"How did Axel know where she was?”he questioned.
“He'd seen her several minutes before, but then he noticed—”
“No.It's time,” Sophia said, cutting her off.She looked at her father and took a deep breath.
“He's seen me dancing here a few times.Since I always work the same days—”
“You dance here?For how long?”
“Two months.Before you start, I'm an adult dad.”
“We can discuss this later.Continue,” he practically ordered.
“As I was saying, he must have figured out this was one of my usual nights, but didn't see me so he asked Indi about me and she told him I'd just left.I guess he wanted to walk me to my car since I had to park so far away.
“He must have heard the scuffling in the alley and came to investigate.If he hadn't been there—”
Her voice cracked and she shuddered.She'd been trying to be strong, but she felt so weak.
“Don't think about that,” her father said gently and took the glass from her hands.“Let’s get you home.By the time we get there, Hallie will have a hot bath and a cup of cocoa waiting for you.”
“My car—”
"I'll send a couple of prospects to get it,” he told her, cutting her off.
“Sophia, take the week off.You've been through a lot,” Indi told her.
“Um… okay.If you're sure.”
“I am.Go.Your job will still be here next week,” Indi assured her.
Sophia let herself be led out to her father's vehicle where she sat in the passenger seat feeling numb.She knew that feeling would fade soon enough, but she hoped she was safely in the tub when it happened.She didn't want anyone to see her fall apart.
“We're home.”
Her father's voice filtered into her troubled mind and she blinked.
“Oh.”She hadn't even realized they'd stopped.
She moved woodenly as she got out and went inside where Hallie was indeed waiting with a cup of cocoa that she held out to her.
“Thank you,” she murmured and took the cup from her.
“There's a hot bath with lavender bath salts waiting for you, too,” Hallie said softly.“If you need to talk, you know I'm here, right?”
“I know.Thanks, Hallie,” Sophia replied and made her way to her room.She was so grateful it had its own bathroom.
After soaking until the water cooled, she finally got out, dried off, pulled on some pajamas, and crawled into bed.
Her last thought as sleep claimed her wasplease don't let me have nightmares.
Chapter Thirteen
Axel
A few days after the attempted assault, Axel was at The Skin Canvas when Sophia walked in.He spotted her immediately and made his way to her.“Hey, babygirl.What brings you by?”
“Hey, Axel.I was in town and thought I'd check on the status of the tattoo you were designing for me,” she replied.“I know it's been a lot longer than just a few days, but I just hadn't gotten around to it until now.”
