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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The next day, the morning light seeps through my bedroom curtains, the material so thin that it probably wouldn't make a difference if they were shut or not.
Outside, the sound of seagulls circling the skies reminds me that I'm back home, the soft lapping of the waves lifting a smile onto my tired face.
I scoop my phone from the bed, ignoring the endless messages from Grayson but grinning at the several birthday messages I've received from various others; two of those being Danny and Anderson.
I thank them, grateful that I have two good friends back in London.
With a rare spring in my step, I throw my dressing gown over myself and hurdle down the stairs. Judging by the smell, it seems Dad's spent the morning preparing cooked breakfast for us all.
"Happy birthday darling!" Dad chimes when I skip into the kitchen, giving me a one sided hug as he cracks an egg into the pan. "The big two-o!"
I shake my head, stifling a giggle. "Thanks Dad." I may have turned twenty today, meaning my teen years are officially over, but for a long time now I've felt like an adult anyway.
From the conservatory, Lucas strides into the narrow kitchen, not even hesitating when he pulls me in for a hug. "Happy birthday Sis." He places a small kiss onto my head. "A proper adult now."
I laugh again, somewhat taken aback by his gesture. "Thank you. Both of you."
Dad throws some bacon into a pan, then he turns to me with a huge grin across his face and says, "Open your present then! It's right over there!"
I follow his line of sight, biting my lip when my eyes land on the boxed-shaped gift on the dining table, wrapped in the brightest pink wrapping paper I'm sure my dad could have possibly found. On top, a note reads, Happy Birthday Mia. Lots of love, Dad & Lucas x
With a smile, I take a seat. I slide my fingers under the bright pink wrapping paper and slowly peel it away. Underneath, a white box with golden lettering etched into the top is revealed.
I don't even try to hide my excitement.
No.
I don't even try to hide my shock.
The box is branded with the gold lettering of 'Henry Patricio'; a far too expensive luxury designer brand. And I can barely catch my breath.
"Dad! Lucas!" I gasp, my eyes flicking between the two of them. "No. This must have cost a fortune!"
"Come on honey," Dad says, setting a cup of tea down in front of me. "It's not everyday your teen years end."
I gulp, in disbelief as I let the wrapping paper fall to the floor.
When I lift the lid of the white box, a beautiful, large and gleaming grey bag sits delicately within it, encased in layers of bubble-wrap. The handles are part grey leather and part silver chain. On the side of the bag the letters HP are engraved, crafted from a beautiful silver metal.
