Sienna had been in the Pierce estate for a little over a week now, and though she had made slow progress with Lily, Grayson remained as cold and unyielding as ever. Their interactions were limited to tense conversations, clipped commands, and the occasional warning look whenever she got too close to his daughter. She had accepted that he would always be distant. That he was the kind of man who built walls so high no one could climb them. But what she hadn’t expected was to get a glimpse of what lay beyond those walls. And it all started with a storm. The first rumble of thunder shook the house in the early evening, deep and menacing. The sky had darkened, casting the mansion in shadows as heavy raindrops splattered against the windows. Sienna had just finished helping Lily get ready for bed when she noticed the little girl’s small hands trembling. “Lily?” Sienna knelt beside her. “Are you scared of thunderstorms?” The little girl gave the tiniest nod, her fingers curling into the
Sienna had always known that working for Grayson Pierce wouldn’t be easy. The man was cold, guarded, and insufferably controlling. But after their conversation the night before, after learning about his wife’s tragic death, she saw him in a slightly different light. It didn’t mean she liked him. It didn’t mean he wasn’t still an overbearing, impossible man. But it did mean that she understood him just a little bit more. And yet, that understanding didn’t make their interactions any less frustrating. If anything, it only seemed to add an extra layer of tension between them—one she couldn’t quite name but could certainly feel. The morning after the storm, Sienna found herself in the kitchen, sipping a cup of coffee and watching as the staff bustled about. She’d woken up early, intending to check on Lily, but to her surprise, the little girl was already downstairs, quietly eating her breakfast. Lily’s presence at the table was a good sign. It meant she was growing more comfortable, e
The sky outside was dark, heavy clouds rolling in as another storm threatened to descend upon the estate. The wind howled through the trees, rattling the windows of the massive Pierce mansion. The air inside felt thick, suffocating with something more than just the approaching storm. Sienna had spent most of the day with Lily, keeping her entertained with puzzles, books, and soft lullabies as the rain drizzled against the glass panes. The little girl was slowly opening up, even managing a few hesitant words, but it was clear that she still had walls built around her fragile heart. By evening, the storm arrived in full force, lightning illuminating the night sky and thunder rumbling in the distance. Sienna was in the library, flipping through a book she wasn’t actually reading, when the power flickered and then went out completely. The room plunged into darkness, save for the faint glow of the fireplace. A deep voice cut through the silence. “The backup generator will take a few mi
The morning after the storm was eerily quiet. The sun had risen, casting golden streaks through the large windows of the Pierce mansion, but inside, the air remained heavy, charged with something unspoken. Sienna could still feel the tension from the previous night. She hadn’t been able to sleep, replaying the almost-kiss in her head over and over. The way Grayson had looked at her, the way her body had responded against all logic—it made no sense. And yet, it was all she could think about. She sat at the dining table, forcing herself to focus on her plate, but the clinking of silverware against porcelain couldn’t drown out the presence of the man sitting across from her. Grayson. He was dressed immaculately as always, a tailored dark suit hugging his frame. His face was unreadable, as if nothing had happened between them. He read the morning paper, casually sipping his coffee, completely composed. Sienna clenched her fork a little tighter. How could he act so unaffected? Did he
Sienna had never been one for fancy social gatherings, but tonight was different. Tonight, she wasn’t just an outsider looking in—she was here as Lily’s nanny, accompanying Grayson to a formal business event at one of New York’s most exclusive hotels. The grand ballroom shimmered with opulence, crystal chandeliers casting golden light over the elegantly dressed guests. Waiters moved seamlessly through the crowd with trays of champagne, and a string quartet played softly in the background. The scent of fresh roses and expensive perfume filled the air, mingling with the faint clink of glasses and hushed conversations. Sienna adjusted the navy-blue gown Grayson had insisted she wear, feeling slightly out of place among the high society elite. She wasn’t used to this world—the power plays, the subtle glances, the carefully controlled conversations. Everyone here moved with a practiced grace, each interaction seemingly part of an intricate dance of influence and wealth. Across the room,
Sienna hummed to herself as she packed a small bag for Lily, stuffing in snacks, a bottle of water, and a light sweater. The little girl sat on the edge of her bed, watching with curious eyes. “Are you excited, sweetheart?” Sienna asked, zipping up the bag. Lily gave a tiny nod, a ghost of a smile tugging at her lips. It was a small victory, but Sienna would take it. Over the past few weeks, she had seen the little girl slowly open up, and today was another step forward. They were going to an amusement park. The idea had come to Sienna a few days ago. Lily needed to experience joy, to have a childhood beyond the lonely walls of the mansion. Of course, she hadn’t exactly asked Grayson for permission—because she knew what his answer would be. A firm no. “Come on, kiddo.” She took Lily’s small hand in hers and led her downstairs. Her heart pounded slightly as they passed Grayson’s office door. Thankfully, it was closed. With a breath of relief, she guided Lily outside and into t
The next morning, the air in the mansion felt lighter. After their unexpected day at the amusement park, Sienna noticed a small shift in Lily. It wasn’t drastic—Lily was still quiet, still hesitant—but there was something softer in her eyes, a little less fear and a little more curiosity.Sienna sat with Lily in the playroom, surrounded by stuffed animals and books. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Lily was clutching her favorite stuffed bunny, her small fingers tracing over its worn-out ears. “Hmm,” Sienna mused dramatically, tapping her chin. “You know, Mr. Bunny looks like he has a secret.”Lily’s eyes flickered with interest. She tilted her head slightly, waiting.“Oh yes,” Sienna continued, lowering her voice to a whisper. “I heard him talking last night. He told me he loves to dance.”Lily blinked, her grip on the bunny tightening just a little. It was the smallest reaction, but to Sienna, it was progress.Encouraged, Sienna scoope
The grand ballroom of the Astoria Hotel was bathed in warm golden light, the crystal chandeliers casting shimmering reflections on the polished marble floors. The annual charity gala was in full swing, attended by the city’s elite—CEOs, politicians, socialites, and celebrities, all dressed in their finest attire. The air hummed with conversation, laughter, and the soft clinking of champagne flutes.Sienna, feeling both nervous and slightly out of place, adjusted the sleek emerald-green gown she wore. It was far more elegant than anything she owned, a last-minute gift from Grayson’s assistant to ensure she “fit the part.” The fabric clung to her curves in a way that made her both confident and self-conscious at the same time. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and the light makeup on her face only enhanced her natural beauty. She hadn’t wanted to attend, but Grayson insisted. "If you’re going to be Lily’s nanny, you’ll be expected to accompany her to certain events," he had said, his
The silence in Grayson Pierce’s car was heavier than words could fill.Sienna sat beside him, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, staring out the window at the passing city lights. Her heart was pounding from the argument they’d had in his office — sharp words, stubbornness, emotions neither of them wanted to face.And yet here they were.Both pretending that kiss never happened.Both pretending the tension between them wasn’t unbearable.Grayson’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. His jaw was clenched so hard it ached.He didn’t want to feel this way.Didn’t want her to make him feel this way.But the echo of her voice — her fire, her defiance — still lingered in his mind like a melody he couldn’t shake.“I’ll never let you treat me like I’m disposable,” she had said back there.Not with fear.Not with anger.But with hurt.That had undone him more than anything.He pulled the car to a slow stop outside her apartment — the one he insisted she stay in for safety — and killed
The house was unnaturally quiet.Sienna stood in the kitchen, her fingers curled tightly around the edge of the marble counter as she replayed Grayson’s words over and over in her head."This can’t happen again.""I don't mix business with...whatever this is."She could still feel the press of his lips on hers — burning, unforgettable — only to be crushed under the weight of his rejection minutes later.A bitter laugh escaped her lips.How foolish she’d been.She didn’t notice Lily standing in the doorway until her tiny voice broke through the storm in Sienna’s mind."Aunt Sienna? Are you sad?"Sienna blinked hard, forcing a smile. "No, sweetheart. Just...thinking."Lily padded closer, wrapping her small arms around Sienna’s waist. It unraveled her completely.She sank to her knees and hugged Lily tightly."You know what?" Sienna whispered against the little girl’s hair. "No matter what happens...I’ll always be here for you."Behind them, unseen, Grayson lingered in the hallway — watc
Sienna stood by the large window in the living room, arms folded tightly against her chest, staring out at the dark sky smeared with streaks of orange from the setting sun. Her mind was chaos — swirling memories of the kiss she swore she wouldn’t think about again.But how could she not?Grayson Pierce — infuriating, cold, impossible Grayson — had kissed her like he couldn’t help himself… and then acted like it hadn’t happened.Coward.She heard his footsteps behind her. She didn’t turn.“I thought you had a rule about silence being golden, Mr. Pierce,” she said coolly.There was a beat of hesitation. Then his voice — deep, rougher than usual. “Grayson.”That made her turn.“What?”He raked a hand through his hair — he looked exhausted, like sleep hadn’t touched him since that kiss either.“You’re right to be angry.”She raised her brows. “Congratulations. Self-awareness looks good on you.”His jaw clenched. “Sienna…”There it was again — her name on his lips. Like velvet. Like sin.S
The silence after their kiss was deafening.Sienna stood frozen, her heart still racing from the way Grayson Pierce had crushed his mouth to hers in a moment of raw desperation — only to pull away just as quickly, as though it burned him to feel anything at all.His chest heaved, eyes dark and conflicted, like he was waging war within himself.“Grayson…” Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper, afraid that if she spoke too loudly, this fragile moment would shatter.But his reaction cut deeper than any sharp word.He took a step back — physically distancing himself from her like proximity alone was dangerous.“This…” His voice was low, rough with restraint. “This shouldn’t have happened.”Sienna’s chest squeezed painfully. “You kissed me.”Regret flashed in his eyes, not for the act itself — but for what it revealed. For what it meant.“I made a mistake,” Grayson said tightly, the walls already climbing back around him like armor. “And I don’t have the luxury of making mistakes.”Si
The tension had been building for weeks, simmering beneath the surface, unspoken but undeniable. Sienna had done her best to ignore it, to pretend that she didn’t notice the way Grayson looked at her when he thought she wasn’t paying attention.But tonight, she was done pretending.He had been cold all day, avoiding her as much as possible, barely speaking a word unless it was about Lily. It was infuriating, especially after everything that had happened between them. The near-kisses, the charged moments, the way his eyes darkened when she was too close.And worst of all—the kiss.The one that had shattered everything.The one he had walked away from, leaving her standing there like it had meant nothing.She stormed into his office, her fists clenched at her sides. He was seated behind his massive desk, reviewing some documents, his posture stiff and controlled.
Grayson had spent years perfecting the art of control.Discipline, precision, and emotional distance had built his empire. They had kept him sane after his wife’s death, ensuring that no one could ever get too close, that no one could touch the raw, broken pieces of him.But Sienna was chipping away at that foundation, and he didn’t know how to stop her.And worse—he wasn’t sure he wanted to anymore.The house was quiet that evening, save for the soft hum of classical music drifting from the speakers in the living room. Lily had gone to bed hours ago, and Sienna was curled up on the couch, flipping through a book she had found in the library.Grayson had been watching her for the past ten minutes.He told himself he had just happened to pass by. That he wasn’t here because of her.But he knew better.She was wearing one of those oversized sweaters that always seemed to swallow her frame, her legs tucked under her. A strand of hair had fallen over her cheek, and she absentmindedly tuck
The night had been long, but the thoughts in Grayson’s mind were longer.After putting Lily back to bed, he had returned to his office, but sleep eluded him. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Sienna—her fiery defiance, the softness in her touch, the way Lily had melted into her arms like she belonged there.It was dangerous.Sienna wasn’t supposed to belong here.And yet, she did.Now, as the morning sun streamed through the large windows of his office, Grayson sat at his desk, staring at his laptop screen without seeing the words in front of him.He wasn’t sure how much longer he could fight this.A soft knock at the door made him look up.Sienna.Her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, a few strands falling around her face. She was wearing a simple fitted sweater and jeans, yet she looked more stunning than any woman he had ever seen at his corporate events or high-end parties.Grayson’s fingers twitched, but he kept his expression neutral. “Something you need?”Sienna arched
Grayson sat in his office, his fingers steepled together as he stared at the untouched glass of whiskey in front of him. His mind was a storm—one he had been trying to contain for days.It wasn’t working.Sienna’s words still echoed in his head, haunting him like a melody he couldn’t shake."Only if you keep pretending it doesn’t exist."He clenched his jaw, gripping the glass and taking a slow sip, as if the burn of alcohol could drown out the fire she had ignited in him. It didn’t.She had gotten under his skin in a way no one ever had.And that was the problem.Grayson Pierce didn’t lose control. He didn’t allow himself to want things he couldn’t have.Yet, here he was, craving her like an addiction.The way her eyes flashed with defiance when she challenged him. The softness in her voice when she spoke to Lily. The way she looked at him, like she saw through all his walls and wasn’t afraid.He exhaled sharply, setting his glass down with more force than necessary.This needed to
Grayson wasn’t avoiding her.At least, that’s what he told himself.The truth, however, was harder to swallow.Ever since their conversation in the garden, he had been on edge. Sienna’s words lingered in his mind, looping over and over, refusing to be ignored."I’m not going to keep pretending. You care about Lily, but you also care about me."He hated how easily she saw through him.How effortlessly she peeled back the layers he had spent years fortifying.So, like any man who was too much of a coward to face his feelings, he buried himself in work, using meetings and contracts as an excuse to avoid unnecessary interactions with her.Unnecessary, as in anything that didn’t involve Lily.It should have been easy.It wasn’t.—Sienna noticed the shift immediately.For the past two days, Grayson had been more distant than usual—not in his usual brooding way, but deliberately.He left early, returned late, and when he was home, he kept their conversations minimal, his words clipped and p