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09. A Breakfast, A Bath, and Another Problem

Author: Jiceryl
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-01 20:24:54
SOFIA’s POV

A deep, perfect kind of warmth wrapped around me as I drifted between sleep and waking. For the first time in my 24 years of existence, my body felt light, my mind clear, like I had finally, finally gotten the kind of rest people always raved about.

Unfortunately, all the hairs on my body automatically stood up the second I realized I wasn’t on my bed!

Panic settled in as my eyes snapped open. At first, I had no idea where I was. Plush white sheets, a thick comforter, and a floral scent in the air. My fingers curled around the silky fabric, my pulse picking up as flashes of last night pieced themselves together. I groaned as I buried my face in my hands. Right. The landlord. His slimy, grabbing hands. The rage that burned through me. My fists connected with his gut, his ribs, his face.

And then, that man, Rios Alcaraz.

The memory of him standing over me hit me like a splash of cold water. I sat up, the sheets pooling at my waist, and glanced around. Still, there was no sign
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