Page 19 of Sold to the Investor

“I was thinking about today too. I’m sorry about Daryl.”

Grayson sighs. “I shouldn’t have hit him so hard. It’s just that when I saw him on top of you I totally lost it. I wasn’t in control of myself anymore. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t stopped me. And afterward…I was angry. I hate to see anyone hurt you, and I never had a family of my own so I don’t know what all the rules are. I’m sure you’re justified for still feeling protective of him. I’m sorry for how I acted.”

It’s almost as if he read my mind. He’s saying all the things I’ve been dying to hear.

“Anyone would have acted like that,” I admit. “If I came in and saw any man beating you up, I don’t know what I’d do.”

This makes him laugh, and that helps to lighten the mood. “What could you do against someone who can beat me up?”

“I dunno. Maybe use a knife or something,” I say, remembering how I ran to the kitchen for a knife when Daryl pursued me. I can’t believe that I’m the same person who thought of stabbing him.

“Let’s hope we never get to that place.” He tilts his head and kisses my forehead.

“I’m worried about Daryl,” I say softly.

“Worried? Don’t worry, he won’t ever hurt you again. I’ll make sure of it.”

“No, that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m worried about what will happen to him when he’s by himself. There’s no one to look after him. I’m the only one he has.”

Grayson grunts, unconvinced. “Isn’t the older sibling supposed to look after the younger one?”

“It’s not a rule. But I’m serious. I know that Daryl has been a terrible person. It’s not always his fault, though.” I look up at him.

“Yes. You explained this to me before—he had a difficult childhood, so now he’s allowed to be an asshole to his sister,” Grayson says sarcastically.

I roll my eyes but can’t help giving him a small smile. “It’s not that. I know there’s no excuse for his behavior, and I’m glad I don’t have to worry about him hurting me anymore. But…Daryl used to be so kind to me when we were children. After our mom left us, he would go hungry to make sure I had enough to eat.”

Grayson’s arms tighten around me, and I lay my head on his shoulder. “It all changed as he grew older. He started doing drugs and getting involved with a bad crowd. But no one cared enough to investigate further or offer him any help. His friends introduced him to gambling, and he’s only gotten worse since. He just…he needs help and I’m the only one who can help him.”

“Well, if he’s truly addicted to drugs and gambling, then he needs professional help,” Grayson says. “And you’re wrong. You’re not the only one who can help him. I can help him too. Do you know if he would agree to go to rehab? I’ll pay the bills—I’ve found a good program that comes highly recommended.” He shows me the website that he already has up on his computer.

This is what he came in here to do? Try to find ways to help my brother? I’m touched by Grayson’s generosity and thoughtfulness. I can’t find the words to express how grateful I am.

“I’ll talk to him, I’ll convince him. Thank you so much,” I say, my voice thick with emotion as I kiss him squarely on the lips.

“Someone has to be there when you talk to him, though,” Grayson warns. “I won’t let you face him alone.”

Tears of gratitude roll down my cheeks in torrents. Why did I ever doubt his feelings for me?

“What is it? Did I do something wrong?” he asks in panic.

“Nothing’s wrong—they’re happy tears,” I assure him, smiling at his visible show of relief.

“I only want to see happy tears from now on. No more sadness,” he insists sternly.

I smile up at him, my heart feeling so much lighter now. “Thank you for taking such good care of me.”

His eyes meet mine. “Sophia, if you’ll let me, I want to take care of you forever. Say you’ll be mine.”

In his arms, I stare deeply into his midnight eyes, reveling in the intensity of my emotions for him. “I’m all yours, forever,” I insist. I press my lips to his and he returns my passionate kiss, our bodies pressing closer together.

“I love you,” I declare softly.

“I love you too, baby,” he murmurs against my lips before giving me a deep, searing kiss and tasting me in a slow, unhurried movement.

His passion and hunger explodes across my senses, and I whimper, my hands trailing over his sculpted body. His answering groan vibrates through me, tightening my nipples and sending goose bumps racing across my skin.

He slides his hand between my thighs, his fingers going straight to my wet and swollen clit. My core spasms at the soft strokes of his fingers. I tremble in his arms, moaning deeply and clutching his huge biceps.

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