kalani depradine

My eyes slowly fluttered open, seeing the room was still dark with the exception for this bright screen. Grayson wasn't asleep, but instead on his laptop. Thankfully this time he wasn't on the phone because he was making it a routine to answer phone calls in the middle of the night.

"Why are you working right now?" I uttered into the pillow. "Our engagement party is tomorrow. Actually, scratch that. It's today," I looked at the alarm clock on his nightstand for the time. It was one in the morning.

"It's the afternoon in Shanghai. I have to revise this budget plan, project timeline, create a list of all signed investors. And it all needs to be sent in the next two hours," he explained while keeping his eyes on the screen. I sat up to bring myself closer. Sitting behind him, I kissed along his back while I rubbed his shoulder. "I shouldn't have let Tracey have time off." That was the first he actually got her name right and I shouldn't have been impressed by it. I felt bad Grayson was now swamped in all this work because Tracey chose to take the weekend of our engagement party off. But she has a life and it doesn't revolve around Grayson.

"We're supposed to be celebrating our engagement today. You shouldn't be working."

Grayson has been doing a great job at taking breaks from work. For Christmas we went to his house in the Hamptons. It was our first Christmas together and Amelia's first Christmas, so he made sure to not bring work into the mix. This was the first year he allowed his employees to have the holiday off and they were forever grateful.

"What can I do to help?" I offered my assistance in anyway possible.

"You can lay beside me and continue sleeping. Your snores are calming."

I gasped, putting my massaging of his shoulders on hold. "I do not snore."

"You do. You talk too. You're lucky I'm a heavy sleeper," he said making me laugh. Grayson isn't someone who should have their sleep interrupted. Just like Amelia, he'll be grumpy for the entire day if he doesn't get the proper amount.

"I'm serious. I want to help. I've used this software before. Just tell me what to do," I removed my laptop from my nightstand, having him send me everything I needed. He gave me clear instructions I followed because this couldn't be any less than perfect.

We spent the next two hours perfecting everything for a virtual meeting he would be having with business men from China. Everything needed to be prepared and sent to them a day before the meeting. Leave it to Grayson to have an important meeting the day after an important day. I was in no place to say anything about the matter, so I kept my mouth shut and got to working. It's the most work I've done since giving birth and it made me miss having more productive days.

"All submitted. Meaning no more working for rest of the day," I closed both our laptops, putting them onto my nightstand.

"Unfortunately, I'll be hiding away in the home office until the moment of the party," he smiled just as I frowned. "I'm sorry for waking you."

"I'm sure you can make it up to me," I bit my lip when he dragged my body under his, placing tender kisses on my neck. Having him touch me felt like heaven.

"I can think of a few ways," he breathed onto my skin.

The large t-shirt I wore rose up with his hands cupping my breasts. He removed his lips from my skin, pulling my legs apart. I shut my eyes at his mouth going between my legs.

"Oh." A breath left my lips when his tongue met with my folds completely wet for him. I held the sheets under me when he inserted his fingers and kept his tongue at my clit. His mouth and fingers made me lose all train of thought and made me sink further into the mattress.

I've always been the slightest bit intimidated by Grayson's age. He's far more experienced than I am and I worried it would affect our sex life. But Grayson's experience has been the highlight of us in bed. He makes me feel cared for and catered to and he teaches me things. He cares about my own pleasure and always wants to please me before anything else.

His stubble scratched along my thighs as I pulled his head closer because I didn't want him to stop. He was sucking and kissing and I never felt this type of sensation before and when I reached my orgasm, I was almost embarrassed of the noises I couldn't help but let out. But he didn't seem to care.

"Gray," I spoke under my breath. Grayson kissed along my body and removed my shirt in process. He showed attention to both my breasts until he finally kissed my lips. And on his tongue I could taste traces of myself and I loved having me on him. "I love how good you are at that," I whispered as my body wrapped around his. He groaned, rubbing his erection against me through his briefs. I wanted him so bad and honestly didn't care if we had to wake up in few hours to prepare for our party.

"It helps that you taste so good and that I enjoy hearing you scream my name," he bit my lower lips.

We fell asleep shortly after and had woken up later to Amelia crying in her bedroom. Grayson was proactive, squeezing me from his arms so he could go.

"Sing her that song she likes. And use the yellow pacifier," I told him before he could leave. While he calmed her down, I took the chance to take a shower and begin getting ready.

Taya had found a great makeup artist who would be doing my makeup for tonight. If she did good enough, she would also be doing my makeup for my wedding. I also had an appointment for my hair early this morning. I wanted a change and the last time I had box braids was over a year ago. It's not a protective style I normally use for special occasions, but felt like it needed to be done.

Once I finished blow drying my hair, I forced it into a bun then rushed down the stairs to answer the door. The nanny had arrived. She was an older women who was experienced.

Grayson and I searched high and low for a qualified person. It was application after application. Neither of us were okay with just anyone watching Amelia for the day. But considering both our families would be at the party, we were left with no options but finding a nanny.

"Hi, they're just upstairs. Grayson!" I called out as I opened the door for her to come inside. Even though he wouldn't be leaving the house until later, the nanny had arrived early because he wanted to hide away in his office until it was time to go.

Grayson came down the stairs, disregarding being shirtless with his sweatpants resting low. I looked away from him when I felt my cheeks heat up. "I'll be in my office. Don't disturb me unless the house is burning down," he kissed Amelia's cheeks, then gave her to the nanny. I quickly kissed Amelia then headed through the house to the garage. "Don't be late, okay? You need to be back here at 4 if we want to get there on time," he instructed and I nodded. The plan was to get my hair done, go to the makeup studio then come straight back home to get dressed.

"Yeah I know. Don't work too hard. It's supposed to be a happy day," I kissed his nose as he opened the car door for me.

-

For someone who insists they don't have friends, Grayson had hundreds of people show up for him. I guess it's the luxury of having Astor as your last name. I now understood why Grayson hates large public events. Chills travelled the surface of my body every time I thought about my plans for the night. His words were on repeat in my head and were reminding me of why I even agreed to do this party.

"We need to start making appearances together."

I know Grayson's status means keeping up appearances and having a certain portion of his life publicized. It was something I was going to have to get used to.

The dress Grayson bought me was the most breathtaking thing I have ever owned and it was only my engagement dress. It was a mini dress with a bustier top and off the shoulder sleeves. The dress was between white and sparkly silver, shimmering in the light. Not only did my dress look like magic, but my hair suited it perfectly. The hairdresser gave me these long knotless box braids, tied into a half up half down. My stilettos were a sparkly silver and were the most comfortable pair of shoes I now owned.

When we had arrived, paparazzi filled the entire outside of the building and I was shocked at how many people were interested in Grayson's soon to be marriage. I underestimated the type of attention his last name brings. The ballroom had double doors which opened and showcased the large space filled with tables, a stage and a bar. The area was completely full of faces I didn't recognize. The people here for me and the people here for Grayson were very uneven.

As soon as we entered the room, their attention came to us and they gave us an applaud and cheer. Since Grayson refused to smile, I gave one big enough for the both of us.

"I need a drink," Grayson led us to the bar where he ordered us both a drink.

"That makes two of us," I muttered. I couldn't drink much since I'm still breastfeeding, but I felt like I needed a drink now more than ever.

Grayson immediately indulged in his scotch and I took small sips of my cocktail, following him around as he had conversations with people. They were kind and greeted me like I wasn't the outsider Blake insists I am.

"He just got out of jail a week ago. He was in there for five months without bail. Something about illegal drugs being found at all his casinos. When he was released, all his charges were dropped," Grayson quietly informed me while gesturing to a man who was further away. He was invested in a conversation with another man who he looked at as more than friends. The flirting was clear from this side of the room.

"That's insane. How?" I was intrigued in the story, being in shock this is something happening in real life. But I knew he was not only telling me this because he loves gossiping, but because he could see how nervous I was. He wanted to say something to calm me down.

"When you have enough money, law enforcement is on your side. He was smart and didn't let things become public. If he had, he would've been fucked," he pulled me closer by the waist. Money earns you power and that's clearly something many people in this room have. "The woman over there, her husband is friends with my father. She's your age and on her fifth child with the man. He married her as soon as she turned eighteen." If he's friends with Blake, the age gap between the woman and the husband would be over thirty years.

"That is..."

"Repulsive. I know," he shared his distaste through his voice. I couldn't believe these people were at our engagement party and were potentially going to be at my wedding. They were murderers and drug lords and pedophiles. No wonder Grayson chooses to dissociate himself from them. I would rather have no friends than pretend to be okay with these people's actions.

"Kalani!" Paige stumbled over to me in her heels. By the way she walked, it was obvious she was already drunk off champagne. "I think I'm going to cry."

"Why? What happened?" I held her free hand. I first thought maybe her ex boyfriend might be here and I was ready to round up my brothers to beat this guy up.

"Because you're so beautiful. Grayson, did you tell her how stunning she looks? You look like a princess," she babbled on and on, actually looking like she might cry. I received a lot of compliments that night, but hers stuck out to me the most. "Your hair. I love it," she reached to touch a braid but I moved my head out of the way. Grayson's phone rang and he removed his hand from my waist, immediately making my body feel empty.

"I have to take this. I'll be back."

"No. No. You said no work, remember? You said tonight you wouldn't even look at emails," I complained.

"It'll take two seconds. Hello?" He walked away to answer and I was left with a far from sober Paige. I realized early the only way I was going to make it through this night was with a few drinks. The champagne tasting amazing didn't help. My family seemed to be enjoying themselves. They're not used to big social events like this and it was a nice change. Since my mother and Elena had already been hanging out prior to the party, my mother already had a heads up of how these things go.

Some of my night was spent with Grayson while he continued to introduce me to people. Other parts were with his sister, my sister and Ivy. There were speeches where people said kind words about both Grayson and I.

But I needed a breather. This was all a lot to take in and thankfully there was a balcony I could sneak off to. The view from up here was amazing. I've never seen a view so nice and I stood here longer than I should have. My head was in a daze, thinking about how I landed here. Here with New York City's elites in a dress making me feel like I was in a fairytale, wearing a ring costing more than a car. It was all happening because I was bored one random Friday and thought I would go to a hotel bar on my own. The last thing I expected was to hook up with a man the entirety of New York City is obsessed with. I never would've expected that because of this man, I would give birth to the most amazing daughter or that I would be marrying him after knowing him for only a year.

"Quite the view. They don't have this in the Bronx, now do they?" Blake entered the balcony with a drink in hand. He wore a three piece suit, indeed tailored for him. On his face was the most devilish smirk. It seemed unnecessary for him to remind me where I come from, but I know it was just his sick way of reminding me I'm beneath him.

"No," I looked away from him, hoping if I looked away maybe he would dissolve, but he stayed and continued talking. Grayson said he wouldn't be attending our wedding, so I don't know why he was at the party.

"You and your family are...you may dress up, and try to play the part, but you will never be us. You will never be good enough for my son," Blake spat hurtful words my way. For someone who neglected his son for a majority of his life, I couldn't believe he was acting this way. And to come for my family? If I was in an argumentative mood, I would say it felt racially motivated. But I wasn't going to go there.

"Grayson is a grown man. He can make decisions for himself," I answered. The same feeling Grayson gets when Blake speaks to him is how I felt. All words were being wiped from my head and he made me feel so small and insignificant.

"You're right. And sometimes he makes the wrong one. Sometimes he makes mistakes," Blake brought his glass to his lips.

I gulped, holding onto the banister. He was looking at me and I could feel his eyes crawling on my skin.

"Kalani. Come here," Grayson's voice came from the entrance. Blake and I both turned, seeing Grayson looking back and forth between us. Without looking at Blake, I went straight to Grayson. He didn't say anything. All he did was pull me into the building where we could get as far from Blake as possible. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing," I shook my head. What he said to me isn't words I would want to repeat.

"Am I to assume you guys were just twiddling with your thumbs?" Grayson looked down at me with unamused eyes. I sighed, knowing he wasn't going to let this go.

"He was just congratulating us," I shrugged. I was covering for Blake and I don't know why. But the last thing I wanted was drama here.

"My father would never. He's vocalized how he feels about this," Grayson scuffed, taking a sip of his auburn coloured drink.

"Maybe he's had a change of heart," I fixed his lapels despite how perfect they already looked. Grayson looked like a god tonight. Even with the suit, you could see the shape of his muscles. His hair was cut fresh today and he had this nice fade. He's also been letting his beard grow and I loved the stage it was at.

"That would require him to have a heart to change. Not only does he not have a heart, but he's incapable of change." I wasn't doubting it. From what Grayson has told me, it looks like his father has not changed much over the years. I don't understand how Elena can be with him.

"Isn't that exactly what people have always said about you? And look at you now," I smiled up at him. His eyes narrowed on me and I got to fully examine their greenish colour, contrasting with his dark lashes.

"Hm," his hand went into his pocket.

"Fuck you and your hm," I teased but a smirk appeared on his face.

"That can be arranged," he bit his lip, setting his drink down on the nearest table. His hand went to my shoulder, running his fingers along my arm.

"You're thinking about that now?" I laughed, because I underestimated how much he thinks about sex. He was upholding his promise of only coming when it's in me, but I underestimated how often he's horny.

"My fiancée is very pretty."

Grayson has used many kind words to describe my beauty, but pretty was a new one. Hearing the word made my heart tingle. I know I am a beautiful person, but hearing it from Grayson is always different.

Sliding my hand into his, I kissed his knuckles then held them to my chest. He looked at me in shock of the random display of affection.

A dance floor had opened and my family and friends took up a majority of it. At the start, Grayson's guests were hesitant about joining. I don't think they've ever seen so many black people. But once they warmed up, many of them were also on the dance floor and I couldn't help but join. I knew it would be too much to ask Grayson to join, so he stayed on the sidelines.

When we walked out of there, I had downed five glasses of champagne. I was a good tipsy and I wished the night didn't have to end.

"Car is this way," Grayson tried to lead me to the left, but I tugged us right. "Kalani," he gave me this look to deter me from wanting to get in any trouble.

"Dessert," I whined. "There was a cupcake store on the way here," I held his hand as we walked along the street.

"You just had cake," he reminded me with a face dying to smile but he was holding it in.

"And now I want a cupcake," I disregarded my dress continuing to ride up the longer we walked. The hope of cupcakes was keeping me going.

"You have an insane sweet tooth. How do you not have cavities?" He complained and was right in doing so. Some days he'll buy me skittles on his way home from work and I'm lucky if they last me two nights.

This isn't something Grayson and I ever do. We don't walk in the city like some normal couple. Even though him and I will never be a normal couple, I would be crazy not to hop on every opportunity I have to do it.

We were walking for a while until we found the cupcake shop was closed five minutes ago. There was still an employee in the store who noticed us standing outside. She pointed to the closed sign and received a frown from me. She approached the door, opening it up to speak with us.

"We're closed," her voice was flat and showed no evidence of doing an act of kindness.

"I know. But it's five minutes past closing and your cupcakes are still right there. Please. I've been thinking about them all night," I tried to work my magic which didn't seem to be working. "How about a cupcake and a really good review left to your manager? What's your name? I'll tell them you have exceptional customer service," I offered. That would've worked on me.