LOGINI recoiled from him, my heart still performing acrobatics in my chest. His scent and his touch lingered much longer than I'd like. I looked away, brushing my sweaty palms over my dress as though that would somehow help.I felt the heat of his gaze.Then came a chuckle."See? The survival skills of a goldfish."I shot him a glare and stormed into the car, shutting the door behind me.The sound of his chuckle trailed after me, grating against my bones, heat crackling over my cheeks and neck. He stayed outside for a while, making a phone call before walking to my window and knocking against it.I remained unfazed, staring through the windscreen, admiring the endless road stretching ahead. My teeth were gritted, my nails digging into my skin.When he realized I wasn't going to answer, he pulled the door open, leaning against the frame. His broad build made the small space feel even smaller."What is it?" I gritted out."You look cute when you're mad," he murmured.I was repulsed.Cute.I
At this point, I made a mental note to myself that the world was probably upset with me, because tell me why, instead of getting to our destination and away from this man, I was here, standing in front of his car, arms crossed and praying to God that it would just miraculously start.I couldn't tell what he was doing, but every time he did it, the engine hummed and then died. He let out a sigh, rubbing his jaw in frustration."We're stranded," he said. "But don't worry. They're probably behind us. When their car gets here, we'll get in."Right.I'll just get in Mrs. Russo's car... and then I'll have to spend the rest of the ride with Mr. Russo.A shiver ran cruelly down my spine.Or I can just get into Chris's car.A small smile tugged at my lips, but then it vanished when Elara's image came to mind. I'd have to spend the ride with Elara clinging to him—or worse, kissing him.Yeah, not happening."Don't you know if there are any mechanics around here?"He slammed the hood shut, leanin
I swiped the green button, air winding tight in my lungs as I pressed my phone to my ear."Are you okay? Are you fine?" I rushed out, my heart racing in my chest."I'm fine."My heart slowed to a normal pace as I released a calming breath, leaning back in my seat.Grayson shot me a glance, but he didn't speak as I continued."Where have you been? And what was that last call? I shouldn't call you? Are you insane? Do you know how worried I was?"The words rushed out before I could stop myself. The unsettling thought of losing Bruno flashed through my mind, but I didn't let it sink in."I'm fine. Truly, you don't have to worry," he assured. "And about the call... things got more serious than I thought, and I may have to extend my trip. The reason I told you not to call me was so you wouldn't get disappointed when I didn't answer." He chuckled. "I know how worried you get when I don't reply to your texts."Relief settled over me like a mist, filling my lungs and sinking into my bones."An
After completing the painstaking task of getting ready, Grayson sat on my mattress, his elbows propped against it as he scrolled through his phone.My gaze shifted between him and my dress.Unfortunately for me, Mrs. Russo said we had to match because—and I quote—"it strengthens the relationship bond."And now, here I was, standing before a mirror, contemplating where I went wrong in life.I inhaled deeply, pulling my blonde hair into a rough bun, a few stray strands falling over my face. I grabbed some sunscreen and a gold necklace, and with that, I took one last glance at myself before smirking.This was going to be the moment I finally stole Chris's attention.Because I looked incredibly delicious in this dress.And although there was Grayson...He didn't matter.I think.I sucked in another deep breath and pulled the door open.As soon as I stepped out, his gaze fell on me.His eyes scraped over my skin in such a ravaging manner.He looked at me like a starving man.His eyes darke
***Zinnia's POV***I hated this.I hated this so much.I hated how quickly I melted into his touch, how a mere graze of his breath sent tingles down my spine, how his words affected me so much, yet I couldn't pull away.There was something about the way he touched me that was different.I hadn't been touched by a lot of men, but his touch was somehow different—much softer, yet with a controlling edge I couldn't ignore.A small breath escaped me as he pulled his lips away from my earlobe. As the cold air grazed the spot, I realised what I was doing.This wasn't Chris.This was Grayson.The freaking enemy!Using all my strength, I pushed him off. He staggered back so casually, like my touch barely affected him. I adjusted my hoodie and cleared my throat."I should have known better than to come to you for help." I scoffed. "I was such a fool."With that, I turned and bolted in the direction of my room when I ran into Mr. Russo.As soon as his gaze met mine, he flashed me a knowing smile
**Grayson's POV**I'd ordered coffee five minutes ago.Apparently, the maid had decided my caffeine withdrawal was today's entertainment because she still stood frozen in the doorway instead of bringing it in."Where's the coffee—"The rest of the words died on my tongue.It wasn't the maid.It was her.I'd half expected her not to come back, especially since she'd chosen Chris earlier. Of course, giving up on her was out of the question. I was just giving her space to breathe because, soon, she wouldn't be able to see or think about anyone else."Aren't you going to come in?" I spoke, my voice calm as it broke through the silence.She flinched, tearing her gaze away, pink coating her cheeks."Why are you naked ninety percent of the time I see you?"A smirk crawled onto my lips."You just happen to always come at the right time, Princess.""You think I enjoy seeing you naked?" she let out with an exasperated sigh."You spent one minute and twenty-three seconds standing in that doorway
**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 w
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 Chr
“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
**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







