“Don’t worry,” he said casually, his voice laced with amusement. “I know you want to jump me, but I won’t accuse you of anything.”
“What? Magnus—!” she snapped, appalled.
She slammed the door a little harder than necessary, the sound echoing through the room. A quiet breath escaped her lips as she tried to steady herself, her chest rising and falling unevenly. Then, she turned and followed him inside.
Magnus moved through the house with unhurried steps, as if he owned every inch of the space. His hands slipped into his pockets, his shoulders relaxed, but his eyes were sharp—roaming over the furniture, the walls, the smallest details—as though memorizing everything, every corner, every nuance, taking it all in with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.
Sophia stood still, her arms folding unconsciously over her chest, watching him with a guarded expression.
Then he turned.
And started walking toward her.
Sophia’s body stiffened.
Her breath caught slightly as he got closer. Step by step, he closed the distance between them, his gaze locked onto hers. Before she could even steady her breathing, he was right in front of her.
He lowered his head just a little, his eyes locking onto hers.
“I like your place,” he said, his voice softer now. He paused for a brief second, as if searching for the right word. “…It feels like you.”
Her breath caught.
Damn him.
Her fingers curled slightly at her sides.
Her chest rose and fell a little faster. No matter how much she tried to stay unaffected, the moment he stood this close, her body reacted before her mind could stop it.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice not as steady as she wanted.
She immediately took a step back, putting space between them, and lifted her hand to point toward the door.
“You can leave now.”
She tried to move past him—but he stepped forward again.
She stepped back.
He followed.
Again.
And again.
Until her back hit the wall.
The contact made her flinch slightly, her breath catching as she looked up at him.
He stopped right in front of her, one hand lifting to rest lightly against the wall beside her, trapping her in place.
“Why do you keep trying to push me out?” he murmured.
His eyes held hers, sharp and knowing.
“Are you afraid…” he leaned in just a fraction closer, his breath brushing her skin, “…that you’re going to fall in love with me?”
She glared at him, her brows drawing together. “Can you stop being so self-centered?”
