Sophia
Scene: At the mansion
I jolted awake, my heart racing, my ears ringing with the haunting echo of a gunshot. Panic clawed at my throat as the memories of tonight surged back, the room spinning in a dizzying whirl of shadows and fear. My breath came in shallow, rapid bursts, and a strangled sob escaped my lips.
"No… no…" I whimpered, my voice barely more than a breath. The terror was almost too much to bear, and I could feel my chest tightening, each breath coming harder than the last. The shadows on the walls seemed to twist into the sinister figures of my past, and I found myself struggling to pull away from the invisible hands that seemed to reach out from the darkness.
A familiar hand on my shoulder pulled me from the edge of panic. "Sophia," Vince murmured, his voice a low, soothing rumble that cut through the fog of my terror. "You're safe. You're here with me now."
I blinked, trying to focus on his face through the veil of fear. His intense gaze was filled with a mix of worry and fierce protectiveness. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast long shadows, but they seemed less menacing with Vince by my side. The sharp lines of his face were softened by the gentle light, and his eyes, though troubled, held a steadiness that calmed the storm within me.
"I ... the gunshot," I stammered, my voice trembling as I clung to the remnants of what had happened. My body was still shaking, and I struggled to steady my breath, fighting against the shivering that seemed to take control of my limbs.
"It was nothing love," Vince reassured me, his tone steady and calm. "You're safe. I promise."
The terror began to ebb, but the fear lingered, like a dark shadow at the edge of my consciousness. I grasped at Vince's shirt, my fingers digging in as if he were my lifeline, the only thing keeping me from falling into the abyss. His presence was a tangible comfort, grounding me in the present and pushing back against the remnants of my thoughts.
"Sophia," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear, "I won't let anyone hurt you. "
My heart pounded, and I struggled to control my breathing, to push back the nightmarish memories. The room felt suffocatingly close, the walls closing in on me as if they were collapsing under the weight of my fears. I was caught between the lingering terror and the calming reality of Vince's presence.
Just then, Luca's voice cut through the tension. "Vince, the bullet has been removed. We're waiting on you."
Vince's eyes flashed with irritation as he turned to face Luca. "Can't you see she's just woken up? Give her a damn minute!"
Luca, unfazed, crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently. "We don't have time for this. We need to act now."
I tightened my grip on Vince's arm, and he glanced back at me, his anger softening slightly. "She's been through enough tonight, Luca. We'll handle it, but not right now."
The tension in the room crackled, a silent battle of wills between Vince and Luca. Luca's frustration was evident, his jaw clenched as he stared at Vince, but he finally relented with a frustrated sigh.
Vince turned his attention back to me. "Let's get you to my room."
I blinked, confusion clouding my face. "Your room? But—"
"Don't argue with me," Vince interrupted firmly, his tone brooking no dissent. His eyes were intense, and there was an edge to his voice that left no room for discussion. "You need to be where I can keep an eye on you."
I tried to push back, my voice wavering as I protested, "But ... I can't sleep in the same room as you, you're my boss. Plus, I sleep with my dog and you don't like dogs or any pets of any kind..."I struggled to find the words, my discomfort evident.
Vince's expression softened slightly, but he was still resolute. "Sir Barksalot will be in the room with us. I'm not taking any chances with you Sophia."
Before I could argue further, Vince moved swiftly. He wrapped his arms around me and lifted me bridal style. I gasped, instinctively clinging to him. "Vince, you can't—"
He ignored my protests, his expression resolute as he carried me down the hall. The opulence of the mansion blurred past us, but all I could focus on was the intensity in his eyes and the surprising strength in his hold. His steps were steady and purposeful, and despite my anxiety, I felt a strange sense of security in his arms.
The luxurious decor of Vince's room came into view as Vince carried me across the threshold. The room was even grander than I'd imagined—elegant furnishings, rich fabrics, and soft, ambient lighting. My dog trotted in after us, his tail wagging with a hint of eagerness as he settled on the large, four-poster bed.
Vince set me down gently on the edge of the bed, and I saw my dog immediately curl up beside me, his presence a familiar and comforting weight. The opulence of the room seemed less imposing now that I was surrounded by the warmth of Vince's and my dog's presence.
"You need rest," Vince said, his voice soft but unyielding. "You're staying here tonight."
I wanted to argue, to maintain some semblance of my independence, but his gaze held me captive. There was a firmness in his demeanour that brooked no refusal. The night had taken its toll, and the exhaustion I felt made it difficult to muster the energy to fight him.
As I settled onto the bed, the softness of the mattress beneath me contrasted sharply with the lingering tension in my body. I tried to relax, but the events of the night still gnawed at my thoughts. Vince's presence was a constant, unspoken comfort, but his next actions made his care even more palpable.
Vince moved closer, his warmth becoming an undeniable presence. He gently pulled the covers up around us, his hands lingering on the fabric as he tucked it around us, ensuring I was snug and secure. His touch was tender but deliberate, his fingers brushing softly against my skin as he smoothed out the sheets.
Without breaking his gaze, Vince carefully lied down facing me. His eyes, filled with concern and affection, never left mine as he maneuvered into place. He then slid his arm around my waist, pulling me gently but firmly against him. I could feel the heat of his body radiating against mine, a soothing balm against the chill of fear.
He drew me close, our faces mere inches apart. His arm wrapped around my back, and his hand splayed across my shoulder blade, fingers tracing comforting circles on my skin. His other hand cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing gently over my skin in a rhythm meant to soothe. The warmth of his touch was both calming and intimate, creating a space where I could feel secure despite the lingering anxiety.
"Vince," I began hesitantly, my voice quivering slightly, "what happened to Robert...after you shot him ?"
Vince's expression darkened, and a flicker of something unreadable passed over his face. He hesitated for a moment, then shook his head, his eyes meeting mine with a steely resolve. "Sophia, you shouldn't worry about things that don't concern you."
The words stung, and I flinched, feeling a pang of frustration. "But I—"
"All you need to know," Vince interrupted firmly, his tone brooking no argument, "is that you are safe and far away from him. That's what matters right now."
His gaze was intense, and there was an undeniable finality in his voice that left no room for further discussion. The weight of his words pressed down on me, but I could see the determination in his eyes and the unyielding sense of duty that drove him.
With a sigh, I settled back against the pillows, feeling a mix of confusion and resignation. My dog nuzzled closer near my legs, offering a comforting warmth that helped to ease the tension. Vince's presence was a steady anchor amidst the swirling uncertainties.
"I trust you," I said quietly, my voice soft but sincere. "I just… I need to know that I'm safe."
Vince's expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained sharp. "You are safe," he said, his voice a reassuring balm. "That's all you need to focus on right now. Everything else will fall into place."
The opulence of the room, once intimidating, now seemed like a sanctuary, a place where I could find respite from the fears that had plagued me.
As I closed my eyes, the darkness of the room was less threatening with Vince's presence and the comforting weight of my dog beside me. The warmth of their support began to soothe the edges of my anxiety, and though the night was far from over, I felt a tentative sense of hope.
I drifted into a light sleep, but it was restless. The shadows of my mind continued to play tricks on me, images of Robert's menacing face flashing behind my closed eyelids. I tossed and turned, each movement causing Vince to tighten his hold on me, murmuring soft reassurances that barely registered through the fog of my troubled dreams.
The sound of the door creaking open pulled me from the uneasy slumber. My eyes fluttered open, and I saw Luca standing in the doorway, his expression grim. "Vince, sorry to wake you up but this is urgent."
Vince's grip on me tightened protectively. "Can't it wait until morning?"
Luca shook his head, urgency etched in every line of his face. "It's about Roberts men. We've got intel that they are on the move. We need to be ready"
Fear sliced through my half-awake state, and I sat up, clutching the blankets to my chest. "What do you mean? Vince?"
Vince cursed under his breath, his jaw clenching. "Damn it, Luca. Couldn't you have kept this quiet for a bit longer?"
The weight of Luca's words settled over us like a shroud. Vince's protective grip didn't waver, but I could see the tension in his eyes, the readiness to spring into action at a moment's notice.
"Luca, no one has ever gotten past my security team at the main gate," Vince said, his tone firm and unyielding. "They won't get in. If Robert's men actually make it to the front door, wake me up immediately. Until then, let us get some damn sleep. You're really getting on my last nerves these past few weeks Luca. Fix that."
Luca looked conflicted, but he nodded, understanding the gravity of Vince's command. "Alright, Vince."
Vince's eyes softened slightly as he looked at me, his protective demeanour unwavering. "Go back to sleep love. Its' going to be fine."