“That’s why you hate your family so much?” I asked.
“I don’t hate them; I hate how they manipulate everyone in their path. I hate their actions. I hate that I’m just a pawn like everyone else.”
“You’re trying to walk away?”
He sighed. “From the contract yes, at least avoid it as long as I can. I don’t want my Grandfather’s company to be disbanded. Jess isn’t the same person I knew, and neither is her family, or maybe they were always shitty people and I was too blind to see it. The merger is the most important thing to her family and mine.”
I thought for a moment, “Remember, you can’t change things if you’re not involved. There has to be a way out that you haven’t thought of.”
A small laugh came from him; he looked over at me with a warm smile. “There’s the smart girl I know.” I could listen to him laugh all day.
The house was completely dark when we arrived home. I forgot that no one was going to be home, it was almost eerie. Stefan flicked on the light, and stopped to remove his shoes. I walked past him, up toward my room. When I got to my door I realized I had completely forgotten about the missing bed.
Stefan walked up the stairs behind me. I turned to face him. “Do you know about this?” I pointed into my room.
“Oh...I meant to tell you before you got home.”
“You did this?! Why?”
“You think I haven’t noticed you sleeping on the floor in your room? I was going to get you a new one, but it wasn’t going to be here in time.” He was giving me a please don’t be mad at me look, and it was totally working.
He was right, that night still crept back into my head, making me uncomfortable in my own bed. Still I held my ground. “Stefan, you can’t just go around doing stuff like that.” I said in frustration, and took a few steps into my room. “I need control of my own life; my choices.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you.”
I looked into his eyes. I was trying to understand his intentions, but everything had been so back and forth with him. “It was a nice gesture though.” I finally spoke.
As we stood in my doorway, we were both silent. He placed both hands on the doorframe leaning into my room.
“I’m going to shower.” I told him.
He eyed me. “Are you trying to flirt with me?”
I laughed, and walked over to my door, grabbing the handle. “No, that means you have to leave.”
He smirked, “Goodnight, Sophia.” He turned to walk upstairs to his room.
As the water rushed over me, I kept replaying tonight in my head. Part of me felt bad for him, being stuck in a family like his. Jess was already beautiful, smart, and fit really well into his life. I’m the outsider. What if I am a phase like Jess said? After I showered, I put on my sweats and curled up on the couch. I tried to distract myself by reading, but I failed miserably. Before I knew it, I had my phone out, I was staring at his name in my contacts. I was two seconds away from texting him. Everything in my head was telling me to stay away and run, but my heart and body? That’s a different story. I can’t even have him if I wanted to. There’s so much standing in my way.
“Screw this.” I clicked off my phone. I didn’t care anymore. I wanted him, even if it was only going to be temporary.
Moments later I was standing at his bedroom door. The door was open, and I slowly stepped inside. The moonlight was coming through the windows, illuminating the dark room. Stefan was standing near his bed, pulling his sheets back. His back was to me, he was dressed only in his sweatpants. The light from outside was highlighting every inch of his back.
I stepped toward him, his head turned slightly once he heard my footsteps. His back was still facing me, I placed my hand on his skin tracing the muscles on his back. His breathing was steady, mine had risen.
“Sophia,” He quietly said.
“No.” I stopped him from speaking. If he spoke, my thoughts would return. My nerves would get the best of me, and I would retreat. I wanted this too much to let that happen.
I continued to trace his skin with my fingertips. He reached behind him, taking my hand in his, and turned around. My entire body was humming, as he placed his hand under my chin, turning my face up toward him. Our eyes connected, an electrifying shiver ran through my entire body.
I bit my bottom lip, “I need you to kiss me.”
“Where?” He whispered.
I touched my lips, “Here.”
His hand moved to the back of my neck, as he leaned into me. His lips pressed to mine, and nothing mattered anymore. He moved from my mouth, to my neck. “What about here?” He whispered. I tilted my head back as his tongue danced on my skin. This isn’t even sex and he’s making me melt.
He returned to my lips, placing his hands on my hips, pulling me against him. I could feel how hard he was. Holy fuck he felt big. My sex clenched. He swiftly picked me up, and I wrapped my legs around him. His kiss was something you could get lost in.
He set me down on the side of his bed, as he stayed standing. He cupped both of my cheeks, crashing onto my lips once again. His hands moved through my hair, igniting my entire body. I placed my hands on his hips where his pants met his skin, my breathing was deep. I never wanted something more in my life.
“I need you.” I whispered. Our lips were barely touching.
He looked me in the eyes, pausing for a moment, “Not yet.” He whispered, leaning into me, causing me to lie down on the bed.
He was towering over me, running his thumb over my bottom lip. His lips touched my neck again. He slowly placed small kisses on my skin as he moved from my neck to my chest. He pushed my shirt up, and I watched as my chest rose and fell from the touch of his mouth. I took in a deep breath as his tongue found my nipple. My entire body was flushed with goose bumps, as he firmly cupped my chest.
He continued down my stomach, and reached the top of my pants. He looked up at me for confirmation, and I nodded. He ran his fingers along the elastic of the pants and then pulled them off of me. He placed lingering kisses at the top of my panties, and then removed them. I had never felt so exposed in my entire life, but I needed his touch.
He began to trace my area with his fingers, and then my head fell back with such force when he inserted two fingers. He moved in and out of me slowly picking up his pace. Then his tongue found its way through my wet sex. His tongue danced the same rhythm as his fingers until he found my spot, causing a tingling sensation to rush through me. His touch was gentle, but rough at the same time. My body was out of my control, my back arched, my fingers clenched the sheets, and my legs began to shake. My hands involuntarily grasped his hair.
“Stefan.” His name released from my lips before I could stop it. I moaned louder than intended. I had no control. He took me to my highest peak, and I let all of me go.
He leaned back on his knees, and started to stand. The fact that chills were still running through my body caused me to giggle.
“What?” He eyed me, as he picked up my clothes.
“I...I just didn’t know someone could make me feel like that.” I admitted. If my face wasn’t already red from the past few minutes, it was now.
He laughed, and handed me my clothes. “I didn’t know someone could taste so good.” He said with a half smirk.
As he stood there, I admired the view in front of me. My body was still coming down from it’s high. The way his pants hung off of his hips, his skin slightly beaded with sweat. I noticed the bulge in his pants. At least I wasn’t the only one that was turned on.
I moved to the edge of the bed. Stefan turned to walk toward the bathroom; I grabbed his hand to stop him. “Wait.”
He looked at me confused. He was studying me.
“Do you…” I started to speak, but I don’t know how to word Hey, do you want to have sex? I knew he could see the thoughts running through my mind.
“Little one, trust me.” He took my chin with one hand and kissed me, “Not yet.” He left me sitting there, making hi
s way toward the bathroom.
After he shut the bathroom door, I fell back on the bed. I laid there staring at the ceiling fan slowly turning. I don’t know what just happened. How could something that I can’t have, make me feel like he just made me feel?
Chapter Eighteen
Stefan
Once the door was shut, I pulled my pants down to shower. I was still rock hard from pleasing her. I don’t know why I didn’t have sex with her. Her body was so perfect, just the taste of her makes me want to come. Clearly she turns me on. Once I go there, I won’t be able to let her go. I know it. This girl has changed all the plans that I had. I just wanted to live life alone. Things are simpler by myself. I stepped into the hot water; I guess I’m finishing myself off tonight.
When I walked back into my bedroom Sophia was cozied up under my duvet fanning through an old book that she must have plucked from my selves. Everything in me is drawn to her. She’s like a drug that I can’t shake.
I climbed onto the bed, “What do you have there?”
“Oh um...just a book.”
I raised my eyebrow, “Nosey much?”
She bit her bottom lip, “I can put it back.”
I smirked, noticing every time she gets nervous she bites her bottom lip. I laughed, “Calm down it was a joke.” I made my way over to the bed.
She eyed me, closing the book. “It’s hard to tell when you’re joking or serious.”
“I like to keep people guessing.” I moved the covers over, and sat down next to her.
She started fiddling with the corners of the book, “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Why didn’t you want reciprocation? You know…” She was clearly uncomfortable even asking the question.
“Come here.” I pulled her closer to me, wrapping my arm around her. “It has nothing to do with me not wanting it. Trust me, I do. If we went there, I would need all of you, right here, right now.”
She looked up at me, “What’s wrong with that?”
“Babe, you are more important to me than a quick shag.” I kissed her forehead.
“You’re getting comfortable using that word.” I could feel her smiling against my chest.
I smirked, “Maybe I am.”
“What if I said I was hungry?” She ran her fingers through mine.
“We can order take out?”
“Chinese?” She sat up quickly in excitement, “I could so go for an egg roll right now.”
“Whatever you want. There’s a place that stays open pretty late.” I rolled over, and picked up my phone.
I placed the order, and made my way downstairs to get us some water. When I entered the living room I could hear rummaging coming from the kitchen. When I turned the corner I saw Sam standing by the fridge.
“What are you doing here?” I asked him
He jumped, and then relaxed when he saw that it was me, “As of right now, I still pay rent to you.” He closed the refrigerator door.
“For now.” I replied, walking past him to grab two glasses.
“Stef, I've known you for years. You’ve never let a slut get in the way of our friendship.”
I snapped my head toward him, “Watch what you say, or you’ll wind up through that window.”
He raised his hands in retreat, “Look I didn’t come here to cause trouble. I’m just saying you need to get your priorities straight.”
“My priorities straight? That’s funny coming from you.” My hands clenched around the now filled glasses.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Sam asked as he leaned against the counter.
“Come on, you don’t think I’m that stupid do you? You use me for my money and perks. You also regularly bang Jess on the side. You’re no different from anyone else in my life.”
Sam placed his hands on the counter to steady himself. His face was blank from shock.
I squinted my eyes at him. “What you thought I didn’t know? I’m an Edwards. We can find anything out. I might not like my family, but I was raised by them.” I walked past him again to exit the kitchen. “You need to leave.”
Sam lingered in the kitchen for a moment, then slowly followed me into the living room. “So, what? Are you threatening me? With the amount of shit I know about you? I’m sure your precious Sophia would love to know.”
I turned around, causing him to almost run into me. “I wasn’t threatening you, but now I am. Back off, or I will turn your life upside down.”
“You’re the same as Thomas and your Father. You’re in fucking denial.” Sam snapped, pushing past me.
We were suddenly interrupted by a knock on the front door. Sam opened it, our food had arrived. He brushed past the delivery girl, grabbing his bag on his way out.
He stopped just as he got outside and turned around. “You’re going to regret this moment, Stefan. When she leaves you just like everyone else.” He then turned to walk down the steps.
“I promise you, I won’t.” I said firmly.
The delivery girl was just standing there holding our food. This must be awkward for her. I apologized for Sam. She just nodded, and said it was fine. She shoved the food into my hands, disappearing down the steps.
I can’t believe Sam had the nerve to come back here. He’s right we have been friends for years, but can you consider a person a friend who has continuously screwed you over? He’s not even a good person, he’s a fucking psycho when he’s drunk, and he name drops me any chance he can get, if it gets him something. I’m nothing like my family; I don’t give a shit what he says.
Back in my room, I found Sophia fast asleep snuggled up with one of my pillows. How can so much chaos occur around something so precious? If she knew my family, what they really were, what they’re capable of, she would run. I can’t think about that.
There’s something peaceful about her. The way she’s still so pure even when bad things happen. She’s ignited a fire inside of me that I never knew was there. I don’t think I would change it even if I could. It was as if my entire world had been dark until her. I was holding my breath waiting for the burn. But what happens if the burn doesn’t come? You can’t sit around and wait for it; you have to enjoy the dancing flames while they’re there.
I set the food down next to the sofa in my room, and walked over to the bed. I pulled the covers up over her shoulder, and grabbed a pillow. Making my way back to the sofa, I grabbed the food and lay down. I don’t even like Chinese food. I don’t know how she convinced me to order this. Scrolling through my phone, pictures of people who I barely know, stupid memes, Sam posing with some random girl; a text from Jess appeared.
Jess: Need to talk
Me: No
Jess: This is serious
Me: I’m good thanks.
Jess: Fuck You Stefan. I won’t say I didn’t try to warn you.
I don’t know what the hell she's talking about, and to be honest I couldn’t care less. That part of me is in the past. Her, Sam, my brother; all of them. Sophia started to mumble in her sleep. I got up to check on her.
“Where did you go?” She whispered, with her eyes half open.
I sat down next to her on the bed. “I’ve been right here.”
“Don’t go.” She wrapped her hand around my wrist. She tried to keep her eyes open, but she failed, slowly drifting back to sleep.
“I won’t. You’ve got me.” I pulled the covers back up over her shoulders.
I sat back down on the sofa, and grabbed a fortune cookie out of the bag of food. I cracked it open. You will live a happy and peaceful life. I laughed to myself, this cookie doesn’t know what the hell it’s talking about.
The next morning I woke up with Sophia curled up next to me. She nuzzled me softly in her sleep, adjusting her comfort. My arm was starting to fall asleep, but I couldn’t bear to wake her up. She slowly started opening her eyes.
“Good morning.” She said, as she looked up at me. Her cheeks were still pink from sleep.
I ran my f
ingers through her hair, “Good Morning Beautiful.”
“Oh god you can’t be that cheesy this early.” She giggled.
“Little One, I can be whatever I want to be this early.” I said, as I kissed her forehead.
Sophia leaned up to kiss me, but all of a sudden backed away with her hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry. I have morning breath.”
I couldn’t help, but laugh, as she scrambled out of bed.
“It’s not funny Stefan!” She threw a pillow at me. I grabbed her and pulled her back down. Leaning over her, I hovered my mouth above hers. She then returned to her original idea and started to kiss me slowly.
I pulled away, “Wow you weren’t lying. Your breath is terrible.”
“Ugh you’re a jerk.” She laughed and pushed me off of her.
“I just wanted to watch you storm away twice. The view is pretty great.”
She gave me a look, and then a smile formed on her face. “I’m going to shower.”
Sophia
I checked my phone before stepping into the shower. Keira texted Stefan and I in a group chat that she won’t be home the entire weekend. Apparently Leo’s parents are in town.
I set my phone down, and stepped into the steaming water. I leaned my head back, as the water ran through my hair. My ears perked up to the door opening. My heart skipped a beat, and my nerves heightened. I peaked around the shower curtain. Stefan was standing there, our eyes locked as the steam filled the room. He slid his boxers down, and stepped into the shower, all while never breaking eye contact. I took a few steps back. My arms involuntarily covered myself.
“Stefan, I…” I didn’t really know what to say, I just kept eye contact.
“Were alone Soph.” He interrupted, as he took my hands leading my arms away from my body. “I want to see you, all of you.” He pressed my arms up against the wall.
He moved his body closer to mine; my breathing was shallow now, as I felt him up pressed against me...all of him. I was right, he was big. My heart was racing. He leaned down to kiss me, while holding my hands above my head. His kiss was sensual, as he moved to my neck. His fingers ran down my skin following the drops of water. My hands made their way around his neck; his fingers traced my hips, to my inner thigh. My hands moved through his hair and my fist clenched, as he pushed two fingers in me. I gasped for air.
Until Then : Book 1 - Until Then Series Page 13