Page 38 of We're Not Strangers Anymore

We finish breakfast and say goodbye to Laila and Sophia. They definitely gave me a bright start to the day.

Grayson shuts the door behind them and turns to me. “You and I have plans today.”

“Okay I’ll make sure to clear my super busy schedule,” I say sarcastically. “What do you have planned?”

Grayson squints at me, biting back a smile. “You’ll see, oh, and make sure to wear one of your pretty little white dresses.” He says with a wink.

“What time should I be ready?” I ask with a shy grin.

“Two hours.” He tosses over his shoulder as he walks to his office.

Rowan

I stand in front of the mirror, fingers smoothing out the delicate fabric of the short white dress Deirdra had designed for me back in Chicago. I just wish I could talk to her, update her on Grayson and I. Our friendship was brief, though it made a huge impact on me. I wonder where she is, what she’s up to. The dress is simple yet elegant, a beautiful reminder of her.

Brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear, I think back to the moments Grayson and I have shared over the past few months. He’s such a mystery. He took me against my will yethas become the person I feel the most comfortable and secure with.

I adjust the straps of the dress on my shoulders, my mind drifting to last night. Our connection is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I’ve always wondered what it was like to feellove. I don’t know what it is between Grayson and I, but it’s a feeling that bubbles in my chest– it’s like if anxiety had an innocent twin, it would be how I feel about him.

I make my way to the end of the staircase and Grayson turns around, wearing a loose white button down and stone washed jeans complimented by a gold cuban link chain around his tatted neck.

His eyes rake up and down my figure. “You look gorgeous, Mrs. Santoro.” He says, his voice low.

“Not so bad yourself, Mr. Santoro.” I reply, my knees suddenly feeling weak at the sight of him.

He strides toward me, taking my hand in his and spinning me around as he looks me up and down. He never fails to make me feel like the only woman he’s ever seen.

Brushing his hand down my arm, he gently places it in my hand. “Let’s get going. I don’t want to waste any time.”

He pulls the car into a sandy parking lot, crisp blue water with hues of teal surrounding three out of four of the sides.

“This is amazing.” I say, eyes wide, taking in the beautiful scenery before us.

“It gets better. Take your sandals off” He says, exiting the drivers side and circling around to open my door.

He leads me out onto a sandy path, and before us– an Island rises from the crystal clear waters of Lake Maggiore, its lush greenery and opulent Baroque palace almost surreal against the serene blue lake.

“This is Isola Bella.” He says as I stare, completely in awe.

Grayson’s hand tightens around mine as we step onto the island. My eyes widen, taking in the ornate terraces cascading down to the water, each level a burst of vibrant flowers and meticulously manicured gardens. The statues and fountains each, more elaborate than the last.

The palace itself is a marvel, its white facade gleaming in the sunlight. I can see the intricate details even from a distance– balconies adorned with wrought iron, windows framed by elaborate cornices, and sculptures perched majestically alongthe roofline. I never could have imagined seeing something so beautiful in this lifetime.

Grayson leads me through a path flanked by towering cypress trees. The scent of blooming jasmine fills my nose, mingling with the earthy aroma of the lake. I feel as if I’ve stepped into another world, a timeless place where art and nature collide.

As we approach the grand entrance of the palace, Grayson pauses, turning to face me. “Rowan,” he begins. “I want to feel you.Everypart of you. Here.”

I take a deep inhale. “You mean–”

“Yes,” he cuts me off, his gaze locking onto mine. “Just tell me you trust me.”

I nod, a wave of nerves and anticipation stirring inside of me. “I trust you, but I don’t know. I’m too nervous.”

“Nervous is good.” He whispers.

He takes my hand, leading me through the grand halls of the palace. The air is filled with hushed reverence, the echoes of our footsteps the only sound in the vast, ornate space. We pause at a set of large, intricately carved double doors. Grayson pushes them open, revealing a beautifully appointed bedroom straight out of a dream.

The room is bathed in the soft light of the sun, filtering through the tall windows draped in luxurious fabrics. A grand four-poster bed sits in the center of the room, adorned with rich, inviting linens. My breath catches at the sheer beauty of it all.

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