All Chapters of Hate You, Love You: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

 The tension had been building for weeks, simmering beneath the surface, unspoken but undeniable. Sienna had done her best to ignore it, to pretend that she didn’t notice the way Grayson looked at her when he thought she wasn’t paying attention.But tonight, she was done pretending.He had been cold all day, avoiding her as much as possible, barely speaking a word unless it was about Lily. It was infuriating, especially after everything that had happened between them. The near-kisses, the charged moments, the way his eyes darkened when she was too close.And worst of all—the kiss.The one that had shattered everything.The one he had walked away from, leaving her standing there like it had meant nothing.She stormed into his office, her fists clenched at her sides. He was seated behind his massive desk, reviewing some documents, his posture stiff and controlled.

Sienna stood by the large window in the living room, arms folded tightly against her chest, staring out at the dark sky smeared with streaks of orange from the setting sun. Her mind was chaos — swirling memories of the kiss she swore she wouldn’t think about again.But how could she not?Grayson Pierce — infuriating, cold, impossible Grayson — had kissed her like he couldn’t help himself… and then acted like it hadn’t happened.Coward.She heard his footsteps behind her. She didn’t turn.“I thought you had a rule about silence being golden, Mr. Pierce,” she said coolly.There was a beat of hesitation. Then his voice — deep, rougher than usual. “Grayson.”That made her turn.“What?”He raked a hand through his hair — he looked exhausted, like sleep hadn’t touched him since that kiss either.“You’re right to be angry.”She raised her brows. “Congratulations. Self-awareness looks good on you.”His jaw clenched. “Sienna…”There it was again — her name on his lips. Like velvet. Like sin.S

The silence in Grayson Pierce’s car was heavier than words could fill.Sienna sat beside him, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, staring out the window at the passing city lights. Her heart was pounding from the argument they’d had in his office — sharp words, stubbornness, emotions neither of them wanted to face.And yet here they were.Both pretending that kiss never happened.Both pretending the tension between them wasn’t unbearable.Grayson’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. His jaw was clenched so hard it ached.He didn’t want to feel this way.Didn’t want her to make him feel this way.But the echo of her voice — her fire, her defiance — still lingered in his mind like a melody he couldn’t shake.“I’ll never let you treat me like I’m disposable,” she had said back there.Not with fear.Not with anger.But with hurt.That had undone him more than anything.He pulled the car to a slow stop outside her apartment — the one he insisted she stay in for safety — and killed

Sunlight crept into the room like a guilty secret, sliding through the openings in the heavy curtains and tracing gentle golden lines along the tangled sheets.Sienna stirred first.She didn't know where she was for a moment. The pillow beneath her cheek was unfamiliar—rich, silk-soft. The subtle fragrance surrounding her wasn't her own. Cedarwood. Clean linen. Him.Then she felt the warmth of his body behind her. A strong arm was draped casually over her waist, fingers relaxed against the curve of her hip. His steady breathing stirred the loose strands of her hair.Her eyes flew open.Grayson Pierce.Her boss.The man who'd kept her at arm's length for weeks, who'd wielded emotional distance like a weapon, had made love to her last night. No—not made love. Had taken her. Claimed her.And she'd let him.No, worse. She'd wanted it.Oh God, had she wanted it.She shifted slowly, her weight barely moving, not wishing to disturb him, needing to grant herself a few precious seconds to unra

The sun filtered through the sheer curtains, illuminating the room with a warm glow. Sienna sat on the edge of her bed, a cup of coffee cradled in her hands, her thoughts a maelstrom of emotions. The last couple of days ran themselves over in her mind—Grayson's confession, their time together, and the tension that hung between them.She took a sharp breath, trying to settle the pounding of her heart. Personal and professional had grown blurred, and she didn't know how to navigate the altered dynamics between them. Grayson's moment of vulnerability was unexpected for his usual stoic nature, and she was hopeful and frightened.A soft knock at the door startled her out of her daydreaming. She opened it to find Lily standing before her, a look of wide-eyed curiosity."Good morning, Sienna! Can we have pancakes today?" asked Lily, bubbling with excitement.Sienna smiled, a relief from her self-absorption. "Yes, honey. Let's go make some."---In the kitchen, the scent of pancakes filled th