로그인**Zinnia’s POV**Two palms stood before me like an open book. One belonged to the man who loved me but had also unintentionally hurt me multiple times. The other belonged to the man who made my heart race without permission, who always had me on edge, wondering what he'd do next.My throat worked with a swallow.What was I going to do?A voice screamed Chris. I wouldn't say he had changed, but I at least wanted to give him a chance to earn my forgiveness.But then there was that small voice, that very small, incomprehensible voice, whispering about the possibility of enjoying some time with Grayson.I sighed and turned to Grayson. His lips were tilted in his usual confident smirk.“I'm sorry, but you have to go. And stop coming to my practice. Just stop all this, please…”With each word, I watched as his smirk faded until his lips flattened and his face hardened. But he didn't say a word.His gaze lingered a second longer before he turned and walked to his car, driving off into the du
**Grayson's POV**I wasn’t stupid.I knew who my father was. He’d probably told her to keep me in my place, to protect his perfect son, and honestly, I didn’t mind.My gaze flicked up as I took in the sheer size of the building—its top scraped the sky, disappearing into the clouds. I sucked in a breath, tucking my fingers into my pockets as I made for the door.Regarding the Black Vipers case, Jin traced one of their most recent dealings to this place. My eyes raked the building once more as I took another step, guards blocking me, their faces stern.I pulled out my card, rolling my eyes.One of them leaned down, scanning the card, then my face, then back at the card.“Just because you’re an officer—”“Detective,” I corrected.He eyed me, then cleared his throat as he continued.“Detective… doesn’t mean you get to wander wherever you want.”“Do you have a warrant?” the other guard spoke.I reached into my pocket, about to pull it out, when a car pulled to a stop. A man stepped out—bro
**Zinnia’s POV**I trailed behind, my chest tight, fear lingering in my bones. I turned back slightly, meeting Grayson’s eyes, but they were void of that playful charm they once carried—now they were cold, incredibly cold.I was so far away, but it didn’t stop a chill from snaking up my spine.As we pulled up to what seemed to be his study, the old man settled into his seat. I remained standing, my stomach in knots.“Have a seat,” he said calmly, gesturing to the chair. I offered a nervous smile as I pulled it out and settled down.The office was wide and exquisitely decorated, with the walls littered with business achievements and pictures between him and other billionaires, etc.Right on the table was a picture of Mrs Russo and Chris. They looked so happy, but I also noticed that Grayson wasn’t there—almost like he didn’t exist—and for some reason, it made my chest tighten with pity.I hated him.But I wasn’t inhumane.“I assume we haven’t properly talked since you arrived.” A smile
Zinnia's POV I kissed Grayson Russo. I KISSED Chris's brother. God, I'm so stupid! I jammed my door shut, my back crashing against it as I tried to catch my breath. My heart slammed against my ribs, the sound reaching my ears. I could barely hear myself breathe. What was I thinking? Making Chris jealous? Yeah, right. He was just using me to get on his brother's nerves, and I fell for it! I FELL for it! I wanted to die. I wanted to toss myself out the window. My lips tingled. The sensory image of his lips touching mine replayed in my mind—the feel of his tongue brushing against mine, the way his scent invaded my senses, and the way his hand caressed my body. My finger twitched, hovering over my lower lip. I pulled it away, clenching my fist. Why the hell did I kiss him back? I could already imagine him smirking. God! I ran my fingers through my hair, banging my head against the door. I needed a shower. I needed some sleep. Yes. It would all go away and be better in the
**Grayson's POV** She’s your brother’s girlfriend, they said. Investigate her, they said. Stay away from her, they said. Then tell me why I had her pinned against a bathroom wall, her lips pressed against mine, tasting like the sweetest thing I’d ever tasted? No fucking idea. At first she felt tense, but she eased up, her hand wandering through my hair, her legs wrapping around my waist as she kissed me back. Her teeth sank into my bottom lip, and I retaliated by curling my tongue around hers. Our sparse breaths brushed against each other as she tilted her head to the side, giving me more room. I rolled my tongue inside her mouth. She did the same, her hand tightening around my hair. Her grip felt so tight. Like she was trying to convince herself that it wasn’t real. That it wasn’t supposed to feel this way. It wasn’t supposed to feel this good. I’d wanted this kiss from the moment she walked through those doors wearing that perfect little green backless dress, looking all i
I kinda mentally prepared myself for this. It wasn't a surprise that he ditched me on our date, but it still hurt.It still hurt so bad.I blinked away the tears, clutching my chest as I rushed to the bathroom. I slammed the door shut behind me.I stumbled to the nearest sink, my nails digging into the tiles as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.I looked sad. Broken. Alone. So alone.Tears ran down my face before I could stop them. Soon, I was struggling to catch my breath, the pain too heavy to bear. I swept my hair out of my face.I was so stupid.Too stupid.I actually believed we could have a small moment together, away from all the drama, away from all the noise. All I wanted was one night— just one night— and yet the universe couldn't even give me that.What did I do to deserve this?Why is he doing this to me?Don't I deserve attention too?Don't I have feelings too?Why does he always treat me this way?The questions swirled in my head, painfully loud and craving answers
“Is everything okay?” Chris’s voice came through the haze.Flustered, I turned to him, our faces barely inches away from each other.I blushed slightly, leaning back.“It’s nothing, just lost in thought.”Thought or thinking about someone else.Right.Grayson.I turned, but he wasn’t there; gone wi
I did the last spin, my feet moving swiftly against the wooden floor, then I stopped, my arms spread, hair gummed to my face, my chest heaving.Mrs Irene, flashed me a smile— she was my dance instructor and also, the mother I never had. I'd met her years ago, whilst I was worki
**Zinnia's POV**I stood outside the door, hesitation lingering in my features.My teeth dug into my lower lip as I contemplated knocking or not knocking.It had been a few hours since breakfast. A couple of hours since Grayson stupidly called me his girlfriend in front of everyone.That arrogant b
**Grayson’s POV**The words hung in the air, the silence loud but at the same time not.I could see how her pupils dilated when I said it. I could hear how loud her heart was racing, how thick her breaths got, how her fists tightened at her sides.She hated this.But liked it at the same time.Zinn







