Page 2

two

. . .

Grayson

I watch Lily's slim figure retreat down the manicured path, my fists clenching at my sides. Damn her. How dare she make me feel this way—this maddening cocktail of rage and desire churning in my gut.

I turn from the window, pacing across my study like a caged animal. The plush carpet muffles my footsteps, but can't silence the turmoil in my head. This is just a momentary lapse, I tell myself. A fleeting distraction. Nothing more.

But even as I form the thought, I know it's a lie. The intensity thrumming through me is like nothing I've felt before. I want to possess her, to claim every inch of that soft skin as my own. To make her yielding body bend to my will.

I force myself to take a steadying breath, smoothing my features into their usual mask of cool indifference. This is nothing. She is nothing. Just another disposable employee.

A discreet cough breaks through my spiraling thoughts. "Sir?" my butler inquires from the doorway. "I have some information you may find...interesting."

I arch an eyebrow, silently prompting him to continue.

"It seems Miss Hart's family is facing some rather severe financial difficulties," he says, his tone carefully neutral. "Medical bills, I believe. For her mother."

My pulse quickens as possibilities begin to unfold. "Indeed," I murmur, mind already racing ahead. "That will be all, Jenkins."

As he bows out, I settle behind my desk, fingers steepled in thought. Having her here, under my roof...it's risky. This growing obsession is a weakness I can ill afford. And yet...

The benefits are undeniable. To have her at my beck and call, day and night. To slowly peel back her layers, learning every secret. Until she belongs to me completely.

A plan begins to crystallize. A way to keep her close while maintaining the upper hand. My lips curve into a predatory smile.

Lily Hart won't know what hit her.

I press the intercom. "Send Miss Hart to my office. Immediately." My voice brooks no argument.

The wait is interminable. I pace behind my desk, a caged predator scenting its prey. When the door finally opens, I freeze, drinking her in.

Lily steps inside, all hesitant grace. Her eyes dart around, never quite meeting mine. God, she's exquisite. Soft curves barely contained by her simple uniform. A stray tendril of hair curls against her neck, begging for my touch.

I want to devour her whole.

"Miss Hart," I growl, hating how my voice betrays me. "Please, sit."

She perches on the edge of the chair, hands folded primly in her lap. So demure. So utterly fuckable.

I clear my throat. "I have a proposition for you."

Her eyes widen, confusion evident. Good. Keep her off-balance.

"Your family is in need of financial assistance, correct?" I don't wait for confirmation. "I'm prepared to offer you a position. Live-in personal assistant. The salary would more than cover your mother's medical expenses."

Shock flits across her face, followed by a flicker of...hope? My chest tightens. No. I can't let her gentleness affect me.

"I...I don't understand," she stammers. "Why me?"

I lean forward, pinning her with my gaze. "Because I want you here, Lily. Under my roof."

Her breath catches. I can see the war raging behind those innocent eyes. Desire. Fear. Desperation.

"What do you say?"

I can't stop myself. I lean closer, invading her space. Her scent hits me—vanilla and something uniquely Lily. It makes my head spin.

"What's wrong, little one?" I murmur. "Cat got your tongue?"

She swallows hard, her pulse fluttering visibly at her throat. I want to taste it.

"Mr. Wolfe, I..." she starts, voice barely above a whisper.

I reach out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. My fingers graze her cheek, impossibly soft. Lily's breath hitches, her eyes going wide.

"Shh," I soothe, even as every cell in my body screams to claim her. "Don't overthink it."

My touch lingers, tracing the delicate curve of her jaw. She trembles beneath my hand, lips parting on a silent gasp.

Fuck. I'm losing control.

I jerk back, clenching my fists to keep from reaching for her again. What the hell is wrong with me? She's just a girl. A pawn. Nothing more.

But my body disagrees. My cock strains against my zipper, aching to bury itself in her warmth. To mark her as mine .

Lily's cheeks are flushed, her chest rising and falling rapidly. I can see the pulse pounding in her neck. She looks...aroused. Frightened. Confused.

"I...I need time to think," she whispers.

I want to roar my frustration. To grab her and show her exactly why she belongs to me. Instead, I force myself to nod.

"Of course," I say, my voice rough with suppressed hunger. "Take all the time you need."

But we both know it's a lie. She's already mine. She just doesn't know it yet.

I lean back in my chair, fingers steepled under my chin. Every muscle in my body is coiled tight, ready to spring. To pounce. To possess .

"But let me be crystal clear, Lily." My voice comes out as a low growl. "This offer won't be on the table forever."

Her eyes dart to mine, then away. Like a frightened doe sensing a predator. It makes something primal stir in my gut.

"I...I understand," she murmurs.

"Do you?" I press, leaning forward. The air between us crackles with tension. "Because once you say yes, there's no going back. You'll be mine. Completely."

A shiver runs through her slender frame. I can almost taste her indecision, her fear...and underneath it all, a hint of desire that makes my blood sing.

"Your family's debts. Your future. It all rests on this decision." My gaze bores into hers, willing her to submit. "What's it going to be, little one?"

Lily takes a shaky breath. Her voice is barely audible when she finally speaks. "Yes. I...I accept."

Triumph surges through me, hot and heady. Mine . She's finally mine.

I stand, circling my desk. Lily shrinks back in her chair, but I cup her chin, forcing her to meet my eyes.

"Smart girl," I purr. "You won't regret this."

I watch Lily rise on trembling legs, her eyes downcast as she backs toward the door. Every fiber of my being screams to yank her back, to crush her soft body against mine and claim those tempting lips. But I force myself to remain still, gripping the edge of my desk until my knuckles turn white.

She fumbles with the doorknob, her delicate hands shaking. The sight of her vulnerability sets my blood on fire. I want to soothe her fears, to wrap her in my arms and promise that I'll take care of everything. But that's not who I am. I'm the wolf, and she's my prey.

As she slips out into the hallway, I catch a final glimpse of her face. There's fear there, yes, but also a flicker of something else. Excitement? Anticipation? The thought makes my cock throb painfully against my zipper.

The door clicks shut, and I let out a ragged breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. The air feels charged, electric, as if Lily's presence has left some tangible mark on the room. Her scent lingers—a maddening mix of vanilla and warm skin that makes my head spin.

I stalk to the window, watching her hurry down the path toward the staff entrance. Even from this distance, I can see the tension in her shoulders, the way she keeps glancing back as if she expects me to come after her. Smart girl. She has no idea how close I came to doing just that.

The countdown has begun of having her under my roof, at my mercy. The possibilities are endless, and my mind races with all the ways I plan to break down her defenses. To mold her into the perfect companion. The perfect possession.

I press my forehead against the cool glass, willing my racing pulse to slow. This obsession is dangerous. Lily Hart is nothing but a temporary distraction, a plaything to amuse myself with for a few weeks. I can't afford to let her become anything more.

But even as I form the thought, I know it's a lie. The way she affects me—it's like nothing I've ever experienced. She's awakened something primal in me, a hunger that won't be satisfied until I've claimed every inch of her.

I turn from the window, pacing the length of my office like a caged animal. The ticking of the antique grandfather clock in the corner seems to mock me, each second an eternity until I can have her back in my presence.

My phone buzzes, and I snatch it up, hoping for some distraction from my spiraling thoughts. It's a message from my head of security, confirming that Lily's background check is complete. No red flags, nothing to indicate she's anything other than what she seems—a desperate young woman willing to do whatever it takes to save her family.

The knowledge should reassure me, but it only fuels my possessive instincts. I want to shelter her, protect her.

And then stuff her full of my cock until she whimpers and begs and afterwards spoil her rotten.

I pour myself a stiff drink, hoping the burn of whiskey will dull this maddening ache. But as the amber liquid slides down my throat, all I can think about is how Lily's lips would taste. Sweet and innocent, untouched by the darkness that consumes me.

Growling in frustration, I hurl the crystal tumbler against the wall. It shatters, shards glittering in the fading sunlight. The violence does nothing to quell the storm raging inside me.

I sink into my leather chair, my body thrumming with restless energy. Closing my eyes, I try to center myself, to regain the icy control that's served me so well. But all I can see is Lily—her wide, innocent eyes, the soft curve of her neck, the way she trembled under my touch.

Fuck. I'm in trouble.