Grayson

KASSIA

Blue Horizon Academy was a private school for kids from well-off families. Some here had been born into wealth, their family’s substantial holdings seeming to stretch back for generations, while others were new to it, the children of successful entrepreneurs, doctors, and politicians.

I fell into the second category. My dad was a cardiologist, an insanely good one too. Grayson, on the other hand, fell into the first category. His father’s side was unexplainably wealthy, according to Emily.

When we arrived, all eyes turned in our direction. A new student always caught the school’s attention, but it definitely helped that Grayson was breathtakingly gorgeous. I swear I heard a collective sigh from Blue Horizon’s female population as he stepped out of the car.

“You’d think that they’ve never seen an Aston Martin before,” he said, jerking his head toward everyone staring at us.

I tried to hide my discomfort. “I-I think it’s because you’re new.”

And hot. Insanely hot.

He smirked at me. “Just because I’m new? Not for any…other reason?”

I blushed and ducked my head. He chuckled, taking my arm.

“Come on. Show me to the office. I have to go get some stuff sorted out.”

As we headed toward the building, people would stop and watch as we passed. More than one person ran into something while trying to get a look at Grayson. I couldn’t say I blamed them.

I left him with the receptionist, nearly running into the door myself when he winked at me on the way out. Turning, I started for class, one hand holding the hem of my skirt down so I didn’t accidentally flash anyone.

Damn him, I thought as I hurried around the corner. ~Why would he want to carry around my underwear all day? ~

Someone bumped into me, causing me to stumble. I looked up to find Olivia Audley standing in front of me.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Kassia. I didn’t see you there,” she said sweetly.

I frowned. Olivia wasn’t one to apologize for anything, much less take notice of someone like me. She fell into the first category; a distinction she thought gave her superiority over everyone else.

“It’s okay,” I responded, trying to step around her.

She grabbed my arm.

“I saw you with Grayson Croft earlier. How do you know him?”

I looked down at her hand before meeting her eyes.

“Um, he’s my stepbrother. Can you let me go? I need to get to class.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Your stepbrother?”

“Yeah,” I replied, tugging my arm from her grasp.

“You’re going to introduce me to him,” she ordered, pointing a finger at me. “At lunch.”

The bell rang and I nodded, rushing past her.

***

My friend Morgan asked for all the details about Grayson as we walked to the cafeteria after third period. I was brief, telling her that he was Emily’s son and living with us now before quickly changing the subject.

I usually told Morgan everything, but I didn’t want to accidentally mention seeing him naked, the encounter in my bedroom, or the fact that he had my panties in his pocket right now.

When we entered the lunchroom, I saw Grayson sitting at a table, surrounded by a crowd of admirers. He was smiling and laughing like he had known these people for years.

He turned, eyes locking on to mine, and I fought the urge to squirm beneath his gaze.

Why is he looking at me like that?

“That’s Grayson?!” Morgan whispered beside me.

I rolled my eyes, breaking eye contact. “Yes, Morgan. That’s him.”

“He’s so fucking hot!” she hissed, gripping my arm tightly. “Seriously, Kas! Wait! Oh my god. I think he’s coming over here!”

“What?!”

I turned to find Grayson standing right beside me. Goosebumps rose on my arms as he gave me a once-over, smirking as he noticed me subtly trying to pull down my skirt.

“Are you not having lunch with me, Kassia?” he asked.

“Looks like you have plenty of company,” I said. “Not much room for me and Morgan.”

Morgan chimed in. “Hi, I’m Morgan, Kassia’s friend.”

Grayson smiled at her. “Cool.”

He turned his attention toward me again. “Come over after you get your food.”

What is with him? He barely talks to me at home, even after…that, and now he wants me to have lunch with him?

“Um, Morgan and I like spending time in the music room with our friend Stanley during lunch so—”

He leaned closer, cutting me off. “Have lunch with me, Kassia.”

Morgan sent me an awkward smile. “It’s cool. I’ll catch up with you later, Kas.”

I watched Morgan walk away, feeling terrible for ditching her. I don’t know why, but I found it really hard to say no to Grayson. I didn’t want to admit that some part of me really liked it when he told me what to do.

Besides, it’s his first day. Maybe he’s nervous. And I promised Emily I would spend more time with him.

I got my food and made my way toward his table. He waved at a few people who were leaving, smiling and tapping the spot next to him when he noticed me. I sat, looking around at those that remained. Olivia was one of them.

“So, you guys are stepsiblings?” asked Ethan Hawk.

I glanced at him. He’d never spoken to me before and honestly didn’t seem to know I even existed, but now he was smiling at me.

Grayson put his arm around my shoulders. “Yeah.”

His touch sent vibrations straight to my core as he pulled me against his body. I glanced at him, noting the sly grin on his face.

He’s messing with me.

I ate my lunch quietly, wishing I was with my friends in the music room as talk around me shifted to cars and racing.

Grayson lowered his arm, but didn’t move away. His warmth pressed against my side, sending my mind places it shouldn’t go. Then his fingers brushed across my thigh, sliding slowly toward my center just as they had in the car.

I stiffened, quickly looking at him, but his expression was neutral. His hand continued to make its way up as I tried not to panic. I squeezed my legs together to stop him.

What is he doing?! There are people here! What if someone sees?

He leaned close, his grip tightening.

“Spread ’em, Kassia,” he whispered, his voice so low it sent a shiver down my spine.