Page 33 of His Dark Desires

He releases my wrists, and I sag slightly against the wall, my body boneless. He steps forward, his hands on my waist, and pulls me gently toward him so that our bodies align. My chest is against his, my cheek resting on his shoulder. I can feel his heart pounding beneath his suit jacket, matching my own erratic heartbeat.

We stand like that for a moment, our bodies connected, our breathing slowing. I feel a sense of peace wash over me, a calm in the center of the storm raging inside me.

"Better?" he asks, his voice gentle.

I nod, my cheek rubbing against his jacket. "Thank you."

He presses a kiss to the top of my head, and I feel a surge of warmth at the simple gesture.

"You're very welcome, Sophia." His voice is soft, his tone sincere.

We stand there for a few more moments, just breathing, the tension draining from my body. But my mind is still alert, still aware of him—his smell, the solid strength of him.

I tilt my head up to look at him, our eyes meeting. It's like he's trying to see into my soul. "Are you okay, Sophia?"

I nod, my thumb tracing lazy patterns on his chest. "I'm good. Just..."

"Just what?" He prompts gently, his thumb brushing my jaw.

I hesitate, unsure how to put words to the tangle of emotions inside me. "It's a lot. You're a lot."

A ghost of a smile plays at his lips, and he leans down, his mouth brushing mine gently.

"I know, Sophia. I'm aware of my effect on people."

"It's not—it's not a bad thing," I rush to explain, my cheeks heating. "It's just a lot to process."

"I understand, believe me." He pulls back, his hands sliding down my arms to take my hands in his. "We don't have to rush anything, Sophia. We have time."

My heart stutters at his words, and the tension that had eased now returns, coiling in my stomach. Time for what? For our relationship? For him to fully invade my life? I know he's already in my head, in my dreams, but there's still so much of him to discover. So many layers to peel back.

"Adrian," I start, then stop, unsure how to voice my thoughts.

He raises an eyebrow, a challenge in his eyes. "Yes, Sophia?"

I take a breath. "I want to know more about you. About what you want."

His eyes darken, a spark of something dangerous flickering in their depths. "Oh, Sophia. Be careful what you wish for."

"I'm not afraid," I whisper, my body thrumming with a mix of desire and uncertainty.

His phone pierces the charged moment between us, but his eyes never leave mine. Without looking, he reaches into his pocket and silences it.

"I only stopped by to check on things," he says, his voice rough. His thumb traces my bottom lip. My body trembles at his touch, wanting more.

"I have a busy day ahead." His other hand slides down my arm, leaving goosebumps in its wake. "But I'll see you soon."

He leans in close, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. The gesture is deliberate, sensual, like he's savoring my taste. Then he turns and walks away, leaving me alone against the wall, my body aching with unfulfilled desire.

The door clicks shut behind him, and I slide down to sit on the floor, my legs too shaky to hold me up.

I don't know what this is, but I want more.

So much more.

Chapter 10

Sophia

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