(Theme Song of the Chapter: You Put A Spell On me  - Austin Giorgio)

Sophie◆Cruz

THE WAVES ROLLED in, kissing the shoreline, and the cool water tickled my pedicured toes. This was Florida—the warm sun drenching my already tan skin, sellers on the beach trying to get people to buy their homemade alcoholic concoctions, and and the endless blue water stretching out like a perfect postcard.

I was stretched out on the sand beside Samantha, who was dramatically fanning herself, grumbling about her tan lines. She hadn't stopped complaining since we got here.

"Remind me never to wear this bikini again," Samantha muttered. "I'm going to have stripes all over my stomach."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'm sure it won't be that bad."

"Easy for you to say," she huffed, propping herself up on her elbows. "You're not as pale as snow."

I always thought her porcelain skin was beautiful, but before I could reassure her, my phone buzzed from inside my beach bag. I sighed, sitting up and digging it out. My heart sank when I saw my grandma's name flash across the screen.

"Hello,"

"Prinsesa, where are you? I'm at your place, I wanted to give you some of my freshly made lumpia you love so much." She said, her sweet voice excited.

"Lola, I'm out today."

"Well, maybe I could stop by again tomorrow."

My stomach twisted at the thought; that wouldn't work. Aiden was set to return tomorrow, and I knew I'd be back at his beck and call.

"I can't." I answered tightly.

"Bakit?" (Filipino| Why?)

"Because I have work the whole day. You know I've been taking extra shifts and working longer hours at Vitality." I lied through my teeth.

I could hear my grandma hum on the other side. "Oh I forgot. My prinsesa is such a hardworking young girl. Just let me know when you're home next week. I'll come by."

My body tinged with guilt. I hated lying to her, but what good would it do to tell her I'd quit my job and was now working for a very questionable person?

"Y-Yeah. Will do. I love you."

"Mahal kita." (Filipino| I love you).

With that, she hung up, and I let out a long, tired sigh. I caught Samantha's questioning gaze, the concern evident in her eyes.

"You haven't told her?"

I smiled sheepishly, feeling the familiar twinge of guilt. "I can't tell her I'm working for Aiden Accardi as his private physical therapist. My grandma is really conservative, and if she knew I was working for someone like him, she'd lose her mind."

Samantha raised an eyebrow. "Someone like him? You mean successful, powerful, and, let's be honest, extremely hot?"

I playfully rolled my eyes at her teasing look. "It would upset her."

Samantha shrugged. "I don't see the problem. I mean, your relationship with him is strictly professional, right?"

My stomach dropped at her words and my mind began to flood with flashbacks of him and I alone in that room. Seeing myself in that mirror with him doing things to my body that would send my grandmother into cardiac arrest.

And the way he made me feel. The man had given me my very first orgasm, something my ex of six years could never do. I had faked so many with Luke, but with Aiden, everything was all real.

Much too real.

But I was a fake—lying to those I cared about.

"Y-Yeah." I said. "But she's always freaking out about something."

I shifted my focus back to my phone, and the guilt swirling inside me intensified as I noticed two missed calls from my mother earlier this morning.

She was the last person I could speak with right now, and the pit of stomach began to feel heavy in shame. If she knew I quit my job at Vitality, a job she said in her own words, was good for me, She would question me. The last thing she needed to hear was that her daughter was now the private physical therapist for one of the most infamous men in Miami.

"Dumb girls are all over this city, Sophie. Promise mommy you'll stay my sweet innocent thing. Don't go chasing the devil."

I gripped my phone as I recalled her past words. When we first moved to Miami, I remember how enamored I was from the lavishness of it--the busy night life and the festivities. But at the time I was a caged girl looking at it all from within my prison...a prison constructed by my very own mother.

And though I could lie to my grandma ....I couldn't lie to...her. It was nearly impossible. It was like my mother casted a spell on me that made her immune to my lies.

I slipped my phone in my pocket trying to suppress the guilt. It was ironic because a week before, a call back from my mother was all I ever wanted.

"You wanna go to Taco Boco?" I asked Samantha out of the blue.

"Hell yeah,"

◆◆◆

The guest house had a small, unused room that I had turned into a makeshift dance studio. It wasn't much, just a large mirror on one wall and enough space to move around without feeling cramped. And with Aiden gone these past few days, I finally had some time to myself, and I intended to use it wisely.

Dancing was my first love, and when I was a teenager, it was my dream to one day dance professionally as a background dancer for a music artist, become a choreographer, or open my own dance studio and teach other young girls how to dance.

My mother was completely against this of course, and after I turned 17, refused to pay for my dance classes until I got 'my silly little dream' out of my head and began thinking about reality—reality being whatever she wanted.

The music filled the room, a soothing melody that transported me back to the dance classes of my childhood. I closed my eyes, letting the rhythm take over my body. It was not long before I was lost in my movement; I was lost in the freedom that dancing brought me. I moved my hips to the R&B song, my movements growing more lose and unrestrained as I focused on myself in the mirror.

I was about to start another routine when I heard a noise behind me.

My heart skipped a beat, and I whirled around, my breath catching in my throat. Aiden stood in the doorway, his piercing eyes fixed on me. He didn't say a word, just watched me with an inscrutable expression.

He was back.

I felt a flush of embarrassment. "What are you doing here?" I questioned, my voice sharper than I intended. "Alexia, turn off the music" I ordered the virtual assistant and soon the speaker shut off silencing the music.

Aiden leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, his dark brown eyes glinting with curiosity. The low light of the hallway highlighted his sharp jawline and chiseled features. Despite his relaxed posture, an undeniable energy of authority surrounded him, and I could feel my body react with nervous chills sprawling around my body.

"You're good." He said lowly. "And it pains me to say that so you know I'm not lying..."

I scoffed, my eyes instinctively avoiding his gaze. This was the first time I'd seen him since he left for his business trip—and since everything that had happened in that room.

"Thanks, I guess," I said with a light chuckle. I expected him to change the subject and explain why he had shown up so unexpectedly, but instead, he probed again.

"So, how does a dancer go from dancing to being a physical therapist?" he questioned. "Seems a bit random, if you ask me."

I sighed still not meeting his gaze. "My mother had different plans for me." I answered dryly.

"It's a shame you never got to follow your passion."

His words hung in the air, not just for what he said but how he said it. There was an unusual quality to his tone, almost as if he wasn't addressing me directly. It felt like a passing thought, spoken aloud without intent, as though he was reflecting on something personal.

He coughed before running his hand through his jet black hair. "I need you to take a look at my arm. It's stiffer than usual, I think I may have slept on it or something."

I nodded and watched as he sat in one of the room's chairs, spreading his long legs to get comfortable. I fought the urge to roll my eyes and walked over to him as he removed his white T-shirt, exposing his muscled body adorned with dark, intricate tattoos.

Gently, I placed my hand on his arm—the one that had been shot—and began to feel around the muscle. "Elevate your arm a little..." I said.

He lifted his arm, and I could instantly feel the tightness in the muscle. His face constrained into an expression of pain, and I immediately felt a wave of sympathy. In that moment, I pushed aside the awareness of his usual arrogance and remembered that, right now, he was my patient.

I looked at his skin and scars on his upper back that I had never recognized before as they were hidden underneath his tattoos caught my attention. Without thinking I traced the scar tissue with my finger tip and followed the shapes and lines of the marks.

Aiden tensed, his eyes snapping to mine with fury. "What the hell are you doing?"

I shook my head, feeling remorseful. "Sorry, it's just that you have all these scars on your—"

I cut myself off as in his gaze of anger was a flicker of something else. It was the look I had seen people make when they reminisced a bad memory—a look of brief pain before his poker face came to surface and suddenly I didn't see anger nor pain.

"We're gonna need to do an hour of remedial exercises to loosen your joints up." I said, changing the topic.

He would also probably need another massage around the injury in which I would utilize a Filipino technique my mother taught me called hilot.

"I have a meeting with my company execs in the next 30 minutes," he replied.

"Okay," I said softly. "Then tonight, when you get back, we can do them."

Aiden stared at me for a few seconds before shaking his head. "No, I won't be back tonight. Why don't you come with me? That way, when the meeting's over, we can get back on track."

I sucked on my bottom lip, feeling skeptical.

"Okay," I said carefully. "But where are you going that won't allow you to come back tonight?"

Aiden cracked a smile for the first time since we started talking, a shameless grin that hinted at his usual mischief.

"You willing to change into a bikini?"

◆◆◆

The white yacht was docked near the shore, music and laughter spilling from the boat. Its bright lights formed a distinct contrast against the darkening sky, with the ocean blue appearing nearly invisible except for the moon's reflection shimmering off its ripples.

I swallowed hard and shot a glance at Aiden. "I thought this was supposed to be a meeting?"

I knew it was odd when he told me to change into a bikini, and his black tank that showcased his muscular arms paired with Nike swim shorts hinted at his true intentions. But this was peculiar... even for Aiden Accardi.

"This is the meeting," he said lowly, not sparing me a glance as we crossed the dock, approaching a guard at the entrance who lowered his head in respect to Aiden.

I wasn't blind to Aiden's immense success, wealth, and prestige, but while he wasn't royalty, the people around him treated him as such. The guard looked at me, his eyes almost popping out of his head as he took in my appearance, his gaze lingering on my bikini top.

"Strano idiota, concentrati e fai il tuo lavoro." Aiden gritted out in Italian, his jaw tightened as he shot the man a harsh glare. I had no idea what he was saying but his mood had become tense. (Italian| Weird idiot, focus and do your job.)

Aiden grabbed my hand tightly and lead me up the steps of the yacht.

"You don't got no other bikinis?" Aiden questioned me, his voice edgy.

I furrowed my brows. This bikini top was definitely two sizes too small for my full-sized breasts, but it was the only clean option I had at the moment. I was so behind on my laundry, and there was no way I was going to let Walter—who was already busy enough—take care of it, even though he kept offering.

His question annoyed me, but I felt myself growing self-conscious as I was entering a gathering of Aiden's business executives who helped him run his billion-dollar enterprise. I had no idea who these people were, and the last thing I wanted was to embarrass myself.

"You don't like it?" I asked softly, mentally kicking myself. At that moment, I wanted to evaporate and cease to exist. The question sounded so... needy. Yet it reflected our dynamic. Though I found him completely insufferable, a part of me—maybe the same part that came alive when his hands were on my body—cared about what he thought.

Aiden whipped his head around, halting his ascent up the steps. His gaze locked onto mine before sliding down my frame, taking in my body in the black two-piece bikini. He licked his lips, his eyes narrowing as I noticed his jaw tick at the sight of me.

His dark eyes made their way back up to meet mine. His body towered over mine as he watched me, his look remaining consistent.

"It doesn't matter what I think..." He said taking me by surprise. "What does Sophie think?"

My throat went dry and his eyes raised at my flustered expression. What did I think?

"I think I look fine." I responded timidly.

Aiden's hand gripped my waist, pulling me closer and making me stifle a squeal at his strength. "Don't say it like you're asking a question. You look sexy as fuck," he muttered.

I couldn't deny that my heart fluttered at his words. I did my best to keep my composure, relieved I succeeded, because what came out of his mouth next left me utterly dumbfounded.

"Now go the whole night without irritating me, and you'll be even sexier," he said, before turning and heading up to the top level of the yacht.

I stood there, speechless, watching him disappear up the stairs, trying to process the mix of emotions swirling inside me.

I pressed my lips together, holding back the kindergarten-level insults I wanted to hurl at him, and followed him up to the top level. He was instantly greeted by a group of about twelve people lounging on the luxury chairs. Most were men, their dark sunglasses and tattooed bodies mirroring Aiden's look.

A few stood out—looking more "normal," but most looked like high rollers who'd dressed well and somehow found themselves entangled in this world of wealth. Expensive suits, designer sunglasses, and an aura about them that said they were up to no good.

"Capo Accardi!" One hollered. "Late as always..."

Aiden smirked. "You don't gotta be early when you own the boat."

I watched as they all fell into a chorus of laughter, leaving me to awkwardly shift where I stood. Suddenly, their eyes drifted in my direction, and I instantly recognized Antonio—he had introduced himself as Aiden's friend at the club. His gaze lingered on me for a moment, a faint smirk forming at the corner of his lips, making me feel even more out of place.

"And who is this pretty lady?" An older man, probably in his 40s, said as he eyed me up and down. His gaze lingered in a way that made my skin crawl, his smile too casual for comfort. I forced a polite smile, resisting the urge to step back as Aiden's presence loomed behind me, silently observing.

"I'm Sophie I-"

"Will be getting the rest of the drinks from the cooler." Aiden finished for me, his eyes on me.

I turned to look at Aiden, trying to drown out the bits of laughter from his guests. He cocked his head toward the direction of the cooler, a silent command. I let out a small huff, breaking my stare with him, irritated by his nonchalant attitude.

As I walked over to the cooler, the group continued their conversation, their words too low for me to catch. Aiden was being meaner than usual, colder. What had gotten his briefs in such a twist? I grabbed a silver tray from the table near the cooler and started placing a good number of drinks on it, the weight of the situation settling in. Why was I here, serving them like a waitress? It wasn't my job. Yet, here I was, doing exactly what he silently commanded.

I carefully set the tray on the table before slipping into a seat next to a woman with bright red hair. She smiled at me sweetly, her eyes warm but curious, before turning her attention back to Aiden.

He was in the middle of discussing his next goals for the private security firm, the low baritone of his voice firm and authoritative as always. Mid-sentence, his gaze flickered towards me briefly, and then he switched to Italian, effectively cutting me off from the conversation. Despite not understanding a word, I could see how everyone hung on his every sentence, as if his words were law.

"Now enough about business..." Aiden said, switching back to English and raising his drink. "Let the fun begin."

And the fun truly began. Who knew 12 people could have so much fun together? Music blasted loudly as we sailed across the ocean, and I watched as they laughed, talked, shouted, and drank, completely immersed in the moment.

The redhead next to me glanced over, snorting a white powder before giggling and collapsing back into her seat. I turned to Aiden, who wasn't engaging in the festivities. His expression remained serious as he spoke quietly with two of his business partners nearby, seemingly distant from the chaotic energy surrounding him.

I held a drink in my hand, watching as an onlooker to the group's fun, when suddenly the redhead next to me accidentally bumped into me, causing me to spill my drink all over her dress.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry." I said, grabbing the napkins on the table and helping her clean her dress.

I could see from the corner of my eyes Aiden and some others stare, burning holes into me as I continued to apologize to the woman, whom was clearly high, as she reassured me it was fine.

I could hear the old man across from me chuckle. "Aiden, where did you get this clumsy girl?"

His question was followed by more laughter, and I clenched the napkin in my hand, anger brewing inside me.

I sat up and faced them, noticing Aiden throw his head back in boredom. "What you're seeing is Sophie the sweetheart at her prime."

Shrieks of laughter followed the low baritone of his voice, his dark brown eyes glued to me. Whether it was the commotion around me or my overwhelming embarrassment, I felt like I was trapped in a shell I couldn't break free from.

Why was everyone being so patronizing? They were treating me like some sort of anomaly, some sort of wonder, but not in a good way. I let out a breath before standing up, my body tense, and I didn't bother looking in Aiden's direction, even though I could feel his gaze still on me.

I stormed away from the group, making my way to the other side of the large boat, my mind swirling with anger. I wanted off this yacht, but as I approached the edge and peered over the railing into the pitch-black atmosphere, I realized that wasn't happening anytime soon.

Cause I was in the middle of the ocean with Aiden and his weird, scary friends.

I leaned over the edge of the yacht, my knuckles whitening as I gripped the cold metal railing. The rhythmic thrum of the ocean beneath me was the only thing grounding me in that moment.

"Planning to jump?" Aiden's voice cut through the darkness, low and taunting.

I didn't turn around, didn't acknowledge his presence.

He came closer, the warmth of his body brushing against my back. My heart raced as I felt his breath against my ear. "Is it a habit of yours to run?"

I swallowed hard, my pulse quickening. His voice, despite the cruel undertone, did something to me. It always did. I hated that about myself. Hated that even now, when I was furious, I could feel the heat of desire pooling deep inside.

"I wasn't running," I managed to say, my voice shaking with both frustration and something I didn't want to admit.

"Good." His hand slid down my arm, before snaking around my waist. His grip wasn't tight, but it was firm before he suddenly pulled away from me.

The yacht made a sudden lurch as a wave hit its side, throwing me forward. My fingers slipped off the railing, and I barely caught myself, my body hanging over the dark, churning water below. Panic surged through me as I scrambled to pull myself up, the slick metal irritating my palms.

My legs kicked uselessly, searching for leverage, but gravity was not on my side and there was no way for me to stabilize myself back on the deck on my own.

"Aiden!" I gasped, my voice trembling with desperation. The wind howled in my ears, whipping my hair into my face as the sight of the raging black waters below only made my struggle more frantic.

He didn't move. I felt the heat of his stare burning into me, the weight of his silence more terrifying than anything else. The seconds stretched painfully as my arms began to tremble, the strain making my muscles give out.

I swallowed down the rising level of fear pooling in me, teeth gritted, as I fought to keep my hold. "Aiden, please!" The plea ripped from my throat.

I began to lose my breath as my fear suffocated me. Then came an aggressive weight in my stomach that simmered into nothingness—acceptance. I was gonna fall.

My body began to submit to gravity, but after what felt like an eternity, Aiden's strong hands gripped my waist but he didn't pull me up immediately.

"Remember this feeling," he whispered, his voice devoid of any comfort. Only then did he tug me back onto the deck, the force of it sending me into his chest. I gasped, my heart pounding widely.

His next words were chilling, and something in his tone carried the weight of a dark truth that went beyond the present moment. "Because some things... there's just no escaping from."

◆◆◆

Finish the sentence: Aiden is such a____. What do you think Aiden means by his words? The next chapters are going to get a little crazy, I hope you're ready.

Please vote, comment, and follow.

xoxo

-v