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 Miranda displayed her engagement ring, it was obvious what they had been up to. So Adam bought her an engagement ring!
“I can do anything for you, baby!” Brynne blinked at the smitten look on Adam’s face. She felt close to tears as loneliness gripped her heart. Did Adam feel nothing for her? Was their relationship fake?
Brynne couldn’t move away nor hide the hurtful expressions on her features. Her heart constricted with pain to see them openly displaying their feelings. How could Adam get engaged to Miranda when he never considered marrying her, even after two years? To him, she was just his girlfriend.
Miranda gave a discreet glance in her direction before grabbing Adam and kissing him on the lips.
Brynne turned away, unable to see them together. The tears streamed down her cheeks, and she rushed ahead blindly. They shouldn’t see her in this state. Adam should never know just how much his behavior had hurt her.
Loneliness gripped her heart. With Daniella moving in with Ted, what would she do alone on this enormous ship? The cruise suddenly held no meaning for her.
Brynne wiped her eyes and walked into a seminar room where a destination seminar on the Bahamas was going on. She sat down to listen half-heartedly when her gaze fell upon a man at the far end. She blinked at the sight of him. Wasn’t it the man from last night?
With his vivid blue eyes hooked on her, Brynne forgot to breathe. No, she didn’t want a repeat of last night’s mistake. She felt claustrophobic in his presence, although he wasn’t alone. Flanked by bodyguards in black, he sat watching her with a brooding look on his face, ignoring the woman almost clinging to him.
He might be someone quite important to have so many people guarding him. Brynne knew she had to escape before he misunderstood her. She wasn’t chasing him at all. She was happy being a nobody with no money.
Seeing the man rise from his seat, Brynne panicked and ran out of the seminar room. There was a famous Broadway show about to start at the theater and she slipped inside to buy a ticket. Just as her turn arrived, the ticketing staff smiled and handed a ticket to her.
“How much do I pay you?” she asked in confusion.
“Oh, it’s complimentary for you, ma’am. Enjoy yourself.” Brynne checked the exclusive VIP balcony ticket and her mouth hung open. How could such an expensive ticket be complimentary for her?
“Are you sure it’s for me?” The staff flashed her a friendly smile.
“Yes, Ms. Emerson. It’s for you.”
“Thank you.” Brynne was confused. How did the ticketing staff know her?
She walked inside the theater, where the show was about to start. Locating her seat, she stepped into the balcony wing of exclusive VIP cubicles. Her seat was the finest, with the best view of the stage!
Brynne had settled down, adjusting herself to the dim lights around the place when someone entered her cubicle. Her heartbeats quickened, and she whirled around to check. How would she share it with a stranger? She should have known it was a twin sharing seat.
However, her mouth hung open at the sight of the blue-eyed stranger from last night. What the f*ck! Why was he here of all people on earth? Her breath hitched, and she scooted farther away to make space for him.
“Hi! We collide again! Maybe we’re fated or something.” He winked as he eased his suit- clad frame onto the love seat right next to her.
“I don’t believe in fate. We make our own fate.” If fate existed, how did Adam get engaged to Miranda after a night of fun? He created his own fate, right? After her parents’ death, she had accepted her life with Adam. She knew how they would spend it together, but he had crushed everything in a single night. Or was it going on for the last two months without her knowledge? She had no idea, but would definitely like to find out.
“How so? I don’t believe in love, but I believe in fate.” With his arm resting behind her on the sofa, she was acutely conscious of their intimate position. Her mind prodded her to run or, in the next moment, she would find herself moaning under him while he pumped relentlessly into her!
“Both are crap! Why else would my boyfriend of two years break up with me and get engaged to a random woman after a one-night stand with her? He created his fate, right?” Her eyes glittered with fury as she fought for her beliefs.
He smiled and leaned in towards her as if to disclose a secret to her. “Maybe he wasn’t the one for you. Maybe someone else is. Someone like the owner of this cruise ship, maybe!” He chuckled, seeing her bewildered expression.
“Are you crazy? I don’t agree with you at all. The show is about to start and you might need your privacy. This was a complimentary ticket for me. If you want, I can change my seat.” She didn’t want him to think she was pursuing him.
“Are you willing to let go of your hard work that easily? I know you have been running all over the ship looking for me since morning.” Her mouth hung open at his conclusion. Did he really think that?
“What? I absolutely haven’t been doing that. Heck, I’ve forgotten you already. Aren’t you overreacting to a drunken mishap? I assure you it will never be repeated. I don’t even know you, nor do I want to.” She rose agitatedly, having lost all interest in the show. She wouldn’t watch it with the guy who had crawled into her system in one night.
He grabbed her hand to stop her from fleeing. “Joking, Brynne. Sit.” The amusement in his eyes infuriated Brynne, but his grip was firm and he pulled her down.
She almost tumbled over his lap. Brynne struggled to get free, and he released her. She scooted far away from the man. His brief touch was enough to scorch her and make her throw herself at him! How could that be possible? But it seemed her body had recognized him immediately, reacting to him unconsciously.
“Relax. This is a wonderful coincidence, and we can take advantage of it. Right?” She didn’t think she could relax in his presence within the close confines of the cubicle. The se*ual undercurrents passing between them were too strong to ignore. Would it lead to another mishap?
“No, thanks. I’m not interested in the show anymore.” She flashed him a fake smile and rose again to leave.
He grabbed her hand again to stop her. What was up with this man? If she didn’t know otherwise, she would almost have thought he was pursuing her.
“Are you afraid of being with me, Brynne? Let’s go somewhere else if you aren’t interested in the show.” She gaped at him in disbelief.
“No, thanks. Why would I want to go anywhere with you? I don’t even know you. What we shared was accidental. I hope you don’t expect me to marry you!” She wrenched her hand free of his hold, eager to escape. This man was detrimental to her mental and physical well-being. His presence near her urged her to tear her clothes off and slam her p*ssy on his c*ck! How had she turned into such a desperate woman overnight?
She clamped her mouth shut while he released her hand and chuckled. The sound caused a gush of molten heat to escape from her weeping sl*t. It drenched her underwear, making her restless to run.
“Not a bad idea at all!” He chuckled more while she whirled around to leave.
“I’m Luke. Now you know me. Join me for dinner at my suite tonight. You can collect what you left behind.” She stopped dead in her tracks and turned to gape at him. What did she leave behind? Was he the one who had sent the flowers and the cryptic note asking her to collect what she had left behind?
“What did I leave behind? I don’t think I have.” He chuckled, his eyes glittering with amusement.
“Find out for yourself.” She knew it wasn’t true. She hadn’t left behind anything at all. He was playing a game to get her in his bed again. No, she should run. The show started, and she ran out of the place as if the devil was chasing her. Her mind was all jumbled up.
Receiving his mysterious notes, meeting him everywhere she went couldn’t all be accidental, right?
Brynne rushed to her cabin, not glancing at the attractions all around. What if she collided with the guy again? “Oh, you? Are you following us, Brynne?” She froze to find herself face to face with Adam and Miranda, walking hand in hand towards her. “You wish! You don’t own the ship.” “Maybe she’s heartbroken to see my engagement ring. Here, look, Brynne!” said Miranda, holding her hand out to exhibit the ring. Although Brynne’s heart broke to see the ring she deserved on Miranda’s finger instead, she refused to show it. “Congratulations! You both deserve one another.” Adam was a man wh*re who was only interested in physical intimacy. As far as she knew him, he wasn’t one to commit to a long-term relationship. As long as she pleased him in bed, he would stick to her. However, Miranda hardly noticed her jab and clung to Adam instead. “Thanks. Yes, we do. I can’t wait to marry him and start a family together.” Brynne chuckled and waved at them. “Good luck with it.” As she pushed p
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
Anger coursed through her at his admission. How could he take advantage of her in her sleep? “You took advantage of me while I was sleeping, right? That’s unforgivable, Luke.” Brynne felt betrayed and whirled around to leave. Let him go to hell. He wasn’t what he portrayed to her.He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his suite. “I didn’t. You begged me to please you. I was there only to escort you to my place for dinner. But you stripped me of my clothes.” The sparkle in his eyes was back and Brynne had no idea if he was speaking the truth or just messing with her. “Maybe you were dreaming about me, Brynne.”Her cheeks flushed with color at being caught. Yes, she had been dreaming about him. Who wouldn’t? But did she really behave so recklessly with him?“N-no, I don’t believe you. I did nothing of the sort.” It was her only defense to save herself from becoming a laughingstock in front of him.He pulled her flush against his hard chest. “Do you want me to show you what you did? We
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
Everything happened so fast, Brynne could hardly keep up. Luke and his bodyguards accompanied her to her cabin to get her stuff. As she packed up, Daniella opened the door and walked in to check. Her eyes flew from Brynne to Luke and his bodyguards with confusion.“Hi! Didn’t you come in to see Brynne earlier? Are you’ll going somewhere?” she asked Luke.“Yes, Brynne is moving in with me.” Daniella’s mouth hung open at her admission as she gaped at Brynne, busy collecting her stuff.“Oh, I see. It’s good that she won’t have to stay here alone. I was worried about her.” Brynne seethed at Daniella’s fake concern. Daniella knew she would move in with Ted. Weren’t they dating for months now? Then why did she put up an act with her earlier?“No need. We’re dating and I’ll take care of my girlfriend. Thanks for your concern.” He flashed Daniella a smile as he helped Brynne with the luggage. Daniella’s mouth hung open as she digested the information.“Oh! Are you his girlfriend, Brynne? You
Brynne’s heart thumped wildly as she finally realized what she had agreed to. “You can’t force yourself on me, Luke.” Her breath hitched when his lips grazed her neck upwards to her ear.“I don’t need to use force. That’s not my style. I’m sure you know that by now! One touch and I’ll have you begging for more.” A tremor went up her spine, not out of fear but from need. The feather light touch of his lips was enough to arouse her. His arm went around her waist and he pulled her flush against his warm chest, holding her gaze all the time.“It seems you’ve mastered the art of seduction. Do you hook up with every female you see? Just like the one you were talking to earlier.” He stared at her for a minute, and then flashed her a boyish grin.“You have no reason to feel jealous. I’m only yours for the next six days.” Brynne rolled her eyes, but a warm flush stained her cheeks. She knew he was trying to seduce her to give in.“I’m not your wife to feel jealous. You can go to hell!” He chuc
Luke’s words made her head swim, her heart pound, and her body burned with need. She didn’t know if it was the alcohol in her system or the charm that made her throw caution to the wind and surrender to him. There was no doubt he had a way with words that could make even a shrew melt and beg for a good f*ck.At that moment, his notorious reputation, and his playboy ways, didn’t matter to Brynne. She wanted him. She wanted to replay the magic of last night, this time in her senses. Maybe her body too was addicted to him, just as he was to her. “Only a kiss,” Brynne conditioned. In response, his eyes sparkled in defiance, but Brynne reached out without a thought, cupping his jaw and pulling his head down to her level. It was just the initiative he needed her to make to fulfill the promise. Now the promise didn’t hold true anymore. She had already made the first move and asked for a kiss, irrespective of how he made it happen. Now, he didn’t need to force himself on her. The moment she
“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
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