The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Leonardo couldn’t help but notice Sofia’s perplexed expression and wondered if she was thinking about their wedding night. He regretted acting like a demon that day and scaring her. He couldn’t help but think that maybe she regretted marrying him or had negative thoughts about him.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“I am sorry, baby girl. I was drunk last night,” he said hesitantly, rubbing his nape in embarrassment.

Sofia bit her lips nervously. Leonardo couldn’t take his eyes off her despite the fact that she seemed to be scared.

“I won’t do anything, Sofia. I promise. At least not without your consent,” Leonardo assured her desperately, hoping to ease her worries. “I respect you and your boundaries.” He wanted her eyes back on him. He yearned so bad.

Leonardo gently patted the soft comforter of the queen-sized bed, beckoning Sofia to join him. Without hesitation, she obliged and positioned herself on the right side of the bed, her back facing towards him. As she nestled into the plush pillows, she curled up into a tight ball, appearing fatigued and possibly even melancholic.

Leonardo gently covered Sofia’s small form with the blanket, tucking it in around her. Sofia held onto the edge of the blanket and closed her eyes tightly. Leonardo then lay down on his side, turned off the light, and closed his own eyes.

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. Sofia lay still, her heart racing as she took in the sight of Leonardo’s sleeping face. His features were chiseled and perfect, like a work of art. She couldn’t help but feel a mixture of embarrassment and fascination.

Slowly, Sofia pushed herself up on her elbows, careful not to disturb Leonardo’s peaceful slumber. She looked down at her own disheveled state, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. How had she not realized their close proximity last night? She had been so exhausted that she must have fallen asleep without a second thought.

Curiosity overcame her embarrassment, and Sofia allowed her eyes to roam over Leonardo’s handsome face. From his thick eyebrows to his sculpted nose and those captivating full lips, every detail seemed to draw her in. He was the epitome of perfection, like a devil in disguise, and she couldn’t help but be captivated.

A sudden desire welled up within Sofia, urging her to reach out and touch his face, to trace the contours with her fingertips. But fear held her back. She didn’t want to disrupt his peaceful sleep or overstep any boundaries. She wondered if he would mind her boldness or if he would awaken with a start.

As if sensing her internal struggle, Leonardo’s eyes fluttered open, causing Sofia to gasp softly. Panic seized her, and she instinctively tried to move away, only to find herself trapped in his strong embrace. His hold on her waist tightened, pulling her closer to him.

Her cheeks flushed even deeper, and she stammered, “I… I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was sleeping on your arm.”

Leonardo’s lips curled up into a smirk, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Well, I don’t mind,” he replied, his voice husky and deep. The sound sent shivers down Sofia’s spine, her heart pounding in her chest.

Feeling his grip loosen slightly, Sofia attempted to pull away shyly. But his strength was undeniable, and she found herself unable to break free from his hold. A mixture of anticipation and apprehension filled the air.

Unfazed by the awkwardness between them, Leonardo released his grasp and gracefully rose from the bed. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, attempting to tame the sleep-induced disarray. Sofia couldn’t help but marvel at his effortless charm and rugged good looks.

Realizing she needed to regain her composure, Sofia silently scolded herself, her thoughts racing. “Shit. Get a grip, girl,” she chastised inwardly, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

“You freshen up. I’ll order breakfast for us, and then we will go shopping to get you new clothes,” Leonardo said. So, he remembered their discussion from yesterday, and it made her heart flutter.

With a smile tugging at her lips, Sofia nodded in agreement and watched as Leonardo reached for the phone to order breakfast.

As Leonardo busied himself with the breakfast arrangements, Sofia slowly slid out of bed, her mind still reeling from the realization that he truly cared. She padded softly across the room, making her way to the bathroom to freshen up. There was a mix of nervousness and excitement swirling within her, fueling her desire to look her best.

She quickly brushed her teeth, completed her morning routine, and took a refreshing shower. Wrapped in a hotel bathrobe, Sofia emerged from the bathroom, expecting to find Leonardo in the room. However, he was nowhere to be seen. She glanced around, her curiosity piqued.

Turning her attention to her bag, Sofia rummaged through it until she found a yellow dress she had packed. It was a vibrant shade that would complement her complexion. A surge of unfamiliar emotions washed over her. Why did she suddenly care about her appearance? She let out a soft sigh, berating herself for overthinking.

Carrying the dress, Sofia retreated back to the bathroom, wanting to change into something that made her feel confident. Once she was dressed, she stepped out into the room, only to find Leonardo returning with a hotel room service staff carrying their breakfast. Her eyes widened in surprise.

“I see. You’re all set,” Leonardo remarked, his gaze slowly trailing over her body. Sofia felt a warmth spread across her cheeks as she shifted slightly under his intense scrutiny. His words held a hint of appreciation, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

With a smile, Leonardo gestured towards the breakfast spread. “Let’s have breakfast, and then we’ll leave for the mall,” he suggested, his voice filled with excitement. Sofia nodded, feeling a flutter of anticipation in her stomach as Leonardo disappeared into the bathroom.

She sat down at the table and started chewing on a piece of toast when he emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets glistened on his tousled hair and cascaded down his chiseled chest, drawing her attention. Sofia quickly averted her eyes, feeling her cheeks heat up.

Leonardo chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. “You can turn now,” he said after a few moments, his voice laced with amusement. She obeyed, turning her attention back to her breakfast, trying to regain her composure.

As she continued eating, Sofia heard the rustle of clothes, indicating that Leonardo was getting dressed. When he finally stood in front of her, wearing a black t-shirt and ripped denim jeans, her breath caught in her throat. He looked undeniably attractive, and Sofia couldn’t help but feel her heart skip a beat.

“So you started without me. That’s not fair,” he playfully complained, snatching a slice of toast that was halfway into her mouth and placing it into his own. Sofia’s breath hitched at the unexpected and intimate gesture. It felt like they had been together for much longer than just two days of marriage.

Quickly finishing her breakfast, Sofia felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. “No, I’m full. Can we leave now?” she asked, her eyes gleaming with eagerness. She was thrilled about the prospect of shopping, as it had been years since she had indulged in such a luxury as she always wore Kat’s old clothes.