“Ignore Audrey’s jabs. She’s a spoiled brat with no filter to her mouth.” Luke smiled at her as he watched the confusion in her eyes. He knew Audrey’s words had affected her. What would he do if she changed her mind? No, he had to convince her. “What did she mean? Do you have a history with her?” She still sat there sulking while Luke lost his patience. “We just grew up together. Our grandfathers are best friends.” Brynne understood he was downplaying the reality. There was more to the picture than met the eye. “Anyway, forget Aubrey, and let’s pick up where we left off.” “Not tonight. I want to catch up on some sleep right now. I can use the spare bedroom or go back to my cabin.” He glared at her for a second before scooping her up in his arms and striding towards his bedroom.“I’ll punish you if you do that, Brynne. Don’t forget you made a deal with me. You’re stuck to me for the next six days.” She struggled to get free. “Will you force me?” He nodded, amusement sparkling in hi
He slid her clothes slowly off her body, letting it slip and pool on the floor. “Holy f*ck, Brynne! You look more beautiful every time I see you.” Brynne melted at his words, remembering he had called her beautiful last night when he first saw her. It was a hazy recollection, but she somehow felt he was reliving the moments they had shared last night. He kissed her again, slowly, frantically until he was lying on top of her, his erection pressed against her s*x. He felt so good that Brynne writhed under him, needing more. His hands explored her body, knowing exactly where to touch her. He released her mouth and locked his eyes with hers, while his hand inched to her breasts. Leaning down, he kissed each of them in reverence.“Mmm, you’re f*cking delicious!” He licked his lips, swirling his tongue while kneading the other. Brynne arched her body, fishing her hands into his hair while her head swam with euphoria. She had a hazy memory of feeling something similar last night. So they w
Brynne hated returning to Luke’s empty suite, but she had no choice. Staying there was a better option than going back to the cabin and facing Daniella and Adam again. It was strange that Adam had not called her since last night. Nor did Daniella. It hurt her tremendously, as she had always considered them her own. For the last two years, she tried her best to help and bond with them. But it seemed it was all one-sided. They didn’t consider her a friend. She wandered aimlessly, watching the ship gear up for the three-night gala New Year’s party starting the next evening. While everyone would enjoy themselves with their friends and loved ones, Brynne would have no one to share it with. Luke had clearly excused himself for the next two days. Or was it forever? Did he lose interest in her after getting what he wanted from her? Was this an excuse to dismiss her? Maybe he couldn’t directly ask her to get out after having his way with her. She somehow had the feeling he wouldn’t return.De
Luke stormed to Deck 17 to meet his grandpa, Benson Sylvester.Yes, he was the one and only Lucien Sylvester, the most notorious man in the city. His bad reputation had earned him the nickname of a devil. As such, all the bi*ches flocked to him like bees to honey. But he didn’t need them at the ripe age of thirty-two. He needed a genuine woman, a woman who could handle his children and his reputation. He needed someone selfless who wouldn’t choose him for his wealth. Such a woman was impossible to find. He had already given up hope when his grandpa suggested Brynne’s name. Having worked with her for two years, Benson Sylvester had recognized Brynne’s nature but Lucien hadn’t believed him.He had been through shit when his wife, Celine Davidson, left him for an older man with more wealth and power. He was just twenty-two and burdened with a son from his love-less wedding. If only his grandpa had listened to his pleas before plunging in to help his childhood best friend, Chris Davidson
Brynne waited all morning for Luke, but it seemed he had forgotten her existence. There was chaos all around, and she opened the door and walked out to the deck. To her immense surprise, the ship was heading towards Port Canaveral, Florida. Her heart skipped a beat at the prospect of exploring something different for a change. She rushed inside, picked up the cruise itinerary, and found out the details. The ship would remain docked until 10 pm and they were free to explore Orlando until then. In ten minutes, she was ready. She locked the room and inched toward the elevator. Luke hadn’t even called her and she knew he might still be with his grandpa and Aubrey. She shouldn’t have trusted him.All the passengers on board were queuing up on Deck 4 to alight from the ship after 2 days of being at sea. Brynne was eager too, but scanned the crowd for known faces. Thankfully, she didn’t recognize the crowd so far. Hoping she didn’t collide with Adam and Daniella, she listened to the instru
The limousine dropped them near a tall structure that looked like the sail of a ship. While Brynne tried her best to figure it out, Luke seemed busy steering her forward. “What’s this?” “Oh, it’s the Exploration Tower - an observation deck. Each floor offers a magnificent view of the area, and you can see all the ships docked here.” With his hand on her elbow, he led her to the elevator. It was jampacked with tourists and Brynne was almost plastered against his body. A tremor of need coursed through her body in response. He wasn’t immune to her, either. She could feel him harden against her. Finally, the torture ended, and they were pushed along with the crowd to the first floor. “There’s your ship,” gasped Brynne excitedly, and he smiled at her enthusiasm. Brynne was glad she received less jealous looks here. Maybe it was because most of the people didn’t know Luke. With Luke standing plastered against her back as they stood on the observation decks, Brynne was more aware of him t
“Are we going to Disney World? I’ve never visited one.” Brynne tried to cheer him up, and it miraculously worked. Luke smiled and looked up at her. “I was thinking of visiting Topgolf. I have a membership there.” Brynne’s face fell with disappointment, but she didn’t protest. He was the host, taking her to places for free in his limousine. “We will go to Disney World if that’s what you want.” Brynne smiled but somehow had the feeling there was a catch hidden somewhere. Luke wasn’t doing her a favor. And she knew what he wanted from her. The limousine dropped them at the entrance of the park. Luke’s guard, who might have traveled with them, procured VIP tickets and a staff arrived to guide them around the place. “Hello, sir, ma’am! Welcome to Walt Disney World, Orlando. I’m Steve, your guide from Smartours Orlando. Our concierge service has booked all the rides for you in advance. We have you covered. So, shall we start?” They got into his car and he guided them through Lightning
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
Luke rushed inside, panicking at the sight of his wife. “Damn! I knew it.” He crouched to Brynne’s level and patted her cheeks. “Brynne, wake up. I’m here to take you home.” There was no response. Luke gave the staff a stressed look. “Help me revive her. I need water.”He rushed to the table nearby to get a bottle of water. Luke sprinkled a little on Brynne’s face and she stirred, opening her dazed eyes and focusing on him blankly. He lost his patience. Getting up, he picked her up in his arms and turned to the clueless staff. “Can you get her luggage? I’m taking her home.” The staff nodded and collected Brynne’s belongings. Luke could feel her lost gaze on him, but he couldn’t meet her eyes. Guilt washed over him at seeing the condition she was in. What would have happened if he hadn’t arrived on time? He shuddered at the thought.“Luke, put me down. I’m not going anywhere with you.” Her words brought him back to reality, and he looked down at her. The staff stopped collecting h
Luke slumped into a chair nearby, feeling totally devastated. Adam and Miranda shared looks of pity. “What have I done? How could I believe Celine? I should have known.” He covered his face in despair. Miranda brought him some water to get a grip on himself while Adam sat opposite his ex-employer. Although he hated his boss for everything he had done to destroy his life and career, he didn’t show it. “Have some water, please. You can call Brynne and apologize, Mr. Sylvester.” Luke looked up at the helpful couple he had unknowingly wronged for no fault of theirs. Adam wasn’t into Brynne and never could be. He loved Miranda a lot the way he loved Brynne. He understood now what it meant to love someone. There couldn’t be anyone else but the one you loved. It should be the same for Brynne, too. “Thank you.” He accepted the water. The cool liquid went down his system and he felt a little better. “Brynne has switched her phone off. I went to her house. She hasn’t been there at all. Ted g
Luke watched the cops arrest the rat, Dennis Howard, the PA of their Sr. Tender Manager, Ken Gallagher. It took Luke and his team all day to collect evidence against him. But it was all over now and he could go home. The team left, and he walked over to his cabin to get his bag. However, the moment he stepped inside, his breath hitched, remembering his morning ordeal. Brynne had obviously gone home, leaving the paternity test report on his desk. He sighed and picked it up. Why didn’t she decline his accusations with proof? Why didn’t she tell him she wasn’t pregnant? Celine was right. She didn’t love him. Absent-mindedly, he picked up the report to stash it in his pocket when his glance fell on the report date. It was dated almost eight weeks ago. Luke frowned at it, blinking to refocus. Yes, the date was indeed eight weeks ago. But he had met Brynne only five weeks ago, and she was a virgin then. He rechecked the name of the clinic. New Age Medicare, Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn.
When Celine left, Luke grabbed Brynne’s arm and pulled her inside. She almost stumbled from the brunt of his actions, but collided with his chest instead. He gripped her hard, his hands like steel bands around her arm, hurting her on purpose. “What the f*ck are you doing here, Brynne? Didn’t I tell you to stay home?” he gritted out in a frenzy. “I..” Brynne was too dazed to answer. She was curious about the paper in his hands. She had arrived just in time to hear Celine’s accusation.I’m glad Brynne is betraying you. Do you think she loves you? She’s also with you for money.She wanted to stand up for herself, but the furious look on Luke’s face scared her. What had she missed? What happened between Celine and Luke before her arrival? “Cat got your tongue? What did you think? I’ll never figure out your pregnancy.” His accusing gaze made her squirm. How did he find out about her pregnancy? She had hidden it from everyone.“How do you know about it? I..” Luke’s face scrunched up with
Luke stared at his phone with surprise. Why was Celine calling him constantly after all the stunts she pulled? Did she think he would forgive her? Did she think he didn’t know about her underhanded ploys? Maybe she thought he had no idea she was behind both crimes. The wish to teach her a lesson and give her a piece of his mind was so acute that Luke strode out of the bedroom and accepted the call. “Why the f*ck are you calling me, Celine?” he barked into the phone, unaware that Brynne heard him clearly. “I want to meet you, Luke. This is important.” Luke’s blood boiled at her fake caring voice. “I have no reason to meet you. So see you at the hearing.” “No, wait, don’t disconnect the call. I have something to show you. It’s about your wife. Please, can you meet me tomorrow somewhere?” Luke hesitated. What was it about Brynne that Celine wanted to talk about? “What is it about Brynne? Tell me now.” “I can’t tell you over the phone. I have to show you something. It’s very import
The cops recorded her statement and left. Luke smiled and sat beside her. “Are you feeling better now? The doctor has permitted you to go home.” Brynne nodded, easing off the bed to go home. Thankfully, both the doctor and the nurse kept their promise and didn’t disclose her pregnancy to Luke. He caught her hand and gently led her toward the elevator. “The children have gone home with Grandpa. There’s nothing to feel stressed. We’ll be more careful from now on. Everything is under control, Brynne. Take a deep breath and relax.” Brynne nodded, allowing him to think her health deteriorated because of stress. “I’m better now.”“Good. The cops are on the lookout for the Bentley. Joe had taken a picture of the number plate. It can’t escape for long.” He helped her to their car and drove off, followed by their bodyguards. However, unknown to both, a car followed them all the way to their building. The same pair of jealous eyes glared at them, unable to believe she had missed her target
The traffic police brought Leonardo safely back and Luke thanked them profusely. It was time to teach Celine a lesson. The only way would be to gather proof against her. It would all come in handy at the hearing. A traumatized Leo hugged his father with tears of relief in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Dad,” he sobbed, clutching Luke’s torso. “You’re safe now. I’m sorry this happened to you, son. Promise me you won’t go anywhere without your guards.” Luke’s throat choked with emotions. He hadn’t expected to find his son this soon. It was indeed a miracle.“Yes, I promise you, Dad.” “Did they hurt you, Leo?” Grandpa Benson asked after the police left.“No. There were two men. They gagged me and tied me up before dumping me in a car. It happened so fast, I couldn’t call for help. It was all well-planned, Dad. I overheard them talking to a woman over the phone. They were arguing about money with her.” Luke and Grandpa shared a look. “Did you hear her?” Leo shook his head. “No, Dad.” “Anyway
Brynne checked her reflection for the last time before rushing out of the honeymoon suite. After Luke’s heartfelt explanation, begging her to give him a chance, all was normal between them. Brynne had forgiven him and agreed to go on a date with him. A blushing, radiant woman’s reflection stared back at her. She could hardly recognize herself. “Brynne, are you done?” Luke’s impatient voice made her roll her eyes. Nothing had changed between them. He was still possessive, obsessive, and an impossible husband. She rushed out to the lobby, where Luke was waiting for her. “Where are the children? Have you informed them?” “They’ve gone fishing with Grandpa. Don’t worry about them. I’ve informed Grandpa.” He grabbed her hand and led her out of the clubhouse to a car waiting for them. However, Brynne couldn’t relax. She wanted to see the children before leaving to ensure they were fine. But Luke seemed to be in a strange mood since morning. What was wrong with him?Soon they were on the
Luke smiled, watching her intently, trying hard to gauge the intensity of her feelings. He wanted to believe her, but his heart knew otherwise. There was nothing called love in this world. Women only needed two things from him: money and se*. If he didn’t have money, no one in their right senses would want him. Something clicked shut in his brain and the old distrust resurfaced. In his experience, no woman had ever fallen in love with him until Brynne came along. Who could love a devil like him? How could she fall in love with him in such a short time? No, she was trying to gain entry into his life forever. She wanted this luxurious life that he could give her. Surely, it had nothing to do with love. “I believe in proving your feelings through your actions. It’s very easy to say, but impossible to prove.” He eased off her, the magic lost. Pulling on his clothes, he was about to go out when his gaze fell on the shattered look on Brynne’s face. Brynne blinked at the weird man. She ha