She took a slow breath, though her heart was still racing hard against her chest.
Blinking, she looked around the kitchen—once, then again—her eyes scanning every corner, just to make sure there was no sign of the cockroach.
When she was finally convinced it was gone, she let out a long breath.
Her body relaxed just a little.
Then she turned her head.
And froze.
Their faces were inches apart.
Her body was still pressed tightly against his, one of his arms wrapped securely around her waist while the other rested at her hips, holding her in place.
Her cheeks flushed instantly, heat rising to her face as she realized how tightly she was holding onto him.
Her eyes flickered up to his.
Magnus didn’t look away. Instead, he leaned closer.
His lips brushed against hers.
The contact was soft at first—barely there.
Then, within seconds, it deepened.
His hand tightened slightly at her waist as he pulled her closer, closing whatever little space remained between them. His lips moved against hers with growing intensity, unhurried but firm.
Sophia’s breath hitched.
Her fingers curled into his shirt as she held onto him, her body reacting before her thoughts could catch up.
He tilted his head slightly, his lips trailing from hers to the corner of her mouth, then lower—
To her neck.
Her breathing grew heavier, uneven, her chest rising and falling faster with each passing second.
Magnus lifted her effortlessly and set her down on the kitchen counter, stepping in between her legs without hesitation. One hand braced beside her while the other remained at her waist, keeping her close.
The world around them blurred.
The kitchen.
The noise.
Everything faded.
All she could feel was him.
And then, the sharp ring of the doorbell cut through the air.
Sophia jerked back in shock, her body going stiff as if she’d just woken up.
Magnus didn’t stop.
He leaned in again instantly, chasing her lips like he was starving for the kiss, his hand tightening around her waist as he tried to pull her back to him. But Sophia pressed her palm firmly against his shoulder, holding him back.
