Chapter CHAPTER CII
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SOPHIA STARED AT her reflection in the mirror with a pained look. She was dressed in a simple black sleeveless dress, which Chase had sent over to her immediately she woke up in the evening, with a note saying they were going to have a date that night. The dress stopped mid-thigh and she wouldn't lie that she didn't love it.
She had matched the dress with a stiletto and beautiful set of jewelleries. Her hair was curled at the tip, and it bounced freely across her shoulders to her mid back. Thanks to the stylist Chase had sent to her, she had put on a simple, light make up.
Her eyes fell on the tattoo on her shoulder, which she had gotten earlier in the afternoon, and a sigh left her lips as tears blurred her vision at the remainder of Chase's obvious distaste towards it.
She lifted her hands and softly caressed the skin. It was still sore and a bit swollen, but not as bad as before and it made her wonder what Chase must have done to help reduce the sore after she fell unconscious in his car.
A knock on her door startled her, and her hands fell by her sides. "Come in,"
The door opened, and one of the maids dressed in a white button-down shirt and navy blue knee-length skirt walked in with a radiant smile on her face.
"Ma'am," She bowed respectfully. "The Don has requested your presence at the roof-top. I'm to take you there as per his orders," Sophia nodded. "Let's go,"
~~~
The roof-top was decorated simply yet elegantly. Except for the few candle-light decorations there, a table for two was present also.
Sophia walked further into the space as the maid went away. Before she could take in the scenario, a pair of warm, strong, and muscular arms wrapped around her, and she froze, feeling the owner's hot breath fanning the skin on the nape of her neck.
"Ch- Cha-,"
He simply cut her off with a simple peck on her skin. "Do you like it?"
"It's nice," She replied, placing her hands on his arms that were still around her. "I- I love it,"
"There are stars in the sky," He unwrapped his arms from her waist and turned her to face him. "We can star- gaze if you want,"
She peeked at him through her lashes. "Okay," She dropped her head down.
Chase frowned and held her chin gently between his thumb and forefinger, lifting it up. "Are you okay?"
Sophia nodded. "Yes,"
"You're lying," He tightened his grip on her chin, making her wince out. "What's it?"
"I said I'm okay," She passed him a tight-lipped smile. "Just tired,"
"Are you still upset about what happened today at the tattoo shop?" He asked and stepped away from her the moment she didn't reply. "I already explained everything to you,"
"I didn't say I was upset about that, Chase," She sighed. "I- I'm not just in a good mood. I don't feel good,"
Chase stepped closer and placed one of his palms on her cheeks, caressing her cheekbone with his thumb, his gaze soft on her. "Is it the sore from the tattoo that's hurting? Tell me what the problem is,"
"I-," Sophia stared into his eyes, wondering if she could actually just say what was wrong with her. She was scared. Ever since she woke up, she hadn't been able to get their conversation from the tattoo shop out of her mind. What if she approached the topic and Chase got upset, then said something hurting to her?
No. She internally screamed at herself. She couldn't do anything to upset him. If Chase got upset with her, she wouldn't be able to handle it.
"It's actually the sore," Her smile widened at the thought of him caring about her. "But I'll be fine with you by my side,"
Chase nodded, deep down, knowing what was actually wrong with her. "Okay then," He held her small hand in his, then walked her to the table.
He pulled out a seat for her, and she sat down, muttering a 'thanks' to him, before he pushed back the chair. He went round the table and took his seat opposite her.
"Why did you plan a date?" She asked, smiling at the idea.
Chase smiled at her. "I wanted to make up for what happened earlier today," He stretched his hands and held her hands in his. "I didn't want you to be hung up on all that. Just so you know -" His eyes went to the tattoo. "The tattoo is nice. I love it,"
"Thanks," She blushed.
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Chase averted his eyes back to hers. "You look stunning in this dress,"
"The dress is from you. Obviously, it would be stunning," She replied.
"I'm not talking about the dress, Gattina," His voice turned hoarse, thick with restraint. "I'm talking about you in the dress,"
{"Kitten"}
She tilted her head to the side. "Either way, thanks,"
Two maids arrived with a serving trolley, and on it was a dish served and arranged neatly. They both placed each plate for Chase and Sophia in front of them along with a glass of wine each before leaving.
Sophia twirled the pasta in her fork and brought it to her lips before swallowing it. Her taste buds exploded with the taste of the dish, and a moan left her lips.
Her eyes widened, the fork dropped on the plate from her hand and she quickly placed her palm on her lips on realizing what she had just done. On instincts, she looked at Chase, who was staring at her intently without saying a word. "I'm sorry,"
Chase smiled, shaking his head, and then blurted out. "I feel jealous of the pasta,"
She frowned. "Why?"
"I thought I'd be the only one capable of earning that sound from you," He said, taking a deep breath. "I guess I have a rival now,"
She let out a small laugh and then pointed at his untouched food. "You aren't eating, why?"
"Why would I?" He asked. When she said nothing, he continued. "I won't. Not until you tell me what you think about the food,"
"I love it," She smiled, taking a sip from her wine. She dropped the glass back on the table. "It's delicious,"
Chase smiled. "Your moan said enough,"
She blushed.
If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Remind me never to cook for you," He said. "You'd always choose the meal over me,"
Sophia gaped at him. "You made the dish?"
Chase nodded, twirling the pasta in his fork before bringing it to his lips.
"I never knew you could cook," She remarked. "You don't look like someone that can cook,"
He lifted a brow. "Do I?"
"When and where did you learn how to cook?" She asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"My mama," His tone dropped, and his eyes hardened. "I loved staying with her in the kitchen whenever she cooked,"
"Is she still alive?"
Chase's jaw clenched, and his hold on the fork tightened. Sophia didn't notice it. "No,"
Sophia gently placed her hand on his', then caressed it, whispering out. "I'm sorry about that,"
Your father should be the one sorry about that. Chase looked up from their hands and stared at her. "It's okay,"
Sophia reluctantly pulled her hand away and twirled her pasta on her fork before taking it to her lips. "Can you tell me about her if you don't mind?"
"She was the only woman I ever loved my whole life,"
Immediately the words left Chase's lips, Sophia's heart skipped, then dropped in her stomach, and the fork in her hand fell into the plate with a loud clank. His eyes softened. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"
"I-," Sophia swallowed the huge lump in her throat and nodded, then stood up. "Excuse me,"
She scurried off.