The driver shut the door and returned to the front seat. A moment later, the car pulled away from the curb.
Magnus pressed a button near the armrest.
The temperature inside the car adjusted automatically, and a glass partition slowly rose between the back seat and the driver’s seat, giving them privacy.
Inside the quiet car, Magnus turned toward Sophia.
His eyes slowly moved over her again—from her hair, down to her shoulders, and then to her hands—before finally meeting her gaze.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
Sophia shifted slightly and turned toward him.
“Yes,” she answered quietly. “I’m alright.”
She paused before adding softly, “Thank you for saving me, Magnus.”
Magnus leaned a little closer.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
“A plain ‘thank you’?” he murmured. “Doesn’t that feel a little… dry?”
Sophia frowned slightly.
“What do you mean?”
Magnus tilted his head slightly, his eyes studying her face.
“I saved you back there,” he said slowly. “Shouldn’t I get more than a simple thank you?”
The playful look in his eyes made his meaning obvious. He leaned a little closer.
Sophia rolled her eyes.
“And what exactly do you want, Magnus?” she asked. “How else do you expect me to thank you?”
Before he could answer, the car hit a sudden bump, the sharp jolt throwing Sophia off balance. She lurched forward and collided with Magnus, their lips brushing in an accidental kiss.
For a brief second, neither of them moved. Then Sophia pulled back, startled, her breath uneven—but Magnus was quicker. His hand slid to the back of her head, holding her in place as he drew her back to him.
This time, the kiss deepened. His lips moved against hers, hungry, as if he had been waiting for this moment.
Sophia’s eyes widened in shock.
Several long seconds passed before Magnus finally pulled away. He held her gaze, his eyes dark, and then slowly ran his tongue over his lips.
“Yes,” he murmured in a husky voice. “This is much more appropriate.”
His voice dropped as he leaned in again, close enough for her to feel his breath. “If you ever need saving again,” he added, a faint smile touching his lips, “I’ll be there.”
Sophia’s face flushed instantly, embarrassment and disbelief flooding her expression. Without a word, she turned her head away and stared out the window.
Magnus, on the other hand, leaned back comfortably against the seat, a satisfied smile lingering on his lips.
9 You’re Not My Boss
A while later, the car rolled to a slow stop in front of Sophia’s house.
