Page 9 of The Beast's Obsession

Grayson steps around the desk. His movements are careful, like I'm a spooked animal he's trying not to startle. "It's...complicated."

I snort. "Try me."

He runs a hand through his hair, mussing the perfect style. For a moment, he looks almost vulnerable. Then his jaw tightens.

"I grew up with nothing," he says, voice low. "Fought and clawed my way to the top. Trust doesn't come easy."

I cross my arms, waiting. What does his past have to do with me?

Grayson's eyes bore into mine. "But you, Lily...You make me feel. And that terrifies me."

My breath catches. What is he saying?

He steps closer. I can feel the heat radiating off his body. "I need you," he whispers. "Here. With me."

My mind reels. The ruthless billionaire...needs me? It doesn't make sense. And yet, as I search his face, I see something I've never noticed before: a flicker of raw vulnerability beneath that iron control.

"I don't understand," I breathe, my anger giving way to confusion.

Grayson's hand trembles slightly as he reaches for me. "I don’t understand it myself All I know is from the moment I laid on eyes on you, you weremine."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I've always prided myself on seeing the good in people, but this? This is different. Dangerous.

"I can't lose you," he continues, voice rough. "The thought of you leaving...it consumes me."

I should be terrified. I should run. But there's a pull between us, electric and undeniable.

"Grayson, I?—"

Before I can finish, he closes the distance between us. His hands cup my face with surprising gentleness, those dark eyes searching mine. "Tell me you feel it too," he whispers.

And God help me, I do. This connection, this spark—it both thrills and terrifies me.

In one fluid motion, he pulls me onto his lap. I should resist, but my body betrays me, melting against his solid warmth.

"What are we doing?" I ask, my voice barely audible.

His fingers trace my cheek. "Living, Lily. For the first time in years, I feel alive."

Grayson buries his face in my neck, his stubble grazing my sensitive skin. I gasp at the sensation, electric tingles radiating through my body. His breath is hot against my throat, each exhale sending shivers down my spine.

"You smell like sunshine," he murmurs, nuzzling deeper. His hands roam my back, fingertips tracing patterns that set my nerves alight. I'm torn between pulling away and sinking further into his embrace.

My fingers tangle in his hair of their own accord. It's softer than I expected, silky strands sliding between my fingers. Grayson groans, the sound vibrating through me.

"Lily," he breathes against my skin. "My sweet, innocent Lily."

His hands slide lower, cupping my ass and pulling me flush against him. I can feel how hard he is, the thick length of him pressing insistently against my core. Heat pools low in my belly, a molten ache I've never felt before.

His lips brush my throat, feather-light at first, then with increasing pressure. I whimper, my head falling back to give him better access. Grayson takes full advantage, trailing open-mouthed kisses along the column of my neck.

"So responsive," he murmurs against my skin. "So perfect."

His teeth graze my pulse point and I jerk in his lap, a needy moan escaping me. I feel his lips curve into a smile.

"That's it, sweetheart. Let me hear you."

One large hand slides up to tangle in my hair, tugging gently to expose more of my throat. His other hand slips under my shirt, calloused fingers tracing patterns on my bare skin. I shiver, overwhelmed by the sensations.

---