Chapter 7 The Dinner Trap

Sophia stood in front of the dining room doors, her fingers curling into the silk fabric of the dress she had been given. It was smooth, expensive, and hugged her body in a way that made her feel more exposed than protected.

The dress wasn’t a gift. It was a message.

A reminder that she was in his world now.

Taking a steadying breath, she pushed open the heavy double doors.

The dining room was breathtaking—high ceilings, golden chandeliers, and a long, polished table set for two. Only two.

Her stomach tightened.

Rafael was already there, leaning back in his chair like a king surveying his kingdom. His dark green eyes locked onto her immediately, piercing through her composure.

She forced herself to keep her steps even as she walked toward the table.

“You came,” he murmured, his deep voice smooth as silk.

Sophia met his gaze. “Did I have a choice?”

Rafael smirked, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his wine glass. “Not really.”

Her jaw clenched.

A servant pulled out a chair for her. She hesitated before sinking into it, keeping her posture rigid. Every nerve in her body screamed at her to be cautious.

The silence between them stretched, thick and heavy.

Rafael lifted the bottle of red wine and poured into her glass, the deep crimson liquid catching the candlelight.

“Drink,” he said.

Sophia’s eyes flickered to the glass, suspicion curling in her stomach.

Was it poisoned? Drugged?

Rafael chuckled, reading her hesitation. “It’s not laced with anything, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

She still didn’t move.

With deliberate slowness, he lifted his own glass and took a sip, his gaze never leaving hers.

“See?” he murmured.

Sophia exhaled softly, picking up her glass. The first sip burned down her throat, rich and velvety.

Rafael smirked, satisfied.

“You intrigue me, Sophia.”

She carefully placed the glass back on the table. “Why?”

He leaned forward slightly, the candlelight casting sharp shadows over his face. “Because you’re still fighting.”

A chill crept down her spine.

“You should be terrified,” he continued, voice laced with amusement. “You should be begging.”

Sophia’s stomach twisted.

That’s what he wanted.

He wanted her weak. He wanted her broken.

She lifted her chin. “I’ll never beg you for anything.”

The room fell into silence.

Then, Rafael’s smirk deepened. “We’ll see.”

The first course arrived—thinly sliced steak, perfectly cooked and arranged on a pristine white plate.

Sophia’s fingers tightened around her fork. Could she even eat in front of him?

Rafael watched her, waiting.

“You don’t trust the food either?” he teased.

Sophia glared at him. “Can you blame me?”

His smirk widened, but he said nothing, simply cutting into his own meal. He took a slow bite, the casual act making her even more uneasy.

Sophia exhaled, forcing herself to eat.

She needed strength. She needed a clear head.

And Rafael knew it.

“Tell me, Sophia,” he murmured after a moment. “Have you ever been in love?”

She blinked, caught off guard by the question.

“What?”

He tilted his head. “Love. Romance. That feeling that makes people do foolish things.”

Her throat tightened. “Why do you care?”

Rafael cut another piece of steak, his movements effortless. “I’m curious.”

Sophia hesitated.

“No,” she said finally.

Something flickered in his gaze. “Good.”

She frowned. “Why does that matter?”

His smirk returned. “Because I want to be the first.”

Her heart lurched.

Heat prickled her skin, not just from anger—but from something far more dangerous.

Something she refused to name.

The second course was served—roasted lamb with a side of truffle-infused potatoes. The air was thick with tension, an unspoken game being played between them.

Rafael reached for his wine glass again. “Do you know why you’re here, Sophia?”

She stiffened.

“I don’t mean in the ‘kidnapped’ sense,” he clarified. “I mean—do you know why you?”

Her hands curled into fists beneath the table.

“I have no idea,” she said, voice tight. “Why don’t you enlighten me?”

Rafael studied her for a long moment.

Then, he leaned back, swirling his wine. “Because you’re mine.”

Sophia’s breath caught.

A sick feeling settled in her stomach.

“You don’t own me.”

Rafael’s smirk was slow, dangerous. “Don’t I?”

Her blood turned to ice.

“I’ve been watching you for a long time, Sophia.”

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

“What?” she whispered.

His gaze burned into hers. “I knew you before you even knew yourself.”

She couldn’t breathe.

This wasn’t a random abduction.

This wasn’t a mistake.

Rafael had been planning this for a long, long time.