Mr. Chairman’s Devious Wife by Brey Mitchylle
Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Sofia became so engrossed in her thoughts about Alexander’s plan model that the light next to her startled her. Lost in her musings, she took a step back only to misjudge the distance and found herself tilting backward, arms flailing in futile attempts to steady herself.

In the nick of time, strong arms wrapped around her, preventing her fall. She found herself caught in the firm embrace of Alexander. Their eyes met, and his intense gaze sent shivers down her spine.

She felt her heart skip a beat.

"Careful there," he said, his voice smooth with a tone that resonated through her, sending shivers down her spine. Sofia stuttered out gratitude, trying to regain her composure. His hands lingered on her arms for a moment longer than necessary, the warmth of his touch leaving an indelible mark on her.

She cleared her throat as she tried her best not to notice their close proximity.

"Thank you," she managed to utter, her voice a tad breathless. He nodded, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "You surprised me." Unsatisfied with her own response, she added, "I didn’t see you. I mean, I saw you sitting on the chair but I did not see you standing next to me. So, uh..."

Seeing the playful smile on his face, Sofia stopped talking. She could feel her cheeks heat up like she was about to explode. What is going on now?

"I-I should probably go. You should go back to your meeting," she said.

"Were you looking for me?" he asked.

"No. Of course not."

"Hmmm," he nodded.

"Really. Why would I look for you? I was about to go to the kitchen to eat something. Right. I am hungry, and I—" Sofia continued to stand in front of Alexander, the awkward tension hanging in the air like a thick fog. She shifted on her feet, trying to break the silence with a forced laugh.

"Yeah, hungry. I was just hungry," she mumbled, avoiding his intense gaze. His teasing smirk only intensified the awkwardness. Why was she talking like she was trying to lie her way out of this? She was really hungry! That was the reason why she was here!

He stepped a bit closer, the proximity making her heart race again. "Hungry for what? Or should I say, hungry for whom?" he teased, his voice low and suggestive.

Sofia’s cheeks flushed even more. Her eyes widened, unable to process his words. Was he... was he flirting with her? Did she really hear him say that? Was she hallucinating?

Perhaps this was part of the treatment? "I-I don’t know what you're talking about. I just wanted a snack. Maybe a sandwich or something," she said.

Alexander leaned in slightly, his lips dangerously close to hers. "Is that so?" he whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine.

Sofia felt her breath hitch. She took an involuntary step back. Alexander’s teasing smile widened, and he continued to playfully toy with the moment.

"Looking for a midnight snack?" he asked. At this point, Sofia’s mind was already buzzing with ideas for a midnight snack, and only a few of them involved eating actual food that would fill her stomach.

Sofia could almost taste the unspoken desire in the air. She bit her lip nervously, feeling a magnetic pull between them.

"I should go," she stammered, attempting to regain some semblance of composure. But as she turned to leave, Alexander’s hand gently caught her arm, pulling her back towards him. The closeness was overwhelming, and for a moment, their lips were dangerously close, almost grazing each other.

"How about I come with you?" he asked.

"What?" she replied, bewildered.

"To the kitchen," he added with a sexy eyebrow raise.

"Oh." Why was she thinking that he would come with her to the bedroom?

"I was busy earlier, so I ordered something. I hope you don’t mind. I can help you heat it if you want?" She blinked. Why was she thinking about something else again?

Was this some sort of side effect from the treatment? Sofia’s mind turned into a whirlwind. It was buzzing, tempting her to do something about her desire.

A charged pause filled the room before he finally released her, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "Shall I help you heat it?" he asked. "Let’s go," he said as he grabbed her hand and slowly pulled her towards the kitchen.

This time, Sofia followed behind him without saying another word. She eyed his hand that was holding hers. It wrapped around her small hands like a blanket. She found it warm and somehow assuring.

Soon enough, Sofia watched as he expertly heated the soup and some other food using the microwave. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Lightheaded," she uttered. "Like my mind refused to process anything." She immediately regretted thinking about him in a magazine. That must be the reason why her head started buzzing with some suggestive ideas, right?

"Hmmm," he leaned towards her. She quickly leaned back. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"I was going to see if you have a fever."

"You are leaning closely—"

"With my forehead."

Sofia’s heart pounded in her chest as Alexander’s forehead pressed gently against hers, his hand securing her waist. The warmth of his breath on her skin sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn’t help but feel a magnetic pull between them.

Just what exactly is this man doing right now?

"Hey," she mumbled. "Are you doing this because you think I won’t remember this tomorrow?" she stared at his incredible eyes. Up close, they looked even more beautiful.

Damn! She always knew that he was good-looking, but this is simply...

She really wanted to sound casual despite the fluttering in her stomach, but how could she do something like that while staring at someone as good-looking as this man?

"And why wouldn't I want you to remember this?" he asked.

"Then..." she swallowed. "Are you flirting with me right now?" She wanted to pretend not to notice and that it was not bothering her. But she couldn't.

She did not see any point in any of that. After all, they were already married under the law. She bit her lower lip, attempting to steady her racing thoughts.

"Maybe?" he asked.

The unspoken tension between them felt like uncharted territory. She took a deep breath.

"Well, I mean, legally, we are married, right? So, it’s not really flirting. Just... playful banter between spouses," she offered a tentative smile, unsure of where this conversation was heading.

His eyes bore into hers, the playful glint intensifying. "Playful banter, huh?" he echoed, his hand on her waist tightening slightly. "I think we can do better than that."

Before she could react, his lips hovered over hers, the warmth of his breath sending a thrilling shiver through her. Sofia’s breath caught in her throat as their lips almost met, a hair's breadth away from a kiss. The tantalizing nearness left her wanting more.

His lips barely grazed hers before he pulled away, leaving Sofia breathless and yearning for something she couldn’t quite name.

DING

"Food’s ready," he smiled as if their lips had not just almost touched.