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
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.
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
In the warmth of the quiet kitchen, Aurora moved carefully, checking the oven with a soft smile as the faint aroma of vanilla and peaches filled the air. With the chef’s guidance and Edith’s encouragement, she had managed to make a small, heartfelt birthday cake for Grayson—nothing extravagant, just something personal. Something she hoped would touch even a small part of him.The long dining table had been modestly decorated under her direction. A few soft candles flickered, radiating a softer ambience over the space, and the dishes she had carefully prepared were arranged neatly. She had even chosen to wear a simple, light pink-colored dress—soft and feminine. It wasn’t to impress, but to offer something sincere.Grayson didn’t know about any of this. He had never mentioned his birthday at all. And according to Edith, he hadn’t celebrated it since his parents died. But something in her heart simply wanted to do this.However, the clock on the wall ticked past 6 p.m.Then 7.Then 8.A
The morning sun barely pierced through the dusty window of a cramped, one-room apartment. Aurora sat at a small wooden table, staring at the meager breakfast before her with a single piece of bread and a cup of watered-down coffee. Her stomach twisted with hunger, but food was the last thing on her mind.From the worn-out couch in the corner, soft, ragged breathing filled the silence. Her mother, Maria, lay motionless, her pale face glistening with sweat. The coughing fits had worsened overnight, and even in sleep, she looked like she was in pain.Aurora wiped her tired eyes and stood, her shoulders slumping under the weight of exhaustion. She was tired... tired of everything.Life had been cruel to her since childhood. She had grown up in a poor family, with a sickly mother and a father addicted to gambling. Every time he lost and fell into debt with loan sharks, she was the one forced to clean up his mess. She had no choice. If she refused, he would beat her.Since junior high, she
Aurora’s feet dragged across the pavement, exhaustion gnawing at her bones as she walked home from the hospital. The nurse’s words still echoed in her mind. Her mother needed immediate treatment, or she would die. Her head felt like it was about to burst as she racked her brain for a way to get the money.And she had until morning to come up with an impossible amount. What should she do?But as she turned the last corner toward their tiny apartment, her steps slowed.A black sedan sat in front of their crumbling home. Her stomach twisted. This kind of feeling—it always came when she was in danger. She didn’t know why, but a sudden wave of unease gripped her the moment she spotted the suspicious car.Near the vehicle stood Felix, his hunched frame unusually stiff. Surrounding him were three tall men in black suits, their sharp gazes piercing the night. One look at them, and it was obvious that they weren’t good men.Felix was talking to them intently. Negotiating. His fingers twitched,
The entire suite fell in a suffocating tension. Aurora’s wrist burned, but she barely felt it anymore. Her pulse was erratic as she stared at the imposing man before her. His presence was overwhelming, his gaze piercing–a shade of gray that felt like it could see right through her. There was something about him, something peculiar… something that pulled her in, even though every instinct screamed at her to run.Without a word, he took the sharp shard from her trembling fingers and tossed it aside."M-Mr. Moore, this is a misunderstanding," the old man stammered, his voice cracking. "I–I had no idea she was under your protection."Aurora's breath hitched. Under his protection?Grayson remained indifferent to the man's pathetic attempts at explaining himself. Instead, he pulled a crisp white handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped it around Aurora’s bleeding wrist. His fingers were cold, steady, yet surprisingly gentle.Aurora flinched at the unexpected contact. "Who... who are you?" s
Aurora’s heart pounded violently as Grayson’s words echoed in her head."Tonight, you’re mine."His gray eyes burned into hers—cold, unwavering, yet consuming.She took a shaky step back, fear coiling deep in her gut. What awaited her? Her mind raced for an escape, but the sheer presence of him, the way he loomed over her with absolute command, held her rooted in place. His touch still lingered on her wrist, a chilling reminder that she was no longer free.“W–What do you mean by that?” her voice barely above a whisper.Grayson tilted his head slightly, studying her like a puzzle he had already solved. “Exactly what I said.”Aurora clenched her fists, pulse erratic. Why does everyone think they own her?“I am not some object you can claim,” she protested firmly.His smirk was slow, deliberate. “Yet here you are. In my home. Wearing my jacket. Breathing under my roof.”He stepped forward, his tall frame swallowing the space between them. “Tell me, Aurora. What does that make you?”Her
In the warmth of the quiet kitchen, Aurora moved carefully, checking the oven with a soft smile as the faint aroma of vanilla and peaches filled the air. With the chef’s guidance and Edith’s encouragement, she had managed to make a small, heartfelt birthday cake for Grayson—nothing extravagant, just something personal. Something she hoped would touch even a small part of him.The long dining table had been modestly decorated under her direction. A few soft candles flickered, radiating a softer ambience over the space, and the dishes she had carefully prepared were arranged neatly. She had even chosen to wear a simple, light pink-colored dress—soft and feminine. It wasn’t to impress, but to offer something sincere.Grayson didn’t know about any of this. He had never mentioned his birthday at all. And according to Edith, he hadn’t celebrated it since his parents died. But something in her heart simply wanted to do this.However, the clock on the wall ticked past 6 p.m.Then 7.Then 8.A
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