Chapter 14

Sophia wasn't sure how it happened, but suddenly, Alexander was there. Closer than before, his warmth seeping into her skin, his touch light but deliberate.

She should step back.

She should say something—anything—to break the tension crackling in the air.

But she didn't.

Because for the first time in years, she didn't want to run.

Alexander's gaze flickered to her lips before meeting her eyes again, searching. "Sophia," he murmured, his voice deep, hushed. "Tell me to stop."

She should.

She could.

But instead, she whispered, "I don't want you to."

A slow, knowing smile played on his lips, and then—gently, like he was giving her a chance to change her mind—he closed the distance.

The kiss was soft at first, careful. His lips pressed against hers with a patience that made her heart ache. He wasn't taking—he was giving. Letting her decide how far, how deep, how much she was willing to let go.

Sophia exhaled against him, her fingers gripping his shirt as she pulled him closer. And just like that, the restraint snapped.

Alexander groaned low in his throat, his hands sliding around her waist, pulling her flush against him. He kissed her deeper, slower, like he had all the time in the world to unravel her.

And maybe he did.

Maybe for the first time, she could trust someone to stay.

But then, reality crashed back in.

Leo.

Ryan.

The complicated mess she was still untangling.

Sophia pulled back abruptly, her breath ragged. "I—I can't do this. Not right now."

Alexander studied her, his gaze unreadable. Then, after a beat, he nodded. "Okay."

No frustration. No pushing. Just… understanding.

Sophia swallowed. "It's not that I don't—"

"I know." He reached up, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "I'll wait, Sophia. As long as you need."

Her chest ached. "You make it sound so easy."

"It's not," he admitted with a smirk. "But you're worth it."

Her heart stuttered.

She had no words for that.

So she simply nodded, taking a step back, even though every part of her wanted to stay in his arms just a little longer.

Alexander didn't try to stop her.

He just smiled, like he already knew—sooner or later, she wouldn't be able to walk away.

Sophia had spent the night tossing and turning, her mind replaying every second of her moment with Alexander. The warmth of his hands, the way he had looked at her—as if she was the only thing that mattered.

And the worst part?

She had wanted it. Wanted him.

But wanting and allowing were two different things.

The next morning, she forced herself to focus on work, drowning in spreadsheets and emails. But even as she sipped her coffee, Alexander's deep voice echoed in her mind.

"I'll wait, Sophia. As long as you need."

A knock at the door startled her.

She set down her mug, smoothing the wrinkles from her blouse before answering.

It wasn't Alexander.

It was Ryan.

Her heart dropped. "What are you doing here?"

Ryan leaned against the doorframe, looking almost casual, but she could see the tension in his posture. "You didn't return my calls."

Sophia crossed her arms. "I told you I needed time."

"I know," he said, running a hand through his hair. "But I can't just sit around waiting. I want to be in Leo's life, Sophia. I meant what I said."

She sighed, exhaustion creeping into her bones. "Ryan, I'm trying to figure this out. I won't just let you waltz back in and play father when it's convenient for you."

His jaw tightened. "It's not convenient. It's right."

She shook her head. "You don't just get to decide that. I have to decide what's best for Leo. And right now, I don't trust you."

Ryan's eyes darkened. "Is this about him?"

Sophia froze. "What?"

"Alexander Knight." His voice dripped with resentment. "The billionaire who suddenly can't stay away from you. Is he the reason you won't even consider giving me a chance?"

She clenched her fists. "Alexander has nothing to do with this."

Ryan let out a bitter laugh. "Really? Because from where I'm standing, it sure looks like he does."

Before she could respond, another voice cut through the tension.

"If you have a problem, I suggest you take it outside."

Sophia turned sharply.

Alexander.

He stood at the edge of the hallway, dressed in a dark suit, his expression unreadable but his presence impossible to ignore.

Ryan's lips curled. "Of course."

Sophia exhaled, stepping between them. "Enough." She looked at Ryan. "Leave. Now."

Ryan hesitated, his gaze flickering to Alexander one last time before nodding stiffly. "Fine. But this isn't over."

He walked away, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

Sophia turned to Alexander, her heart still pounding. "You didn't have to do that."

His dark eyes met hers, unwavering. "I protect what's mine."

A chill ran down her spine. "Alexander—"

He stepped closer, his voice low. "Tell me I'm wrong."

She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Because deep down, she knew—

She didn't want him to be wrong.