Chapter 20 Sophie
Sophie
“Sophie, we need to talk.”
I looked up from my computer at my father standing in my doorway.
He looked frustrated, but I really didn’t care.
Neither he nor my mother had said much to me since the black-tie event and I made peace with that.
I loved my parents, but if they couldn’t accept my choices, I would have to love them from afar.
“About what, Dad?” I leaned back in my chair.
His hand moved down his handsome face before he turned to shut my door. I watched him standing in front of my desk like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. After he slipped his hands into the pockets of his suit pants, he began.
“This is not us, Sophie. We never go this long without communicating and I don’t understand why you’re allowing that man to disrupt your life and tear you away from your family.”
“That man’s name is Trooper, and I’m not allowing him to do anything. You’re the one who made a big deal out of this entire situation. I’m disappointed in you for that. He’s not the enemy, but apparently, you are.”
My father’s expression moved from frustration to concern. He looked almost panicked. “What did he tell you, Sophie? What lies is he filling your head with? Why would you believe anything that man tells you about me?”
Now I was really confused. What the hell was he talking about? “What happened between you and Trooper? Why are you so threatened by him?”
“I’m not threatened by him, Sophie. I just know he’s not the man for you. You’re so much better than that. Why would you waste everything you’ve built—your career, your reputation—all for that man?”
“You don’t know him, but you’re acting like you do. Why is that?”
My father laughed. “I don’t have to know him to understand what he’s about. He’s a criminal, and I know that you know that, so why you choose to put your future at risk for him, I don’t understand. Sophie, think about what you’re doing.”
“I’m not having this conversation with you.
I love you and hope you know that, but I’m happy, and I wish you and Mom would be happy for me too.
I’m not a kid. I’m twenty-six years old, so it’s not really up to you.
Maybe I’m making a mistake, but that’s on me.
I’ll have to deal with the consequences of my actions, but right now, this is what I want.
Trooper is what I want. You can either accept that or don’t. ”
My father just stared at me before he turned to walk away. After he pulled my office door open and stepped through, he looked back at me one last time before walking away. His way of saying he refused to accept my choice. It hurt, but I’d eventually be okay.
After my father left, I sat there staring at the walls in my office, not able to concentrate on anything, so I decided to call it a day. I was frustrated and needed to get away from everything for a minute.
“You’re home early, Sophie.” Oscar smiled as soon as I entered my building. I returned a smile and nodded.
“Long day. I decided to shut down early,” I said as he walked alongside me toward the elevator.
“Is everything okay? If you need to talk, I’d be happy to come up and sit with you for a while,” Oscar offered. I looked at him, trying to hide the frown threatening to surface.
“No, but thank you for the offer. I really just want to lie down for a bit.”
“Alone or are you expecting company?”
My head tilted to the side and this time I knew for sure I was frowning. “Um, I don’t think that’s appropriate, Oscar.”
“Oh no, it’s not what you’re thinking, Sophie. I was just wondering if we should be on the lookout for Mr. Carter. He’s been here a lot lately and…”
I cut off his rambling. “No need. Mr. Carter can let himself up. He has an elevator key,” I said in reference to giving Trooper my spare key card to the elevator that led to my apartment.
For some reason, I felt uncomfortable and wanted Oscar to know Trooper could get to me if necessary.
I thought about Anthony mentioning Oscar had a slight crush.
He was harmless enough, but one could never be too sure with people.
“Yes, ma’am. Well, if you need anything, just let me know. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Sophie,” Oscar said, then turned to leave.
I held my card up to the security pad and waited for the elevator doors to open.
Once inside my place, I placed my things on the table by the door, kicked off my shoes, and began stripping out of my clothes.
I entered my bedroom and tossed my shirt on the bed before I unzipped my skirt and stepped out, tossing it on the bed too.
My next move was heading to the kitchen where I poured myself a glass of wine then made my way back to my bedroom.
I climbed into bed and fluffed the pillows under my head.
At this point, I just wanted to relax my mind and escape. Hopefully, a glass of wine and a good nap would somewhat fix things for me. Even if it was just temporary.
Iwas awakened much later by hands moving up my body and kisses on my neck and shoulder. My room was dark, but Trooper’s cologne and the feel of his body next to mine was a dead giveaway. I snuggled closer to him and smiled.
“I missed you,” I mumbled softly.
His voice vibrated through my body as he pulled me closer. “I can’t tell. Looks like you been here all day and didn’t bother to call me.”
“I knew you were busy and didn’t want to bother you.”
“I’m never too busy for you, Sophie. You know that, baby girl. Why you in bed, though? You feel okay?”
I released a stress-filled sigh before I turned to face him. All the lights were off in my room, but a warm glow shone through the door from the living room, allowing me to see his face. He looked concerned, which made me smile.
“My father came to see me today.”
“And?”
“And he’s so deadset against me being with you. I just don’t understand that.”
“Shit don’t have to make sense for some people, Sophie. It just is what it is. Your father is the type of man used to telling people what to do and they do it. So when it doesn’t happen, it’s a problem.”
“But I just don’t understand why though. I get he has an issue with who you are, but if I don’t, why should it matter?”
“What I don’t understand is why you’re talking about it instead of handling this.” Trooper pulled my hand to the swell in his boxers, making sure to rub it along his full length.
I grinned before biting down on my lip. “I’m serious, Trooper.”
“So am I. I’m hard as fuck right now and you’re talking things that don’t matter. Are you happy?”
“Yes, you know I am.”
“Then don’t worry about it. I know that’s your people, so it matters. I’m not saying it doesn’t, but you’re here. His opinion isn’t going to change shit between us. Now can we stop talking so you can come sit on this.”
Trooper slipped my hand into his boxers then kissed me.
That was all the convincing I needed. My clit throbbed and my stomach tensed from the anticipation of him sliding inside of me.
I sat up, moved my panties down my thighs, and kicked them to the floor.
Trooper rolled onto his back and just watched as I straddled his waist. Using both hands to expose what I was longing for, I slowly positioned myself so he could enter me.
Right now, my mind was on pleasing my man.
Everything else would just have to wait.