My Dad's Bestfriend

Sienna

It took me a while to relax-for my shaky legs to behave, for my heart to stop hammering like a relentless drum. Yet that infuriating smirk on Alex's face never faded, even as he watched me slowly settle. This game? He was savoring it. Of course he was-he'd held the upper hand from the very start.

I wasn't inexperienced. I'd had sex more times than I could count. But nothing— nothing had ever come close to the way he could unravel me with just his fingers. Silver rings and all.

He was clean. Too pristine, almost unholy in a way. His face screamed sanctity, yet the thoughts he stirred in me were anything but holy. Fuck-I was spiraling again.

"So... do you like it?" he broke the silence, sipping his cappuccino slowly, deliberately. A sick, selfish part of me wanted to taste it—from his lips.

"Like what?"

"This place, Flower." He chuckled at my cluelessness. "Isn't it... kind of peaceful?"

My brows rose. Peaceful? For a man like him? I wanted to scoff, to say something biting, but I couldn't. He was right-it was beautiful in its simplicity. Minimal people, no glittering distractions of the industry, no ostentatious displays of wealth. Just calm. Just quiet.

"It is," I admitted, forcing my lips to remain neutral as I took in the room. The décor —so minimal-gave off eighties vibes. Old, yet somehow magical. Judging by the couple at the counter, it seemed like this place belonged to them, from their time, their creation. Their peace.

"But judging by the kind of man you are, Grayson," I glanced at him, letting a trace of judgement creep into my voice, "how come you're suddenly seeking peace, when all you do is take from others?"

paused, then unexpectedly he...laughed. Alexander fucking Grayson knew how to

sound-alien

chair closer to his with one swift movement, leaned in, and suddenly the space between

Flower," he murmured, amusement curling the corner of his lips-the same lips that

mouth to respond, too distracted by the closeness, by the intensity of his gaze, to speak in time. "For... for your information-I'm not trying," I stammered, fighting to hold on to some semblance of strength. But against a man this

don't, Amore mio," he said, that infuriating smirk playing on his lips. The Italian accent rolled off his tongue so effortlessly that... forget it. "You're just trying

you want to believe," I snapped.

entire existence was some kind

toward us The woman wore a printed red. dress her gray hair neatly braided, tiny pearl earrings glinting in the light. The man sported a boldly patterned shirt-flowers,

and shorts ending ab the knee. They had a quirky, effortless charm, and I couldn't help but think...

followed mine. A slow, knowing smile

even blink, he was hugging both of

a bear-like embrace Honestly, I had never seen Alex like this not with

good! So good to see you," Thomas replied, patting Alex's back like they'd known

woman. She cupped his cheeks,

thought I'd wait until you finally noticed this poor kid sneaking free coffee. Tell me, how's Thomas treating you, darling?" He teased her gently, pulling her

Friendly, teasing, down-to-earth? I couldn't reconcile it