Page 5

five

. . .

Lily

I storm down the hallway, my bare feet slapping against the cold marble. The kiss burns on my lips, confusion and anger warring in my chest. What game is Grayson playing?

I reach his study and burst through the heavy oak door without knocking. My heart pounds so hard I'm sure he can hear it.

Grayson looks up from his desk, face impassive. But there's a flicker in those dark eyes. Anticipation?

"What the hell is going on?" I demand, hating how my voice shakes. "I'm done with these games, Grayson. Why am I here? What do you want from me?"

He rises slowly, deliberate as a predator. "Lily," he says, my name a caress. "You want answers?"

"Yes, dammit!" The words explode out of me. "You drag me here, keep me isolated. That kiss..." I trail off, face hot.

Grayson steps around the desk. His movements are careful, like I'm a spooked animal he's trying not to startle. "It's...complicated."

I snort. "Try me."

He runs a hand through his hair, mussing the perfect style. For a moment, he looks almost vulnerable. Then his jaw tightens.

"I grew up with nothing," he says, voice low. "Fought and clawed my way to the top. Trust doesn't come easy."

I cross my arms, waiting. What does his past have to do with me?

Grayson's eyes bore into mine. "But you, Lily...You make me feel. And that terrifies me."

My breath catches. What is he saying?

He steps closer. I can feel the heat radiating off his body. "I need you," he whispers. "Here. With me."

My mind reels. The ruthless billionaire...needs me? It doesn't make sense. And yet, as I search his face, I see something I've never noticed before: a flicker of raw vulnerability beneath that iron control.

"I don't understand," I breathe, my anger giving way to confusion.

Grayson's hand trembles slightly as he reaches for me. "I don’t understand it myself All I know is from the moment I laid on eyes on you, you were mine ."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I've always prided myself on seeing the good in people, but this? This is different. Dangerous.

"I can't lose you," he continues, voice rough. "The thought of you leaving...it consumes me."

I should be terrified. I should run. But there's a pull between us, electric and undeniable.

"Grayson, I?—"

Before I can finish, he closes the distance between us. His hands cup my face with surprising gentleness, those dark eyes searching mine. "Tell me you feel it too," he whispers.

And God help me, I do. This connection, this spark—it both thrills and terrifies me.

In one fluid motion, he pulls me onto his lap. I should resist, but my body betrays me, melting against his solid warmth.

"What are we doing?" I ask, my voice barely audible.

His fingers trace my cheek. "Living, Lily. For the first time in years, I feel alive."

Grayson buries his face in my neck, his stubble grazing my sensitive skin. I gasp at the sensation, electric tingles radiating through my body. His breath is hot against my throat, each exhale sending shivers down my spine.

"You smell like sunshine," he murmurs, nuzzling deeper. His hands roam my back, fingertips tracing patterns that set my nerves alight. I'm torn between pulling away and sinking further into his embrace.

My fingers tangle in his hair of their own accord. It's softer than I expected, silky strands sliding between my fingers. Grayson groans, the sound vibrating through me.

"Lily," he breathes against my skin. "My sweet, innocent Lily."

His hands slide lower, cupping my ass and pulling me flush against him. I can feel how hard he is, the thick length of him pressing insistently against my core. Heat pools low in my belly, a molten ache I've never felt before.

His lips brush my throat, feather-light at first, then with increasing pressure. I whimper, my head falling back to give him better access. Grayson takes full advantage, trailing open-mouthed kisses along the column of my neck.

"So responsive," he murmurs against my skin. "So perfect."

His teeth graze my pulse point and I jerk in his lap, a needy moan escaping me. I feel his lips curve into a smile.

"That's it, sweetheart. Let me hear you."

One large hand slides up to tangle in my hair, tugging gently to expose more of my throat. His other hand slips under my shirt, calloused fingers tracing patterns on my bare skin. I shiver, overwhelmed by the sensations.

"Grayson," I gasp, not sure if I'm asking him to stop or begging for more.

He pulls back slightly, dark eyes searching mine. "Tell me you want this," he growls. "Tell me you want me."

My breath catches. This is madness. I barely know him. And yet...

"I want you," I whisper, the words tumbling out before I can stop them.

A low, satisfied rumble emanates from his chest. In one fluid motion, he stands, lifting me with him. My legs wrap instinctively around his waist as he carries me to the massive desk. He sets me on the edge, hands sliding up my thighs as he steps between my legs.

"I'm going to ruin you for anyone else," he murmurs, fingers toying with the hem of my shirt. "You're mine now, Lily. Only mine."

He tugs my shirt over my head, tossing it aside. His eyes darken as they roam over my exposed skin. I fight the urge to cover myself, heart pounding.

Grayson's hands cup my breasts, thumbs brushing over my nipples. I arch into his touch, a breathy moan escaping me.

"So sensitive," he murmurs approvingly. "I bet I could make you come just from this."

Before I can process his words, he lowers his head, taking one peaked nipple into his mouth. The wet heat of his tongue sends sparks of pleasure shooting through me. I cry out, fingers tangling in his hair.

He lavishes attention on my breasts, alternating between gentle licks and sharp nips that have me squirming. All the while, his hands roam my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

"Please," I whimper, not even sure what I'm begging for.

Grayson pulls back, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Oh sweetheart, I'm just getting started."