The Arranged Marriage.

st few days, she felt like she needed a break. She walked into a small

was pouring shots and spinning tales. Sophia laughed and joked with th

ng more and more drunk. She stumbled off the sto

cing blue eyes and a charming smile. He swept her into

a little fear. She didn't know this man, but

se, his eyes locked on hers. Sophia felt a spark

his breath hot again

eeling a little

crinkling at the corners.

elf lost in Max's eyes, laughing and jo

bout him, but Sophia felt a c

s arm around her shoulders. They stumbled up

ax turned to her, his eyes serious. "C

little scared. But something

inally, stepping a

sense of trepidation. What was she doi

cked on hers, Sophia knew she was in

elt like she was melting int

eling that she was making a mistake. She didn't know M

he had to be careful. She couldn't let her

a connection she couldn't ignore. They talked for hours, sharing stor

reful. She couldn't let her guard down, not yet. She didn'

he door, his hand on the small of her back. "I'll s

But something about Max made her trust him.

h fear. She didn't know what she was getting herself int

coffee. They talked for hours, sharing more stories and

feeling that she was making a mistake. She didn't k

Max turned to Sophia and asked her about her pas

. She told him everything - about her pare

ers. When Sophia finished, he took her hand

voice low. "I'm here for you, Sophia.

over her. Maybe, just maybe, she

trange car following them. She felt a sense of

e said, nodding

rrowing. "Don't worry, I'll take c

s in danger. She didn't know what her parents wer

e a decision. She could trust Max and see where their re

a knew what she had to do. She was going

g them too. He quickly pulled Sophia into a

ophia asked, her voi

lied, "but I think we s

ed a number. "Hey, I need a favor," he s

lp but wonder who Max was talking

lack SUV pulled up beside them. Max quickly

way, Sophia looked at Max in con

riend," he replied. "

with a black SUV and a willingness

just say I have some

ad, laughing. "You'

inkling at the corners.

ut feel a sense of excitement. She had no idea what wa

a small cabin on the outskirts of town. Ma

humble abode,"

d expected a fancy house or a sleek apar

he cabin was filled with books and music i

f many talen

sense of ease with Max tha

Max poured her a cup of coffee. "So,"

of comfort with Max. "What do

s eyes locked on hers.