Tempting Grayson: A Forbidden Fruit Novella

by Dani René

  “Jesus.” A guttural groan from my lips is all I can manage as I sink into her, fully seated.

  Her body pulses and quivers around me, and I’m a man possessed.

  “Fuck me, please?” she begs, and I lose all fucking control.

  My hips slam into her, faster and harder. So fucking deep, she’s clawing at my shoulders. “Mila, sweetheart . . .”

  “Oh, Grayson, God, I’m . . . Fuck . . .” Her words tumble out, not making any sense as I plunge into her repeatedly. I need her. I fucking ache for her.

  “Mila, come on my dick, sweetheart. Fucking soak me in your sweet honey.” My teeth latch onto her smooth, bare shoulder as I growl my order, and she does. She shatters around me, her body quivering, milking my dick for all it’s worth, and I can’t hold back any longer.

  My release hits me full force, and I bite down as she screams out in pleasure, her nails digging into my back, and I don’t care if she draws blood. All that matters is that I’ve just fucking marked her, claimed her, and now I fucking own her.

  “Jesus, you’re going to kill me, sweetheart,” I murmur against her neck, licking at the spot my teeth have marked her. Her body trembles in my arms. Something about it makes me need to see it more, to have her come undone below me again. To have her body writhing in ecstasy as I take her.

  “I think you’ll survive, Grayson.”

  Her response is breathy at best, and as I let her down on shaky legs, I wrap her in my arms and tug her under the warm spray. Closing my eyes, I feel the calm overtake me.

  Having a moment like this, connected not physically but emotionally is new to me, and my heart thumps wildly. Her hand reaches up, and she places it on my chest, right where she can feel the beat. “Why did you choose me? Why would you put yourself through this?” She lifts her eyes to find mine, curiosity dancing in those green pools.

  I know what she means. We’re in for a shit storm of note when her mother’s side of the family finds out. Mila isn’t the easiest girl to live with or to be with. Her father told me about her fiery personality. She’s like a live flame, ready to destroy anything in its path.

  “I chose you because my heart has been cold for too long. I need your fire, your warmth.” I confess my darkest hurt, the pain that I’ve covered up for too long. A shiver wracks her body, and I realize the water has gone cold.

  Turning off the tap, I lift her up and step out of the shower. Setting her down on the woolen rug, I grab two towels and wrap her in one. “Did any of the women you were with ever tell you that you’re romantic?” Tipping her head to the side, she regards me with an affectionate gaze.

  “No, I’m not. And no, they haven’t because, with them, I was a dickhead. I fucked them” — the wince on her face is clear — “but they never managed to find my heart. That was held by someone else a long time ago, and I closed myself off to the idea of ever giving it to someone again.” This isn’t the place I wanted to confess, to tell her the truth, but here I am.

  “And me?” Her mouth pursed into a line. Her confidence falters somewhat. She doesn’t realize it, but it’s written all over her face. She thinks I’m telling her I don’t want her.

  “Listen to me, Mila.” With my index finger, I lift her chin, so her eyes meet mine. “You’re the one who broke through. You and you alone are the girl I want, the one I want to give my heart to. Please, don’t ever doubt that.” I implore her, begging for her to let me in. She’s young, but she’s not stupid.

  I know all the secrets, all her darkest and most beautiful parts. I know her desires and what she dreams about. Everything about this woman is mine. It’s been mine for longer than we both realize, and in turn, I’m hers.

  Nothing will change that. Ever.

  Chapter 9

  Gabe

  As soon as I walk into the office, my mind clears. Last night was too emotional. There was always a possibility in my mind that my brother had fallen for Mila. They didn’t realize I knew about the messages and calls. If it wasn’t for my brother, I don’t think my daughter would have gotten over losing her mother.

  Slipping into my chair, I open the lid of my laptop and turn it on. Opening the email program, I pull up the new messages and start flicking through them. Nothing of importance comes through on the weekend, but I wanted to make sure the contracts were finalized.

  Sitting back, I wonder where Grayson will take Mila today. Hopefully, he’ll stop his womanizing ways and be happy. I saw it last night, the look in his eyes when they sat at the dinner table, and with how he watched her. It was obvious the emotion was more than I could have imagined.

  There is love between them. I just hope it’s strong enough to withstand everything they’ll be challenged with. Not only is there an age gap, but there will be talk in our community of the fact that Grayson is family. Granted, it’s not by blood, but I’m guessing Shanika, my deceased wife’s sister, and Mila’s aunt, will have something to say about it.

  Sometimes, when you fall in love, nothing can stop you. I’ve lived through that when I first walked into their household and told them I was marrying Mila’s mother. It took them a long time, but they came to accept it . . . Eventually.

  A knock at the door drags my attention from my racing thoughts. Pushing off the chair, I head toward the entrance and push the buzzer. As soon as the door swings open, I’m met with piercing blue eyes, caramel skin, and long dark hair. “Lissy.” The gruff tone of my voice startles me.

  I’ve known her since she was sixteen when she flew over from Spain to visit her aunt and cousin in America. Only three years older than Mila, her cousin is an exotic beauty.

  “Uncle Gabe,” she coos, striding confidently toward me like a tiger on the prowl. Jesus. What is it with these girls? “How are you?” She rounds the reception desk and lifts onto her tiptoes to kiss me on the cheek.

  “I’m good. What are you doing here?” I take a visible step back, hoping to put some distance between us. After what happened with Mila last night, I need to clear my mind.

  “Aren’t you glad to see me?” She smiles, her wide grin lighting up her face, and those gems of ice sparkle with mischief as she regards me.

  “I am. I’m sure Mila would be too.” I turn and head into the offices from the reception area. Her heels click-clack on the marble tiles as she follows me.

  “I’m back for good, got into town yesterday. I stopped by the house, but nobody was home, so I figured . . .” She trails off, settling her pert little ass on the edge of my desk. “I’d come here and see you.” She laughs again. This time, it’s a sultry, sexy smile, and I can’t help but notice her outfit isn’t one you’d throw on while moving.

  “And you decided to dress up as well?” I question, folding my arms in front of my chest as I regard her. The skirt she’s wearing rides up her thighs, and my gaze settles on them. My cock hardens gradually as she shifts, and I’m awarded a spectacular glimpse of her pink panties. They’re a deep magenta, bright, and I’m dying to rip them off with my teeth.

  “I like to look good,” she responds on a breathy whisper as my eyes edge their way up to hers — a spark, like the very one between my brother and her cousin, flashes in the air. Like a live wire, it crackles between us, and I know she didn’t randomly pop by. She’s here for one thing, something I’d love to give her, but I can’t. This is ridiculous.

  What would people say?

  “Gabe,” she murmurs. Sliding off the desk, she stops at my knee. She’s so close I could tug her onto my lap and lift her skirt over her hips, tear that scrap she calls underwear from her body and drive myself so deep inside her.

  I could get lost in her.

  “I think you should go, Lissy. I’ll let Mila know you’re back, and she should call you.” When I rise from the chair, I realize it was a wrong move because it puts me inches from her.

  The scent of cinnamon and brown sugar hits me immediately. My mouth waters to have a taste, to see if her skin — the color of caramel — really tastes as sweet. “Uncle G
abe.” Her murmur stirs something inside me. Deep and unyielding. Something I shouldn’t allow myself to feel, but I do. It courses through me, but I can’t do this.

  “You should head out, sweetheart.” I step away from her and take a deep breath. She regards me quietly. Something in my tone must have given away the fact that I don’t want her to go, because for a moment, she simply watches me.

  It’s our silent standoff. And just like her cousin, she offers me a smile that could break a million hearts. I’m too old for her. She’s too young for me, but deep down, all I want is to bend her over my desk and drive myself into her tight, young body. “Would you prefer if I called you, Gabriel?” She quirks her brow and her icy-blue eyes shimmer like diamonds. They’re like glass orbs, piercing my restraint.

  “Jesus, you need to go. Please?” My voice, filled with need and hunger, implores her, but she’s stubborn. It runs in the fucking family because Mila is exactly the same.

  “Gabriel Connor.” Her tone lightens, and she beams. Her face lights up, brighter than any fucking star, and I’m a goner. She’s all grown up. No longer the young teenager that used to love popsicles and candy.

  Jesus, Gabe.

  What are you doing?

  “Melissa Reyes, you need to get your pretty little ass out of here.” I stalk around her, trying to keep my distance. But her scent is like a fog, like an intoxicating essence made to tempt and lure.

  “So, you admit you’ve looked at my ass?” She giggles behind me, and I shake my head, not taking the bait. I pull open the door and regard her with a small smile.

  “I’ll see you soon, Lissy.” I utter, but using the nickname I gave her when she was younger doesn’t help. Looking at her as a woman rather than a girl is easy, because she stands almost at my height with those fuck-me heels she’s wearing.

  With one manicured nail, she trails it down the front of my shirt, button by button, until she reaches the waistband of my jeans. Thankfully, she stops and leans in, her mouth at my ear. “I’ll see you very soon, Uncle Gabe.” And with that, she’s gone. Strolling to her little red Mini Cooper.

  My gaze is locked on her ass and hips as they sway. My mouth waters for a taste. Just one fucking taste and I know I’ll be fucked. So, I turn and head back into the office.

  You can’t do this, Gabriel.

  Grabbing my phone, I hit dial on Brigitte’s number. “Darling, are you missing me already? It’s only been three days.” As much as I need to fuck out my frustration, I wonder if this is a good idea. Everything about this woman screams marry me, and that’s not what I need.

  “I just need to bury myself in someone,” I bite out.

  “I’m home tonight,” she sighs. I knew she wouldn’t deny me.

  “See you later.”

  With that, I grab my keys and head out. Staying in this office with Lissy’s sweet scent lingering will drive me insane.

  Chapter 10

  Mila

  The drive is quiet, and I glance over at Grayson, taking in his profile. The fact that he had a car pick us up so he could focus on me is something I’d have to get used to. Dad normally drives me everywhere, even though he can get a town car to chauffeur us. “So . . .” I don’t know why I feel insecure, but Grayson is older. He’s used to women, not girls.

  He turns to me and wraps his arm around my shoulders, tugging me into the crook of his arm. “So, I love how you fit in my arms. Perfectly. Like you were always meant to be there,” he murmurs, planting a kiss on my hair.

  “I . . .”

  “Look at me.” Lifting my gaze to his, those dark pools of desire tighten everything south of my belly button. “You’re mine now.” He drops his mouth to mine in a soft, sensual kiss. Our lips mold together, fusing with heat and desire. His tongue sweeps into my mouth and duels with mine.

  A whimper falls from me, but he swallows it. He inhales me as I do him. As if I’m his breath, his lifeforce, and he needs me to survive. The realization hits me, deep in the depths of my young, teenage heart that this man loves me.

  When he finally breaks the kiss, his stare bores into mine. Then he grins. Not the cocky smirk I’m so used to, this one is filled with affection. It’s sweet and romantic. “I love how pliable you are in my arms.”

  “Mr. Connor, we’re here,” the driver calls from the front of the car. And we’re dragged from the cloud we’re in.

  “Thank you, Graham.” Grayson opens the door and exits the car. Turning, he offers me a hand, which I accept. The sun is high, and when Grayson grabs the basket in the trunk, I’m giddy with excitement. “I’ll call you when we’re ready.” And with that, we walk down toward the water’s edge. I know I’ll be wanting to come out here more often, especially with the man who’s made me happier than I’ve ever been.

  We’ve been in Seattle for almost all my teenage years, and I’ve never been on a date at the beach. Finding a secluded spot is easy since it’s so quiet. “It’s so gorgeous out here today.” I watch him lay down a blanket. Something too romantic, too intimate. It’s a real date.

  “Are you going to watch me all day?” he quips, one side of his mouth lifting in that signature smile. The one that sets my heart alight.

  “Maybe.” I reach for the hem of my tank top. Pulling it off, I launch it at him, and he chuckles a deep, sexy rumble. Shoving my shorts down, they pool at my feet, leaving me in a string bikini. His gaze scorches me as if he’s touching me. A slow lick of heat trails from my feet, up my legs, and slowly up to my breasts.

  “Jesus, Mila . . .” When those mocha pools meet mine, they’re molten.

  “I’m going for a swim.” I giggle. Toeing off my sandals, I turn and run toward the water. The waves crash against me. It’s cooling, but it doesn’t calm the fire burning inside me for him. For Grayson Connor.

  Diving into the waves, I relish the water. When I break the surface again, I turn to find Grayson standing on the sand inches from where the waves are crashing. “Are you going to come have lunch? Or am I going to come out there and drag you out?” he calls to me with a smile on his face. Warm and inviting.

  I pad through the water, pushing my way toward him, and as soon as I have purchase on the sand below my feet, I break into a run. Crashing into his arms, earning me the warmth of his embrace, I nuzzle into his neck, inhaling his cologne, the scent that’s him. Only him.

  “Cold out there?” He lifts me easily, walking us back to the blanket.

  “It’s a bit chilly, but it’s refreshing. Are you going to join me?” I murmur as he sets me down. Shaking his head, he pulls his T-shirt up over his head, and I take in the taut torso. His chest has a light dusting of hair, dark and masculine. Everything about him screams man.

  “I don’t swim, sweet cheeks,” he tells me with that signature smirk. “Let’s eat.”

  The spread of food is incredible. How he managed this in only an hour, I don’t know, but it looks delicious. “You trying to fatten me up?” I quirk, popping my hip and crossing my arms in front of me. His dark eyes trail up my body in a heated gaze.

  “Sweetheart, you’re going to need your energy for what I have planned, so why don’t you eat up?” There’s something illicit in his voice, and I can’t stop my thighs from squeezing together.

  “Am I going to be able to walk tomorrow?” I giggle, but the dark look he pins me with tells me I may not. Those almond-shaped eyes narrow farther, and his bow lips purse in what looks like an air kiss, and I’m dying to feel them on my skin.

  “Perhaps, if you’re a good girl—”

  “And if I’m not?” I ask, kneeling on the blanket, my eyes peering up at him with curiosity.

  “I’ll have to spank that little ass before I fuck you until you pass out.” His words are a vow. A promise I’m willing to see him follow through on.

  “Mmm hmm . . .” Lifting an olive from the small bowl, I pop it in my mouth, enjoying the salty flavor. “I bet,” I respond in a breathy tone. The surrounding air is thick with desire. How is that since we’ve opened t
he floodgates, all I want is to feel him between my thighs?

  “You’re blushing, Mila,” he states matter-of-factly. “Is there something on your mind?”

  Shaking my head, I feel the heat of a blush creeping up my neck and onto my cheeks. “Of course not.” I don’t meet his eyes, the ones that are currently boring a hole into me. Jesus, this man is going to be the death of me.

  “Come on.” His arm is on me in an instant, tugging me off the blanket.

  “What—?”

  “I’m going to get you wet,” he growls. Leaning in, he throws me over his shoulder, and I can’t stop the squeal that falls from my lips. He walks us toward the water, and I’m wiggling in his grip.

  “Put me down.” I giggle loudly, but my body is tingling all over from his hands on my legs, thighs, and when he rains a spanking on my ass, heat pools in my bikini bottoms.

  As soon as we hit the water, he makes his way deep into the ocean, sliding me down his body. The thick erection between his legs prods against me, causing me to moan. “Is this what you wanted? To taunt me?” Shaking my head, I bite down on my lower lip and meet his hooded gaze. “Do you enjoy taunting me, sweetheart? Because I will fuck you anywhere I please.”

  Wrapping my legs around his taut waist, I press my quivering pussy against his cock, reveling in the feel of him pressing against me. “What are you waiting for?” I tease.

  He doesn’t answer me. Instead, his mouth crashes on mine, causing my body to shudder with need against him. Our tongues duel, tease, and taunt and when I suck his into my mouth, he groans low and feral.

  “Fuck me,” I moan against his lips, and he doesn’t need more permission. His fingers push my bikini bottoms to the side, finding my hot core.

  “Jesus, sweetheart, you’re slick and needy,” he moans in approval. My hand snakes between us. Shoving the front of his boxers down, I grip his steel shaft and stroke it slowly. “I need to be inside you,” he hisses through clenched teeth, and I nod. Positioning him at my heated entrance, he rolls his hips, sliding into me, stretching me deliciously.