"I love these two," Sophie said, referring to two sculptures. "They're Michelangelo's Slaves. The Dying Slave here is unfinished... and the Rebellious Slave is this one. They caught the attention of scholars because they represent two completely different behaviors, right? The Rebellious Slave seems to be writhing, while the Dying Slave has a serene expression, as if surrendering."
"There's also intense debate about whether he's really surrendering to death, resigning... or if he's experiencing pleasure," Nicholas added, stopping next to her. "Look at his body's position, how his arm stretches behind his head. And his face? He doesn't make me think of the peace of eternal sleep, but of moments of complete sexual satisfaction." They locked eyes for a few seconds, and she bit her lower lip while he instinctively ran his tongue across his lips. Sensing that Maya was watching them, John mad
"Nicholas, I...""Sorry. I'm sorry, Soph. I don't want to talk about the past, I... We don't even need to talk, actually. I just want to spend this night with you." He smiled again. "Yesterday was all too fast... We were woken up this morning. I want to spend an entire night with you! Enjoy every second of this night and keep this moment in my memory, even if it's the last moment I'll be able to be close to you, babe. Can we do that?" He asked hopefully. "After all, they say what happens in Paris stays in Paris, right?"Probably, anyone who knew how much Sophie loved Nicholas would expect that she would be disappointed, let down, even sad at that moment with his words. However, not only did she expect something like that, but she also knew where all that speech was coming from. After all, one thing was spending some moments together, a
They kissed on the lips a few more times, and he held her by the nape of her neck, leaning in further and pulling her lower lip between his, then finally requesting entry for his tongue, which was granted with pleasure. Their tongues explored each other slowly. The taste of crème brûlée mixed with wine and the distinct flavor of her Nicholas made Sophie never want that kiss to end. The uniquely characteristic taste of her Sophie, enhanced by the chocolate of the petit gâteau and the vanilla of the ice cream, was something Nicholas wanted more and more of.When they pulled apart, smiling as only fools and lovers can, Nicholas took her hand and she followed him without hesitation. He led her to a part of the terrace she hadn't seen before, where there was a futon surrounded by flower beds and several lanterns. It was the most romantic spot Sophie had ever seen in her l
Sophie woke up to the unmistakable sound of her cell phone alarm, set for eight-thirty in the morning as usual, even though she had gone to bed much later than usual that night, making it much more uncomfortable. She quickly turned it off, immediately noticing the shiny object that had adorned her bedside table for a few days, and turned it on to hear a more pleasant sound while she spent the next five minutes stretching some parts of her body before getting up, following her morning ritual.As she performed the gentle movements she was used to, she observed the music box: a tiny Eiffel Tower sculpted in white gold with tiny sparkling gems spun within a crystal dome, playing "As Time Goes By" on a violin. It had arrived a few days after Sophie returned from Paris, from the strangest trip of all, during which she had experienced some of the most beautiful moments of her life and, at the same time, some of the most uncomfortable ones.The gift, without any card or identification, had ar
However, drowning in work helped but didn't solve. There were days when just a momentary pause from coworkers and work partners was enough for her image to appear vividly in his mind like a movie—full of smiles and laughter, perfect curves, expressive eyes, and shining hair. And on that morning, the situation was even worse, to the point that he had become distracted more than once during the first meetings, failing to listen to what Will was saying about a children's program they would start filming the following week, and to Boris's questions about the merchandise for a new sneaker brand in the upcoming youth series.Sighing deeply and slumping heavily into his chair, frustrated by his inability to control his thoughts, he picked up his phone, contemplating calling her. He could ask how she was, inquire if she had received his gift, even though he knew very well that she had because he had been informed on the day of its delivery, and act as if she were just another acquaintance he
"I never got over it, my friend. But... I buried it! I wanted to believe I had moved on, and nothing was better for that than pretending to everyone... pretending to myself. I hope you understand..." She made a small grimace of regret."Of course I understand, Soph. I just... wish I could do something.""You can!" she interrupted. "Screw this shift of yours! I'm going to ask Blaine to send any journalist there, because I need my best friend more than my most competent employee today." She gave a little smile. "We'll go to my place, and I'll tell you everything... all the details of the past and the present... everything about me and the damn Mr. Nicholas Pierce.""Alright, now you know absolutely everything that happened between me and Sophie. You know why I felt so angry when we met again, the reason I made you change our plans in Paris...""A hell of a story!" John observed, taking a sip of his beer. "Are you sure this is really your life and not a scri
All the preparation, as well as the money spent on it and the dress chosen with Dante's help for the occasion, was worth it. She looked stunning as she entered the party hall, capturing the attention of many of the attendees. She could almost feel the heat of certain bright eyes on her, and she greeted the owner of those eyes with a polite gesture, receiving a friendly smile in return.Nicholas waited for Sophie, Ryan, Brad, Ian, and their dates to take their seats at their table, and he went over with Will and John to greet them. He kissed Sophie's hand a bit more slowly and intensely than those of the other women at the table, but apart from that, it was just a greeting between people who occasionally crossed paths due to their work, nothing more. He moved to another table to greet other business partners, and she engaged in a lengthy conversation with Brad's wife."Someone's jealous, huh?" John asked, approaching Nicholas a while later as he stood at one end of the
"I... Um... How do you know?" she asked."Dante Kammel. I was with my mom today at his studio to get some alterations done on her dress. She saw a picture of you with him... and wanted to know about you." He shrugged."Nicholas." She sighed. "I didn't tell you because it wouldn't make a difference. I might be single now, but that doesn't change the fact that you're getting married soon... It doesn't change our past... It doesn't make it possible for us to really work things out and...""Nicholas. Sophie." John suddenly interrupted Sophie. "I'm sorry for appearing out of nowhere like this, but you need to come in. The auction is about to start."Nicholas had to present the set pieces and costumes that his station had donated to the charity auction, so without further words, the two returned to the hall. He guided Sophie by putting his hand on her back until they reached the station's table. She didn't question it, sat there, and remained in John's company.
As Nicholas prepared the food, and throughout the dinner, they conversed animatedly about various subjects and exchanged smiles, glances, and affection, as if they had become a couple again, like in the old days. He surprised her with an Italian straw dessert, and the two reminisced about the times they used to invade Mrs. Colbie's kitchen and make their favorite dessert together, playfully smearing each other with chocolate, teasing that usually ended in embraces that, if witnessed by her family, would have gotten the young ones into trouble.After dinner, the couple moved to a small room where they enjoyed liqueurs and listened to music, continuing to engage in lively conversation. It was remarkable how, despite all the time they had been apart and the lingering resentment between them, their reconnection was so strong that conversation flowed effortlessly.Of course, eventually, everyday topics gave way to innuendos, flirting, intimate playfulness, and the two start