Chapter 2: The last time we met. 

Chapter 2: The last time we met.

[SOFIA]

"Stranger?" I repeated, surprised.

He nodded. "That’s all I’ll be to you. What’s your name?"

“Sofia,” I answered, shaking his hand. His grip was firm and his skin was warm against mine. “Thank you, Stranger. I appreciate the help with my bills.

“You seem exhausted. Let’s share a drink,” he said, “Since I’m covering your room, you can buy the drinks. Deal?”

I laughed softly. I was sure I could spare some change to pay for our drinks.  “Deal.”

Minutes later, we arrived in my room; a luxurious VIP suite. My eyes widened as I stepped into the room. I had never been in a room like this before. There was a plush sofa by the window, and a glass table held a selection of fresh fruits and fine chocolates. I turned back to the stranger who leaned against the doorway, smirking.

“Em…I didn’t ask for a VIP suite.  This is just too much” I grinned.

“Are you impressed?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“You’ll get used to it,” he replied, stepping into the room.  Soon, room service showed up at the door and took our orders.  I could hardly believe my luck. Just hours ago, I had been stranded at the airport, but now I was about to spend the night in a lavish hotel room, courtesy of a man I barely knew. How crazier could this evening get?

Room service brought in a bottle of red wine, and the stranger poured us each a glass. As we began to talk, he listened intently as I poured out my fears about starting a new life with a father I didn’t even know.

Somewhere between the second and third glasses, I felt myself become drowsy. The long flight and the effects of the wine made me drowsy. I leaned back on the sofa, eyeing the stranger seated across from me.

“Why did you help me tonight?” I asked, breaking the silence.

“Well, I was once like you. New in Italy, no family, stranded,” he said, tilting his head thoughtfully. “Or maybe I was struck by how pretty you are.”

I threw my head back and laughed. My vision slurred as I lifted the glass of wine to my lips again. I was getting drunk, and I knew it.  I didn’t want to stop drinking. I loved how light the wine has caused me to feel. It made it easy for me to forget how tired I was.

"Today’s been… not exactly what I expected,” I mumbled, placing my empty glass on the table, only to have it roll off and shatter on the floor.

“Ah!” I gasped.

“Sofia?” the stranger murmured. His voice was a lot closer than I had expected. I looked up to find him besides me, on the same sofa. He leaned in, his face only a few inches away from mine. His breath was heavy on my face and his eyes traced my features.

“I wasn’t joking when I said that you’re pretty,” he said. The air was thick with tension.

I swallowed hard, unable to pull my eyes away from his. Before I could think better of it, I found myself leaning in, my heart pounding as my lips met his. His kiss was both gentle and hungry, and it sent a rush through me.

I closed my eyes, surrendering to the moment as his hands slid around my waist, lifting me from the sofa and guiding me to bed.

“You seem pretty excited, Sofia” he said with a soft tone, just as he began to nibble at my lips again, and one of his hands kneaded my left boob through my dress. My breath hitched in my throat.

I didn’t know what made me more giddy. The excitement of having the handsome stranger stare at me with so much desire or the influence of the wine.

Whatever it was, I couldn’t care less as the stranger undressed me.

~~~

9am.

I stirred, sunlight streaming through the curtains. As I blinked awake, confusion washed over me.

Where was I?

My breathing was heavy, and when I tried to raise myself up on my elbows, I fell back on the bed again.

The room seemed so unfamiliar, and I didn't remember how I had even ended up there.

Where was I? I wondered, staring at the high, white walls.

I turned, realizing with a jolt that I wasn’t alone on the bed. A bearded man lay besides me. His arms were casually draped over the pillow and he seemed so relaxed. I narrowed my eyes on him and then, it suddenly hit me.

This was the stranger from last night; in bed with me! I peaked underneath the sheets to see that I was completely naked.

“Oh no…” I muttered under my breath as I sat up and pulled the sheet around my chest.

The stranger opened one eye. “Good morning to you too.”

What had I gotten myself into? Having sex with the first man who helped me on my first night in Italy was certainly unlike me!

I felt my cheeks burn. “This…this wasn’t supposed to happen. We weren’t supposed to—”

“Have sex on our first meeting?” He cut in, eying me. He shrugged and sat up beside me. Then, he gave me a brief, indifferent look, one that only made my frustration rise. “You don’t have to get so upset. Last night, I was sure that your moans had been loud enough to alert the security, Sofia.”

“I am upset!” I snapped at him, surprised by my sharp tone. I glanced away as a mix of emotions rushed through me.

Anger. Guilt. Shock.

“I didn’t plan to…well, to get drunk and…this.” I gestured between us, feeling my stomach twist.

The man smirked, pulling on his jacket with the same nonchalance he’d had the night before. “Then don’t let it happen again,” he said coolly, not even bothering to meet my gaze.

"Are you just going to leave without telling me your name, Stranger?" I shot at him.

He moved toward the door, pausing only briefly as he gave me a final look over his shoulder. “Good luck with your father, Sofia.”

And with that, he was gone.