Brynne tore her gaze away from the hottest specimen on earth and ordered another refill. Her senses swam as she tried to focus on her drink. She knew she should stop, but the scene with Adam and his wh*re kept on playing in her mind. His cruel words echoed in her head, crushing her innocent heart.
All her life, she had steered clear of men. If it hadn’t been for her parents’ untimely death, she would still have stayed away from Adam Carter. He crawled into her system at her weakest moment. Not that she was in love with him, but she cared about him for everything he had done for her.
Adam had helped her when she was at her lowest and had no one to turn to. Brynne was indebted to him for helping her get a grip on her life. She should have remained just friends with him and not accepted his proposal. Their relationship was shallow, forced, and lacked the spark right from the start. It was a sure-shot disaster.
Brynne picked up her drink to finish it in one gulp when a suit-clad arm caught her wrist. She looked up in surprise, only to see the hottest specimen on earth standing in front of her. He eased the drink out of her hands. “That’s it for you.”
Brynne gaped at him for a split second, trying hard to focus on the stranger. Why was he so concerned about her when her boyfriend wasn’t? “Excuse m-me. Do I know you?” she spat back bitterly. She had no idea why she reacted so violently to the stranger. Maybe it was the vodka in her system. Or was it the electric sparks that shot up her body at his touch? It could be the look in his eyes as if he cared about her genuinely. It all triggered a strange chemical reaction in her brain, causing her to temporarily lose her mind.
“Not yet, but you will soon.” He held Brynne’s gaze for a minute and even in her inebriated state, she had the feeling he knew her. Really knew her! How could it possibly be when she had just met the man?
“Why d-d you c-care?” she stammered incoherently. “No one d-does. I w-want to forget m-myself t-tonight.”
Yet the man didn’t leave her table or release her drink. Instead, he pulled a chair and sat down with her, leaving his bevy of females behind at his table. “I can’t let you fall sick on the first day of this special cruise.”
Brynne searched his mesmerizing eyes for some hidden motive but found none. Why was he helping her? Why did he care if she fell sick or not? “I want to f-fall s-sick. Maybe I shouldn’t have c-come on this trip.” He looked at her for a moment, a frown marring his handsome features.
“Did you come on this trip for someone else or because you wanted to?” Brynne sighed, focusing her glassy eyes outside the bar on the shimmering deck lights. Something in him made her want to lose all her inhibitions and confide in him. He released her wrist and covered her hand with his on the table. His warm touch did wonders to her senses, making her relax. And when he slowly drew circles with his thumb on the backside of her hand, it triggered a need that shot to her brain and heart simultaneously.
“Both. But you know what? H-he cheated on m-me.” The man leaned over and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. He didn’t look like the friendly, caring type. Then why was he going out of his way for her? Then there was the staring! Why did he have to stare at her as if he knew everything she was going through?
“Do you want to talk about it? I mean, just get it out of your system, maybe.” Brynne nodded, wanting to do just that. She wanted to teach Adam Carter a lesson he would never forget. She wanted to show him he wasn’t indispensable to her. But why did she trust this stranger more than her best friend? Her eyes met his, and she had a momentary lapse of sanity. Tired of bottling it all up, she wanted to open up to someone tonight.
The man looked around to see all the curious gazes hooked on them. “Not here. Come with me.” Her rational mind would have warned her to run as far away from him as possible, but Brynne wasn’t in her senses tonight.
“W-where?” she gasped when he stood up to leave.
“You’ll see.” He stepped towards her with a skew smile playing at the corner of his lips. Brynne staggered backward, her eyes hooked on the insanely se*y man as he took another step towards her. Under the sparkling lights, he looked like a predator on the prowl. Why would someone like him want her when he had a troop of females ready and waiting for him?
He flashed her an iceberg-melting smile, as if aware of the effect he was having on her. “Let me help you.” Before she could realize what was happening, he picked her up in his arms, making her gasp with horror. Her head swooned, and she rested it on his broad shoulders, suddenly glad of the support.
“Add the bill to my account,” he instructed the server and strode towards the door.
Brynne raised my head worriedly. “I c-can pay. P-please put me down.”
“Later.” Her head swam as she tried to focus around her. The man carried her effortlessly as if she weighed nothing at all. She could feel all eyes hooked on her. Why were they all staring? Was it her imagination playing tricks on her senses?
“E-everyone’s staring,” she mumbled in a state of daze.
“Let them. I don’t f*cking care.” He walked in with her into the nearest elevator that took them to the fourteenth floor. Brynne’s head swooned, and she closed her eyes to block out the strange looks she was receiving everywhere they went. What was wrong with the people here? Hadn’t they ever seen a drunk woman before?
“Um, I’m s-staying with a f-friend in DF5101, deck 5.” She could feel him tense for a split second.
“With whom? Your boyfriend?” The growl in his voice surprised her. It seemed as if he knew her boyfriend.
“No, he cheated on me. I’m staying with my best friend.” Yet he was rigid. She could feel his tense muscles against her body as he held her flush against himself.
“He’s waiting for you, right?” Brynne raised her head and looked at him in confusion.
“Who?” He watched for a second as if some cogs had turned in his head.
“Your best friend. Who else?” Brynne blinked out of her daze and smacked her forehead.
“It’s a she. Chill!” She grinned at the relieved look on his face.
The elevators opened onto the fourteenth floor instead of the fifth. “Why are we here? You can put me down. I’ll go to my cabin.” Her head swam, and she grabbed onto his shoulders for support.
“We’re near mine. It’s just a few steps away. Come on,” he coaxed, his ocean-hued eyes holding her gaze. Brynne swallowed hard and her breath caught in her throat. Even in her inebriated condition, she could ponder over the implications.
Was she doing the right thing? Who was the man? What if he was a criminal or a killer? If her mom had been alive, she would have been shocked to see her blindly trusting a stranger like him.
“No, I’m good. I’ll go down.” Yet he didn’t put her down, watching her with a frown.
“You’re not in a condition to go.” It was true. Brynne blinked, knowing she had too much to drink. Maybe she could forget her mom’s warnings for one night and enjoy herself for a change. After all, she would never see him again!
Without waiting for her reply, he walked over to the luxurious section of ocean-facing suites.
A tiny smile tugged at his lips as he watched the jaw-dropped look on her face.
He eased her down and unlocked the door of the Royal Owner’s Suite 1001. Brynne blinked in confusion, unable to focus ahead. With the alcohol in her system taking a toll on her senses, she could hardly think straight.
Why did the hottest specimen on earth bring her to the Owner’s suite? She would have to ask Daniella.
“Welcome to my humble home for 7 days!” he whispered, picking her up and entering his far-from-humble room.
Brynne’s eyes went round as she watched the luxuriously decorated, spacious suite. The little cabin she would share with Daniella was nothing in comparison.
“Do you like it?” he whispered, carrying her straight to the grand sofa in the living room.
“It’s nice.” He stood in front of her, again continuing with the staring contest. Brynne couldn’t tear her gaze away, nor could she focus on him.
“Vodka cranberry cocktail?” Brynne nodded with a shrug. What harm could one more drink cause?
He returned with two drinks and set hers in front of her. Perching beside her, he sipped his drink while watching her like a hawk. The way his legs brushed against hers and his arm resting behind her touched her skin, Brynne was on fire. “So, you were talking about your cheating boyfriend?”
“I want to forget him, please.” His eyes sparkled as he caressed her nape, his fingers working their way down her shoulder, easing the tension spots. Brynne sucked in a deep breath and leaned into his touch.
“Trust me. I know just the way, Brynne!”
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
Brynne dashed into the washroom to hide while Daniella opened the door to a ship crew member carrying a bouquet of red camellias. “Yes?” She gave him a suspicious look. “This is for Ms. Emerson!” He handed the bouquet to Daniella and walked away. Brynne peered, and her mouth hung open at the sight of the flowers. “Who was there? Where did these come from?” Daniella’s face broke into an excited grin, and she handed the exotic bouquet to her. “For you. Some cabin crew delivered it to Ms. Emerson.” She winked and watched the jaw dropped look on her face as she inspected the flowers. “For me? Who would send me flowers?” She searched for a label or note, but found none. Daniella looked more excited than her. “Not just any flower, Brynne. Someone’s sent you red camellias!” Brynne gave her a confused look. “What’s so special about them?” “Don’t you know what they symbolize?” Brynne shook her head. She only knew about roses. “Passion, desire!” gasped Daniella, watching her friend with
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
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
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