Page 36 of We're Not Strangers Anymore

“And then I stuttered so hard trying to think of a comeback, so I just dropped her with one punch because I was too embarrassed.” I say laughing as I trip over my feet.

Grayson plops onto the bed clutching a box of pizza leftover from the picnic. “No fucking way! I could only imagine.” He laughs, pulling a slice from the box.

I drop onto the bed next to him catching my breath after all of the laughter. My face hurts from how much I’ve smiled tonight.

“This is the most unprofessional I’ve ever seen you.” I giggle, shifting my gaze to him.

“And this is the most relaxed I’ve seen you.” He grins with a heavy lidded gaze, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

He tosses the pizza box onto the nightstand and before I can speak, he leans in, cupping my face and crashing his lips into mine. Everything around us fades away as we melt into each other.

He sucks my bottom lip between his teeth before breaking the kiss. “Touch yourself.” He breaths, his voice low and husky.

I oblige with no hesitation, slipping my hand into my panties.

Grayson’s hands roam my body as I rub circles on my clit. He parts my lips with his tongue and thrusts it in and out of my mouth causing me to let out a soft moan into his. He dips his hand down to unzip his jeans with his tongue still sliding against mine. I quicken my pace as he moves his lips lower, slipping the top of my dress down and capturing my nipple into his mouth, lightly grazing it between his teeth.

I feel Grayson stroking his hard length under his jeans as I reach the edge. “Open up for me.” He leans over me.

I slide down, positioning myself between his legs. The warmth of his skin and the faint scent of him fills my senses, heightening my own excitement. His hands find their way into my hair, tugging gently as he watches my lips close around his cock. Grayson takes a sharp breath as I take him deeper, savoring the taste and feel of him in my mouth.

“You’re doing so good, Row.” He praises as I hollow my cheeks around him.

His encouragement drives me on, spurring me to go deeper. I can feel him starting to tense up, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. As he reaches the peak, his body shutters, filling my mouth with his warm arousal. The feeling alone tips me over the edge as I swallow. I arch my back, feeling the waves begin to crash over me.

“Eyes on me, Row.” He commands.

His words drip with pure possessiveness. I open my eyes and fall apart under his dark gaze.

Grayson collapses next to me on the bed, running his fingers through my tousled hair. We sit silent for a moment, the only sound filling the room being our heavy breaths.

I turn my head to look at him, his face softened by the shadows. “Grayson,” I begin, my voice strained, “what are you going to do about Conejo?”

His expression hardens slightly, the relaxed lines of his face tightening. “Conejo..” he repeats, almost to himself. He’s quiet for a moment, gathering his thoughts. “He needs to be dealt with– I can’t let him undermine everything I’ve built. Everything my father built.”

I nod, understanding the weight of his words. “But he killed all of your men,” I say softly. “How are you going to retaliate?”

He sits silent for a moment. I’m hoping I didn’t strike a nerve by asking but at the same time, I have a right to know.

Grayson’s jaw clenches, and I can see the anger in his eyes. “I– I had to reach out to some old contacts, people I swore I would never deal with again. It was a gamble but there’s no way I’d be able to handle this alone. I found a few loyal ones that are willing to help, apparently they have their own reasons for wanting to take him out.”

I listen intently, absorbing every word. “So- you have new men now?”

He nods. “Yes, and they’re good. Experienced. They understand what needs to be done and how powerful Conejo is. But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about strategy. Conejo thinks he’s invincible, but he’s overextended himself. He’s made enemies and those enemies are now my allies.”

The gravity of his words sinks in and I feel a mix of nerves and relief. “Do you think you guys will have the upper hand?”

He contemplates for a moment. “I know that I won’t let anything happen to you. I’m a lot more dangerous when the people I care about are involved. That alone is the upperhand.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“You know– I’ve never been with someone like you.” He murmurs, ignoring my question and tracing lazy patterns on my arm. “Someone who understands, who doesn’t back down when things get tough.”

“Well did I really have a choice?” I laugh dryly.

He shrugs, a small smile playing on his lips. “Yes and no. You could have given me hell through all of this, you could have even shot me the moment I handed you a gun. But you trusted me instead.”

“I trust you because you saved me. But there’s something I still can’t understand.” I look at him, thoughtfully.

---