C21 "You're In Over Your Head"

The sheer curtains let in soft sunlight, which cast a glow on Lucas and Sophia entwined on the bed the following morning.

Sophia's eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting Lucas's sleepy smile.

"Hey," he whispered, his tone dreamy.

"Hi," she replied, her voice barely audible.

They both linger, reluctant to part after the night of passionate lovemaking, despite having work to do. Lucas's fingers traced Sophia's cheek, and she nestled into his touch.

"I have to go," Lucas said, glancing at the bedside clock. "Meeting at 9."

Sophia nodded, understanding. "I have to get ready well. Work's calling."

Lucas swung his legs over the side of the bed, standing up, unaware of Sophia's eyes admiring his broad back, chiseled shoulders, and strong physique.

"Why don't you take the day off? You're working for me, remember? And given that you just worked through the night with me, it qualifies for a day off. I'm a great boss, aren't I?” He asked, raising a mockery brow as he turned to her.

Sophia shut her eyes tightly, which made Lucas laugh as he padded to the bathroom. He started the shower while Sophia listened to the soothing sounds as her body still tingled from the previous night's event.

“Do you care for breakfast? I can whip up something real quick.” Sophia asked as Lucas approached after his shower.

“No, it's okay. Just go right back to sleep. Besides, I have a morning meeting to catch up with. I'll call you.”

"Okay, I'll be expecting your call," Sophia replied, smiling.

Fully dressed, Lucas placed a soft kiss on her lips, before leaving and closing the door behind him.

Sophia felt a sense of solitude. She took a deep breath, savoring the memories of their night together.

With renewed energy, she began her morning routine – showering, dressing, and styling her hair. As she applied a touch of makeup, she hummed a happy tune.

The sound of her phone buzzing caught her attention, and she read a message: "Thank you for last night; I had fun.”

Emma's heart skipped a beat. She smiled, feeling loved and cherished.

She typed a reply: "Me too," while smiling and blushing.

By noon, she had gotten bored so she decided to return to work, something to occupy her mind, instead of daydreaming about Lucas all day.

She made her way to her studio. It had been a few days since she'd been there, having been working in the space Lucas provided for her in his estate.

She cleaned up for about half an hour before settling to work.

************************************************

For once in like forever, Lucas's mind was not on the board meeting happening before him.

His usual focused gaze seemed to be something between excitement and indifference as he gazed at his phone instead of analyzing or acknowledging the report being made.

His secretary, Laura, and assistant, Daniel, looked at each other, wondering what was happening with their boss and why he seemed so happy and occupied with his phone. So unlike him.

Aware but unfazed by the suspicious glares being directed at him, Lucas continued staring at his message icon, in case Sophia wanted to chat over the phone. He was also admiring the only picture of her, which he had on his phone.

If he had been told that he'd find someone to love after Camille, he'd have argued. But Sophia changed that effortlessly.

As he thought about her, he decided in his heart to do everything in his power to protect her, even if he had to lie and deceive her. He would not lose her like he did with Camille.

************************************************

Sophia returned to her apartment that evening, her nerves strained by the work of the day. She reclined on her couch to relax a bit before undressing and preparing for bed.

Her phone buzzed and she smiled, thinking it was Lucas. But when she looked at the screen, it was an unknown number.

Picking it up anyway, she answered hesitantly. "Hello?"

There was silence for a while. Then came a low, threatening voice. The voice said, "You're in over your head."

Sophia's heart froze. "Who is this?" She asked but only heard the sound of the call being disconnected.