Page 9

One year later

Lily

I wake to the weight of Grayson's arm draped possessively over my waist, his warmth seeping into my skin. My eyes flutter open, adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the smoky glass windows. Carefully, I slide out from under his grip, my feet touching the cool marble floor.

My hand instinctively goes to my slightly rounded belly. There's a life growing inside me. Grayson's child. Our child. The thought still feels surreal.

I pad quietly through the cavernous hallways of the mansion, my steps echoing softly. The scent of coffee and bacon guides me to the kitchen, where I find Mom and Danny already bustling about.

"Lily!" Danny's face lights up when he sees me. He rushes over, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Can we go to the park later? Grayson said there's one nearby with a huge playground!"

I ruffle his hair, smiling despite the pang in my chest. It's been so long since I've seen him this excited. "We'll see, buddy. How about you help Mom with breakfast first?"

As Danny scampers off to assist Mom, I lean against the marble countertop, watching them work in tandem. The kitchen, usually so sterile and imposing, feels alive with their presence. For a moment, I can almost forget we're in a billionaire's mansion and not our tiny apartment back home.

"You okay, sweetie?" Mom's concerned voice breaks through my reverie. "You look a little pale."

Before I can respond, a deep voice rumbles from behind me. "Is everything alright?"

Grayson. His presence fills the room instantly, commanding attention even in this domestic setting. I turn to see my husband striding towards us, his eyes scanning me from head to toe.

"I'm fine," I insist, but Grayson's already at my side, his large hand splaying protectively across my lower back.

"Good morning, Grayson!" Danny chirps, momentarily forgetting his shyness around the imposing man.

Grayson's lips quirk into a small smile. "Good morning, Danny. Did you sleep well?"

As I watch Grayson interact with my family, a warm mix of emotions swirls within me. If it wasn’t for Grayson, Mom might not even be here. Thanks to his insistence on getting her the best doctors, her breast cancer is in remission, and he had Danny back from foster care sooner than I ever thought would be possible.

"Lily should be resting," Grayson states, his tone brooking no argument. Before I can protest, he scoops me into his arms.

"Grayson!" I yelp, my cheeks burning. "I can walk to the table myself."

He ignores my protests, carrying me effortlessly to the breakfast nook. As he sets me down gently, his eyes lock with mine, dark and intense. "I won't risk anything happening to you or our child," he murmurs, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

I bite my lip, torn between melting at his concern and asserting my independence. But as I look around at my family—Mom setting out plates, Danny chattering excitedly, and Grayson's steady presence beside me—I can't help but feel a warmth spreading through my chest.

Grayson's hand rests possessively on my lower back as he slides into the seat beside me. His fingers trail along my spine, sending little shivers through me despite my irritation at his fussing.

"You need to eat more," he insists, piling my plate with eggs and toast. "The baby needs nutrients."

I roll my eyes, but can't quite hide my smile. "I'm pretty sure one skipped meal won't doom our child to malnutrition, Grayson."

His brow furrows. "We can't take chances."

Mom beams at us from across the table. "It's so wonderful to see how attentive you are, Grayson. Lily's lucky to have such a caring partner."

I send a look of annoyance at my mother, but it’s all in good fun. I’m thrilled she and Grayson get along so well.

"I'm the lucky one," Grayson rumbles, his eyes never leaving my face. The intensity of his gaze makes my breath catch.

After breakfast, I slip away to the gardens, craving a breath of fresh air. The meticulously manicured paths wind between carefully pruned topiaries and bubbling fountains. It's beautiful, but so controlled—just like everything in Grayson's world.

I've barely made it to the rose garden when I hear footsteps behind me. Of course. I turn to see Grayson striding towards me, his broad shoulders blocking out the sun.

"You shouldn't be alone," he says, reaching for my hand.

I let him take it, torn between frustration and amusement. "I'm pregnant, not made of glass."

His fingers tighten around mine. "I can't lose you," he whispers, vulnerability flashing across his face. "Either of you."

My heart melts at the look in his eyes, and I definitely can’t stay mad at him.

Later, I'm nestled against Grayson on the plush leather couch, the warmth of his body seeping into mine as the opening credits roll across the massive screen. Danny bounces excitedly beside us, a bowl of popcorn balanced precariously on his lap.

"This is so cool, Grayson!" he chirps. "I've never seen a movie this big before!"

I feel Grayson's chest rumble with a low chuckle. "Wait till you see the surround sound kick in."

My heart swells watching them together. Who would've thought the ruthless billionaire could be so...sweet?

Mom settles into an armchair, smiling softly at our little family tableau. The movie starts, but I'm barely paying attention. Instead, I'm hyper-aware of Grayson's fingers tracing lazy patterns on my arm, his breath tickling my ear.

"Comfortable, little one?" he murmurs, and I shiver at the possessive edge in his voice.

I nod, snuggling closer. "Perfect," I whisper back.

As the movie plays, I can't help marveling at how much has changed. Months ago, I was struggling to make ends meet. Now I'm carrying the child of one of the most powerful men in the country, surrounded by luxury I never dreamed of.

But it's not the material things that matter. It's the way Grayson's arms tighten protectively around me. The sound of Danny's laughter. The contentment on Mom's face. For the first time in forever, I feel...safe. Cherished. Home.

The credits roll, and Danny yawns widely. "Time for bed, munchkin," Mom says, ruffling his hair.

"Aww, do I have to?" he whines, but his drooping eyelids betray him.

"I've got Lily," Grayson says, scooping me up before I can protest. His arms cradle me effortlessly as he carries me towards our bedroom.

"I can walk, you know," I tease, even as I loop my arms around his neck.

He smirks down at me. "Indulge me."

The bedroom door closes behind us with a soft click, and suddenly the air feels charged. Grayson lays me gently on the bed, his dark eyes roaming hungrily over my body.

"You're so beautiful," he breathes, trailing reverent fingers along my cheek. "My Lily. My wife. Mine ."

A shiver of desire races down my spine. "Yours," I whisper back.

His lips claim mine in a searing kiss, and I'm lost. Lost in the heat of his touch, the intensity of his gaze, the overwhelming rightness of being in his arms.

Grayson's body covers mine, his weight a delicious pressure. His fingers trail fire along my skin, igniting sparks everywhere they touch. I arch into him, craving more.

"Lily," he growls, voice rough with need. "You're everything. My whole world."

My heart swells, threatening to burst. I've never felt so cherished, so desired. So...complete.

"Grayson," I breathe, my body arching into his touch. His fingers trail lower, caressing the slight swell of my belly with infinite tenderness before dipping between my thighs. I gasp at the sensation, heat blooming through me.

"Always so responsive," he murmurs approvingly. "So perfect."

His lips find my neck, trailing hot kisses down to my collarbone. I writhe beneath him, desperate for more. My hands fumble with the buttons of his shirt, needing to feel his skin against mine.

Grayson chuckles darkly, catching my wrists in one large hand. "Patience, little one," he growls. "Let me take care of you."

He takes his time, worshipping every inch of my body with reverent touches and heated kisses. By the time he finally enters me, I'm trembling with need.

"Mine," he growls, his thrusts deep but gentle. "All mine."

"Yours," I gasp in agreement, clinging to his broad shoulders. "Always yours."

We move together, finding our perfect rhythm. Grayson's touch is possessive yet achingly tender, mindful of our growing child. When release finally washes over us, it's with a burst of blinding pleasure and whispered words of devotion.

Afterward, we lie tangled in the sheets, my head pillowed on Grayson's chest, one hand splayed protectively over my belly, the other tracing lazy patterns on my back. I feel boneless, sated.

"I love you," he murmurs, pressing a tender kiss to my temple. "You're the missing piece I never knew I needed. The light in my darkness."

Tears prick my eyes. "I love you too," I whisper. "So much."

I nestle closer, inhaling his scent—crisp cologne and something uniquely Grayson. My eyelids grow heavy, but I fight sleep, wanting to savor this perfect moment.

"Rest, sweetheart," Grayson says softly. "I've got you. Always."

As I drift off, I see flashes of our future—a laughing toddler with Grayson's eyes, family dinners filled with warmth, quiet nights just like this one. For the first time in my life, I'm not afraid of what tomorrow might bring. Because whatever comes, I know I'm exactly where I belong.