Sophia’s POV:
I chewed on my cereal, shoving a few more down my throat. I had returned from work a bit late and I had to be fast so I didn’t keep Sid waiting when he arrived.
Yep, I said yes to Ivan’s text. And I was bubbling with excitement, I even had to call my friends to let them know about this.
Daisy scrunched up her face. “Ivan sent you those? And a dress? That sounds ominous,” she said.
Nick groaned. “There you go being dramatic again.” He moved closer to his camera, making his face bigger on the screen. “Do not listen to Daisy, just have fun, and he literally sent you your favourites.”
“See? That’s the part I don’t understand!” Daisy chimed in. “How would he know all that? You didn’t think to ask?”
She had a point, no doubt. But would I seem crazy if I let her know I didn’t care how Ivan knew what I liked without telling him? Cause that’s the truth, I didn’t care one bit, all I know is; that I received gifts from Ivan and I feel like I’m floating.
I had rushed home from work as soon as the package for the dress was delivered to me, I couldn’t wait to tell my friends and I had to be ready by the time Sid would come pick me up.
I turned my attention back to the video call. “Guys, I need to get ready, I don’t want to be late.”
Daisy let out a sigh. “I’m all for understanding that you’ve somehow developed feelings for someone as dangerous as Ivan and not sweet Harry…”
I winced at her last statement. She didn’t have to make me feel guilty right now.
“…but don’t you think you should slow down and be cautious?” she continued. “Like don’t let him know you have a crush on him or anything? I really hope it’s temporary and you will eventually move past this.”
Crush? She had no idea.
I feel bad for not telling her, but I didn’t want to deal with all that right now and even I didn’t completely understand my own feelings. I wish I did.
“Daisy, you worry too much,” Nick scolded.
“I have to, especially when it comes to Ivan,” she retorted.
I blew out a breath. “You do know Ivan wouldn’t harm me, right? He isn’t a monster.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know about you Soph, but I can’t forget the fact that he kidnapped you and then took your position, in your own father’s company right under your nose. We both know this guy is deadly, regardless of how he’s portrayed by the media. You may have feelings for him and I’ll never judge you for that, the heart always does what it wants, we could always fall for the wrong people but you shouldn’t be blind to these things.”
Nick looked speechless at Daisy’s statement.
But it felt like my heart had been plunged out of my body. Why am I such a mess? How do I fall in love with someone completely wrong for me?
I can’t help but think that all these started when we blurred the lines between captor and captive.
The fact that I don’t care about what he’s done to me anymore-I don’t think I’ve ever really cared, I don’t even know if I was ever really upset with Ivan.
“…Soph?” Daisy’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
My eyes caught the time as I glanced back up at my iPad.
7:11 pm.
Sid would be here soon, I had to get ready.
“I’ve got to go guys, I’ll text you late.” I hung up, cutting off whatever they were going to say. We can do all that when I’m back. I just wanted to see Ivan.
I glanced at myself in the mirror for the last time, before going out to meet Sid.
My dress was stunning and hugged my curves perfectly, it looked like it cost a fortune, sure, I could afford it myself but the fact it was from Ivan made it seem even more expensive. It was a strapless black glimmer mini dress and I paired it with silver heels. I had my hair up in a sleek, high ponytail and I’d made the ends into loose wavy curls.
I had put an extra effort into my makeup tonight.
I wanted to impress Ivan tonight.
Feel free to judge me.
It’s not my fault I feel giddy and excited. Reminds me of when Daisy first realized she’d fallen in love with Ryan and it wasn’t just a silly crush.
So yes, I’m doomed.
Fucked up.
Down bad for Ivan. But whatever.
“Hi,” Sid greeted me as soon as I stepped out. “Wow, you look so damn good,” he said, grinning widely.
My cheeks felt hot from his compliment. “Thank you,” I replied, shyly.
He opened the door backseat and gestured for me to get in.
I shook my head. “No, I don’t mind sitting beside you, we are not strangers and I can’t see you as my Uber driver,” I chuckled.
He smirked. “Just make sure you get nothing but the best treatment… but if you insist.” He closed the door moved to the passenger door and opened it.
“Thank you,” I said, sliding into the passenger seat.
“Where are we going?” I asked as soon as he got into the car.
“It’s a surprise.” He winked.
I rolled my eyes.
“You have any idea why he’s suddenly being all nice?” I couldn’t help but ask, it’s been at the back of my mind since I got his gifts and texts.
Sid seemed to think about my question for a few seconds. “Not sure, sometimes, Ivan does things without a reason or out of the blue. But I’m sure there’s a reason for this, you could ask him yourself when you two meet,” he suggested.
I hummed. “Okay.”
The rest of the drive was smooth and comfortable. Finally, we pulled up to a grand hotel and from its exterior, it surely was a five-star hotel.
Sid came around the car and held the door open for me and I stepped out.
My heart hammered in my chest from anxiety and maybe excitement as I walked into the hotel.
The glitzy gold and sleek black was modern and glamorous. People stood around in their fancy clothes. They all looked as if they’d stepped right out of the pages of a magazine. Sid bypassed them and I followed closely behind him while we made our way to the front desk.
“We are supposed to meet Ivan Kozlov?” Sid said.
The woman behind the desk perked up right away. “Oh, yes. Everything is prepared for you. Go up to our rooftop and use this card,” she said as she slid it across the counter to Sid, giving him a flirtatious smile.
I couldn’t blame her though, Sid was hot as fuck. It runs in the family.
“Have a good evening,” she said as we started to walk away.
“Thanks,” I called back.
We got to the elevator and waited. As soon as its doors opened. Sid handed me the card the lady had given him. “I believe you can take it from here, my job here is done,” he said.
“Oh, thank you,” I replied.
He turned and left as I stepped into the elevator and I pressed the button leading to the rooftop.
As soon. As I was inside, I checked my reflection in its glass walls, make I still looked good.
I stepped out, and there was just a narrow hallway with a few doors. It looked as if only maintenance people or a few staff had access here.
I swiped the card at the door that said “Rooftop” and it made a little beep sound and a click. I pushed it open and had my breath snatched from my lungs.
The rooftop was decorated with soft, glowing candles everywhere. Their wame glow drew me in as I walked over to the table covered in gold cloth with a bucket of champagne in the middle. There were enticing meals on it as well. Red rose petals had been sprinkled everywhere.
But it wasn’t the decorations or meals that had my attention, they all looked pale and dull in comparison to Ivan.
He stood beside the table, soft music playing from somewhere nearby as he looked at me. The expression on his face was serious for a few seconds and as soon as he noticed me, he smiled at me.
I thought my heart would stop. The dark, maroon suit he wore suited him and fit like a glove. I wanted to move closer, take off his suit and feel his skin underneath, but I restrained myself.
He looked so damn good, his had been trimmed and let down into loose waves, unlike his usual sleek back, man bun.
Clearly, he’d put some effort into his look and all this… This…
Shit, this is a date, isn’t it?
Of course, it is silly, the voice in my head mocked.
Right, Ivan made me stupid and I really don’t mind that at all
Fuck, it really is a date.