CHAPTER 2

Sophia sat comfortably in her plush, cream-colored armchair, surrounded by stacks of medical journals and textbooks.

The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm light over her workspace as she made notes on her latest project: developing an app to allow patients to seek consultations without visiting the clinic.

Her blue silk pajamas, adorned with delicate silver embroidery, shimmered subtly in the light, hugging her form with an elegance that spoke of understated luxury. A matching robe draped over the back of her chair, forgotten in the comfort of her research.

Her raven black hair tumbled in loose waves down her back, framing her serene face. She sipped her coffee, savoring the warmth, her pen moving swiftly across the paper as her mind raced with ideas. The room was quiet, save for the faint scratching of her pen and the occasional flip of a page.

The door to her study swung open, breaking the tranquility. Sophia glanced up, her lips curving into a warm smile as her father, walked in. It's always beautiful having her weekend spent over at her father’s place. The advantage that came with it was getting to see her father’s face and the disadvantage was being bagged in on every minute.

“Good evening, Dad,” she greeted with a smile, setting her pen down.

“How are you, my beautiful princess?” Her father’s deep voice carried a mix of affection and authority, his dark eyes studying her with a careful gaze.

“I’m fine,” Sophia replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “How was your day?”

“It was… eventful,” Her father said, his expression tightening ever so slightly. He stepped further into the room, his presence commanding. “Speaking of which, I wasn’t expecting you this weekend,” he added, his tone neutral but purposeful. “I have some news to share.”

Sophia paused on her track, and with a look of alarm, she watched her father’s lips keenly like she already knew what would come out of his mouth.

“I have arranged a meeting for you with someone.”

The smile that Sophia was trying so hard to keep vanished into the air.

Not again, Dad!” she exclaimed, sitting up straight. “I don’t want to meet anyone. Every time you set me up, it’s with one of your mafia lords. It never works out!”

Her father's expression softened, but his resolve remained firm. He reached for her hand, his voice lowering.

“You think I’m doing this for me, I want you to be married, to be protected, to have a family. These men can offer you that.”

Sophia pulled her hand back, her tone unyielding. “I don’t want protection from them. I want to marry someone calm, kind, and decent—a man who isn’t tied to your world.”

His jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin.

“You will do no such thing,” he said, his voice rising slightly.

“The last time you dated a calm man he broke you into pieces and it took me everything to pull you from the web he left you in.”

Sophia batted her lashes, shutting the thoughts away. They were bad memories and she didn’t need them at the moment.

“You will marry a man of class, a man of honor, a man who can protect you.”

“Dad, please listen!” Sophia’s frustration boiled over. “I’m tired of these arranged dates! They never work, and I’m done being forced into them! I will find a man father, please.”

Her father’s face darkened, his tone sharp.

“Enough, Sophia. This one is different. He’s a man of power and influence, a good man. He will provide for you, protect you.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed, her voice a mix of anger and curiosity. “What’s so special about this one, Dad? Why are you so insistent?” Her father’s stern gaze met hers. “I will not be questioned by you. You will attend the meeting, and that’s final.”

Sophia stood, her determination blazing. “I won’t do it, Dad,” she said firmly. “I’m not part of your world, and I won’t marry into it. I’m different, and you need to accept that.”

Grabbing her cream-colored robe and the keys to her sleek black Lamborghini Huracán, she stormed out of the house. The cool night air hit her face as she slid into the driver’s seat, her hands trembling with frustration. Driving always helped her clear her mind, and tonight was no exception.

The city lights blurred as she sped through winding roads, her thoughts racing faster than her car. She knew she’d have to attend the date, but she vowed it would be her last. She would meet the mysterious suitor, but she wouldn’t compromise her values.

Suddenly, her car sputtered and came to an abrupt halt, plunging her into silence. The once-familiar hum of the city seemed distant now. Sophia groaned, stepping out to investigate. The dark, desolate neighborhood offered little comfort. Shadows loomed, and the sparse streetlights barely pierced the night.

As she popped the hood, frustration mounting, two figures emerged from the shadows. Their tattered clothes and predatory grins sent a chill down her spine.

“Hey there, sweetheart,” one of them sneered, stepping closer.

Sophia’s heart raced. She screamed for help, but the night swallowed her voice. Her mind raced, searching for an escape, but the men were closing in.

Before she could react further, blinding headlights flooded the scene. A sleek black sports car screeched to a halt, and one of the attackers bolted into the darkness.

The remaining man barely had time to turn before a tall figure emerged from the car. Dante moved with deadly precision, his presence radiating authority. Within moments, he had the attacker pinned to the ground, tangling the guy's clothes against his neck, his movements swift and merciless as he threw hot punches at the guy. The sound of breaking bones and muffled cries filled the air.

Sophia stood frozen, her fear momentarily forgotten as she watched her savior in action. There was something magnetic about him, the way he commanded the scene with raw power and control.

When the attacker was reduced to a half-lifeless heap on the pavement, Dante straightened, his chest rising and falling with exertion. From afar, he had seen Sophia and he knew that since the day he marked her, no one would ever hurt her.

“What are you doing out here alone at this hour?” His voice was deep, firm yet gentle.

Sophia opened her mouth to respond, but her words faltered under his piercing gaze.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, stepping closer. His concern was genuine, his tone soothing.

As their eyes locked, time seemed to slow.

He turned to Sophia, his dark eyes softening as they met hers. Her siren blue eyes melted him, sinking him into her world. From a close end, this time. His eyes lingered around her face as he found himself captivated. She was unlike anyone he’d encountered—soft yet fiery, delicate yet resolute. His usual preferences for bold, intense women faded in her presence. There was something about her that intrigued him, something he couldn’t ignore.

Her plump lips called onto him and he desired for nothing but to pull her closer and slam his lips against hers, to kiss her hungrily and coil her petite body into his arms. She looked adorable in her beautiful slick nightwear but she would look good writhing underneath him. She will look good lying on his bed with a duvet wrapped around her body after a session with her. Dante bit on his lower lips, trying to pull himself out of his trance but there was something about Sophia who felt an unexplainable pull toward him.

His chiseled features and commanding presence stirred something within her. Her gaze wandered over his athletic frame, a 6’4 feet man with broad shoulders that would make perfect solace for her head. Her thoughts turned unbidden as she imagined sinful thoughts—what it would feel like to trail her fingers over his strong arms. What would it feel like to have his lips against hers.

A car moved past, pulling them out of their trance. Dante gestured for Sophia to get into his car. “I’ll handle your car,” he said, pulling out his phone to summon one of his men.

The walk to her car was charged in silence. Sophia rested In her chair watching Dante who secured her car till his men came and arranged it .

“Thank you. I owe you one.” Sophia appreciated and Dante nodded. He leaned against his car, watching her drive away.

The drive home was peaceful and Sophia relished in the gentle background song that played in the car, replaying the night’s event with Dante and cursing him slightly for not requesting her card.

Dante sat on his black couch with a glass of wine in his hand. As he swirled the wine gently in the glass cup, the thoughts of Sophia filled his mind. He didn't get her name but he had found her—the woman whose image has been haunting his thoughts. He had found her and he wasn’t letting go.