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