A Deal With The Devil

“Brynne, you’re late. Hurry!” yelled someone from the walkway of the gigantic cruise ship anchored on the busy New York Cruise Terminal.LS Ocean QueenBrynne Emerson read the name before searching the walkway. She rushed across the pier, lugging her trolley case behind her. It was over-stuffed, more than she needed for the 7-day luxury cruise to the Bahamas. It had been on her bucket list for the last three years, ever since she joined the prestigious multinational giant, Sylvester Financial Inc.Her gaze fell on her best friend and colleague, Daniella Pierce. Both of them had joined Sylvester together and grown with the company. While Brynne was promoted to the position of a Wealth Advisor, Daniella bagged the role of an Accounts Manager. They both earned this year-end vacation, a treat from their new employer, Lucian Sylvester, whom they were yet to meet.The erstwhile CEO, Benson Sylvester, had just retired handing the reins of the business to his grandson, the infamous Lucian Syl

Brynne watched him lean towards her, his hypnotic eyes holding her under his spell. Her breath hitched in anticipation. Would he kiss her? Her body reacted at the thought and moisture pooled in her underwear. The very thought of kissing him could do this to her. Then how would she react to his touch?This wasn’t like her at all. Brynne would never surrender to a man so reckless in her right senses. But was she in her senses?His fingers on her neck and shoulders calmed her, and she could hardly keep her eyes open. “Thanks. I should get going now.”“Stay.” His face was inches away from hers and she could feel his hot breath fanning her neck. Her heart pounded inside her ribcage and she gulped down her drink in one go.“I think I should g-go.” Yet she couldn’t get up and leave. Her head reeled from all the alcohol in her system.“What’s the hurry, Brynne? Stay with me for some time. Let me help you forget the as*hole who hurt you.” His fingers played with her hair, caressing her cheeks

The crew member handed Brynne a sealed envelope and left before she could ask him anything. She tore it open, only to find a chit of paper inside. Was this some kind of joke? Who was playing mind games with her? Was it Adam? Unfolding the chit with a scowl, she read the words scribbled on it in haste. Waiting for you.“What the f*ck!” Brynne muttered curses at the mysterious sender, crumpled the note and stuffed it inside her pocket. He could wait forever. She wouldn’t lose her sleep over some creepy notes. It was best to keep herself engaged. Not seeing any known faces around, she walked around aimlessly to explore the ship from bow to aft. It was a visual treat to see so many spectacular dining venues, entertainment options, impressive theaters, spas, fitness centers, art galleries, clubs, pool decks and onboard boutiques. “It’s so beautiful, Adam!” A familiar female voice caught her attention and she turned to see Adam and Miranda emerge from a jewelry shop opposite. The way Mi

He gave Brynne a skew little smile instead of answering her while his arm snaked around her waist to stop her from fleeing. Pulled flush against his chest, Brynne forgot to breathe. Why did he affect her so much? Despite the heady music and the gyrating bodies around her, Brynne was acutely aware of his intoxicating male scent and the warmth he exuded. Her senses came to life as if in memory of everything they had shared. Her body wanted a repeat while her mind battled against the temptation.Panic hit her, and she pushed at his chest. But it was an impossible task, with his grip tightening on her with every futile attempt to push him away. “Stop whatever you’re doing, Luke. I won’t do it again with you. I won’t step into your suite for a repeat of last night.”Her breath hitched when his lips grazed the erotic spot below her ear. “Do what, Brynne?”A gush of molten heat escaped her in response, contradicting her statements. Although her mind prodded her to run, her body refused to coo

Brynne blinked at his impossible demand. Should she throw caution to the wind and accept it? After all, the stakes were in her favor. What harm could a fake dating deal do? She had already lost her virginity to him. In return, she could teach Adam Carter a lesson!“Yes. I’ll accept the deal.” Luke smiled, satisfied by her answer. After all, this was what he wanted all along. Now, it seemed things were going the way he wanted. His gaze dropped to her luscious lips. Could he seal the deal with a smoldering kiss followed by a heated affair that could stretch all night? He knew she couldn’t resist his charm.The doorbell rang before he could start working on his plans. It brought Brynne out of her daze and she struggled to get free. “Someone’s at the door. Please,” she hissed nervously, glancing at Luke’s worried face. Thankfully, he released her and whirled around to open the door.Brynne peered outside to see a tall, svelte woman standing on his doorstep with a scowl on her face. She ha