Aurora’s breath trembled as Grayson’s hand cupped her gently, his palm warm against her skin. She froze for a second, heart racing, unsure of what to do or what this even meant—but her body answered for her. It leaned in, soft and uncertain, reacting to him in a way she didn’t understand.His thumb brushed over her sensitive peak, and she gasped softly, eyes fluttering shut. A quiet sound slipped past her lips—so soft it barely reached the air, yet loud enough to pull something deep from him.Grayson exhaled sharply, his breathing growing heavier as he stared at her flushed face. Her lips were parted, eyes half-lidded, her chest rising and falling beneath her pajama top. She looked like temptation, wrapped in innocence.But she didn’t move away.She let him touch her.And that broke something in him.His lips left hers, trailing down slowly. He kissed the line of her jaw, then lower—pressing his mouth to the side of her neck, just above her collarbone. She shivered under him, fingers
Aurora didn’t move.She just sat there, her fingers clutching the fabric of her pajama top like she was trying to hold herself together. The room still smelled like him—strong, dark, and impossible to ignore. His scent lingered, but his words had been colder than anything she’d ever felt."Don’t mistake this for anything more than what it was."The way he said it, so flat and cold, kept replaying in her head. Her chest ached, even though she told herself it shouldn’t. She’d known what kind of man Grayson Moore was. He didn’t feel. He didn’t love. He didn’t care. But that didn’t stop her from hoping—just a little—that maybe it meant more.A shaky breath slipped out of her lips.She looked toward the door, half-expecting it to open again. Maybe he’d come back, say something that would take back the weight of those words. But the room stayed quiet. Painfully quiet.With a soft breath, she pulled the blanket up around her body and curled
The drive from Sunnydale to Harford City passed in a haze.Grayson sat silently in the back of his sleek black Rolls-Royce, eyes watching the scenery flash by, though he wasn’t really seeing any of it. The peaceful ocean views of Sunnydale slowly faded away, replaced by the towering skyline of Harford—buildings standing tall where there were once open skies and sea.His fingers tapped lightly against the soft leather seat. His mind wasn’t still. Last night had been a mess. He wasn’t the type to drink much, but last night he had gone too far. The thoughts he had tried to bury came clawing back the moment the alcohol hit his system. And Aurora—her presence in his life—was doing things to him he hadn’t expected. She made him restless. Unfocused. Vulnerable.Leaning back, he closed his eyes for a second. His body was heavy with exhaustion, and his stomach turned from the alcohol, but he kept himself steady. Showing weakness wasn't an option. Not for him.
Grayson remained silent as he stared out the window, the city lights of Harford flickering beyond the glass. The weight of Natalie’s presence lingered beside him. Her fingers had just left his wrist, yet he could still feel the ghost of her touch.He knew Natalie cared, more than she should, and he was aware of it. She had always been there, always watching over him, always making sure he remained the man she believed he should be. But lately, the carefully placed walls around his life were starting to crack. Aurora was the reason.Natalie’s voice broke the silence. “Your grandfather should be here soon.”Grayson barely flinched. Of course, he would be. His grandfather never tolerated weakness, and a hospital visit was nothing short of humiliation in his eyes.“I will handle him,” he said, his voice calm but edged with firmness.Natalie studied him for a moment, as if searching for something beneath his detached exterior. “You should take this more seriously, Grayson.” Her tone was s
Grayson discharged himself early from the hospital because he did not want to linger in a place he despised. Hospitals were the last place he ever wanted to be. He was already dressed in his usual elegant business suit, and the crisp white shirt beneath his navy blue jacket remained immaculate. He did not look like someone who had just spent a day and night hospitalized.The IV line had been removed only minutes ago, but he had not spared a glance at the doctor who tried to convince him to stay for further monitoring. He had heard enough, and his body had healed enough. That was all that mattered.The drive back to company headquarters was quiet. Grayson leaned against the leather seat of his luxury car while his sharp gaze remained fixed on the city skyline and his thoughts drifted. He had spent two weeks away while drowning himself in something that barely numbed the restlessness within him. Now the world expected him to step back into the role he had perfected, which was the cold
When Grayson got off work, it was already eight at night. Whenever he was in Harford, he rarely went to the old house, preferring a quieter place. Tonight, he was driving back to his villa. Since it wasn’t far from the company, it was convenient for him to go back and forth. Unlike the grand, fortress-like estate where Aurora remained, this place was modern and filled with extravagance, something only billionaires could afford.Louis, the villa’s butler, greeted him at the entrance. "Good evening, sir. Shall I prepare something for you?""No. I'm good," he replied curtly as he stepped inside."But sir, you’ve just been discharged from the hospital--"Grayson cut him off with a sharp look before heading straight to his study to deal with his pending paperwork.The study was dimly lit, the faint glow from his desk lamp casting long shadows against the bookshelves. He walked to the wine cabinet, poured himself a glass of expensive whiskey, then settled into his chair. Work was his only c
Sunnydale..The vast estate, which had once felt like a golden cage, had over time become a world of her own within its grand walls. And it all started with the library.When Edith had first toured her through the huge fortress-like mansion, Grayson's massive library had been the one place that truly captivated her. Towering bookshelves stretched endlessly, filled with countless volumes on history, finance, literature, philosophy, and art. Among the many subjects, the books on art called to her the most.She would spend hours flipping through the pages, her fingertips tracing over the breathtaking paintings and intricate sketches. The brushwork, the blending of colors, and the emotions captured within each stroke reignited something deep inside her.Before her life had crumbled into chaos, she had once dared to dream. In her first year of college, she had chosen Fine Arts, hoping to nurture the talent she had carried since childhood. But dreams did not feed an empty stomach. The harsh
Grayson's thoughts were interrupted when Jason, his secretary, knocked on the door before entering. Grayson barely lifted his gaze from the documents on his desk, his mind still flickering back to the images Edith had sent.He had only been gone for a short time, yet Aurora had already invaded his thoughts like an unshakable force. It irritated him so much that he became frustrated with himself. He had never been the type to let distractions slip past his discipline, yet here he was, watching a woman through a phone screen, indulging in something as foolish as curiosity.His jaw tightened as he swiped the screen off and looked up at Jason.“What is it?”Jason hesitated for a fraction of a second before responding. “Sir, Austin Lopez is here to see you.”Grayson’s fingers stilled atop the papers in front of him. The name alone was enough to shift the air in the room. A cold, sharp amusement fluttered in his eyes, though his expression remained emotionless.Austin Lopez. His greatest r
It was already afternoon when Aurora finally woke up, her body still aching from the merciless way Grayson had claimed her the night before. She barely had the strength to move, every muscle in her body protesting as she shifted under the soft covers.Her mind was still hazy, but the memories of the previous night played vividly—Grayson’s burning, possessive touch, the way he refused to let her go until she was utterly exhausted.She exhaled shakily, her fingers clutching the blanket as she stared at the ceiling.She had always known Grayson was possessive, but last night… last night was something she couldn't explain. He had always been passionate every time they had sex, but last night, she could clearly feel his rage through his beastly actions—like he had nearly ravaged her body. He had been punishing her in the most primitive way.After being with him for over a month, she could feel his possessiveness growing stronger each day.Thou
Grayson’s lips moved against hers with an intensity that left her breathless, claiming every gasp and shudder that escaped her. He wasn’t just kissing her—he was consuming her, trying to remind her who she truly belonged to.Aurora’s hands trembled against his chest, her body instinctively pressing into him despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her. His fingers slid into her hair, gripping just enough to tilt her head back, exposing the smooth line of her throat.“You drive me insane Aurora,” Grayson murmured against her skin, his voice rough and unsteady. His lips dragged lower, pressing slow, wet kisses down the smooth curve of her neck.“Seeing you with another man…” his breath warm against her pulse. “I wanted to tear him apart, and lock you away where no one else could reach you.”Aurora’s breath trembled continuously. The sheer possessiveness in his tone sent a shiver through her, awakening something unfamiliar yet undeniable.
Aurora excused herself, offering Julian a small smile as she stood up. “I’ll just use the restroom for a moment.” Julian simply nodded, watching as she walked away before turning his attention back to his coffee. His fingers curled around the cup, but his thoughts were elsewhere. On her way to the restroom, Aurora was lost in thought when she suddenly collided with someone. The impact wasn’t too strong but enough to make her stumble slightly. “Oh—” She looked up, startled, meeting the gaze of a tall, striking man dressed in a well-tailored suit. The man, just as surprised, instinctively reached out to steady her, though neither of them fell. His sharp eyes lingered on Aurora's face before he quickly composed himself. “I’m so sorry,” Aurora said first, stepping back. The man, however, shook his head slightly. “No, I should be the one apologizing. I wasn’t paying attention.” They stood there for a brief moment as if caught in an invisible pause. There was something oddly familiar
The coffee shop was warm, its ambiance sophisticated yet inviting. The soft whispers of conversation blended with the rich aroma of roasted coffee beans, creating a sense of calm that Aurora hadn't realized she missed.Seated across from Julian, she watched as he effortlessly ordered her favorites: a latte with a hint of vanilla and a slice of strawberry cake. She hadn’t even needed to tell him.“You still remember the old days,” she murmured as the waiter left.Julian smiled, leaning back in his chair. “Of course, I do. You used to rave about this exact combination during our study breaks.”Aurora let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “That was so long ago.”“Not long enough to forget,” he countered, his tone light yet sincere.A pause settled between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence shared between people who once knew each other well, both recognizing the time lost yet not quite knowing how to bridge the gap.The waiter returned, placing their orders
The late morning sun filtered through the estate’s towering windows as Aurora prepared herself for the day ahead. For the first time since she had been taken into Grayson’s world, she had been given the freedom to leave without restraint. Not that she had ever been physically caged—but the invisible walls surrounding her had been just as suffocating.Yet today, as she stood by the front steps of the Moore estate, a sleek black car waiting for her, she felt something close to normalcy.Grayson had made it clear—she could visit her mother whenever she pleased. A decision that had both stunned and confused her. He was a man who controlled everything around him with an iron grip, yet he had loosened it, even if just a little, when it came to her.Aurora exhaled slowly, adjusting the strap of her small bag before stepping forward. The driver-bodyguard assigned to her opened the car door without a word, his presence a silent reminder that Grayson’s influence still shadowed her every move.S
After Dylan left the study, a heavy silence settled over the room. Grayson sat still, the weight of the conversation lingering in his thoughts.Hunter was playing a dangerous game—one he had suspected for months. But Dylan’s confirmation added a new layer of urgency. The Broker was no ordinary contact. If Hunter was involved with him, then something much larger was at play.Grayson leaned back in his chair, fingers wrapping around his glass. His mind was already assembling the next steps—tightening his grip on everything and cutting off Hunter’s influence before he could make a move. This was a long game, but one thing was certain. He would never lose.But despite the storm brewing in his thoughts, another presence filled the edges of his mind.Aurora.She was upstairs, probably asleep, unaware of the chaos happening in the world beyond these estate walls.Grayson’s mind was a battlefield, torn between logic and the venomous seed of doubt Dylan had planted. What if Damien Lopez wasn’t
After dinner, the two men retreated to the study for a private conversation. Grayson and Dylan's friendship is unshakable. Though they lived in different cities, their bond ran deep. Few knew of their friendship—only Louis, the former personal butler of Grayson’s mother, was aware of the extent of their closeness.Grayson’s mother was from Sunnydale, and her family had strong ties with the Collins. This connection was the foundation of Grayson and Dylan’s almost brotherly relationship.Dylan took a slow sip of his wine, amusement dancing in his sharp gaze.“I have to say…” he began, setting his glass down with a soft clink. His lips curled into a knowing smirk. “Now I get it.”Grayson arched a brow. “Get what?”Dylan’s smirk widened as he leaned back in his chair, one ankle resting over his knee. He hasn't finished teasing him yet.“Why you’ve been glued to Sunnydale for the past month.”Grayson felt a flicker of irritation. Was it directed at Dylan? Or at himself? Lately, he had be
Grayson returned home around quarter to seven in the evening. The estate was cloaked in a soft hush, peaceful yet warmer this time. His footsteps were light against the hard floor as he stepped inside, loosening his tie with one hand.And then he saw her.Aurora was curled up on the velvet sofa, a book resting in her lap. Her delicate fingers traced the edges of the pages as she leaned slightly forward, completely absorbed in her reading. A small plate of fruit sat beside her, an untouched slice of peach and strawberries resting on the edge.Grayson’s gaze softened. A sudden warmth crept into his chest, tightening under his ribcage. His feet moved before his mind registered it, drawn to her like a force he couldn’t fight.Aurora remained unaware of his presence until the sofa dipped beside her. A low hum escaped her throat as the familiar scent of Grayson’s perfume—warm spice and cedarwood—wrapped around her.Her breath stuttered when strong arms slid around her waist, pulling her gen
Aurora woke slowly, her body cocooned in warmth, limbs heavy with a languid ache. Sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains, golden and soft, casting dappled patterns across the bed. A deep, intimate soreness pulsed quietly beneath her skin—a lingering echo of the night before. Not painful. Just… present. As if he had branded her with memory.She reached across the bed, fingers searching for him instinctively.Cold sheets.Empty space.The realization settled quietly in her chest, pressing against her chest. Her hand lingered on the mattress, where his warmth should’ve been. She closed her eyes for a moment. And there it was—his breath against her neck, the low, rough sound of his voice when he lost himself in her, the way his hands had held her like she was something fragile and dangerous all at once.Her thighs shifted slightly beneath the covers. The slow throb between them betrayed the depth of their connection. Her body remembered eve