Chapter Five
Sophia
It’s my second morning in Grayson’s house and it feels like I’ve known him for a lifetime. I roll out of bed, smiling giddily to myself as I remember the parting kiss that he gave me before going to his home office. It was sweet and ravishing, like he couldn’t get enough of me.
There’s a heady feeling that comes with knowing someone wants me in their space. It’s addicting. I’m not used to taking so much from someone without giving back.
It’s why I always fall for Daryl’s tricks. He has done so much for me as a brother that I can’t help but give in to his whims.
I stand in place, wondering what I can do for Grayson. What does one do for a man who has it all?
What am I good at?
My stomach rumbles loudly and I remember I haven’t had breakfast. Grayson must be hungry too. I walk into his closet, picking up the first shirt I see and yanking it over my head. It reaches my thighs, the soft material a sensual touch against my skin. I take a whiff of the shirt, breathing in the faint scent of him—it’s a woodsy, manly scent mixed with his sandalwood cologne.
My sex spasms as the scent brings up the memory of him driving his length inside me with vigor. Ever since I lost my virginity to him, it seems that my body has a mind of its own.
My stomach rumbles again, reminding me of my decision to make breakfast. I walk out of the closet, then out of the suite and down to the kitchen. I know my way since he gave me a tour of the house yesterday.
The kitchen is huge and spotless, fitted with every modern appliance. The floor is covered with gray marble and the walls are painted a soft beige, like most of the house. I find the necessary items in the pantry and start to prepare a huge breakfast of pancakes and eggs. It’s my specialty. I pour some freshly made coffee from the pot, add some milk and sugar, and take a sip. Grayson must have made it before he went into his office.
As I mix the pancake batter, his deep, gravelly voice reaches my ears; he must be on a call in the office. I smile, remembering how he always tries to sound softer, afraid to spook me with his voice. But I find it soothing. It makes me feel safe.
My mind travels back to when he spoke to me about the auction, about the payment he made for me. After we made love last night, as I was about to sleep, he told me he wanted me to know that it was my decision to stay or leave—that I owe him nothing. He also made it explicitly clear that he wants me to stay, to be his. In his words, he would try his “damnedest” to make me stay.
I heat the pan and start making the pancakes. As the first one turns a nice golden brown, I flip it and prepare the eggs on the side. My mind goes back to Grayson as I beat the eggs, considering his offer.
I know I could decide to walk out of his house and he wouldn’t force me to stay, but that’s the same reason I want to stay.
The enormity of what I feel confuses me. It’s only been a couple days, but my feelings for him are indescribable. Everything he’s done since he brought me to his home has made me feel wanted and loved. I’m beginning to feel confident in my own skin, and it’s all thanks to how he has treated me. My insecurities are a thing of the past. I remember how he fed me yesterday afternoon and made love to me right after in the living room, telling me over and over how beautiful I am.
I’ve seen how rough he can be, and it’s clear that emotions are a new feeling for him. But, knowing that he’s warm and soft only for me makes me fall even harder. I don’t want to be away from him. I want to listen to his gruff voice all day and watch his eyes go dark with want when he looks at me.
Sometimes, I wish I still had my camera so I could save every stare, every smile.
I wipe down the kitchen island as I finish breakfast, the delicious scent of it making my mouth water, and I start to put the ingredients back in their places. I could get used to this.
What about Daryl? Am I ready to leave my destructive brother by himself? I think about it for a moment, and I realize that I am ready. I still love him, but I can’t go back to someone who sold me off like a cow for slaughter.
What if he comes looking for me? What will I do?
The questions haunt me as I reach up to place the pan back in its place. I hear a familiar shutter click behind me. When I turn around, Grayson is standing by the door with a camera on his face. I’m distracted for a moment by his rugged features and his muscular frame in sweatpants and a tight T-shirt, until I hear another click.
I blink slowly, taking in the scene. “That’s a camera,” I say as if in a trance. I’m in shock.
“You look sexy as fuck in my shirt,” he says in his gravelly tone, and I blush.
I still get shy around him sometimes. Especially when I’m caught off guard by his compliments. “I didn’t have any clothes to wear,” I explain.
“It’s alright, baby. I love seeing you in my clothes. Might even want you to wear them every day,” he says, then takes another shot of me. “I want to take you on the kitchen island and fuck you till you scream my name,” he growls softly.
My breath hitches and my core tightens, flooding my insides instantly. Another click.
“Fuck, baby. You look ready to come.” Another click.
“Or do you want me to bend you over the stool and fuck you? Do you want that, baby?” he asks, drawing nearer.
“Y-yes,” I breathe out as he takes another picture.
My pussy is soaking wet and my hard nipples are poking the soft material of his shirt as he reaches me. He leans in to take my lips in a slow, deep kiss. I’m panting by the time he stops.
He reaches under the shirt, and his fingers part my swollen slit, making him groan softly. “You aren’t wearing panties.”
I whimper in response, holding on to his shoulder as he flicks his thumb over my clit. I get wetter and grip him tighter as the next finger joins in. My body trembles as he moves his fingers deftly and rapidly over my sensitive flesh. Shivers rack my body as he gradually leads me to the peak. My orgasm is hard and sharp.
“ Grayson !” I shout.
He presses a soft kiss on my forehead and the corner of my lips, holding on to me until my rubbery knees gain strength. “Pose for me, baby. I want to take a picture of you looking so goddamn delectable,” he says and moves back.
I lean back against the cabinets, my hip popping to the side, and smile shyly. He takes a shot, then another. Feeling bolder, I change my poses, each one more erotic than the next. My smile is teasing and sensual, until finally he stops and covers the space between us. His midnight eyes are warm and languid with need and something else.
“You’re a lovely sight,” he says gruffly, and closes his lips over mine.
The kiss is softer and warmer, as if he’s savoring me. His tongue sweeps into my mouth. It’s warm and sensual and I’m moaning into his lips, giving as much as he takes. I’m not afraid to show how much he affects me. He slowly lets go of my mouth and presses his forehead to mine.
How did I get so lucky to be here with Grayson? This amazing man who I know I’m falling in love with.
Love.
But surely it’s way to soon , I scold myself. It hasn’t even been two days!
Still, I know the feelings growing within me are real, and soon enough I’ll have to face them, and I’ll have to hope he feels the same way.
He opens his mouth as if he’s about to say something, but then catches himself in time and gives me a lopsided smile. It’s boyish and makes my heart tremble.
“The camera is yours,” he says gruffly. “I was thinking about what you told me. How you love photography, and I wanted the first picture on it to be of you. Now I understand why you love it so much. I enjoyed taking those pictures and knowing that I’ll always have memories of this moment.”
My smile comes easily at his words. I miss having a camera and doing what I love best. “Thank you,” I breathe out softly as I take it from him.
“And I talked to a friend at the university. Admissions open again in the fall. If you want, you can apply and resume studying photography,” he says.
I grin, beaming up at him. I don’t think I could ever be happier.