MADELINE POV

I woke up to a headache which I was positive was from all the crying last night. I checked the time on my phone and I had a bunch of missed calls and text messages from Lisa

It suddenly dawned on me that it was 1 in the afternoon and that I had completely missed the flight to Hawaii for the school trip. I had forgotten to set up my alarm last night and all of the crying had made me extremely exhausted that I was now just waking up.

Instead of crying or screaming about the whole situation, I just laid in bed as I stared at the ceiling. 

Maybe this was good. "Everything happens for a reason" my mother would say. How I missed her. I didn't mind missing a trip to Hawaii, as long as I would be able to see my mother during graduation was enough for me.

Although I wondered if Grayson had gone to the trip or if he'd forgotten to turn on his alarm as well. 

I decided to head towards the bathroom and wash my face.

As I stared at myself in the mirror I could see how red and bloated my eyes were. I threw some water on my face and I brushed my teeth. I then felt tears falling down my face as I realized I could have been in Hawaii right now having the time of my life with Grayson. 

I had been so excited about this trip that I had packed a week in advance. Now I was stuck alone in a large mansion with my negative thoughts. 

I wiped my tears and got out of the bathroom. 

To my surprise, I saw a handsome Grayson staring at me with concern in his eyes. I wanted to run to him and feel his warm embrace against my body. It felt cold being away from him. I missed my lovable boyfriend who did everything he could to make me happy.

"You didn't go to Hawaii?" I asked. 

"I went to your room to wake you up but you seemed so calm in your sleep that I didn't want to wake you up. You were sobbing last night and I knew you really needed some time to rest. I thought you might feel bad the next day so I felt it was best if we stayed home instead and I take care of you."

He was so sweet. He must have wanted to be by my side all night and embrace me as I cried. Maybe he wanted to calm me down and stop my crying like when we were kids. But he held back for my sake and allowed me to rest.

"Although if you don't want me to take care of you or if you don't want to be near me then I completely understand. And about Hawaii, you don't have to worry about that. There's a flight leaving at 4 that you can still catch. I can pay for your ticket so you don't have to worry about it." 

It seemed like he was trying really hard to make me feel better. 

"I also made us breakfast if you're hungry."

He was so cute and sweet. I walked over to him and embraced him. He immediately hugged me back as I felt him kiss my head.

"I'm so sorry Madeline for not stopping when you told me to. You have every right to be upset with me. I promise you that it will never happen again, but please don't cry. It hurts me just watching you in pain like that. Last night it took every ounce of power within me not walk into your room and hold you. I want to be the man to keep you safe and make you feel happy, but last night I did the complete opposite and I'm terribly sorry." I could hear the guilt in his voice. He was genuinely sorry for what he did yesterday. 

Although I knew it was finally time that I told him about my father and the terror I lived through as a child. 

"Can we sit down and talk about everything. There's something you need to know." 

He held my hand and kissed it.

"Of course my love, I'll listen to anything you have to say."

We walked downstairs to the living room and I told him everything. About how my father would abuse my mother and how we lived in constant fear. I even explained to him about the day my dad almost killed me. 

He seemed to recall the day his bullying went too far and how he had hurt me as my father did.

Grayson didn't say a word but instead began to cry. Tears and tears began to fall down from his beautiful eyes. He embraced me and repeatedly said he was sorry. I had never seen this man cry before until now

There was genuine remorse and guilt in the way he apologized. I could tell he felt my pain.
I couldn't help but cry as well now that I was finally taking to Grayson about such a serious topic. 

After a while of being in each other’s arms. Grayson began to talk to me about his childhood and why he had initially disliked me when we were kids.

"My mother had always wanted a girl. Especially since she already had a boy. As you know, Jack is a couple of years older than me. After she found out she was having another boy, she was devastated. Everything she had bought was for a girl so she decided to make me wear girl’s clothes. I didn't mind it then but she continued to dress me that way until I was in kindergarten. I was constantly made fun of at school, until one day I told my mother I wanted to stop wearing them. She simply cried and apologized to me. She promised me that it would never happen again and I began to wear boy’s clothes from that day. But later you came along. My mother looked so excited to have you in our house and quite frankly I felt jealous of you at the time. You were the girl my mother always wanted and I felt like she wouldn't want me anymore. Although to be honest I had developed a huge crush on you by then. It wasn't until after your accident that I realized I was in love with you and that I didn't want to lose you." 

It all made sense now. Grace had treated me like her own daughter and still does. This must-have worried Grayson when we were children since he was doubting his mother's love for him.

"I know that this doesn't make up for the way I treated you as a child, but I just wanted you to understand why I did it. I'm truly sorry for the awful way I acted back then, it hurts me every time I think about it since I love you so much." He kissed my hands. 

"Grayson it's alright. I understand why you did it and I forgive you." 

I leaning in to kiss Grayson when suddenly I heard the doorbell ring. 

My heart was beating fast. Ian and Grace were back from their trip to Europe. What were we going to tell them? 
“Look Grayson can we just keep our relationship status a secret from Ian and Grace? I don’t think I’m ready to let them know we’re dating just yet.” 

I was practically begging him at this point. Luckily he agreed.

“Fine, I won’t rush you into things. But this won’t prevent me from going into your room at night and cuddling up next to you.” 

He gave me a wink and then left to greet Ian and Grace. I breathed in and out as I prepared for my act. How did I act with Grayson before we started dating? 

I didn’t have much to think about that since Grace was heading towards me with a warm hug.

“I missed you both so much!” It felt great hugging Grace, it was almost like hugging my mother. 

“Grayson told me the news. He said you caught the terrible stomach flu and you both decide not to go the school trip.”

Oh, so that’s what he told them.

“I’m so proud of you Grayson for taking care of Madeline. It seems like you two got close.” She smiled at us both.

I gave her a nervous smile in return and then I quickly gave Ian a hug. 

“Alright, then why don’t we all head to the dining room. I made us all breakfast.” Grayson said as he grabbed their bags.

“Thank you so much Grayson.” Grace said as she and Ian walked towards the dining table.

I walked over to the kitchen to serve us all some plates with delicious food. Meanwhile, Grayson when upstairs to take their luggage in their bedroom.

Soon we all sat at the dinner table. Grayson sat next to me while Ian and Grace sat in front of us.

“So how was the trip around Europe?”

“It was unforgettable! We had amazing food and explored so many new cities that we had never heard of before. Ian even took me to the same spot he had proposed to me.” Grace looked over at Ian and they shared a passionate kiss.

I simply looked down trying to calm my nerves from having Grayson so close to me. It was hard not being able to kiss him or hold his hand.

“I apologize for that but I just love your mother too much I couldn’t contain myself.” Ian wasn’t much of a talker but when it came to Grace he always had something to say.

“Well apart from our amazing trip, we went to England to visit Ian’s family and we got to see your cousin William. He's all grown up now and he was asking for you Madeline. You know he's always had a crush on you. He's actually coming tomorrow all the way from England. He's starting University soon just like you two and he wanted to have a small vacation first. I gave him your number Madeline so you two can talk." Grace seemed extremely excited about this.

I, on the other hand, did not like the idea. I was in love with Grayson and we were currently dating. Being in a relationship with William was just not going to happen. But Ian and Grace didn't know that so I just had to pretend I was interested.

"Oh wow, William asked for me? I didn't know he felt that way about me."

"Well he does sweetheart and I feel like you two would make such an adorable couple. Give him a text." Grace was definitely happy about this arrangement.

"Ok sure." I felt bad turning down the invitation. Grace had always been sweet to me and she seemed so excited about this. Although I didn't plan to actually date William, I would just turn him down nicely. 

"If you will excuse me I'm heading over to my room." Grayson seemed upset as he stood up and went upstairs.

"Is he alright?" Ian asked.

"I'm not sure. He might not be feeling well,I hope he didn't catch my flu." I knew exactly why Grayson was upset. But still I wasn't ready to tell Ian and Grace about my relationship with Grayson. Especially now with all of this issue regarding William.

"I'll go and check up on him." I said before heading upstairs to meet with Grayson.

As I reached upstairs I knocked on his bedroom door. He immediately opened it  and closed it, allowing me inside. He then pushed me against the wall and kissed me. My hands were above my head as he pressed himself against me.

I kissed him back missing his warm embrace. 

"I don't want William in our house. He can't take what's mine!" Grayson was very upset.

I gave him a quick peck on the lips and I lead him to his bed. We sat next to each other while holding hands.

"It's alright Grayson. I don't plan to date William nor will I lead him on. I love you and only you. I've told you before, you are mine as I am yours. I will tell him about our situation and I know he will understand." 

All of this could be solved if only I was willing to tell Ian and Grace about my relationship with Grayson. But I was still terrified of having them find out. 

Would they think badly of me if I fell in love with their son? I mean they had always seen us both as their children. Many viewed us as siblings, including Grace and Ian. I was terrified they would be disgusted with me for falling in love with a man I should see as a brother.

Although the reality of it all is that I wasn't related to Grayson in the slightest. He was never my brother nor did he ever act like one. So why was I so scared of being open about my relationship with Grayson? 

I came to the conclusion that deep down I was scared of falling in love to an individual who could leave me. My father had been a terrible person and I hadn't seen my mother in years, so growing up I felt abandoned by my parents.
What if Grayson did the same?

I stared up at Grayson and his worried eyes. I could tell how much it hurt him that I didn't want to tell anyone we're dating. 

"I will tell your parents about our relationship tomorrow. I need time to mentally prepare before actually doing it. Being away from my own parents so long has scared me to become close to anyone else. I just don't want to lose you too Grayson. Don't worry about William, I'm not in love with him. Nothing is going to happen between us and I will make sure he knows you're my boyfriend." I hugged Grayson as I placed my head on his warm chest. Hearing his heartbeat while my body laid against his always calmed me down. This man made me feel safe and loved. I could never leave him.

He kissed my head and began to lightly brush my hair with his fingers.

"I'm sorry my love, for pressuring you to be open about our relationship. My biggest insecurity is that someone will take you away from me and that we won't ever be together. I love you so much Madeline and it would kill me if I lost you." I could feel his embrace grow tighter.

"It's alright Grayson, i'm sorry too. I was too caught up with my own insecurities that I didn't think about how you were feeling. I will clear things up tomorrow with both your parents and William." We shared a gentle kiss and then we headed downstairs to meet Ian and Grace. 

"How are you feeling Grayson?" Ian asked. 

"I'm alright dad, don't worry." Grayson answered.

I made sure to stay somewhat separated from Grayson for the time being. I couldn't have Ian and Grace finding out about our relationship so soon. I wasn't prepared yet.

"How about we watch a movie together! I want to spend time with my kiddos. You two will be moving out soon for University." Grace was excited for our University life but I knew she was sad to see us go.

"Yeah sure" I said. 

We all headed over to the theater room. Ian and Grace set next to each other while Grayson and I did the same. This wasn't out of the norm since Grayson usually sat next to me. 

"I want some popcorn" Grace said.

Grayson immediately stood up.

"I can do it! Can you help me out?" He looked at me and I had no choice but to go with him. 

We walked over to the kitchen and I grabbed a bowl while Grayson put the popcorn packet in the microwave. Then he walked over to me and embraced me.

"It's hard not being able to hold you all of the time. I want to touch you and kiss you whenever I can." 

I could tell that keeping our relationship a secret was killing him.

"Grayson it's only for a day. I promise everything will go back to normal tomorrow. Everyone will know that you are mine as I am yours." 

"I like the sound of that." Grayson then began to kiss me. I couldn't stop myself from doing the same. It was a slow seductive kiss as I wrapped my arms around his neck. 

He picked me up and sat me on the kitchen counter. Then he pulled me closer to him without breaking the kiss. I could feel his hard on rubbing against my core. 

"I want you so bad." He whispered in my ear as he began to kiss my neck. He licked and sucked on the spot leaving me with a mark. 
He then slipped his hand under my shirt as he grabbed my breast. I felt him massage them as he touched my hardened nipples. I bit my lip trying to control my moans. 

"I'm trying so hard not to lose control right now princess. But you're too damn sexy right now that I don't know if I can." 

"You can't, I don't…" I whispered.

I was in a daze from how much attention he was giving my body.

"You don't what baby? You don't want me to keep touching you?" He said in a teasing manner as he kissee my neck once again.

I felt him begin to rubbed his large hand against my core. He occasionally pressed his fingers inside me making me bite my lips even harder. I was terrified that I would moan loudly and Grayson's parents would walk in and see us. This was not the way I wanted them to find out about our relationship.

We heard the sound of the microwave stop which meant the popcorn was done. 

I lightly pushed Grayson away and I stood up.

"Let's get back to the theater room or your parents might get worried." I quickly poured the popcorn in the bowl and I headed out. I couldn't stare at Grayson. We were practically making out in the kitchen while Ian and Grace could easily catch us. My cheeks were a bright red which I hoped no one would notice.

"Here you go." I handed Grace the bowl.

"Thank you Madeline. Darling your face is bright red. Do you have a fever?" Concern showed on both Ian and Grace's face.

"Oh I'm ok. It's just a bit hot in here. Maybe I'll just throw some water on my face to cool down." 

"Alrighty" They said.

I quickly ran into the bathroom to try and calm myself down. It was thanks to Grayson that I felt this way. I breathed in and out trying to forget about my little make out session with Grayson and I headed back to the theater room. 

As I walked over to Ian and Grace I quickly sat down next to Grayson.  It was nerve wracking already just by being so close to him that I didn't dare look at him.

After calming down a bit I was able to enjoy the film. Although it didn't last long since halfway into the movie I began to feel a warm hand on my leg. 

I turned to Grayson to see him staring straight at the large movie screen with a smirk on his face. He was doing this on purpose.

I tried to move his hand away but he was way too strong. He guided his large hand even lower and began to touch my core.

Ian and Grace were too into the movie to notice our little situation. The lights were all off so they couldn't really see us even if they turned to their side.

He pressed a finger into my core making me hold a moan. The only barrier between his hands and my bare skin were my pants. 
Grayson loved to tease me and I didn't hate the things he did to me. Although this moment truly wasn't the best time to do this.

I tried to push his arm away but still it was of no use. This man was extremely strong. I looked at him hoping I could tell him to stop but he just smirked at me putting more pressure on my sensitive core. It felt amazing the way he touched me. I bit hard onto my lips to hold my moans and soon I had reached my climax.

He immediately stopped and then whispered something in my ear.

"I couldn't help but want to touch my beautiful girlfriend. If only the world knew you were mine and we didn't have to keep this a secret." He kissed my ear and then grabbed my hand. We watched the film while holding hands the entire time.

I guess he was still upset about me not wanting to be honest about our relationship. Grayson was quite possessive of me so having Grace try and hook me up with William was definitely irritating for him. Especially since everyone thought I was single.

After the film was done we all headed over to the dining room to eat pizza. Everyone was too tired to cook so this just felt like the best option. 

"I almost forgot to tell you, Jack is coming back tomorrow as well. He will be arriving late so we might not see him during the day. He's bringing his girlfriend with him and they've decided to stay at a hotel. I was sad he didn't plan to stay here with us for a while but it's understandable." 

I loved Jack. I always saw him like an older brother. He always defended me whenever Grayson and I got into fights as kids. He was the friend I could confide in.

It was hard for me when he left for University but I was excited to see him come back.

"I can't wait to see him! I'll be reuniting with my mother and Jack on the day of my graduation. Two of my favorite people." 

"Indeed Madeline I'm equally excited." Grace responded.

We all finished eating and we headed upstairs to our rooms.

As soon as Grace and Ian where no longer in sight, Grayson and I shared a sweet kiss.

"I love you." Grayson said giving me a warm hug. 

"I love you too!" I told think before heading to my room. 

I was positive Grayson wanted to sleep in the same room as me but it was safer if we were separated for the time being. I laid in bed somewhat worried about tomorrow. Everyone would know about my relationship with Grayson. I just hoped everyone would be supportive of our decision.

END OF CHAPTER 13

(I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!😆 Don't forget to vote if you enjoyed! I apologize for the bad grammar I just wanted to post something as soon as possible since I haven't updated in awhile.🥺 I posted chapter 12 and 13 today since I haven't updated in a long time. Thank you all for reading!😁)