The food was indeed heavenly, and so was the ambiance of the little diner. Brynne could let down her guard and be herself. She could laugh and enjoy herself without a care in the world because the people hardly even glanced their way. “So tell me about the best part of your day.” Luke seemed extra attentive to her as he relaxed more now. “Obviously, the bioluminescence tour. It was a novel experience. I was so wrapped up, I hardly took any photographs!” She pouted in dismay while Luke grinned at her. “I did and I can forward them to you. But they come with a price.” Brynne smiled, knowing what his price would be. She was ready to pay any price. “Quote your price.” He smirked and shook his head. “I want the payment in kind.” Brynne waited for him to spell it out to her. Tucked away in a corner seat, she was sure no one could hear their heated conversation. The atmosphere was already crackling with the se*ual tension surging between them. Ever since the heated incomplete kiss they
Brynne knew her plan had failed. Luke wouldn’t let her leave. “I’m getting off your damn ship. I’ll book a flight and go home.” She continued packing while Luke stood transfixed on the spot with surprise. He hardly had expected her to leave. She rose to her full height and approached the door, tugging her luggage along, only to be blocked by Luke. “You aren’t going anywhere. Are you planning to escape your end of the deal?” Brynne seethed at his arrogance. “No, I’m done with your attitude, Luke. You might be a rich, egoistic as*hole who can buy the world, but you can’t buy my self-respect. I won’t have you trample on it and call me unnecessary names. Do you think I agree to shitty deals with rich bastar*s for money? You’re wrong then. Go, find yourself a wh*re who can please you better. Can you send me your account details? I’ll transfer the money to you for all the expenses incurred so far. Now move.” She shoved a stunned Luke aside and reached the door. Luke came to his senses an
Luke’s eyes flashed with arousal as he watched Brynne take over. He had to admit she was a very fast learner. What was she going to do with him? She shoved him on the bed, parting his legs just like he had done. Luke’s breath hitched in anticipation while his d*ck swelled with need. He watched her position herself between his legs. Completely shocked, he watched her in amazement. Their gazes locked, and he was already under her spell. She dipped her head to trail fiery hot kisses up his thighs, making his eyes flutter. “Jesus! I love that hot mouth of yours,” he muttered in a state of daze. She hadn’t even started, and he felt totally inebriated. Brynne stared at his hard, engorged d*ck and licked the top, all the while locking her gaze with his. She had no idea what she was doing. She just wanted to please him the way he had. “I’ve never done this before, Luke. Tell me if it isn’t right.” He reached out to cup her cheeks, guiding them to his organ. “You’re perfect, Brynne. I lo
Brynne woke up to a bright, sunny morning. Her lack of clothing reminded her of the intoxicating experience from last night. But where was Luke? The ship seemed to have slowed down. Had they reached the Bahamas?She dashed to the washroom to freshen up. Luke still hadn’t returned, and she pulled on a fresh set of clothes to go out and check. Her breath hitched in awe of her surroundings. Far ahead of her was the Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise in the Bahamas. They would spend their New Year’s Eve on the island tonight. Brynne couldn’t wait to spend it with Luke. Her glance fell on Luke, laughing with a group of women on the deck. Flanked by his bodyguards, he looked quite comfortable in their presence, as if he knew them all. Brynne’s body seethed with jealousy at the sight. Did he have a history with each of these women?“God! He’s insufferable! Remind me why I’m still with him!” Brynne whirled around and walked away to the elevator, just to avoid him. But she had no
They disembarked from the ship to the vast stretches of sun-kissed beach of the private island with a natural harbor for their cruise ship. It was almost like paradise on Earth! “Welcome to the Royal Cay, a private haven in the Bahamas!” Brynne gaped at him and then at the beauty all around. Did he own it? She had thought it was the Great Stirrup Cay, as Daniella had explained to her earlier. “Oh, do you own this place?” She blinked in a state of daze. How loaded was Luke to own an island here? Her gaze fell on the five bodyguards who followed them at a distance. No wonder he needed such heavy protection all the time. “Yes. So, do you like it?” She sputtered on her spit, and he chuckled at her adorable reaction. “Like it? I love it! Do you come here often?” She gazed at him with wide eyes. “Occasionally.” Brynne gasped with surprise. Wasn’t he weird? If she would have owned such a place, she would have lived here forever. Who wanted to live in New York? “Oh, you’re so odd.” He
Brynne gaped at Luke for a minute, trying hard to control herself from reacting. Did he have trust issues? It was a simple gesture. Yet he overreacted to her instead of appreciating her efforts. “Oh, I’ll keep that in mind. Don’t worry, I won’t expect you to marry me and sign all your wealth away to me in return. And I definitely won’t expect you to splurge on me and give me gifts in return for this meal. In case you’re in doubt, I can pay for my stay on your ship and here. Just quote your price.” She flashed a sweet smile at him and helped herself to the food she made. Why would she overreact to his retort when it didn’t apply to her?She could see Luke release a staggering sigh and help himself to the food in silence. “There’s no need to pay. I just clarified my point. Stop overreacting.” Brynne rolled her eyes at him. Was she overreacting? “And I clarified my point. We’re even I guess.” He nodded with a faint smirk tugging at his lips. It made Brynne conclude one thing about him
Brynne watched the passengers enjoy freely with their friends and family as she sped off with Luke to his private villa. This wasn’t what she had envisaged for herself. How would she face her colleagues after this cruise? “What’s the frown for?” Luke’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Nothing important.” She tried to ease her worries and enjoy her time with Luke. When the time came, she would figure out her work-related issues. “There’ll be a New Year’s Eve party on board. Would you like to check it out?” Brynne shook her head after much thought. She was not fascinated by the party when she had no friends with whom to enjoy it.“No. I’m fine with a quiet evening with you. Do you want to be there?” He gave her an exasperated look. She had the feeling he didn’t want to attend it with her. “Maybe later.” His phone on the dashboard buzzed with an incoming call. It was his grandpa calling. Luke groaned yet didn’t accept the call. Brynne gave him a clueless look. After five calls, the
Luke called his grandpa but strangely, he didn’t accept his call. What was going on? This was now getting on his nerves. He couldn’t afford to waste his time waiting to know what was going on. It would be best if he switched off his phone for a while. Switching off his phone, he walked back to the villa. Even from a distance, he could see Brynne waiting for him. It seemed she had served herself more champagne in his absence. Could he expect her to be wilder and more experimental tonight? He couldn’t wait to find out. Staying away from women hadn’t bothered him for ten years, but now, even a few hours of abstinence was driving him crazy. It was only for Brynne. Her ripe, curvy body attracted him like a magnet. She looked up to see him return. “Was it something urgent?” He shrugged and joined her on the sofa, picking up his sub to munch. “Grandpa didn’t take my call. I’ll find out later. What’s the hurry?” Brynne finished her lunch and watched him munch his. “You look tense. Are you
DaniellaBefore my body could react to his announcement, my phone buzzed with an incoming call from my mom. Startled, I almost jumped! Couldn’t Mom find another time to call? I was about to satisfy my urges and get kissed by the hot creature eyeing me like a piece of candy!“Your mom,” he reminded me, eyeing my phone as if I didn’t know that already. “Aren’t you taking her call?”I panicked. “No, she’ll know I’m with a guy! Her sixth sense is too strong! I can’t risk it.” The phone stopped buzzing, and I heaved a sigh of relief. But the magical moment was broken, and we just quietly cleared our lunch. Yet I couldn’t relax. I knew Mom’s nature. If she called once, she would do so repeatedly until she spoke to me.“So, what do you want to do now? Play twenty questions or rest?” We flopped onto the bed when my phone buzzed again.“Mom won’t let this go. I need to take this call. So shh, not a sound! You aren’t here. Get it?” I glared at him to force him to agree. What if he gave himself
Daniella I tried to block my ears to his silly banter with Mrs. Griffin. If we were to act as a married couple, these shouldn’t affect me, right? Yet it did. Coz this was uncharted territory, and all we shared was a kiss and a horse ride. “Okay, let’s start, everyone!” said Mrs. Griffin, walking away. Drake leaned in towards me, his eyes dancing with excitement. I wondered what he was so excited about! Me cooking or him watching me cook! “Make it finger-lickin' good! I’ll be watching you!” He turned to go, but I grabbed his hand. “Where do you think you’re going? Stay and help.” I released his hand and shoved the whole chicken towards him. “Massage the oil all over.” He gave me a lost look. “Are you sure?” I nodded and set about preparing the vegetables and ranch dressing. We were making grilled chicken in Wild West Sauce to start with. Although it was a very basic recipe, I was making the sauce for the first time. Mrs. Griffin yelled out her instructions while we struggled to
Daniella Toby’s saddle was perfect for double riding, but I couldn’t relax. It wasn’t because of the trauma I had just been through. It was because of the hottest male creature on earth perched behind me. With his body plastered to my back, I could feel every muscle ripple against me. I had seen him. And it worsened the situation. Even now, I could visualize him naked. He was a solid bulk of muscle with pure power emanating from every fibre of his body. I could feel his face inches from mine, and the temperature soared around us. Drake’s hot breath fanned my heated nape while his arms brushed against my sides as they handled the reins. He reached forward, his arms further encasing me inside his muscular body. I realized it was stupidity to mount in front of him. I should have known. “Are you okay, Daniella?” With his lips millimeters from my right ear, I could feel their movement as he spoke. “Yes,” I said, my voice a breathless whisper. My mind screamed in desperation, urging him
Daniella I tried to focus on my food instead of reacting to his admission. It was a difficult task indeed. “Must you flirt with every female you meet? You’re so pathetic, Drake Ashford!” “No, only you. All my efforts are now focused on you.” His face lost its goofiness as he spoke. If I didn’t know his true nature, I would have believed his shit and fallen for him already. “Why? Don’t tell me you’re short on offers. I’m sure there are others, easier to charm and easy to conquer.” Unconsciously, I held my breath, waiting for his reply.“I don’t want the others. I want you. Don’t worry, I love a clash before a conquest.” He grinned at my jaw-dropped look. I hadn’t expected that. “Overconfidence? You can’t conquer me. I’ll disappear from your life after the trip.” It wasn’t a future threat. I intended to do it. Staying around Drake challenged my emotional and mental well-being. I didn’t want to fall for the devil. This constant battle to resist him was taking a toll on me. If one kis
Daniella“Oh, thank you so much. We’re on a day trip from our honeymoon cruise. The cruise ship will leave Port Canaveral at 10 pm. So we should check out from here after dinner.” Drake winked at me before I could correct the cowgirl.What the fuck is he up to? Why was he pretending we were a honeymoon couple? Was he crazy? I glared at him, watching him chat with the receptionist. He completed the check-in formalities, totally ignoring my reaction.“Is there anything else you may need? We have a fifty percent discount on everything for honeymoon couples today. You’re our first couple! The rest are all families here for the rodeo.”My jaw dropped with surprise. “Oh! Why?”“It’s our owner, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin’s golden anniversary today!” she gasped, handing us our key card. “Your glamping tent is that way, sir, ma’am. Have an enjoyable stay.”“Thanks. That would be all for now. We’ll freshen up and bother you again.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me along. “Let’s go, baby! I can’t wait
Daniella Drake drove the rental car down the Florida Ramp towards Orlando Hwy, and a strange thrill coursed up my body. Knowing his reputation, I didn’t understand why I felt so excited to spend the day with Drake. Why was he killing me with his charm? Did he want to get into my pants? Definitely, yes. Yet my heart thumped wildly in my chest. My reaction to his attention surprised me. Why was I behaving like a hormonal teenager around her first crush? I was a twenty-five-year-old woman, having slept around with plenty of players like him. But there was something about Drake Ashford that pulled me towards him like a magnet. Somehow, I craved his attention. “Have you been to a dude ranch before?” His raspy bedroom voice brought me out of my thoughts. “No. My twin brothers prefer those. I’m more into the star-rated swanky hotels.” I hated the rustic, dirty camps and cabins in the countryside, with insects bothering me. The twins preferred glamping in those. “Oh, you’re lucky to have
DaniellaThe deafening sound of helicopter blades made me stir the next morning. Who was arriving on the cruise ship? “Wake up, sleepyhead. We’ll reach Port Canaveral in two hours. Let’s grab breakfast and head to Deck 4 to avoid the mad rush at the last minute,” said Julia, looking freshly showered and ready.I groaned and stretched, waking up finally. Why did we always have to rush around? Wasn’t this a vacation? “I want to laze around today! I’ve seen Port Canaveral and its attractions so many times.” She rolled her eyes and went over to the tiny window to check. “I haven’t, and you’re coming with me. Surely you aren’t planning to spend time with Drake Ashford, are you?”I turned to give her a sharp look. “No. Why should I?” Julia shrugged and sat down with her makeup kit. “Never mind. Hurry!” I didn’t share her enthusiasm, but I got ready, nevertheless. What would I do alone on a humongous cruise ship? After two hours, we lined up at Deck 4 to watch the cruise ship enter the p
DaniellaIt was evening, and Julia forced me to meet up with the gang for dinner. I had no wish to join them, but she was adamant. “What’s wrong with you? Are you sulking or what?” I gaped at her. Was I? “No. Why should I? Can’t a girl laze around for once?” My behavior surprised me. I didn’t f*cking care so much about a guy before. Then why was I overreacting to the player, Drake Ashford? “Then have dinner with us. I’m not opting for room service.” Julia pulled me along towards the grand dining hall of the cruise ship. As we entered the hall, I gasped at the crowd. The place was teeming with passengers, and I could see our colleagues all over it. “It’s so claustrophobic here, Julia. I don’t think we’ll get a place to sit.” I scanned the place to see our gang occupying a table right in the middle. “Oh, they’ve found a table. C’mon, it’ll be fun.” She pulled me along when my gaze fell upon Drake, sauntering in with the same woman. Blood boiled in my veins at the sight of him. So h
DaniellaI couldn’t stop the gasp of surprise as I stared at Drake. How did he know I had kissed Adrian on the cheek? Was he stalking me? “How do you know? It was a thank you peck on the cheek, not a kiss.”His handsome features lit up as he flashed me a crooked grin. “I was watching you. Whatever it was, you can do better for a ring.” His eyes dropped to my lips, and I licked them nervously. Why was I reacting so much to him? Wasn’t I immune to such pickup lines? ‘He’s flirting with you, Dani,’ I advised myself to stop the pounding of my heart. Yet shyness gripped my body, and I tried not to let the deep timbre of his voice throw me off. “You can’t buy me with expensive gifts, Drake. It’s the feeling behind it, the gesture that touches my heart. Did you go down on one knee? So?” I shrugged and eased out of his hold. I was terribly disappointed with my life. I had expected better from Drake. He almost made it look like a joke, slipping a fake ring onto my finger. Even Ted did bette