Page 47

I woke up to the soft rhythm of her breathing.

My room was quiet and dim, the morning light barely slipping through the curtains.

Grace was curled into me, her warm body pressed against mine, her face calm and peaceful like nothing had ever hurt her.

This was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Sleep next to her.

I let myself stay there for a moment, just taking it in. I'd never had a favorite place before, but now, this was it. Right here, with her.

My fingers moved before I could stop them, brushing through the strands of her soft brown hair. Just a small touch, one that lingered, before I slowly sat up, making sure not to wake her.

I grabbed my phone from the nightstand.

An idea hit me.

I headed toward the balcony, opening the door with a careful push. The morning air was cool against my skin as I stepped outside. I scrolled through my contacts, found the number, and pressed call immediately.

The phone rang a couple of times before someone finally answered.

"Miss Russell, good morning, how can I help you?"

"Are you available today?"

I didn't feel like wasting time on small talk.

"Of course," he replied quickly. "What time are you expected to arrive?"

I thought it through before answering, "Noon."

"Of course, Miss Russell. Would you like the full crew on board?"

"Keep it very light," I said firmly.

Last thing I need is too many people around who might tell my father about me and Grace—or worse, make her uncomfortable.

"Just enough staff to handle things," I clarified. "And make sure there's good champagne. And something appetizing to eat."

"Absolutely. Any special requests for the menu?"

"Just don't make it boring or overly fancy."

"Understood. Everything will be fully prepared for you, Miss Russell," he replied politely.

"Perfect. Thank you."

I hung up.

Easy. Not that I actually did anything.

But that's the benefit of having people for this sort of thing.

I quietly slipped back into bed, muting my phone. I pulled Grace closer, wrapping an arm around her waist and letting her rest against me again. Holding my phone above her head, I scrolled mindlessly through TikTok, fully aware she wasn't a morning person.

But I could stay like this for hours—forever sounds good too.

About half an hour passed before Grace stirred. She mumbled something unintelligible, curling further into me.

I ran my fingers gently through her scalp.

"Good morning," I whispered in her ear.

She mumbled a few more random words.

I laughed. "Why don't you try to sleep a little more?" I suggested.

"No... I'm up..." she muttered.

Except her eyes were still shut as her arms wrapped tighter around my waist.

"Really, Grace? You don't look up..."

She groaned, burying her face in my chest.

Every inch of her body against mine sent my mind into dangerous territory.

"I'm up, just... not fully," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

"Alright," I grinned. "What do you want for breakfast, Grace?"

"What do we have?" she asked back, tilting her head. I finally met her beautiful ocean eyes.

"Anything you want, like always," I said.

Grace chuckled softly. "Maybe pancakes with honey, do you—"

"Absolutely. I'll tell Nelly." I started to sit up, but her arms tightened around me, pulling me closer.

Shit. That wasn't fair.

How was I supposed to walk away from that?

"I'll be right back, sweetheart," I murmured, kissing her forehead. "Just letting them know to make breakfast."

"For us?" Grace asked, blinking.

"For us," I reassured her.

She pouted. I kissed her again.

By the time I got to the kitchen, I was still grinning like an idiot. Nelly raised an eyebrow when she saw me.

"Good morning, Maya. Someone's in a good mood," she teased.

I leaned against the table, smug. "What can I say, Nelly... I woke up on the right side of the bed." I winked.

She blinked, then burst into laughter. "I think I might start getting used to this new version of you."

I gave her a half-smile. "Good. Because I think she's staying."

"Well then," she said, clearly pleased. "What can I make for you two?"

"Pancakes with honey. Please. Thanks, Nells."

Fifteen minutes later, I headed back upstairs with two plates in hand.

Grace was sitting up now, rubbing her eyes with both hands, trying to wake herself up.

Cute.

"Wanna help me wake up properly?" I said, smirking. She snapped her eyes open at my provocation, a slow smile spreading across her face.

I crawled closer, setting the plates down before pulling her into my lap. My arms wrapped around her waist as I kissed the side of her neck slowly.

She let out a soft sound, resting against me. "I finally woke up..."

"Pleased to hear it," I whispered against her skin, still kissing her.

After a few more minutes of that, I forced myself to stop before my body ended up setting on fire...

"Let's eat, shall we? Then we can do whatever we want..."

"Yeah, I'm starving," Grace said with a smile, holding my arm as she made her way to my desk.

But something caught her attention. My medical books, spread out on the corner.

She froze.

"What?" I asked.

"Oh, shit!" she gasped. "I didn't even check my phone! The museum's secretary was supposed to send me all the details in an email—" She turned to me, panic in her eyes.

I reached for her hand and squeezed it, grounding her.

"Grace, it's okay. Let's just check it out together."

It said to show up at the museum on Monday morning at 9 for a five-hour first shift. Dress code: business casual—neat and professional, no need for formal wear. They'll provide everything else.

"Easy," I shrugged.

Grace didn't look so convinced. She reread the email. "They said business casual..." she muttered, already mentally sorting through her closet. "I don't have anything like that. And I'm starting this Monday!"

"We'll fix that," I said, pulling her chair closer to my desk where the food was. "Shopping trip this morning. No stress."

I started eating my pancakes while she stared at me. "I can't eat. I'm too nervous," she admitted.

"Come on," I teased softly. "Say what?" I smiled, pushing the plate closer. "Eat up, Grace. Then we'll go shopping," I added, a little more firmly.

We took our time with breakfast. Grace finally relaxed as I kept reassuring her that I knew exactly where to find everything she needed.

Once we finished eating, I pulled her chair closer to me, my hands resting on her thighs as I leaned in—our lips finally meeting.

Deliberately, I deepened the kiss, our tongues intertwining with intensity.

"I like honey..." I whispered, licking the edge of my lips.

Grace giggled, a little shy. "It's sweet... just like you in the morning."

I leaned in again, biting her lips softly to taste that sweetness once more.

"I'm always sweet," I said with a smirk.

Grace started kissing my neck, her arms wrapping around me. "Oh yeah, Maya, you're the sweetest."

"Say that again," I said, voice low and amused.

She rolled her eyes, biting her lip. "You're the sweetest."

Music to my ears.

Eventually, we realized we were running late—especially for the surprise I'd planned for us today.

But I wasn't about to tell Grace.

It's a surprise for a damn reason.

She went off to shower and change, and I did the same. Then I slipped into a fitted ribbed tank top, high-waisted dark jeans, and my Louboutins. I kept my makeup light—nothing too much, since what we had planned didn't need it.

I didn't need any extra effort anyway.

I seriously couldn't wait to pull this plan off.

~

I think shopping and girlfriend are literally the best combo of all time.

I took Grace to a shop where I knew she could find all the outfits that matched her style.

We stuffed our arms with clothes I knew she'd actually want—business casual, like the email said, but cute and pretty—and practically dragged her into the fitting room.

I slid my Prada sunglasses into my hair, leaned against the wall with my arms crossed, and waited for Grace to step out.

My lips naturally parted in a smirk when she came out wearing a soft beige blouse tucked into tailored navy pants that hugged her waist and legs just right.

"Yeah, this one fits you like skin! You go, girl!"

That wasn't me talking.

I turned toward the saleswoman's playful voice, catching her smile aimed at my girlfriend.

I stayed perfectly still, only tightening my arms across my chest.

She finally met my gaze—just briefly, but it was enough for me to give her the death stare. The terrified look on her face said it all as she quickly disappeared without another word.

"Beautiful," I smiled at Grace like nothing happened.

"Maya," she sighed. "You made that poor girl run away..." She wasn't sure whether to be amused or scold me.

I gestured nonchalantly with my hand as I walked over to her. "She was getting too comfortable. This outfit looks stunning on you, Grace."

She raised a brow, almost laughing. "She literally just said I looked good..."

"You literally look good," I retorted, making my way to kiss her neck.

Grace shook her head, disbelief and a mischievous smile playing on her lips before she melted completely under my touch.

She bought that gorgeous outfit in two different colors, and once we stepped outside, I gently took her bags, already thinking about something special I wanted her to have.

"Would you mind if I took you to a boutique now, to find the perfect bag?" I asked softly, trying not to sound pushy.

"Sure, that sounds nice," Grace said, leaning against my shoulder as we kept walking.

I cleared my throat. "Well, Grace..." She raised an eyebrow, eyes locked on mine as if she sensed something more. "It's not just any boutique. It's more like..." I trailed off.

I had to be careful what I said—she might misunderstand my intentions, and I didn't want that.

"What is it, Chanel or something like that?" Her voice was cautious but knowing.

She knows me too well. I'm pretty predictable when it comes to this stuff.

"Prada, actually," I grinned innocently, pointing at the boutique while gently tugging her hand.

"Maya," Grace said softly, halting me, her eyes searching mine with a knowing look and something gentle. My heart skipped a beat.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"I know what you're doing..." she tilted her head. "You wanna buy me one of those, but there's no need. I'm just really happy you're with me right now," she smiled softly.

I leaned in closer, tracing her cheek with my finger. "I'm happy you're happy, Grace. You deserve the best, that's why I want to make sure you get it—even if you don't ask for it."

She hesitated for a moment, before a shy smile broke through. "You're so sweet."

I grinned, her gaze sending a rush of heat through me. "I want to take care of you. Even in the smallest things. Please, let me."

"But you already do, Maya," she said softly, a hint of guilt flickering in her voice.

"Grace," I said, my voice firm but soft. "I want to do this for you. And so much more."

"Fine," she gave in, understanding how much it mattered to me. "I'll be a spoiled girl today," she teased, her smile warming like the sun breaking through clouds.

I squeezed her hand, smirking like a kid who just got their way. "That's all I needed to hear."

I kissed her, and the warmth in her eyes said everything I needed to know.

It wasn't about money. It wasn't about anything I had. She saw me. Really saw me.

That's what made me feel something more for her—beyond all the million little things.

When we reached the Prada store, I pushed the door open effortlessly, like I belonged there. Grace hesitated for a second, her fingers tightening around mine.

I pulled her closer to me, letting her lean into my side. "Hey, no need to feel out of place," I whispered, smiling down at her.

Her smile grew, a little more confident this time, like she finally believed me.

Inside, we wandered through sleek aisles filled with all kinds of bags. Grace's eyes carefully scanned each one, but I could tell none truly caught her—until the sales assistant said, "Maybe this one's for you."

He pulled out a stunning bag from the back room—pure white leather with soft pink accents, delicate silver hardware, and a subtle embossed logo. It was part of a limited-edition collection.

Grace's eyes lit up instantly. She ran her fingers over the smooth leather, studying every detail as if it was made just for her.

I could tell she loved it. Without hesitation, I said, "We're getting this one."

She looked up at me, eyes wide as she whispered: "It's limited edition... Are you sure you want to spend that much?"

I grinned, feeling a little playful. "Of course, silly. I wouldn't let this slip away for anything."

Her cheeks flushed bright pink, but her smile was the happiest I'd seen all day.

At the counter, I distracted her with a casual, "Go check out that scarf over there," while I paid, so she didn't watch the numbers climb.

Not that the numbers really mattered to me.

When we walked out, I handed her the bag. She hugged it close and kissed me softly. "I have to say, I'm starting to rethink Prada. This is actually amazing."

I laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Excuse me? My entire closet is Prada."

Grace smirked, eyes sparkling mischievously. "Ah," she hummed, like she didn't already know it. "That's why I'm starting to like it more and more."

"That was the plan," I teased.

We both laughed, the sound light and amused, before she turned serious. "Thank you so much, Maya. I really appreciate it."

"You don't have to thank me. You're worth way more than just a simple Prada bag."

"It's a limited edition," Grace said.

"Just like you," I replied.

She blushed and rested her head on my shoulder as I discreetly glanced at my phone to check the time. Only half an hour before noon. Shit.

We need swimsuits.

I immediately dragged Grace into a store that sold them without saying a word. She clearly looked confused by the sudden move.

I saw a beautiful black one-piece swimsuit, high-cut with a slit on the chest, and grabbed it immediately.

"Which one do you like for yourself?" I asked casually.

"Why do we suddenly need swimsuits?" Grace asked, one brow raised.

"Pick the one you like the most, Grace," I said, brushing off her question with a smile.

She rolled her eyes but picked a white one-piece swimsuit with a sky-blue pattern.

"Beautiful," I commented.

"Always causing trouble, huh?" she mumbled.

I smirked, taking the swimsuit from her hand and heading quickly to the counter to pay before she could say anything else.

It was finally time.

"So, can you tell me where we're headed now?" Grace asked, holding my hand as we left the shop. Her voice was trying to catch on, clearly sensing I was hiding something.

"Let's head to the car," I replied calmly.

"You sound weirder by the second, Maya..."

"That's your opinion, Grace," I said, opening the car door for her.

I rounded my car and finally sat in the driver's seat. I started the engine, and it roared to life. I turned up the music, put on my sunglasses, and...

I knew exactly where to go.

A/N

Hope you enjoy Maya's POV return!!

See you soon ????