. I had done this for my mother. It would break her heart to know all about my shady jobs, including this unfortunate one.

Stealing for puppeteers had been how I'd been covering her hospital bills and paying off my debt to Jack until he came up with this job. That manipulative bastard! He had outsmarted me to cover his dirty tracks. Just the moment I mentioned returning the artwork.

My thoughts had almost swallowed me before I checked back into reality, thereby breaking the tensed silence.

"Fine, I'll marry you," I said in a whisper. I couldn't believe this was going to be my fate.

"I don't think I heard you; be audible. I mean, you're brave, aren't you?" he asked sarcastically. It takes bravery to do what you did."

It was odd to hear mean words come out of Lucas's mouth, the same mouth he had kissed me with.

"I said, I'll... I'll marry you." The words felt so heavy on my lips.

I mean, this would have been an exciting thing to do if my cover wasn't blown up this way. I should have been the one to tell him and explain things to him.

"Good," he nodded in agreement. "I'll give you two days to get home, fix your shit with your mom and whoever, then come back here." He spoke.

Two days again? The same two days Jack had given me to steal that miserable artifact! Ugh! Seems two is a cursed number.

"If you try to run away, Sophia, I'll catch you, I promise. And when I catch you, I'll make sure I have you killed because jail would be me tempering justice with mercy." He said slowly, and everything in his eyes screamed that he meant it.

I cringed inwardly. I was overwhelmed. I just wanted the ground to swallow me.

"I won't run away," I replied.

"Good girl. I'll have the marriage documents prepared tomorrow. Now get out of here. Remember, two days, Sophia."

Leaving Lucas' office, my leg felt heavy, and I couldn't walk properly. I turned to give a last glance before closing the door, but he took his eyes away.

I had really failed him.