Stealing Beauty (Stolen 1)

At twenty-one years of age, Sofia Hernández was only five years younger than me, but her bubbly personality and broad, carefree smile made me appear much more mature. Her deep green eyes sparkled, framed by thick, dark lashes. She wore minimal makeup, and her loose-fitting, gray maxi dress gave her a bohemian chic vibe. Dark, voluminous curls spilled to her shoulders, occasionally falling over her brow. She shoved them back, making her appear effortlessly glamourous as the glossy locks fell into an artful arrangement around her delicate features.

Sofia definitely appeared every inch the creative type, especially when her mouth ran away with her, taking her on tangents. Despite the way her conversation meandered, there was a rhythm to her voice, her words issuing from her pouty lips almost melodically.

I found myself returning her easy smile, not minding one bit when she rambled on about the different dining options on campus at UCLA.

“And oh my god, this place is the best,” she said with enthusiasm, gesturing at the café around us. “Their caramel lattes have helped me pull all-nighters several times. They’re open twenty-four/seven. And their cinnamon scones are so good.” Her eyes practically rolled back in pleasure as she emphasized the last. Sofia exuded passion about every topic that came to her mind, whether it was her pastry preferences or her studies.

“We should totally get some,” she chattered on. “Do you like cinnamon?”

I grinned, her effervescent nature infectious. “I’m more into chocolate, but I definitely have a sweet tooth.” Just last night, Adrián had surprised me with an array of chocolate truffles, watching me with hungry eyes as he demanded that I sample one of each. He might own me, but he wouldn’t deny me anything.

“They have awesome chocolate muffins, too,” Sofia supplied. “I’ll go get some for us.”

I held out a hand. “Maybe next time,” I said. “I’m supposed to meet Adrián for dinner soon.”

Dusk was falling outside, the sun slanting through the café windows at a low angle. The last two hours had flown by as Sofia provided all the information about the university I could have asked for.

“I’m really looking forward to enrolling next semester,” I told her. “Thank you so much for the insight. I think this will be a good fit for me.” After my years of captive misery, it would be strange being surrounded by so many young people without a care in the world. A little thrill raced through me at the prospect of freedom. I’d be able to express myself however I wanted. I could make my own schedule, choose my own clothes.

I could hardly believe this was my life. Adrián had finally saved me, even though I’d given up hope so long ago. He’d brought me to safety, and he promised me the world. As long as I was his, I could have anything I wanted.

I wouldn’t have it any other way. I needed to belong to him. I always had. I didn’t know how to exist without being his.

“Well, you’ll have a built-in study buddy,” Sofia supplied with a smile. “Do you know what you want to major in? I’m a Music Theory major. Are you musically inclined? We could be in the same classes. That would be awesome.” She seemed genuinely excited about the possibility of spending more time with me.

I shook my head ruefully. “I’m afraid I can’t carry a tune, and I’ve never learned to play an instrument. I was thinking I might major in English Literature or Creative Writing. I want to take the full range of Liberal Arts classes, though. I want to learn everything.”

“Oh, that’s right,” she said, as though just remembering. “You were homeschooled. This is going to be a totally different experience, but I’m sure you’ll love it. And if you need any help adjusting to the class structure, you can always call me.”

“Thanks,” I replied with genuine gratitude. “That’s really nice of you.”

She waved me off, as though it was no big deal. “I’m always down for making new friends. And trust me, the music crowd knows how to party. We’re not preppy like the Greek Life people. It’s much cooler. Do you smoke pot?”

“Definitely not.” I could hardly imagine Adrián’s response if he found out I’d smoked. He might traffic cocaine, but I’d never seen him touch the stuff. I was certain he wouldn’t be pleased if I indulged in any drugs.

Sofia shrugged. “I don’t really smoke, either. I have to save my singing voice. We do have edibles, though. But no one will pressure you, if you don’t want to partake.”

“I think I’ll skip the party scene, but thank you. I really am looking forward to classes, and I’d love to study together.”

“Awesome. No pressure at all. But we can do more than study. We should totally go shopping sometime. Or get brunch on the weekend. Seriously, just call me anytime, and we can hang out.”