Warming My Billionaire Boss's Bed

Chapter Three

Mia's POV

I returned from my morning jog flushed and sweaty, the cool city air still clinging to my skin. Damien had suggested the run to clear my head before we dove into work on Faces of Elysium. My legs burned from pushing harder than usual, trying to outrun the mess of my life. The penthouse door clicked open under my hand, and I stepped inside, expecting quiet.

Instead, Sophia stood in the living room like she owned it. She wore a tight seductive red dress that hugged every curve, low-cut and short, the kind meant to stop a man in his tracks. She was not ashamed. Her makeup was flawless, lips painted a bold crimson. Damien stood near the kitchen island, looking surprised but composed in his button-down shirt.

Before I could speak, Sophia stepped close to him, smiling up with that familiar predatory sweetness. “Damien, darling, you’ve always known what the Voss family really needs. Forget the little drama. Come here.” She rose on her toes, aiming a kiss directly at his lips.

Damien smoothly wove aside at the last second. Her red lipstick left a clear smear on his cheek instead. He wiped it away with the back of his hand, expression cool.

“Sophia,” he said flatly.

Jealousy burned through me like acid. My fists clenched at my sides. Seeing her there, dressed to seduce, pressing against the man who had pulled me out of the rain just yesterday-my father’s best friend, now my reluctant lifeline-made my stomach twist. I hated how much it hurt.

Sophia turned, spotting me. Her eyes sparkled with mock delight. “Oh, Mia. Back from pretending to be a real athlete? Cute. You look like something the storm dragged in again. Still playing the poor victim card?”

I wiped sweat from my forehead, breathing hard. “What are you doing here, Sophia?”

She ignored me and turned back to Damien, running a manicured finger down his arm. “You don’t need to babysit her, Damien. She’s always been the family mistake. I could make things so much easier for you. Think of the alliances. The fun we could have. Don’t fall for her little seduction act-she’s good at playing innocent, but we both know better.”

Damien didn’t move away immediately, but he didn’t lean in either. Sophia kept flirting, voice silky. “Remember those galas? You and Father laughing while I handled the real charm. Mia just hid behind her silly camera. I could stand by your side properly. Powerful. Beautiful. No baggage.”

The jealousy flared hotter. Part of me wanted to drag her out by that perfect hair. Damien’s cheek still bore the faint red mark from her lipstick. He looked at her with clear annoyance, but the scene felt too intimate.

Sophia glanced at me again, lips curving. “Careful, little sister. Two years ago you tried that same trick on our nearest neighbor—Mr. Ellis, wasn’t it? Seducing the old man next door to get attention. Pathetic. Everyone knew. You couldn’t keep your hands to yourself even then.”

The accusation hit like a slap. It was a twisted lie. Mr. Ellis had been kind, an older photographer who mentored me with film techniques. We shared darkroom tips, nothing more. But Sophia always knew how to twist truth into weapons.

Damien finally stepped back fully. “That’s enough, Sophia. Leave. This is my home, and you’re not welcome to show up uninvited.”

Sophia pouted dramatically but grabbed her bag. “Fine. But think about it, Damien. She’ll drag you into her mess. Call me when you get bored of charity work.” She shot me one last look. “Enjoy your fall, Mia.” The door clicked shut behind her.

Silence filled the room. I stood there, still in my joggers and tank top, heart pounding from more than the run. Damien turned to me, the red smear now gone from his cheek but the memory fresh.

“Did you do that?” he asked quietly. “Seducing the neighbor two years ago?”