Thanks for reading guys. xoxo. Lisa Salman-author
Sophia pov:As we were having our breakfast, the tension between us was palpable. It was the first time we had eaten together in what felt like ages, except that last anniversary dinner and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at the thought of finally being able to enjoy a meal in peace.For some reason, Rowan had stopped attending our family reunions in the summers a long time back.The stress and anxiety of the past few months had taken a toll on me, and right now I was grateful for this opportunity to unwind.But even as I savored each bite of my breakfast, I couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of unease that lingered at the back of my mind. It had been one year since I last ate anything in the morning, and the mere thought of food made my stomach churn.I used to avoid eating and drinking in the mornings because I knew I would be cuffed and won’t get a chance to visit the bathroom.I couldn't help but think back to the time I spent with Colter in the past year. I used to
Sophia pov:“Yes, I am Sophia. And … no!” I smiled unsure of myself, “You haven’t disturbed me at all. Thanks to these soundproof walls.” “Yeah,” he extended his hand for a handshake, “Hello. I am Ryan,” I shook his hand finding him sweet because he did not stare at me due to my facial wounds. Turning around, he twisted the door handle and opened the bedroom door. “Guys. See, who is here.” Quite hesitantly, I followed Ryan into the bedroom and was surprised to find a group of young people already there. Two girls and three guys, to be exact. Including Rowan. They all turned to look at us as we entered. As soon as Rowan found me entering inside, he stood up grinning at me. "Hey guys, this is THE Sophia," Ryan said mischievously, gesturing to me. "We are Justin’s friends, Sophia. Sorry for crashing unannounced. The girl with a small ponytail is Kim," he pointed to one of the girls, "and the other two are Mike and Mia." I kind of knew their faces. While stalking Rowan’s profile I di
Sophia pov:I was tossing and turning in my bed. For getting up early morning, I skipped my sleeping pill but now this light throbbing pain in my jaw was not letting me sleep.“Sophie?” I saw Rowan leaning against the door frame wearing boxers.Only in boxers.“Yes, Rowan?” I sat up and started pulling my hair in a bun, “how can I help you?” I asked like a professional receptionist making him chuckle.“I wish you could help me…” I heard him muttering and my hands paused in my hair.“What did you say?”“Nothing. Why are you not asleep yet?” he came inside and instead of walking to the edge of the bed, he went to the other side and fell on his face beside me.“Nothing. There is this slight pain here,” the moment the words were out of my mouth, he was at once sitting up with a frown.“Show me,” he came closer walking on his knees. I quickly fixed the neckline of my sleeping dress and pulled the quilt to my neck. Also, I tried my best to ignore those powerful thighs …Hell!“Did you take
Sophia’s pov:Most of the stuff I had packed for the beach belonged to Maria. Rowan insisted that we could go shopping after reaching our destination, but I didn’t agree.I was already a freeloader in his family hotel. Eating his food, wearing his sister’s clothes, getting his time, and last night I even used his chest to place my head.Urgh. Don’t think about it, Sophie. Stop thinking about his chest. He is younger. Remember? He is younger than you.“Sophie,” I was stuffing Maria’s clothes in the bag when I heard him behind me. He was wearing a formal white shirt with black office pants.“Are you sure we are going to the beach, Rowan?” I tried teasing him.“Yes. Let me remind you we will be shooting a documentary too,” he said busily and started wearing his shoes.“Did you take your medicine, princess?” he asked me while wearing the wristwatch.“Yes, Rowan.”“Have you kept extra medicine for our stay?”“Yes, Rowan.” I again responded mechanically.This time he chuckled and kissed my
Sophia povKim didn’t look happy with the setting, but Rowan didn’t seem to give a damn about it. He held my hand in the backseat, and I could feel the smile tugging on the corner of his lips even when he was looking out of the window.I didn’t know if I was ready for the next relationship, but I wanted to get rid of Colter. No more abuse.And I wanted to be friends again with Rowan. Or maybe something more. He had been offering me to call him for help even when I hadn’t started experiencing abuse at the hands of Colter.It would be unfair to Rowan, to let him think that I am doing it because of him. Which was half true. Yes. But what about the other half?His emotions which could never budge me since childhood had started affecting me in ways. Maybe I was getting the love and care from him that I had been craving from Colter.I looked up when I felt him squeezing my hand. Ryan was chatting endlessly. It was Kim who had gone suddenly quiet.She did turn her head once or twice and foun
Sophia pov Rowan frowned looking at me when he heard knocking on my room door. “Yes!” sitting on the bed, I leaned back a little responding to the knock. I raised my head again so that Rowan could keep applying ointment on my face. In my peripheral vision, I saw Kim and Mia coming inside, a little taken aback by Rowan’s presence in my room. “We wanted to take you for some girly time,” I heard Mia, “Some booze, music and dance and …” She winked but didn’t finish it, but I was aware she wanted to say ‘boys’, “So, Sophie? Are you up to it?” Kim asked me but her eyes were following Rowan. Rowan was blowing on my face softly after every dab of the cotton bud. “Why not!” I said excitedly. It had been a long time since I went out solely for myself. Both the girls seemed impressed when they found their gorgeous friend taking care of me. Even Kim could not bring much bitterness into her voice. “Don’t you think tonight you should take a sleeping pill and go to bed? You already skipped i
Sophia’s povHis lips were just above mine. His one hand was stroking upwards dangerously on my thigh skin just near my panty line.Looking at his face, I managed a small smile and licked my lower lip to wet it. His eyes followed the small action, and he gulped down hard.“Ar… are you sure, Sophie?” his voice was a hoarse whisper.“Very much,” I said excitedly. His green eyes were roaming on my face with so much hunger.“You don’t need to worry about it, Rowan. I know what I am getting into. Plus, I am also an adult now. Not that stubborn teenager!”The closeness of his lips was making me feel the intensity of his desire in the air. His touch sent shivers down my spine as his hand moved slowly and dangerously upwards. I could sense the hesitation in his actions, the unspoken question hanging in the air.But when his hand finally made its way under my dress, his eyes widened in surprise. I had made a deliberate choice of not wearing my panty, and his discovery only heightened the inten
Sophia pov:“You look happy, Sophia,” Mia told me in a low whisper, and I could not help it when I felt my cheeks turning crimson.We all were in the dining hall of the hotel for our breakfast, “I am just happy. It’s after so many days that I got the chance to go out overnight with such great company.” I shrugged with an over-brightened smile and tried to act nonchalant. I needed to convince her that the happiness wasn’t because of Rowan.Which was a lie for sure.I couldn’t tell her, what Rowan and I did last night.As I glanced around the room, I noticed Rowan and Kim wandering near the buffet table. Their closeness did make me slightly uncomfortable, especially when Rowan was throwing those meaningful glances my way. I focused on the lemon tart on my plate, pretending not to notice.Just then, a plate of mushroom omelet magically appeared before me. Startled, I looked up to find Rowan standing there, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He took a seat opposite me because Mia was alread