Chapter 24: What game are you playing

Sofia nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

Inside, the cottage was cozy and warm, with a crackling fireplace.

Liam helped Sofia to a plush couch, where she sank gratefully.

He handed her a soft blanket and a glass of warm tea.

"Rest," he said, his eyes gentling.

Sofia sipped the tea, feeling her tense muscles unwind.

Liam sat on his couch, staring into the flames.

The silence between them was no longer tense, but peaceful.

As night deepened, Sofia's eyelids drooped.

Liam's voice whispered, "Sleep, little devil. You're safe here." he said getting up to leave the room.

Sofia's voice barely above a whisper, "Liam, stay with me."

Liam's gaze shifted from the flames to Sofia's face.

His expression remained stoic, he wants to refuse, but looking at the pleading look on her face he decided to give in. he nodded curtly.

Sofia scooted over, making room for him.

Liam sat beside her, his presence imposing.

Sofia's eyes locked onto his, "Thank you for today."

Liam's response was detached, "You're under my protection now."

Sofia's hand reached out, and Liam allowed her to take his.

His hand remained still, no emotional response.

As the fire crackled, Sofia felt a sense of security.

Liam's eyes never left the flames.

Sofia drifted off to sleep, her hand still in Liam's.

The fire cast a warm glow on Liam's impassive face.

Liam stared at her peaceful face, his eyes stopping at her beautiful, tempting pink lips.

His gaze lingered, drawing him in.

For a moment, his stoic reserve wavered.

A spark of desire flickered in his eyes.

Liam's jaw clenched, suppressing the emotion.

He wouldn't succumb to weakness.

But his eyes remained fixed on Sofia's lips.

Their allure was undeniable.

Liam's breathing slowed, his body tensing.

He leaned in, his face inches from Sofia's.

The fire crackled, casting shadows on the walls.

Sofia's gentle breath whispered against his skin. Liam's control snapped, and he claimed her lips.

His mouth descended, gentle yet firm.

Sofia's eyes fluttered open, meeting Liam's intense gaze.

For an instant, she was lost in their depths.

Then, Liam's lips touched hers. Soft, warm, and demanding.

Sofia's hands rose, resting on Liam's chest.

Her fingers curled, feeling his heartbeat.

Liam's kiss deepened, seeking more.

Sofia's lips parted, inviting him in.

Their tongues met, sparks igniting.

The fire crackled, casting a golden glow.

Liam's arms wrapped around Sofia, pulling her close.

Their bodies aligned, heat building.

Sofia melted into Liam's embrace, her body surrendering to the kiss.

Her lips moved in sync with his, their passion unfolding.

Liam's arms tightened, holding her close.

Sofia's hands slid up, wrapping around his neck.

Their bodies swayed, lost in the moment.

The fire crackled, casting shadows on the walls.

Liam's kiss grew more intense, demanding.

Sofia's response matched his, fervent.

Their lips parted, gasping for air.

Liam's eyes blazed, his gaze holding Sofia's.

"troublemaker," he whispered, his voice low.

Sofia's eyes sparkled, her voice barely audible.

"Liam."

Liam's mouth claimed hers again.

Their kiss deepened, passion consuming.

Suddenly, Liam broke away.

His chest heaved, eyes locked on Sofia's.

"What am I doing?" he muttered.

His expression hardened, masking his emotions.

Sofia's eyes remained locked on his, confuse and searching.

Liam turned away, putting distance between them.

"We should rest," he said, his voice detached.

Sofia nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Okay."

Liam gestured to the bedroom.

"You take the bed. I'll be back."

Sofia's gaze lingered on Liam's back.

She sensed the conflict within him.

As she retreated to the bedroom, Sofia wondered...

What had she seen in Liam's eyes?

Was it desire or something more?

The bedroom door creaked shut.

Liam stood frozen, his back to the door.

His thoughts swirled, emotions warring.

---

Sofia's eyes narrowed, unruffled by his brusqueness.

She knew Liam's walls were high But she sensed cracks, she slid into bed,her mind whirred.

Liam's rules.

His kisses.

The darkness outside seemed to mirror Liam's soul.

Sofia's eyelids drooped, Sleep claimed her.

The cottage was silent.

Liam stood outside, his expression unyielding.

Liam sat under the tree, its branches swaying gently in the night breeze. Memories he'd rather forget flooded his mind.

Three years ago, Liam, then 22, had made a foolish mistake. He tried to kiss Sofia, 19.

He took her out. They stood in a heart shaped garden, the sun setting behind them. Liam's heart pounded as he leaned in, his lips brushing against Sofia's cheek.

Sofia's eyes flashed with anger, but Liam misread the signal. He turned his head, attempting to kiss her lips.

Sofia's palm connected with his cheek, the slap echoing through the garden.

"Get off me!" she shouted, her voice trembling.

Liam reeled, shock and pain searing his face.

But Sofia wasn't done. Her teeth sank into his lower lip, biting down hard.

"Never touch me again," she spat, her eyes blazing with contempt.

Liam's eyes stung, tears welling up.

That moment forged his steel armor of not wanting and doing anything with her.

Now, at 25, Liam's emotions were locked away.

But fate had brought Sofia back into his life.

Under his protection, yet still a threat to his carefully guarded heart.

Liam's thoughts darkened. Why did she have to come back? Why did he still love her?

The tree's branches creaked in the silence.

Liam's gaze hardened.

Sofia. The one who'd shattered him.

Memories continued to haunt Liam.

The slap, the bite, Sofia's revulsion.

His mind replayed the scene, a relentless loop.

Liam's jaw clenched, suppressing emotions.

He rose from under the tree, his movements fluid.

The cottage beckoned, a refuge from the past.

As he entered to check up on her, Sofia's peaceful face greeted him.

next morning.

Sofia emerged from the bedroom, her eyes scanning the room for Liam.

He stood by the window, his back to her.

"Get ready," he muttered, without turning. "We're leaving soon."

Sofia's gaze lingered on Liam's rigid posture.

A chill settled between them, leftover from last night's tension.

She nodded, though Liam couldn't see her.

"No time for breakfast," he added, striding out of the room.

Sofia's stomach growled in protest.

She quickly gathered her belongings.

The silence between them thickened.

What would today bring?

More of Liam's cold demeanor? Or something else? Sofia shouldered her bag.

She followed Liam out the door, Their journey resumed.

As the car drove along the winding road, Sofia's mind replayed last night's events. She had fallen asleep, only to find herself lost in a passionate dream. In her dream, she was kissing Liam with an intensity that left her breathless.

When she woke up, reality blurred with fantasy. For a fleeting moment, she was kissing Liam.

Sofia's cheeks flushed as she recalled the intimacy.

Liam, focused on driving, seemed oblivious to her turmoil.

The silence between them stretched like a taut wire.

Suddenly, Sofia spoke.

"I'm sorry for what I did last night."

Liam's gaze snapped to hers, his eyes narrowing.

"For breaking rule number two," Sofia continued, "for kissing you while I was asleep."

Liam's expression darkened.

"Maybe I sleepwalk at night and kissed you because you were lying beside me," Sofia said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's eyes blazed with amusement.

He couldn't believe it.

Sofia thought she kissed him?

When in reality, he was the one who initiated the kiss.

Liam's smile twisted.

"Since you broke my rule number two," he said, his voice low and husky, "how do you want to get punished?"

Sofia's eyes widened, her pulse racing.

"What do you mean?" she stammered.

Liam's chuckle sent shivers down her spine.

"Choose your consequences, little devil."

His eyes gleamed with mischief.

"Either way, you'll pay for breaking my rules."

After thinking for a moment, Sofia's mischievous grin resurfaced.

"You can kiss me back as my punishment," she said, her voice dripping with innocence, "because I kissed you first, breaking our contract rule."

Liam glared at her, stunned.

"What game are you playing, little devil?" he growled, his eyes narrowing.