Whispers of Deceit, Echoes of Love

Chapter 23

The magnetic pull between them was undeniable, and the atmosphere seemed to thicken with anticipation. Steven, a dominant force with a commanding presence, couldn't help but feel a surge of desire for the woman standing before him.

Sophia felt her breathing cease for a few seconds before her heart took off in a gallop. She could not look away from Steven. His smoldering eyes kept hers captive. She felt his arms going to her waist, pulling her deeper into his body. She couldn’t stop glancing up at Steven with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The silence lingered until Steven broke it with a low, husky voice that sent shivers down Sophia's spine.

“Sophia,” Steven’s eyes searched hers. "Sophia, there's something between us that I can't ignore."

Sophia bit her lip, her heart racing, and she could feel the intensity of his gaze. "What do you mean, Steven?"

Steven's hand gently cupped Sophia's cheek, his touch both tender and possessive. His voice dipped into a seductive tone, carrying a hint of vulnerability beneath the dominant exterior. "I've been trying to fight it, but it's getting harder. There's a connection here, something we can't ignore."

Sophia felt a surge of heat as Steven's thumb traced the outline of her lips. The charged silence enveloped them, and Steven leaned in, his warm breath grazing her ear.

“Tell me to stop,” he whispered into her ear before he straightened up, his eyes darker.

Sophia bit her lip. Did she really want him to stop? Her gaze fell to his lips. She wondered how it would feel like for them to be pressed against hers. Would they be hard like the man himself or gentle and soft?

A tortured groan from Steven made Sophia snap out of her daydream. She shook her head to clear the fogginess before stepping back. “I-we can’t,” she whispered, her voice sounding foreign even to her own ears. She rubbed her hands over her thighs, fighting herself from reaching out to him and feeling his arms around her.

A tick on Steven’s jaw was the only indication of how he was feeling before giving her a small nod and a strained smile, “I am sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. Come, I promised you food.”

Sophia stayed rooted where she was, her eyes filling with tears, “I-”

“Oh, baby!” Steven shook his head and reached out to her. He pulled her into his arms, placing a chaste kiss on her forehead before engulfing her in his arms. “I never meant to make you cry. I moved too fast, and I am sorry. I should have known.”

Sophia shook her head, her face for the second time buried in his chest and her tears once again ruining his shirt. It’s not that,” she mumbled. She resisted his hand as it moved to smoothen her hair back so he could look at her.

“I can’t hear you like this,” Steven chuckled a bit as he gave up trying to force her to look at him.

Sophia shook her head again, her hands going around his waist as she tightened them. “Just hold me for a few minutes before we have to return to reality.”

Steven heard her this time and did exactly what she asked for. His arms wrapped themselves around her. As he held her close, he couldn't help but be drawn to the subtle nuances of her scent. The warmth of her body pressed against his, creating an intimate cocoon that seemed to amplify the natural fragrance that was uniquely hers. With a gentle inhale, he savored the essence of her being.

She carried a natural, inviting aroma that spoke volumes about her authenticity. It was a scent that couldn't be replicated, a captivating blend of clean skin and the soft, slightly sweet undertones that emanated from her. He marveled at the authenticity of her natural body odor, finding it strangely comforting and deeply alluring.

In the quiet embrace, his nose grazed the curve of her neck, where the scent of her skin mingled with a trace of lilies. The delicate floral notes, reminiscent of a summer garden, added an extra layer to her aroma. It was as if the fragrance of lilies had embraced her, leaving an enchanting trace on her skin.

Steven inhaled once more, closing his eyes and allowing the mingling scents to intertwine. It was a sensory symphony – her natural scent's earthy warmth harmonizing with lilies' floral grace. Each breath felt like an exploration, a journey into the heart of her essence, a place where intimacy and authenticity converged.

The touch of lilies on her body became a subtle, fragrant dance that complemented the natural beauty of their shared moment. In that embrace, he discovered a profound connection, where the simplicity of her scent, intertwined with the grace of lilies, created a symphony that resonated with the purity of their love.

Sophia moved a little, tears already drying. She knew she looked horrid, but she didn’t care as she looked up to the man whose arms made her feel safe, wanted, and cared for.

“Are you ok now?” Steven’s rumble made her smile a bit. She nodded before stepping completely out of his arms. “And now I am starved.”

Steven laughed, “Give me a minute to close up, and then we can get going.”

Sophia nodded as she sat down. She watched as Steven did a quick work of turning off his computer and the screens around it. He collected his keys and wallet from one of the drawers. Guilt started twisting itself in her stomach as she thought about how close they had been kissing. His words echoed in her head, no matter how hard she tried to block them.

She had never been attracted to older men; at least, she never thought about it. Eric had been her everything. She never had time for anyone else. But now, looking at Steven, she wondered if this was who she was.

“Ready?” Steven’s deep voice brought her back to the room.

Sophia blinked up at him before noticing the outstretched hand. Nodding, she got up, placing her hand in his. It felt so right to be held by him like that. “Steven,” she called for his name, though she was not sure what she wanted to say to him.

Steven, however, seemed to understand exactly what she wanted to say without words. He turned around, firmly holding her by her arms as his gaze held hers, “stop it. You tend to overthink things. Forget what I said earlier. That does not change what I offered you before.”

“But-”

“No, Sophia. I will be right here when you need a shoulder to cry on. I will still listen to you when you have to vent. None of that has changed,” Steven’s eyes searched hers. “Everything else is secondary. Do you understand me?”

Sophia nodded slowly, biting her lip as she fought to air her reservations.

“I need words, b-Sophia,” Steven told her.

“Yes,” Sophia replied, feeling shy because of Steven's intense look.

Steven cupped her cheek briefly before nodding and heading for his car. “I take it you did not drive?”

Sophia shook her head, “No. I left my car at the office.”

Steven looked at her briefly before leading the way to his car. “What time are you expected at the office tomorrow?”

“Around eight. I will Uber it there,” Sophia replied as she waited for him to open the door.

“Nonsense, I will drop you off,” Steven replied.

Sophia was about to shake her head at that but opted not to by the look on Steven’s face.

Steven chuckled, “Good. You are learning.” He was about to close her door when his phone started ringing. A frown marred his face when he noticed the name on the screen. Connecting it, he said, “Betty, everything ok?” Betty, his housekeeper, never calls him. She usually texted.

“Sir, I think you should come home. The Mrs is here requesting I let her in.”

“The Mrs?” Steven frowned, his gaze swinging to Sophia, who, though she was busy with her phone, could hear everything.

“Yes, sir. Mrs. Natasha.”