His Forbidden Claim

{Sienna's POV}

If I had known what he meant to me, I would've never come back.

The Blackwoods have been the only family I've ever had since my parents met in a terrible road accident. I was only 12 when they took me. Zoe and I have always been so close, closer than friends, and our relationship is what made Adrian take me in.

Despite their efforts to make me feel like I belonged, I moved out as soon as I hit 18. I wanted to get out of the small town life, Zoe wanted to stay.

Six years later and here I was, standing at the lonely bus stop of the small old town that looked exactly the way I had left it. I'm 24 now, and I feel like I came back the same way I had left: with nothing.

"Sienna Quinn!!" A sudden squeal interrupted my pity party, and I turned around to see Zoe, standing across the road, in a white dress and brown boots.

"Zoe?"

"Sienna. I cannot believe it's you!" Zoe had crossed the road and lunged into my arms. We hugged for what seemed like forever before she pulled away. "I did not believe it when you called."

Called? I was practically running away from the life I had failed to hold onto. I was running away from my past.

"Yeah." I replied as I looked at her. Zoe still had that sweet and friendly smile that drew me to her when we first met. "I hope it's okay...that I'm here?"

Zoe shot me a look; I shrugged awkwardly. "Sienna. You're not a stranger here. This is your home too. I'm offended you asked me that."

I hadn't called in close to five years now, and still, Zoe didn't seem to hold a grudge. I truly didn't deserve her. "Thanks."

"Come, let's get you home. I am sure Dad's going to be thrilled to see you," Zoe said as she led me towards her truck.

Right. Adrian Blackwood.

I don't think that man has ever truly liked me. Zoe and I have always been close, so I figured he tolerated me just for that reason. His dislike for me started a few months to my 18th birthday. He could barely stay in the same room as me for five seconds, so yay, I'm excited to see him too.

Zoe talked most of the ride, telling me all about the town's gossip and whatnot. She was engaged now to the town's mayor, Brian, who was also one of our classmate, back in high school. Other than that, the town had barely changed. It felt like everything hit a stop when I left and continued when I returned.

Everything except him.

Adrian Blackwood.

I couldn't pull my eyes away from ripped form the moment Zoe pulled into the driveway. He was out by the side of the house, shirtless and chopping on some firewood. Despite how filthy rich the Blackwoods were, Zoe's dad had remained the same. He preferred to work on his farm instead of depending on his workers; he helped the townsfolk in case of any problems, and he willingly took me in without a moment's hesitation when I had no one.

"Sienna Quinn. You know that's my dad, right?" Zoe gasped as she carefully parked her truck. "You haven't closed your mouth since we drove in!!"

"God, no. Girl, no." I said as I turned around and when our eyes locked, we both burst into a fit of soft giggles.

Except yes.

"It's been years, Sienna. I cannot believe you're not over your little crush on my dad." Zoe said as she jumped off the truck. I climbed off after her to help her with my luggage. "You do know he's like an old man, right?" She asked teasingly.

"He's not that old—" I replied quietly, but Zoe's gasp confirmed that she had heard me. We used to do that thing back in high school, and it was all harmless teasing.

As far as I remembered, every other girl in school had a crush on Mr. Blackwood. Zoe hated it, especially since she had 'friends' over all the time. We both knew they came only to stare at the man.

"Dad!!!" Zoe suddenly called out, pulling me out of my thoughts. "We need some help!"

We did not.

I turned around, fixing my hair as Adrian started walking towards us. He had worn his shirt back up by the time he reached us.

"You remember Sienna, right, Dad?" Zoe asked as I turned around to face Adrian. His eyes locked on mine, and he seemed as if he were thinking. Had he forgotten me after only five years?

A soft frown started to form on my face at the thought. Zoe looked like she was about to die from holding something back. "Dad, stop." She finally said, and that's when a smile broke on Adrian's lips.

"Hello, Sienna. It's been a while," Adrian finally said as he pulled me close. My small frame disappeared in his large and strong embrace. His chest pressed on mine as the scent of his masculine cologne, mixed with sweat, invaded my nostrils.

He smelled like home.

"Hey, Mr. Blackwood." I replied softly as I pulled back from the hold. The last time I saw this man, he would always have a frown whenever I was around. Now he was smiling? At me?

"Alright. You girls go on ahead; I'll bring your stuff inside." Adrian declared as he reached over the open trunk of the truck and grabbed the largest suitcase. I packed heavy alright, and the realization flashed on Adrian's face when he pulled the second one.

"Come on, Sienna. We did some renovations a couple years ago, but Dad insisted we let your old room remain the same. I'll show you," Zoe announced as she linked her arm with mine and pulled me along.

Halfway to the door, I looked over my shoulder; call it instincts, and Adrian was looking, no, staring at me. The frown I remembered from six years ago was placed perfectly on his face.

It was an expression that looked more like a warning. Only I didn't know why.