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
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
“Now? At lunchtime?” groaned Brynne, as she trudged towards his office. Why did he summon her at such a time? Nora shrugged and left while Brynne hesitated. After tackling clients all morning, she was ravenous. Her stomach complained, and she was sure the entire office could hear her. Maybe she would grab a quick sandwich before heading to his office. Surely he would grant her that. She walked away and entered the cafeteria instead. Her gaze went towards Julia, Adrian, and Eric near the counter. “Hey, Brynne! Over here!” She waved at Brynne like a long-lost friend. Brynne waved back and inched her way towards her. “Hi, what are you having?”“Oh, it’s Andrew’s birthday treat. Let them get the food. We’ll occupy a table somewhere.” Julia pulled Brynne to a vacant table nearby, maybe the only one available. Daniella too joined in and smiled at Brynne, as if relieved to see her. “What’s up with you?” Brynne whispered to her. “Nothing. I got swamped with the workload.” Brynne knew it
Brynne walked into the office with her breath stuck in her throat. She had expected to run straight into the usual office chaos: people gossiping about one another. Maybe this time she would be the hottest topic of discussion. But something bizarre was happening today. All her colleagues were busy at their cubicles, surprisingly working their ass off! That too on the first workday of the New Year!What was wrong with them? They didn’t even notice her enter. Brynne released the breath she was holding and walked over to her office. Maybe they wanted to impress their new CEO. Her gaze fell on Daniella at the accounts department opposite her office. She looked weird as if she had seen a ghost. Surely she knew she’d meet Drake here!Brynne couldn’t understand this eerie calm around her. Pulling her chair out, she sank in to start her day. She was almost halfway through her mail inbox when the main door opened and Drake strode in. He looked annoyed. His previous good mood had already van
“Where should I drop you, Ms. Emerson?” Grant’s voice brought her back to reality. They had left the parking area of the busy Manhattan Cruise Terminal behind, and Brynne sighed. The much-awaited cruise tour was over. It was far from what she had expected, turning her life upside down. “499E, 49th St., Brooklyn.” It slipped out of her tongue before she knew it. But Brynne didn’t want to take advantage of Grant’s generosity. “You can drop me off after crossing Brooklyn Bridge. I’ll book an Uber.” Grant shook his head, instructing the chauffeur to head to Brooklyn. Brynne sat in a state of confusion. Maybe this was also part of the deal. Once Grant dropped her off at her house, the deal would be over in the true sense of the term. The car sped all the way to her home, and she watched in silence. It was back to her lonely life, as if the cruise hadn’t happened at all. The car stopped right in front of her humble home and Grant got out to unload her luggage. “Thank you so much. I’ll m
“Are they here for you, Brynne? That’s our boss’s bodyguard, right? The one he left behind for you.” She gasped and clutched at her heart. Brynne frowned at her reaction and watched them approach the pier. The speedboat stopped, and Drake jumped out. He grinned at the sight of them, his gaze more on Daniella than on her. “Hey, we meet again! Maybe we’re fated or something!” He chuckled at Daniella’s pissed-off expression. Daniella stood with her hands on her waist. “What the f*ck are you doing here?” “God! Are you a terrorist’s daughter?” asked Drake with a chuckle, leaning in towards Daniella. She gave him a clueless look. “What?” He shrugged. “You are, right? No wonder he produced a bombshell for a daughter!” His grin widened and even Brynne couldn’t stop the eye roll. “Haha, very funny. I wish I could murder you and bury your body here,” hissed Daniella, but Drake chuckled more. “See what I mean?” He winked at her. “Anyway, you’ll lose your job if you kill me, lady.” Danie
“What are you doing here, Adam?” Brynne gritted out, her eyes flashing fire at the sight of the cause of all her worries. If he hadn’t betrayed her, none of this would have happened. She wouldn’t have been forced to leave the job she had worked so hard for. Adam hung his head in shame. “Can I come inside, please?” Brynne stared at the change in his demeanor. What was up with him now? “No, you can tell me what you want.” He hesitated, looking around him. He could see his boss’ bodyguard still hovering around. Mustering up all his courage, he looked Brynne in the eye. “I’m sorry for whatever happened, Brynne. Believe me, I didn’t want to hurt you. I fell in love with Miranda and I couldn’t muster the courage to tell you. I panicked. Please, can you forgive me? We can be friends like before. You know we never loved one another. Ours wasn’t a perfect relationship,” he rambled on apologetically while Brynne watched him in silence. “Why are you here? I know my forgiveness doesn’t matter
Daniella gripped Brynne’s shoulders to drill some sense into her head. “Can you face the wrath of all females for sleeping with the boss? He’s a womanizer, Brynne. He used you and left you. Did you think you were his real girl or something?” Brynne blinked to grasp her friend’s agitated speech. Boss? Who was the boss? How could Luke be their boss? She extricated herself from her hold and placed the food on the coffee table nearby. “You're not making sense, Dani. Luke offered me a fake dating deal to ward off his would-be fiancée on this trip. I agreed, and that’s all. Which boss are you talking about? Benson Sylvester? Why am I repeatedly being paired with him? He’s fit to be my grandfather.” Daniella gaped at her clueless friend. Was she that naïve to not recognize Lucien Sylvester, their boss? “Are you crazy? Why would they pair you with Benson Sylvester? He isn’t the boss anymore. Lucien Sylvester is our new boss.” She shook her head in disappointment. “Don’t you know who your Lu
Brynne stirred, feeling a throbbing pain between her legs. Her whole body felt mowed down, and she winced as she tried to move. It woke her up, and she glanced around the room. There was no sign of Luke. She looked at the other side of the bed. It didn’t look slept-in either. Where was he? Hadn’t he slept at night? Had he spent the night somewhere else? Was it over between them?Still perplexed, she rose and staggered to the washroom to freshen up. The pain between her legs worsened with movement. It was the worst way to start the New Year. The party din outside had died down after disturbing her all night long. There was a knock on the suite's main door and her heartbeats raced in apprehension. Who could it be? Surely, Luke had a spare set of keys. She couldn't race to the door even if she tried. Brynne slowly emerged from the washroom when the main door clicked open. Her heart swelled with happiness. Luke was here! He hadn’t left her! She limped towards the door of the bedroom to
Lucien strode down the promenade with purpose, flanked by his bodyguards, towards his grandpa’s suite. Oblivious to the curious looks he received from the passengers on board, he braced himself for his grandpa’s wrath. He should have spoken to his grandpa earlier instead of getting carried away. “When did Grandpa arrive here?” He glanced at Grant, the bodyguard nearest to him. “Two hours ago, Mr. Sylvester. Fitzgerald was trying to contact you.” He nodded, knowing his mistake. But he was answerable to no one, not even to his grandpa. The situation he was currently in was mostly because of his grandpa. If he hadn’t forced Lucien to marry Celine, the circumstances would have been completely different today. “Is Grandpa in his room?” Of course, he knew the answer. Benson Sylvester hated his cruise ships, but boarding one of them was the only way to catch hold of his grandson. Therefore, he never explored the ship and mostly preferred staying in his suite. To him, the family business
In an instant, Luke had stripped off his clothes. He was too delirious to notice the sad smile on her face. Her gaze fell to his rock-solid erection and a tremor of need went up her body. Despite the soreness, she wanted him again.“I’ll be gentle, baby.” He eased her onto her back and caged her with his arms and legs. Before she could react, he rained kisses on her lips, her jaw, and the soft column of her neck. His deft fingers eased the clothes off her body. She was wearing nothing underneath the dress. “You’re such a tease.” His hands roamed her body, pausing to stroke her taut nipples. It wasn’t enough, and he dipped his head to capture them into his fiery hot mouth. His tongue teased them, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. His fingers traced down her stomach, around her bellybutton, and over her hips downwards. “God, Brynne. Do you know how much you turn me on every time?” Brynne smiled sadly, her heart heavy with longing. If he liked her so much, why was he breaking off wi