3. Blake
THREE
Blake
We leave Sophia’s hospital room and make our way outside. She stays close, clinging to me, her hand wrapped around my arm, her body pressing against me with every step.
“Tell me more about the Facility.” Her voice fills with genuine curiosity. “It sounds amazing.”
“It’s a secure place where we help those we rescue to recover. We offer counseling, medical care, and a safe environment to start rebuilding their lives. There’s even a school.”
“A school?”
“Yeah, some of them are kids. Too many.” I clear my throat, trying to shake off the weight of my words. “I’ll get you whatever you need—clothes, food, anything. Just tell me, and I’ll make it happen.”
“Wow, like my own personal protector.”
“Just someone to help. We find it’s easiest if you have one person to turn to, but don’t feel obligated?—”
“Not feeling obligated. I’m feeling all kinds of grateful. It still doesn’t feel real.”
As we exit Medical, I steer her toward a waiting golf cart. “ You’ll find these all over HQ.” I gesture to a cart. “The carts are for anyone’s use and are handy to have around.”
Sophia stops, her eyes wistful as she looks around.
“Do you mind if we walk? Is it too far?”
“It’s a good ten-minute walk. The cart is much faster.”
“It’s been years since I’ve been allowed outside without a guard. Years since I’ve been able to walk free. If it’s not too much of a bother, I’d rather walk.”
Her words tug at something deep inside me. I swallow hard at the reminder of her trauma.
“Of course. Let’s walk.”
The magnetic pull between us grows stronger as we stroll through the expansive grounds of Guardian HRS.
Our bodies brush together with each step, heightening the chemistry between us. Her grip tightens slightly, and I savor the sensation, even though it’s risky to let this attraction deepen.
“I can’t get over how beautiful it is here.” Her voice is low and soft, almost sultry. As we walk, her eyes widen with wonder.
“It is.” I agree, though my mind isn’t on Guardian HRS. I’m completely captivated by the beauty beside me. “And it’s safe.” She needs to remember that she’s not just free but safe from men like Greaves.
“Thank you for everything. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
“There’s no need for that. It’s my pleasure, but if you want to repay me, focus on your healing. What you’ve endured… I hate that you suffered like that. While you won’t be at the Facility, we have amazing counselors when you’re ready.”
“Thanks. That’s incredibly kind and generous. I’m not sure I’m ready for—something like that.” Her voice softens. “It’s hard to forget everything that’s happened. Even harder to believe it’s really over.” Her fingers curl around mine, a spark of electricity shooting through me, and her eyes glisten with tears. “Thank you so much.”
Her vulnerability is going to be the death of me.
We arrive at the dormitories, a set of clean, functional quarters meant for part-time personnel. I lead Sophia to her new apartment .
“This will be your place.” I gesture toward the small but well-appointed apartment. “It’s got a living room, a full kitchen, a small dining area, and of course, a bedroom.”
Sophia steps inside while I remain in the hall. Her eyes widen in surprise. “This is so much more than I expected.” She turns to me, a joyful glint in her eye.
I hesitate, determined to stay in the hall where it’s safer.
Her excitement radiates, arms lifting as she spins around, a squeal of delight escaping her lips. For a brief moment, the haunted look in her eyes is replaced by pure happiness. It’s a rare, beautiful sight, and I can’t help but smile. She suddenly halts mid-spin, realizing I’m still in the hall.
“Stop being silly and come in.” She playfully tugs me inside.
So much for staying in the hall.
The door clicks shut behind us, and I stand awkwardly in the middle of the room as she begins to explore. She moves through the small space, opening the fridge, checking every drawer and cupboard. Then she heads into the bedroom—a place I’m not about to enter. More squeals of delight echo as she tests the shower and inspects the walk-in closet. Guardian HRS certainly knows how to take care of its people.
Sophia reappears from the bedroom, her mouth agape and eyes wide, before she turns to me.
“I could use some food.” Her voice drops to a husky whisper. “And clothes. But maybe we start with food? How does a girl get food around here? I’m starving.”
“There are several dining facilities on the grounds. We’ve got cafeterias, a burger joint, and a dine-and-dash. If you make a list of things you want, I’ll get them delivered.”
“You have all of that? Here? On the grounds?”
“Yeah, and more. What stimulates—um, interests your tastebuds the most? We can grab anything you want.” My voice is rougher than it should be.
The sooner I can get her out of here, the sooner I can rid myself of my intrusive thoughts, like how much I want to fuck her on that bed .
This is my personal version of hell.
“Perfect.” Her eyes lock onto mine. “Lead the way, my gallant hero.”
We leave the apartment, and she stays close, her body pressing against mine with every step. My mind races with desire, determination, and disgust. I have to stay professional. I cannot, and will not, take advantage of her.
In the cafeteria, she picks at her food, her eyes never leaving mine.
“So.” Her voice is silky smooth. “Tell me about yourself. How did you end up with the Guardians?”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “I used to be in the Navy. After I got out, I joined Guardian HRS. It’s a good fit for me. I like the work we do.”
“I bet you do.” Her eyes gleam. “You seem like the kind of man who enjoys helping people.”
“Something like that.” My gaze lingers on her rosebud lips, drawn to them for a moment too long. The urge to close the distance and taste her is almost overwhelming.
She smiles, slow and seductive, the kind of smile that makes my pulse race and my blood burn. “Well, thank you—for everything.” Her fingers curl around mine, her touch sparking a fire that threatens to consume my self-control.
Every instinct urges me to lean in, to close the distance between us, but I force myself to stay steady. I can’t let this happen, no matter how much I want it. The battle inside me rages, desire clashing with duty. I must keep my distance and protect her from myself.
As we finish our meal and return to her room, the tension between us intensifies. She moves close, her fingers brushing my arm, sending jolts of electricity through me. When we reach her door, she turns to me, her eyes shining with gratitude.
“Thank you.” She lifts on tiptoe and gently kisses my cheek.
My skin burns, and my groin heats.
“Goodnight, Sophia.” I swallow hard, my pulse racing. As I turn to leave, her voice and a gentle hand on my arm stop me .
“Would you mind staying a bit longer? I’m scared to be alone in this strange place.”
Kill me. Just kill me now. I will not survive this torture.
But I’ll do it—fuck me—I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if it means fighting my desires every step of the way.
“I’ll stay.” I force a smile.
“Unless you have somewhere to be, or someone to see?” Her voice is tentative, probing for information.
She’s fishing for clues about my personal life, whether I’m married, attached, or have a girlfriend. Still, her tone also shows genuine nervousness about staying alone in an unfamiliar place.
“There’s no one waiting for me, Sophia.” My voice softens. “I’d enjoy the company too.”
Her shoulders relax slightly, and she offers a small, grateful smile. It makes me want to stay close to her, not out of duty but because I genuinely enjoy her presence.
I step into Sophia’s new apartment for the second time, my heart pounding. The familiar scent of lavender mingles with the faint smell of fresh paint. The soft, incandescent light casts a warm glow on her features, accentuating the delicate curve of her jaw and the intensity of her stormy eyes.
My gaze shifts to a package on the coffee table that wasn’t there before—a distraction, a welcome one—but the electric tension between us is impossible to ignore. Her nearness stirs desire and trepidation, a battle raging within me.
“Looks like someone left you something.” I gesture to the package. My voice is steadier than I feel; each moment with her tests my self-control.
Sophia’s eyes light up as she tears into it, pulling out comfortable-looking pajamas, toiletries, and other necessities. At the bottom, a handwritten note catches her eye. She reads it silently, a soft smile spreading across her face.
“It’s from Jenna.” She clasps the note to her chest, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “She’s happy I’m here and can’t wait to see me once I’m settled in.” Her voice wavers slightly, the joy in her expression tempered by guilt. “I can’t believe I’m free, that I get to see my friend again. But—I feel horrible for what I did to her. It’s my fault she was taken. If I hadn’t…” Her voice trails off, the guilt and relief mingling in her eyes as she looks up at me, seeking reassurance.
My chest tightens at the vulnerability in her eyes. I clear my throat, searching for words that won’t betray the storm of emotions inside me.
I step forward, closing the distance between us. Without thinking, I wrap my arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace.
“It’s okay,” I murmur into her hair. “Jenna doesn’t blame you—none of us do. You had no choice, and we understand how horrible that was.”
The hug lingers—two seconds, three—five long seconds. She relaxes into me, her body slowly melting into the embrace. Her arms wrap around my waist, clutching me like I’m her lifeline.
I breathe in, catching the subtle blend of her perfume and lavender, and for a moment, the world narrows to just the two of us, bound together in this intimate, comforting embrace.
Fuck emotions. This is a raw, visceral need.
“Um, I think I’ll take a quick shower if that’s okay?” Sophia gathers up the toiletries, her movements graceful despite her exhaustion.
“Of course.” I keep my voice neutral, even as my pulse quickens. The slight flushing of her cheeks and the way her hands tremble as she collects her things says far too much. “I’ll be right out here if you need anything.”
She gives me a small, almost shy smile before turning away. The bathroom door closes softly behind her, and I sink onto the couch, dropping my head into my hands. The sound of running water fills the apartment, a reminder of her presence just a few feet away.
My imagination runs wild, picturing her in the shower, and I groan, forcing myself to think of anything else—mission reports, weapon maintenance, literally anything but Sophia naked in the next room.
But the way she looked at me, the way her body responded during that hug—it’s impossible to ignore the chemistry between us. The tension is undeniable, and she feels it too.
When she finally emerges, wrapped in a fluffy robe with damp hair curling around her face, I stand abruptly, my body on edge. Time to make a quick exit and end this torment.
“I should get going.” I head toward the door, eager to escape the temptation she poses.
Sophia’s eyes widen, a flicker of panic crossing her face.
“Actually… Would you mind staying? Just until I fall asleep?” She twists the belt of her robe between her fingers, her voice trembling slightly. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but this place still feels unfamiliar.”
“Alright.” I should leave, but I’m unable to refuse her. “I’ll stay until you’re asleep.”
She disappears into the bedroom, and I take off my boots, bracing myself for what’s ahead. My hands tremble as I set them aside, and I take a deep breath to steady myself.
“Blake?” Sophia’s voice calls softly from the bedroom.
I step in cautiously. She’s wearing the pajamas from the care package—soft flannel pants and a loose T-shirt. The sight of her like this, so vulnerable, makes my throat tighten as I swallow hard against the lump forming there.
“Could you… If it’s not too much to ask, do you think you could hold me until I fall asleep?” Her voice is timid and unsure, and her eyes are wide with vulnerability.
“Of course.” I take a step closer, my heart pounding.
I sit beside her, gently pulling her into my arms. She nestles against me, her body fitting perfectly against mine. The warmth of her skin, the soft scent of her hair—everything about this moment feels both right and dangerously intoxicating.
My pulse races, but I force myself to focus on being a comforting presence for her. She gradually relaxes, her breathing slowing, fingers clutching my shirt. Each second stretches into an eternity.
“I never thought I’d be free of him.” Sophia’s breath is warm against my neck. Her fingers trace idle patterns on my chest, sending shivers down my spine. “I’ll always be grateful to you for saving me.”
My arm tightens around her involuntarily. I want to tell her how strong she is, how much I admire her resilience. But I stay silent, not trusting myself to speak.
As Sophia’s breathing evens out and she drifts off to sleep, I lie there, hyperaware of every point where our bodies connect. It takes every ounce of willpower not to stroke her hair or press a kiss to her forehead.
Once I’m sure she’s deeply asleep, I carefully extricate myself from her embrace. I pause at the bedroom door, looking back at her peaceful form. Something tightens in my chest, but I force myself to leave the room. I settle onto the couch, bracing for a long, uncomfortable night. My body aches with unfulfilled desire, but even more, my mind races with conflicting emotions.
I want to protect Sophia, to help her heal, but I also want her in ways I shouldn’t—ways that would complicate everything. As I stare at the ceiling, I curse Forest Summers and this assignment.
The night drags on endlessly. I toss and turn, struggling to find a comfortable position on the too-small couch. At some point, I must have dozed off, because I suddenly jerk awake to the sound of soft whimpers coming from the bedroom. Instantly, I’m on my feet, moving silently toward Sophia’s room.
She’s tangled in the sheets, her face twisted in fear as she mumbles incoherently. A nightmare. My heart aches for her as I approach the bed.
“No… Please… Not again… Master, please… I’ll be good… Don’t hurt me…”
“Sophia.” I gently nudge her shoulder. “Wake up. You’re safe.”
Her eyes fly open, wild with terror. She doesn’t recognize me and shrinks away.
“It’s okay.” I keep my distance. “It’s Blake. You’re safe. You’re at Guardian HQ. No one can hurt you here.”
Recognition flickers in her eyes, quickly followed by relief. Without warning, she throws herself into my arms, sobbing against my chest .
I hold her close, murmuring reassurances as I gently stroke her hair. As her tears begin to subside, the reality of our position becomes impossible to ignore—Sophia in my lap, her curves pressing against me, my hands resting on her back.
Things are stirring that shouldn’t.
I should put her back to bed and return to the couch, but I can’t bring myself to let her go.
“Stay,” Sophia whispers, her lips brushing my neck. “Please. I don’t want to be alone.”
God help me. Will the torment never end?
I gently shift us back onto the bed, keeping her close. As we settle in, Sophia curls against me like she belongs there, her warmth and trust igniting something deep inside me.
I’m playing with fire, but for tonight—for her—I’ll risk getting burned.