001

Sophia’s POV

Nothing good ever came from right swiping on a guy standing in front of an expensive item on a dating app. Double-fed flags if he said his name was Todd.

I should have known better, yet there I was, sitting alone in a charming New Orleans coffee shop, waiting for my supposed date who was now running thirty minutes behind. I knew it was foolish to wait for someone I barely knew, but he represented a temporary reprieve from my suffocating life.

After weeks of secretly planning my escape to experience a taste of freedom with him, his tardiness was not only infuriating but also threatening to ruin my plans. 

And if my grandfather were to find out, especially when I should be honing my skills with his men, learning to throw knives and embracing my family's legacy... l'd be dead meat.

My grandfather, Emilio, had brokered a high-stakes deal with rival, Dominique, who had challenged him for the title of Don. Normally, my grandfather would have swiftly eliminated such a threat, but Dominique was a valuable asset. 

So, without consulting me, my grandfather confidently agreed to a deal: if he lost, I would be handed over to Dominique, and if Dominique lost, his head would be served to my grandfather as punishment for daring to challenge him.

Given my family's reputation and power, I should feel safe. My grandfather and father love me dearly, and their actions show it - the way they look at me, raise me, and care for me. 

Yet, over the past few weeks, I've noticed more worry lines on their foreheads than when they've lost millions in business. And I can't shake off the feeling of unease. 

I knew deep down that this was all

because of me. I'd overheard my dad arguing with my granddad multiple times about why he'd accept such a reckless challenge. The deadline was tomorrow, and then I'd be handed over like a possession to a man who might not even treat me with respect.

I wanted to make the most of my last bit of freedom, tick off every wild fantasy on my list, and have some fun my way before that happened. But this guy was wasting my time. I could have ticked off a good amount from my list by now.

I checked my phone again, hoping for a response from him, but there was nothing. 'Forget it, I muttered to myself, grabbing my jacket and downing the last of my coffee before rushing out popped back in to leave a hundred-dollar tip, calling out 'Keep the change!' as I hurried off.

With no particular destination in mind, I hailed a cab and gave the driver a vague instruction to 'just drive. I was desperate to escape the monotony of my situation, and the endless waiting was suffocating me.

But my attempt at mystery was quickly shut down by the driver's gruff response:

"Ain't no movie thing happening here, Missy, That phrase is gonna cost you a shit ton of money. Tell me where you wanna go, or get out!"

My cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment as I realized my mistake. I had grown up watching movies and reading books, since l was deprived of any real contact outside my father and Granddad's mansion.

Those stories were my only window to the world, and I guess I thought that's how it worked in real life too. But this was no romantic comedy, and I needed to get a grip.

I pulled out a crisp bundle of $50 notes and peeled off half, sliding it into the driver's view. “That enough to keep me going?” I asked, hoping to salvage the situation.

The driver's expression changed from skepticism to surprise, and & huge grin spread across his face as he eyed the money. "Ma'am, if you wanna use me as your personal ride till tomorrow, I've got you!" he exclaimed. 

I wasn't sure if he was joking or serious, but I played it cool, telling him to give me a minute, and I'd give him a location soon.

As we drove, I aimlessly scrolled through my phone, my fingers stumbling upon my Maps app. 

On a whim, I selected a random location that seemed obscure enough to ensure I wouldn't be easily found. At least, not until I had partied enough to shake off the frustration and anxiety that had been building up inside me.

We arrived at the location, and the cab driver dropped me off with a nod.

Before he drove away, he handed me his card.

"If you need me, I'll be just a call away, he said with a wink. 

I pocketed the card, not wanting to dispose of it in case someone was watching.

Then, I set off on foot, taking in my surroundings.

According to my phone Maps, this place had a dismal rating, which suited me just fine. It meant that my dad and grandfather would never think to look for me here.

With nothing fun in sight, I stopped walking and began reflecting on the awfulness of my day. I started ticking off all the unexpected mishaps that had occurred - things that were definitely not on my to-do list.

Get stood up by a Todd? Check.

Get caught in a sudden downpour with no umbrella in sight, halting my progress towards my goals? Check.

(Five percent chance of rain, my ass.)

At least I was ticking something. | closed my eyes, mentally preparing to dash into the rain. If that was the only thrill I'd get to experience today, so be it. 

But as I opened my eyes and decided to make a run for it, my forehead collided with a hard, chiseled chest.

The impact sent me stumbling backward, my feet scrambling to regain balance, but he grasped my wrist, his firm hands holding me steady. His muscular physique was evident through his grip and hard chest, and warmth that had nothing to do with the weather spread across my cheeks.

And for the first time since my plan kicked off, I mentally ticked off an item on MY list with a sense of triumph.

Meet a handsome man? Check!