Black and Grey | Book 1

Chapter 16 (Part 1)

"I don't really know what Sebastian likes." I said sheepishly to Grayson and he sighed.

"He likes everything. He doesn't mind what it is, he'll appreciate it, especially from you." He finished, frowning at the end.

"Yeah, but it's his birthday, I want to give him a special present." I said and Grayson shrugged.

"You're so helpful." I retorted and walked into a store.

***

After buying Sebastian's gift, we left the mall.

"Are you hungry?" Grayson asked me and I nodded. He took me to a small cafe and we sat in a little booth. After a few minutes of silence, and me stuffing my face with food, I looked up at Grayson.

"H-how long do I need to stay here for?" I asked and Grayson raised an eyebrow at me.

"It's not that I don't like staying here, I'm grateful for everything you do and the others as well, but I just don't want to depend on you anymore. I want to go back to my job, my house and my life." I said and his jaw ticked slightly.

"You know that can't happen anytime soon Iris." He spoke softly and I sighed feeling down.

"I know, but, I really don't know what I'm doing here anymore." I said. Grayson leaned back into the booth to look at me more.

"To be honest, I really don't know what happens from here on now." He said truthfully and I believed him.

"You would have to ask Marcello about that." He offered and I nodded.

"The only thing I can advise you to do right now is to get comfortable. You'll be here a while."

"Yeah I figured." I looked away and thought about how much my life had changed in just a number of days. I get distracted when Grayson puts his hand on my thigh and squeezes reassuringly. My legs clench together and Grayson notices as his gaze instantly snaps to mine.

"Can we go?" I asked, looking away from his heated stare and he nodded wordlessly. He paid for the bill, making me feel even more guilty about how much money I must owe him by now.

***

We went back to the villa and I started helping everyone decorate the house. Soon enough, it was three pm and we all decided to get ready.

I let Caterina do my hair and makeup. She curled my hair making it look voluminous and bouncy with a middle parting. She added some soft brown eyeshadow and contoured my face, adding highlight, blush and added some red lipstick too.

"Thank you so much." I said, feeling really grateful for her help.

"It's okay! Now go put on your dress, you're going to look stunning!" She said and rushed me out the door. I went back to my room and put on the dress. I put on some black heels and some jewellery to complete the look.

Once I was ready, I went back to Caterina's room. She was all dressed and ready too. She looked beautiful in a dark blue dress, with her hair in a bun, with a few strands framing her face. Once she saw me, she clapped her hands and squealed.

"Come on, it's time. Let's go downstairs." She said and held my hand, dragging me to the stairs. Caterina went down first and I came down after.

As I was walking down the stairs I caught Grayson's eye. He was staring at me and I willed myself not to trip and embarrass myself.

I saw a flash appear at the corner of my eyes and I turned to see Mateo looking down at his camera. He smiled and looked at me, giving me that same boyish grin, which was cute. He waved at me and I waved back as he took another picture.

I get to the bottom of the stairs, where Grayson stood, waiting patiently. He cleaned up well too, in a black suit and his hair was more neat.

Who was I kidding? He looks hot.

Drool worthy.

Calm down Iris, before you start drooling.

Consciously, I swiped the corner of my mouth to check if I had drooled and was relieved to know that I hadn't.

"You look stunning." Grayson said, taking me aback.

"You cleaned up well." I said and he smirked.

"I know." He said cockily, and I rolled my eyes at him.

"Some others have already left to go to the hall. Come on, you're coming with me." He said and before I could protest, he tugged me arm, taking me to his car. He opened the door for me and I got in, with him closing the door after me.

"Is Sebastian already at the hall?" I asked Grayson, not remembering seeing Sebastian at the villa.

"Yeah he left earlier to meet everyone there." He said and I nodded.

"You know, you really do look beautiful in that dress." Grayson said after a while.

"Who are you, and what have you done to Grayson?" I joked, not really believing him.
He thought for a moment and smirked at me.

"Unless you want me to kiss your neck again." He said and I went quiet, blushing at the memory.

Yes please.

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A/N:
I updated a bit earlier today. I might update again later today. I'm trying to update as much as I can before school starts.
Hope you guys enjoyed!
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Until then ♠️

[Edited: 02/07/2021]