Blurred Lines 1: CHASE
Chapter 20

-Chase-

I knew Carlota was up to something. I was smarter than this, and I was aware that Sofia was in the vici rough palms, the way she moved, and the mewling she made while I was kissing her.

Thinking about last night's kiss stirred the drive to take her and have my way with her. It's f*cking my Rafael, Eros, and I are brothers in arms. But I want to drive my fist into Rafael's face. He didn't mention of these days, I'd rectify that threat and mark that traitor's face with my knuckles.

He's doing this to get into my head, and he's succeeding. That annoys me the most.

Carlota curled her sparkly fingernails in my biceps, slithering on my side like a snake. "Where's Rafael stilettos enhance her already mile-long legs.

Kissing Carlota did not incite my libido to life. But the more I stared and studied Sofia, my jeans tighte Something has changed between us. The platonic relationship we had ten years ago had a long histor I draped an arm over Carlota's shoulder. She peered up at me, surprised. Public display of affection is Sofia regarded us with a look that squeezed my insides. She bit her lip, eyes skimming from my arm o there can be us.

I was aware of her childish crush on me, but she was not a teenager anymore. And she just came from "He's talking with the racers... Phantoms, I think, and I promised to get us a drink... so, see you later? Carlota nodded. Sofia turned without giving me another glance.

"What was that all about?" Carlota asked. Once Sofia rounded the corner, I stepped away from her like "What?" I walked the other way, headed for the second floor, needing a smoke.

"You know what." Carlota chuckled, trailing behind me. "Don't play dumb."

r years, nightmares kept me awake at night, but last night was different. Sofia clouded my head. Her lips, her scent, the feel of her soft skin against my

Mom asked him to bring Sofia over. He did that on purpose. A little warning would be nice. To annoy me further, he asked her to be his date at Eros' club. One

shifted on her heels. She wore that dress better than Carlota. Red was her color. It brightened her eyes, which were clouded with pain. The three-inch

nd my c*ck jerked beneath the thick material, wanting to be free, wanting a taste of Sofia. this... what I feel for her, is not good. She's off limits, then, now... ever. I can never be with her. thing.

ta's shoulder, locking eyes with mine. She's in pain. I don't know how much she's affected by this situation, but it's better to hurt her now than let her think

kup. She's in pain, and she's vulnerable. Which makes this situation dangerous for her... for the two of us. "Uhm," Sofia blinked back the mist in her eyes.

urned me.

Ignoring her, I exhaled, stepping out into the open air. Eros always ensured he had a place to lounge i at his workplace. Only his closest friends have access to this part of the building. The second floor was empty, but Carlota followed me, keeping a safe distance.

I pulled out a cigarette pack and lit one, handing the box to Carlota. We stood by the railings; the music tangled by the ocean breeze sailed into the air. Apart from the lights from the party below, the place was dimmed. I could see Rafael talking to Sofia. She listened to what he was saying, giggling, but it never reached her eyes.

"She reminds me of Letty," Carlota said.

"Carlota," I murmured. It was a warning.

"The moment I saw her at Montiero Holdings, I already had a bad feeling about her. You know, 'bad' coz she's good," Carlota chuckled. "And this is proof that I am right."

"She's nothing like Letty," I gave in. Despite my toxic relationship with Carlota, she understands the depth of my pain.

"How so?" Carlota pivoted, resting her back against the railing. The smoke from our cigarettes danced around us, sailing with the humid wind into the sky.

"She's pure. She has a good life ahead of her. Being with me will ruin her."

"Spoken like a man in love," she teased. I glared at her. She raised her hand, shaking her head. "What's her story?"

I sighed. "She's Derek's little sister.

"Derek?" Carlota stiffened. "Letty's Derek?"

I hummed a yes, shaking my head at the irony of this situation.

"Well, f*ck... I'd say stay away from her. You have been warned to never get close to his family again, Chase. Off-limits is an understatement."

"Like I said," I took a long pull of my cigarette.

"Rafael is keen on making you see that she's good for you, though." People might consider Carlota dumb because of the way she's enjoying life, but she has brains. She is observant and knows how to use what she sees to her advantage. "That she can change you..." A humorless chuckle slipped past my lips. "I'm beyond repair, Carlota.

"Don't say that," her voice became sharp. "It's your choice not to change. People can make you do sh*t, tell you sh*t, but at the end of the day, it's you who hold your choices. Some sentences are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on FindNovel.net. Visit FindNovel.net to read the complete chapters for free. Not me or Rafael, especially not Derek." She's right. And I'm allowing the past to take the wheels of my present and future. It's what I deserve. I don't deserve any ounce of happiness and light in my life because of what I've done.

The following days flew by like clockwork. Sofia worked with Michelle and Michelle gives me an outline of Sofia's plans every night. Sofia has scheduled a few charity events where I must show up and make personal donations.

With my consent, Sofia worked with the IT department to create my social media accounts. I hated those things. I consider them a place where people could steal pictures and do whatever the hell they wanted to do with them. But Sofia ensured my profile would contain positive news about the company and our outreach programs. In the span of five days, I had millions of followers supporting my cause... Sofia's cause, particularly.

I was content watching Sofia work her magic from a distance, but the time will come when she needs to speak to me. I dread that moment. I did my best to avoid her, working from the mansion's home office if I could, which made mom happy.

"You're leaving?" Mom asked. A white apron wrapped around her body and mittens covered her hands. She loved the kitchen. It's a good investment, her state-of-the-art appliances. Seeing her happy makes me feel as if I was doing something good with my f*cked up life.

Leaving the mansion was the last thing I wanted to do, much less go to Montiero Holdings, where I could come across Sofia. But Michelle reminded me that delaying signing a handful of documents is no longer an option.

Tossing my keys in the air, I neared mom and kissed her on the cheeks. "I'll be back for dinner. I just need to drop by the office."

She hummed. "If you see Sofia, can you ask her to come over? I miss her."

"I will," I lied. Mom thanked me as I stepped out of the mansion.

Michelle wasn't lying about the number of documents I had to sign. By the time I closed the last folder on the pile, my hands were sore, and night had blanketed the city.

I'd ask Sofia.

My phone rated I was mom, reminding me o fetch Sofia. She's probably lounging in the penthouse, resting. I don't need mom to remind me of her. Sofia had taken permanent residency in my head since the kiss..

I groaned. Thinking of her will do me no good. I sent mom another message telling her I won't make it to dinner, surely breaking her heart for the nth time.

As Harley swerved on the corner of the street, I saw the person I'd been avoiding the entire week. My sight tunneled, seeing only her in the throng of people crowding the street, as though everyone was black and white and she was the only one with color.

Sofia stood under the lamppost, hands tucked in the pockets of her suit jacket. She looked stunning in that gray mini skirt, white top, and suit. But a scowl etched her pretty face.

She was speaking to someone. Everything turned red. I instantly recognized the guy she was talking to. Kyle Andrews.