"Grayson?" Mailah whispered, her heart beating fast against her chest. "Someone could walk in. The staff... the guards..."
Grayson paused, his blue eyes flashing with sudden, dark possessiveness. He growled softly under his breath, the idea of anyone else seeing her like this completely unbearable to his ancient pride.
"No one will see you," Grayson rasped against her lips. "You belong only to me."
Without letting go of her waist, he reached over to the heavy oak wall beside the pantry. He pressed a small, hidden silver button carved into the dark wood. With a quiet click and a smooth slide, a secret panel rolled back, revealing a cozy sanctuary built right behind the kitchen. Inside were soft velvet couches, warm glowing lanterns, and deep silk carpets.
Grayson picked Mailah up in his broad arms and carried her inside. The heavy door closed behind them with a soft click, blocking out the rest of the house.
