Anna"Mr Grayson! My Grayson!""Mark! Mark!"The paparazzi quickly rushed towards us as soon as I stepped out of the car. I squinted my eyes, covering my face from the camera flashes as Mark took my hand leading me toward the entrance of the hotel,"Who is the beautiful girl on your arm tonight?","Are you two dating? What about Mia?"Mark ignored their questions and continued walking towards the entrance until we reached the bouncer.This was a high profile party and according to protocol, each person at the party had to check in their invite before gaining admission into the building.As we waited for the bouncer to check our names on the invite list, the sound of camera shutters made my head spin. I tried to shift my gaze away, but everywhere I turned, there was a camera crew taking pictures of us.As a heavy breath escaped my lips, I closed my eyes, trying to find an escape. I'd become so conscious of the whispers and murmurs from the other party guests, the girls who doted on Mar
Anna"The girl that called you outside. She seemed to know who you are. Do you know her?" He repeated"No, I don't. Why are you asking me this now?" I asked, staring at him in curiosity.Mark shot me a warm smile "Nothing. Let's get a drink," Mark said and turned towards the bar.Stopping in my tracks, I stared at him quizzically, wondering what that was all about."You coming?" He asked, inviting me to the bar.Taking a moment to think about it, I sighed with a nod as I went against my better judgment. Since that night eight years ago, I'd avoided anything alcohol, but Mark was starting to act weird and this party was becoming dull quickly. I needed something to take the edge off."Fine," I muttered, following behind him.I had a feeling I might regret it later, but then I'd been making the wrong choices since I agreed to this thing. What was one more? Also, I'd never been able to refuse Mark's invite so far. I was seriously going to have to learn to say no to him.I took a deep brea
Anna"Why did you invite her here, Mark?" Brenda's sneered.As soon as her voice fell, the slow kick of the alcohol quickly went away. It was ironic cause I was usually the buzzkill, but hearing Brenda's voice now made my skin crawl.To say I was uncomfortable would be an understatement.I wasn't sure what to make of their arrival. I'd expected this to happen tonight, but strangely I found myself enjoying my time with Mark and hoped it would last for just a while longer."Hello Brenda," Mark said tiredly.Lifting my gaze, I noticed the rest of the family standing not so far away from us and I knew this night would only get worse."Why did you bring this tramp here? Are you so mad at your family, that you'd do anything to discredit and embarrass us?" She said with no regard for my feelings whatsoever. It was as if I was a mere spectacle sitting there and drinking free wine.As much as her insults had infuriated me, I tried my hardest to keep my composure. This was not the right place t
Anna"Well that was a little harsh", I managed to say."No, what is harsh is she insulting you to your face" Mark snapped.I appreciated his concern, but as much as I enjoyed it, I did not need a man to stand up for me, and he was still lucky to even have a family that cared for him, despite their twisted way of showing it.I nodded my head slowly, but one thing still confused me. He mentioned he didn't love Mia, which made me wonder if I stood a chance with him.Admittedly, being at this fancy party, wearing expensive clothes, and seeing how he stood up for me had somehow made me forget we were from two different worlds.At that moment, I felt like just maybe I stood a chance. I hesitated for a while and then asked the bartender to pour me my third glass of wine.I'd need all the encouragement for what I had to say next."What's that look?" Mark asked, glancing at me, which made me wonder if I was that predictable or if he was just good at detecting my expressions."What look?" I ask
Anna"We're back to this?" Mark groaned, raising his hand to order another glass of cocktail."Yes...I'm curious to know." I slurred. I know I said I would not get drunk, but somewhere along our conversations, I no longer felt the need to be guarded and one glass of wine had turned to two and then three.His eyes lingered on me for a moment as he picked up his cocktail, taking a sip. He seemed reluctant to tell me his reasons which only made me more curious."Alright, alright. Have you ever been with someone you don't have to try so hard to have a good time with?"I shook my head in response and he sighed again, "Well, ever since Luara, I'd never truly want to date anyone. But I was tired of the pressure from people who thought I should move on already. Mia is great, but she doesn't have what I need, and neither does Josie.""What's that?" I asked, my voice lingering with curiosity"Someone that sees me."I quirked my brows quizzically, confused by his statement."What do you mean by
Anna"I know some people who can trace this organization. They can find anything and anyone. There's an encrypted code registered on the back of that card. My assistant Eric has been trying to decrypt it. I'm sure that code will lead us to their organization, an address, another member, or anything that can give us information on what you're looking for.""We're going to find them Anna, for now just try not to put yourself in any more danger. Going after Brent will be dangerous." Mark spoke convincingly.I knew he was right. As much as I wanted to find my real family, I didn't want to risk putting my children in danger. However, at that moment, I'd lost all interest in this party.Staring at me, he could see my disinterest and asked, "Shall we head out? We can continue our evening back at the house, there's somewhere I think you'd like to see."I nodded my head slowly. We stood but didn't get far before a voice called out to me. It was a woman, and when I turned to look at her, I noti
Anna"Nothing Mark," I replied still marching away.A chuckle left his throat as he nodded,"Oh, so you're just suddenly in such a hurry to go home for no reason?"I turned around, glaring at him for some moments, then continued walking away with no response, heading towards the front door.If he wanted to chase some other girls, then so be it. I would leave him to do exactly what he wanted and pretend I didn't care. Even though, deep inside, I was more confused than I had ever been.Why did all of these things suddenly matter to me?Stepping outside, with the gentle breeze of the night sky sweeping across my face, I felt alive once again as the dizziness reduced slightly. The airy breeze was a welcoming clearance my mind needed, considering everything that had happened that evening.Letting out a heavy sigh, I brought my attention back to Mark who had the driver bring the car around. He strode towards me with a look on his face that almost read concern, but I didn't bother to ask."A
AnnaAs I lowered the dress strap over my shoulder, the only thing I wanted to do was to enter the bathroom, let the hot water run across my skin, and try to take my mind off of everything that had happened that evening. Most especially Mark.I tried to push away the thoughts he created, but that wasn't any easy either. If he wasn't before, tonight made it clear now that he wanted me as bad as I wanted him. I couldn’t shake the thought of his rugged, well-cut toned body pressing up against me, sending sensations to my core that I couldn't handle. This was becoming so difficult. Why could I not just have sex with him and get it over with? Why did I have to torture myself over something my body clearly yearned for just because I wanted his affection?There was no stopping the images when they started. The thought of his plump lips against mine as they moved from my lips down every inch of my body dominated my thoughts and the pleasure that grew in the pit of my stomach was like a raging