Chapter Five

Sophia’s breath hitched, her cheeks flushing as his words hung heavily in the air. “What do you mean?” she stammered, though the lust in his eyes told her everything she needed to know. "I want you, Sophia," Victor said, his eyes darkened with desire.

Sophia shook her head immediately, stepping back. “No. I’m not that kind of woman,” she said firmly, her tone sharp. 

Victor sighed, “I know. I know you’re not,” he said, his voice softening. “And that’s not what I meant.” 

Her brows furrowed, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. 

Victor hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. “You see, Sophia, I’ve never been in a real relationship before. I’ve never had… what it feels like to be loved by someone like you.” He stepped closer, his voice dropping, carefully as he used her expression to guide his words. 

Sophia’s breath quickened as the space between them shrank. She could feel the warmth of his body, the faint scent of his cologne clouding her thoughts. 

“That’s what I want,” he continued, his gaze fixed on her,  making her heart flutter,  “Your time, your attention. Even if it’s just pretend. And maybe, just maybe, more, if you choose to give it. But only on your terms.” 

Sophia stiffened, her thoughts racing. Was he serious? A fake relationship in exchange for protection? 

Victor broke the silence, his tone firmer now. “Six months,” he said. “I’ll help you take back everything you’ve lost. Your company, your freedom everything. All I ask in return is a taste of what it’s like to be close to you.” 

his words made her heart flutter, her breathing quicken as she adjusted her stance. The proposal sounded absurd, but her instincts told her there was sincerity in his voice. And if he had wanted to harm her, he had plenty of chances. 

“Fine,” she said at last, her voice low. “But let me be clear.” Her eyes locked on his, hard. “Don’t ever think you can take advantage of me. Cross a line, and this deal is off. Do you understand?”  she threatened knowing fully well she didn't have any upper hand.

Victor nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Understood,” he said, extending his hand, his expression honest,  “So… do we have a deal?” 

Sophia hesitated, her gaze lingering on his hand as she tried to steady her nerves. Finally, she reached out, her grip firm. “Deal,” she said.

Victor’s smile widened slightly. “Well,” he said, his tone lightening. “I guess we better get started.”

"I’ll leave you to freshen up," Victor said, gesturing toward the wardrobe. "There’s a dress in your size in there, and a phone with my contact saved on the bedside table." His gaze shifted briefly to the table before returning to her. 

"Once you’re ready, just call me. I’ll come over, and we can discuss the plan," he instructed. 

Sophia nodded, watching silently as Victor turned and walked out. 

Outside the door, Victor was met by Alex, who stood waiting, his expression stern. "What are you doing, boss?" Alex asked, his tone edged with disapproval. 

Victor raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "What do you mean?" he replied casually, brushing past Alex and strolling down the grand hallway of the mansion. 

Alex followed closely, his voice lowering but still sharp. "I don’t like this, boss. I don’t think being around that girl is safe for you," he said, his concern evident. 

Victor chuckled softly without breaking stride. "And I don’t remember asking for your opinion," he said dismissively, heading toward his office. 

Still determined, Alex quickened his pace to keep up. "I know you didn’t, but as your friend and bodyguard, I’m advising against this. You have work to do, an empire to run! You shouldn’t be running around playing bodyguard for some woman," Alex said, his frustration seeping into every word. 

Victor ignored him, entering his office and walking straight to the desk. He sat down, turned on his computer, and began typing, his focus shifting to a background check on the Smiths. 

"This isn’t safe, boss!" Alex’s voice rose, his frustration spilling over. 

Victor looked up from the screen, his expression calm but his tone firm. "It’s just six months," he said. As he leaned back in his chair, his voice softening. "Don’t I deserve a little happiness for six months? Just six months of something I have longed for, after that I stay away from her forever" 

Alex’s eyes narrowed, his voice now tinged with anger. "This is what I’m talking about! She’s already making you weak. You’re not thinking straight," he spat. 

Victor’s expression hardened, though he remained silent, his thoughts drifting to the brief moments he’d shared with Sophia, how she always made him feel. 

"What happens if she finds out who you really are?" Alex pressed, his words cutting through Victor’s reverie like a blade. 

The question snapped Victor out of his trance. His gaze darkened as he stared at Alex, a flicker of fear flashing in his eyes. "She won’t," he growled, his tone dangerously low. 

But even as he said it, a  prayer ran through his mind. 'i pray she never finds out. She can never know what I am… or what I represent in her life.' Victor prayed.