Off To A Hotel

SOFIA'S POV

We drove around the city in silence as the low hum of the car's engine filled the space between us.

My hands still shook. The worn-off adrenaline left a dull throb in my fingers and the strains in my legs made it hard to appreciate the car's soft leather seat.

Ever so often, I could feel his piercing eyes checking on me. He was probably thinking I was a psychotic bitch. A violent little stray he picked up off the street.

'Good. Let him think that.' After all, that was the least of my concerns right now.

I had just beaten up my landlord. The weight of that realization pressed against my chest, but before I could even begin to process it, Rios's voice cut through the silence.

"I don't mind you getting your hands dirty, but next time, let me handle it."

That only intensified my annoyance. "You saw me there, Rios. I don't need a savior."

"You bet," he said, smirking. "You almost killed him."

I rolled my eyes at him. I did not like how he inserted himself into my already chaotic life. And now, he's treating me like a fragile little thing.

"Just so you know, I'm used to trouble and challenges, Mr. Alcaraz. I can protect myself."

And yet, deep inside, a part of me—the part I refused to acknowledge—felt strangely safe at his insistence. And I despised that feeling.

"Just stop being stubborn, Sofia." His tone was calm, almost amused. "You're twenty-four. Struggling. I can help you."

 My stomach twisted again. How on earth did he know about my age? Who was this man… really? I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. "You're a creep. Do you realize how crazy you sound? It seems like you hired a private investigator to dig into me."

 But the bastard did not even deny it. He only chuckled in that low, wealthy sound, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

 "Don't overthink it, Sofia, and don't be ridiculous."

Before I could demand an answer, the car slowed. My eyes flicked to the window, my breath hitching at the sight. We were pulling into the parking lot of an expensive hotel. The moment the car rolled to a stop, two people were already waiting for us; a butler in a sharp black suit and a woman, dressed in an elegant uniform.

The butler gave a slight bow as we got out of the car. "Mr. Alcaraz," he greeted.

Meanwhile, the woman smiled politely before her eyes flicked toward me. Her calculating gaze showed an utter confusion. I crossed my arms, suddenly aware of the worn-out pajama shirt I was wearing. Of course, I didn't belong here, and we both knew it.

I turned to Rios, lifting my chin. "No. I'm not staying here."

But he did not even look at me.

"Rios, listen to me… I am not staying in this expensive hotel. Just take—"

The sudden ring of his phone cut me off. With a flick of his hand, he answered his phone and dismissed me outright.

 Unbelievable.

The hotel staff remained still and patient. Like they were used to powerful men like Rios Alcaraz making decisions without a second thought.

Feeling frustrated, my eyes drifted to the exquisite building behind us. Judging from the chandeliers and the sleek marble floors, this towering hotel probably cost more than my entire life savings. Not that I had any savings since living in the city was expensive. Nevertheless, the building was breathtaking. I wanted to hate it. But I didn't. And that only made me more annoyed. Before I could spiral any further, I felt his presence beside me again. He had finished his call. Rios tucked his phone into his pocket and exhaled sharply. "The butler and Miss Clair will take care of you."

I turned to him, already shaking my head. "Rios! You cannot just leave me here!"

"Sofia, stop being so clingy."

"Jerk!" I exclaimed, stomping my feet in frustration. I could still hear him chuckling as he walked back to his car. Even the butler and the hotel staff looked visibly confused but I did not mind them anymore.

"Wait—" I said as I tried to follow him, but the engine already roared to life before speeding away. I stood there, completely devastated and so mad at myself for getting tangled in this mess.

The butler finally spoke, his voice polite but firm. "Shall we, Miss?"

Miss Clair also gestured toward the entrance with a professional smile. I let out a slow, controlled breath, my body still tense. I hated how easily he had made this decision for me. I hated how trapped I felt. But most of all, I hated the truth that I couldn't deny. I had nowhere else to go.

With stiff shoulders and reluctant steps, I followed them inside.