Page 32 of We're Not Strangers Anymore

He holds up a hand to cut me off. “Listen to me, Rowan. You know how I feel about you, you know what I want. But I also know none of this is easy for you.”

I look away, my eyes tracing the outline of the vineyard. “I don’t know how you feel. It’s complicated because I don’t even know how to tell you howIfeel.”

He steps closer, closing the space between us. “I know,” he says, his voice gentle but firm. “That’s why I’m going to give you an ultimatum.”

My breath catches in my throat. “An ultimatum?”

“Yes,” he says, his eyes locking onto mine.

“Run. If you make it to the house without me catching you, I’ll tell you exactly how I feel. If I catch you, I get what I want.”

My mind races, trying to process his words. “And what is it you want?”

A slow mischievous smile spreads across his face. “You.”

I let out a dry laugh. “This is so stupid–”

“Ten,” he starts counting down.

“Grayson!”

“Nine,” he counts down again.

My heart pounds in my chest as I briefly consider his challenge. The house isn’t far. I can do this. I take off, my bare feet pounding against the grass as I sprint through the vineyard. The rows blur around me , my only focus on the house ahead. I hear Grayson behind me, his footsteps growing louder with each passing second.

My lungs burn, my legs ache but I push myself further. The house is growing closer, just a few more strides. I can almost feel his hand reaching for me, but then it happens. His handwraps around my wrist, pulling me to a hard stop, nearly knocking me to the ground.

I gasp trying to catch my breath as Grayson holds me steady. His breathing is heavy, but his eyes are filled with victory, and something darker. “Looks like I win, Rowan.”

I nod, unable to speak through the mix of emotions and exhaustion swirling inside me. “So what now?”

He pulls me closer, pressing up against me. “Now, you’ll move into my room,” he breathes, lowering his lips to my ear, “then, it’s a matter of time.” I feel his lips curl into a dark smile.

“No. I’m not–” he clasps his hand over my mouth before I can finish. “We had a deal, Row. Unless you want me to take you right here.” He growls.

Rowan

The air sends chills down my back as I step into Graysons room, the dim light casting shadows across the space. The room is filled with the rich scent of cedar and the faint hint of his intoxicating scent mixed with his cologne.

Grayson watches me from the doorway, his gaze intense. I feel his eyes following my every movement. The room is simple yet elegant, with dark furniture, accented by deep earthy tones. It’s undeniably a man’s space.

“Are you comfortable?” He asks, his voice breaking the silence.

I nod, though my heart feels like it’s about to jump out of my chest. “Yes, it’s– nice.”

He steps closer, his presence suddenly making me feel smaller. “I want you to feel at home here, Row. We’re going to be here for a while.”

I force a weak smile. “I appreciate that.”

He studies me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “You don’t have to be so formal. We’re past that aren’t we?”

I swallow hard, my throat dry. “I guess we are by now.”

Grayson moves to the window, looking out at the vineyard. “You know I want us to figure out our next step together right?”

I take a deep breath. “The next step as in what?”

He turns back to me. “What happens next for us after Conejo is dead.”

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