The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. Sophia stirred, her senses slowly awakening to the warmth of the man beside her. Liam's arm was draped over her waist, his body pressed against hers, his breath steady and calm as he slept. For a moment, everything felt surreal—too perfect, too intimate, too much.
Her mind raced back to the night before, the heat of their connection, the way he had touched her, claimed her, and made her feel as though she was the only thing that mattered. She felt vulnerable in a way that unsettled her. Vulnerability wasn't something she allowed herself—it was a risk, a weakness. Yet here she was, lying in Liam's arms, her defenses shattered.
As she turned slightly to face him, Liam's eyes fluttered open. His sleepy gaze met hers, a slow, lazy smile spreading across his lips. "Good morning," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
"Morning," she replied, her voice quieter than usual, her emotions still tangled from the night before.
Liam's hand slid up her side, his fingers brushing her bare skin, reigniting the sparks that had ignited between them the night before. "You're thinking too much," he said softly, his lips grazing her temple.
Sophia laughed nervously, trying to brush off the weight of her thoughts. "Am I that obvious?"
"You are." He shifted, rolling her onto her back, his body hovering over hers. His lips found hers, soft at first, then deepening, his hands exploring her curves as though he hadn't spent hours doing so already.
Her mind screamed at her to stop, to regain control, to keep her guard up, but her body had other plans. She gave in to the kiss, her hands tangling in his hair as he trailed his lips down her neck, his touch igniting her skin.
"Liam," she whispered, her voice trembling, a mixture of need and hesitation.
He paused, his lips hovering over her collarbone, his dark eyes searching hers. "What is it?"
"This," she said, gesturing between them. "It's... complicated."
He leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Everything about us has always been complicated. But does it feel wrong?"
Sophia's breath hitched. No, it didn't feel wrong—it felt dangerous, intoxicating, and far too real. She hated the way he saw through her, the way he could unravel her with a look, a touch.
"You scare me," she admitted, her voice barely audible.
"Good," he said with a teasing smirk. "Because you terrify me too."
His lips claimed hers again, silencing her protests, drawing her deeper into the web of passion and intrigue they had woven. The intensity of the moment was as thrilling as it was terrifying, leaving Sophia to wonder: Was she losing herself to Liam—or finding the part of her she'd buried long ago?
As they fell back into each other's embrace, one thing became clear—this wasn't just desire. It was something far more dangerous. And neither of them was willing to let go.