Page 17 of The Beast's Obsession

My hand instinctively goes to my slightly rounded belly. There's a life growing inside me. Grayson's child.Ourchild. The thought still feels surreal.

I pad quietly through the cavernous hallways of the mansion, my steps echoing softly. The scent of coffee and bacon guides me to the kitchen, where I find Mom and Danny already bustling about.

"Lily!" Danny's face lights up when he sees me. He rushes over, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Can we go tothe park later? Grayson said there's one nearby with a huge playground!"

I ruffle his hair, smiling despite the pang in my chest. It's been so long since I've seen him this excited. "We'll see, buddy. How about you help Mom with breakfast first?"

As Danny scampers off to assist Mom, I lean against the marble countertop, watching them work in tandem. The kitchen, usually so sterile and imposing, feels alive with their presence. For a moment, I can almost forget we're in a billionaire's mansion and not our tiny apartment back home.

"You okay, sweetie?" Mom's concerned voice breaks through my reverie. "You look a little pale."

Before I can respond, a deep voice rumbles from behind me. "Is everything alright?"

Grayson. His presence fills the room instantly, commanding attention even in this domestic setting. I turn to see my husband striding towards us, his eyes scanning me from head to toe.

"I'm fine," I insist, but Grayson's already at my side, his large hand splaying protectively across my lower back.

"Good morning, Grayson!" Danny chirps, momentarily forgetting his shyness around the imposing man.

Grayson's lips quirk into a small smile. "Good morning, Danny. Did you sleep well?"

As I watch Grayson interact with my family, a warm mix of emotions swirls within me. If it wasn’t for Grayson, Mom might not even be here. Thanks to his insistence on getting her the best doctors, her breast cancer is in remission, and he had Danny back from foster care sooner than I ever thought would be possible.

"Lily should be resting," Grayson states, his tone brooking no argument. Before I can protest, he scoops me into his arms.

"Grayson!" I yelp, my cheeks burning. "I can walk to the table myself."

He ignores my protests, carrying me effortlessly to the breakfast nook. As he sets me down gently, his eyes lock with mine, dark and intense. "I won't risk anything happening to you or our child," he murmurs, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

I bite my lip, torn between melting at his concern and asserting my independence. But as I look around at my family—Mom setting out plates, Danny chattering excitedly, and Grayson's steady presence beside me—I can't help but feel a warmth spreading through my chest.

Grayson's hand rests possessively on my lower back as he slides into the seat beside me. His fingers trail along my spine, sending little shivers through me despite my irritation at his fussing.

"You need to eat more," he insists, piling my plate with eggs and toast. "The baby needs nutrients."

I roll my eyes, but can't quite hide my smile. "I'm pretty sure one skipped meal won't doom our child to malnutrition, Grayson."

His brow furrows. "We can't take chances."

Mom beams at us from across the table. "It's so wonderful to see how attentive you are, Grayson. Lily's lucky to have such a caring partner."

I send a look of annoyance at my mother, but it’s all in good fun. I’m thrilled she and Grayson get along so well.

"I'm the lucky one," Grayson rumbles, his eyes never leaving my face. The intensity of his gaze makes my breath catch.

After breakfast, I slip away to the gardens, craving a breath of fresh air. The meticulously manicured paths wind between carefully pruned topiaries and bubbling fountains. It's beautiful, but so controlled—just like everything in Grayson's world.

I've barely made it to the rose garden when I hear footsteps behind me. Of course. I turn to see Grayson striding towards me, his broad shoulders blocking out the sun.

"You shouldn't be alone," he says, reaching for my hand.

I let him take it, torn between frustration and amusement. "I'm pregnant, not made of glass."

His fingers tighten around mine. "I can't lose you," he whispers, vulnerability flashing across his face. "Either of you."

My heart melts at the look in his eyes, and I definitely can’t stay mad at him.

Later, I'm nestled against Grayson on the plush leather couch, the warmth of his body seeping into mine as the opening credits roll across the massive screen. Danny bounces excitedly beside us, a bowl of popcorn balanced precariously on his lap.

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