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
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
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
DrakeI couldn’t believe she was leading me back to my room. Did she think she would get away with kissing me in private? No. I wanted to rub it in Melissa’s face. She had to see us kissing. I lost my patience and grabbed hold of Daniella’s arm. “Why are we going back to the room?” I muttered once we were out of Melissa’s earshot. Daniella rolled her eyes as if I had asked the dumbest question on earth. “For your damn kiss. Why else?” she muttered back, looking mad at me. “Not behind closed doors! I need the damn kiss right under Melissa’s nose. I want her to see us kissing.” “Hell. No. That’s not happening at all. I’m not kissing you before a ship full of colleagues.” She walked ahead, tagging me along. What the hell! I had never begged for a kiss in my life. I was the hottest male on this ship, and women usually got an orgasm at the sight of me. And here was a woman who had seen me naked! Yet she refused to kiss me! Was she for real?“What difference does it make? They know we’r