16. Sofia

16

SOFIA

I slip my key into the front door, wincing at every tiny sound. My body aches in the most delicious ways, but the moment I saw Paulie’s in my driveway, sheer panic set in. Sure enough, he’s sitting in my living room, illuminated by a single lamp.

“Where were you really?” His voice cuts through the darkness.

I clutch my purse tighter. “I told you, I was at Sasha’s. We had wine and fell asleep watching movies.”

“Funny.” He stands, towering over me. “Because I drove by Sasha’s place. Her lights were off all night.”

My heart hammers against my ribs. “We were in her basement. You know how we like our movie marathons dark.”

“Don’t lie to me.” His fist slams against the wall, making me jump. “You smell like carnival food and cheap beer.”

“I went to the carnival earlier with Sasha. We got hungry.” The lies flow easier now, but my hands shake. “You’re being paranoid again, Paulie.”

“Paranoid?” He laughs, but there’s no humor in it. “Your father arranged this marriage to unite our families. Do you understand what’s at stake here?”

“Of course I do.” I try to steady my voice. “I’ve never given you a reason to doubt me.”

“Then why are you sneaking around in the middle of the night?” He steps closer, his cologne overwhelming.

I force myself to relax, knowing getting defensive will only worsen things. “You’re right, I should have called. I lost track of time with Sasha. We were just having a girls’ night.”

“Baby, I worry.” His expression softens, and I seize the opportunity.

“I know you do.” I place my hand on his arm, suppressing a shudder. “But I promise, it was just movies and junk food.”

Paulie’s shoulders drop, the tension leaving his frame. “Next time, just let me know where you are. I don’t like not knowing.”

“Of course.” The words taste bitter on my tongue. “I’ll text you next time.”

“That’s my girl.” He pulls me against his chest, and I force myself not to stiffen. His lips descend on mine, harsh and demanding. The kiss feels wrong—all teeth and tongue, nothing like Tyson’s passionate embrace that set my body on fire. Where Ty’s kisses made me melt, Paulie’s made my skin crawl.

I endure it, thinking of Tyson’s gentle touches, his skilled mouth, and how he made me feel beautiful and desired. Paulie’s hands grip my waist too tight, his stubble scratches my chin, and his tongue probes my mouth like he’s searching for something.

When he finally pulls back, I must stop myself from wiping my mouth. “See you tomorrow?” he asks.

“Tomorrow,” I agree, counting the seconds until he leaves.

The door clicks shut behind him, and I lean against it, releasing a shaky breath. My lips still tingle unpleasantly from his kiss, and I can’t help but compare it to the electricity I felt with Tyson. With Ty, every touch was magic, every kiss an adventure. With Paulie, it’s just... obligation.

I slide down against the door, my hands trembling from Paulie’s visit, when my phone buzzes. My heart skips as Tyson’s name flashes across the screen.

Why the fuck did you sneak out? I wasn’t finished with you. I had plans to wake you up in the morning with my cock.

Heat floods my cheeks, and my body responds to his words despite my exhaustion. I bite my lip, remembering how he felt inside me just hours ago. My fingers hover over the keyboard, but before I can respond, another message appears.

You better have a good explanation. I don’t like waking up to an empty bed .

I glance nervously at the door, half-expecting Paulie to burst back in.

Paulie showed up at my house. Had to get back before he got suspicious.

I type back.

Fuck him. Should’ve stayed with me where you belong.

My thighs clench at his possessive tone.

I know. But I couldn’t risk it. He was already here when I got home.

Did he touch you?

I hesitate before answering truthfully.

He kissed me.

Three dots appear and disappear several times before his response comes through.

Next time you’re in my bed, you’re not leaving until I say so. And I’ll make sure you forget all about his pathetic kiss.

I press my legs together, trying to ignore the ache between them. “Ty...” I start typing, but another message cuts me off.

Get some sleep, baby girl. But don’t think we’re done here. Not even close .

I’m too wired to sleep, so I run a hot bath instead. As I sink in, my thoughts race. Steam rises around me as I trace the marks Tyson left on my skin – delicate bruises that tell stories of passion I never knew existed before him.

My engagement ring catches the bathroom light, a constant reminder of my mess. Paulie’s earlier visit replays how close I came to getting caught. One slip, one wrong move, and this whole house of cards comes crashing down.

My father’s voice echoes in my mind.

Family first, always.

The marriage to Paulie isn’t just about me. It’s about alliances, power, and peace between two volatile families. If anyone discovers I slept with Tyson...

I shudder, remembering stories of people who crossed my father or Paulie: bodies found in rivers, mysterious disappearances, families torn apart. My father may love me, but business is business. And Paulie? His toxic possessiveness already shows in the way he grips my arm too tight and how his eyes narrow when other men look my way.

Then there’s Tyson himself. He’s dangerous in his own right. I’ve seen the darkness in his eyes and felt the controlled violence in his touch. The carnival isn’t just Ferris wheels and cotton candy. I know his business with my father is illegal.

I slide deeper into the water, my heart heavy. I’m playing with fire from all sides. If Paulie discovers my betrayal, his rage will be explosive. If my father finds out I’m sleeping with one of his suppliers... The thought makes me nauseous. And Tyson? He’s already showing signs of possessiveness that both thrill and terrify me.

Yet despite knowing all this, my body still hums with desire when I think of him. My skin craves his touch. He makes me feel alive, wanted, and beautiful, which is addictive. But at what cost? How long before jealousy, business, or family loyalty turns this passion play into a tragedy?