Page 7 of Sold to the Investor

I want to say something, anything to fill the tense silence between us, but I can’t seem to think of anything appropriate. It seems like forever before the car pulls up in front of a massive mansion with a huge, rushing fountain at the center of the drive. It looks like a waterfall, and I feel the urge to grab my camera and capture the rawness of it. The mansion itself commands attention just like its owner. I wonder how many people live here, before it occurs to me that he probably lives alone. He is a billionaire after all.

He’s already waiting for me as I step out of the car.

He takes my hand in his and I shiver slightly at the warm feeling of his large, calloused hand over mine. His thumb grazes the back of my palm in a soft, intimate caress. The action startles me and I look up to find dark eyes on me, watching me with an intensity that sends an aching thrill to my core. I press my thighs together to relieve the blooming ache, but it’s useless.

His gaze roams my face, lingering pensively on my lips, and for a second I think he might kiss me, but then he doesn’t.

“Come on,” he says instead, turning toward the door.

I clear my throat awkwardly, my cheeks flaming with embarrassment. I follow behind him, barely able to take in the luxurious decor of the house as I hurry to keep up with his long strides. He leads me up the stairs to a large bedroom with a huge king-sized bed. The bedding looks fluffy and inviting in its creamy glory. I’ve never seen a pillow arrangement so enticing.

“You must be very tired. You can sleep here tonight,” he says gruffly.

I snap my head up in time to see the slight hesitation in his dark gaze. He tries to let go of my hand, but I hold on to him like a lifeline. I don’t want to be alone.

I see the confusion in his eyes and quickly lower my gaze, my bravado slowly waning. I want to ask him to stay with me, but the possibility of being rejected cripples me with fear.

“Sophia?” he queries softly.

Tears of frustration pool in my eyes as I suddenly feel an overwhelming sense of abandonment. My emotions come crashing down on me all at once. It’s been a long night, with my brother abandoning me and being auctioned off in front of strangers. I just want Grayson to hold me and tell me it’s going to be alright like he did back at the auction house.

What’s wrong with me? Why do I want to be comforted by the man who bought me?

“Look at me,” he commands softly.

I almost look up automatically, but I don’t want him to see how affected I am. His hand gently grips my jaw and I’m suddenly looking into his penetrating dark eyes.

“What’s wrong, baby? Talk to me,” he says quietly, his gaze softening.

“I-I just…I’m sorry,” I stutter, unable to find the words to express the myriad of emotions crashing through me.

His brows bunch in surprise. “Why are you sorry, baby? You haven’t done anything wrong.” My chest tightens at the concern in his voice.

I look away from his searching gaze. I can’t look in his eyes as I say what weighs on my mind. But his hand remains firm on my jaw. “I know I’m inexperienced, and I didn’t please you like you—”

“What makes you think you didn’t please me?” he asks, his tone softening.

I raise my gaze to find his smoldering gaze on mine. The question throws me off. “I—I just thought…since you were quiet on the ride back and you wouldn’t look at me…” I trail off, becoming shy.

A low growl rumbles in Grayson’s chest as he clasps my face with both hands. He moves closer, towering over me, and lifts my face. This close, I can see the wariness in his dark eyes.

“Sophia, you pleased me more than you can imagine,” he assures gruffly. “I don’t care that you’re inexperienced—in fact, I love that you’re untouched. I know what we did at the auction house overwhelmed you, and I just wanted to give you space. I was only angry at myself because I find it hard to stay away from you.”

“I—I just thought you might be regretting paying that much for me,” I whisper hesitantly. I know I shouldn’t let him see how insecure I am, but I can’t help myself.

“Oh, baby,” Grayson says, his lips tilting slightly in a self-deprecating smile. “If I regret anything, it’s not killing those motherfuckers for what they put you through.”

“So, you still want me?” I ask in a small, shaky voice.

“More than you can imagine,” he replies gruffly, his eyes darkening with a hunger that instantly robs me of my breath. “Baby, I’m fucking hard for you. Even now, I can’t stop staring at your lips. They’re begging for my touch…”

He growls and drags me closer, taking over my lips. It’s heady and addicting, the way he ravishes my mouth. There’s a sense of urgency in the flicks of his tongue as it tangles with mine. As if he can’t get enough of me.

The desire that had been waning within me roars back to life. And with every nip and suck, tiny currents bloom at the pit of my stomach, stoking the flame of need. I melt into him, moaning softly as I curl my arms around his neck, sinking my fingers into his lush, dark mane. I grind my core against him, trying to ease the insistent ache. My mind is in shambles, searching for release.

He detaches his lips from mine with a low groan and rests his forehead on mine. I whimper in disappointment.

“Do you really want to do this, Sophia?” he asks tightly, his voice husky with desire. “I need you to know what you’re getting into. I’m not going to hold back.”

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