He gave me adrenaline, passion and thrill. I just didn't know at what cost...
When small town girl Mia Thorpe moves to London to begin a new life, the last thing she expects is to fall head over heels for the charming yet mysterious Grayson Cooper...
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Every fibre of my being trembles as Grayson leads me into the grand hotel lobby, decorated tastefully with large, exotic plants and sizeable oil paintings.
A glistening, crystal chandelier hangs elegantly from the high ceiling, and I find myself gulping at the dazzling marble flooring and wide pillars that enhance the room's beauty; I'm not sure I've ever been somewhere so graceful.
Everybody around us parades through the area at ease, without even so much an ounce of hesitation. Clearly, they're used to this lifestyle. I, however, begin to hold back.
"Mia, hey, are you okay?" Grayson asks, his hand in mine.
"Yeah," I choke, barely able to produce any audible words, flicking my eyes about the huge space. "I can't believe that your Dad owns this place."
Grayson's lip twists. "Yeah. But please don't feel intimidated, Mia. These people are in no way more important than you." He gestures his hand in front of him towards the huge crowds of posh partygoers who have begun taking glasses of prosecco from a nearby table.
He may be right, but I can't help but feel insignificant against everyone else here.
"Ah, Grayson, hi!" A deep voice sounds from behind us. Turning, I spot a gentleman dressed in a navy suit, holding his hand out to Grayson. His hair is a silver colour, and as Grayson shakes his hand back I push a warm smile onto my face.
"Theo, hi," Grayson replies coolly, effortlessly shaking his hand within his. I suspect Grayson will know many people here tonight given his Dad is the host.
"It's been too long, Mr. Cooper. What have you been doing with yourself?"
"Ah, you know, working," Grayson laughs, pulling my hand closer to him to move me forward. "But I'd like you to meet Mia, my girlfriend."
My arms turn to jelly, my eyes widening. I've not heard Grayson say that word aloud yet, or introduce me in that way, but it sounded so much better than I ever expected.
"Mia," Theo smiles brilliantly. "It's so very nice to meet you. You look absolutely beautiful."
He holds his hand out to me and I shake it lightly.
"Thank you."
"Anyway, I better run—Louise will be wondering where I've got to. Make sure to try the prosecco, it's really good!" Theo smiles brightly, heading through the crowded lobby and into another room.
"Who was that?" I ask, watching Theo disappear from sight.
"A good friend of my father's," Grayson says, his smooth voice encouraging the butterflies within my stomach.
I nod, before Grayson pulls me towards the grand prosecco stand at the other side of the room.
If I'm going to try and calm my nerves, alcohol would be a good place to start.
