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A Deal With The Devil
A Deal With The Devil
Author: Rituparna Darolia

Prologue

last update Last Updated: 2024-11-13 02:28:54

“Brynne, you’re late. Hurry!” yelled someone from the walkway of the gigantic cruise ship anchored on the busy New York Cruise Terminal.

LS Ocean Queen

Brynne Emerson read the name before searching the walkway. She rushed across the pier, lugging her trolley case behind her. It was over-stuffed, more than she needed for the 7-day luxury cruise to the Bahamas. It had been on her bucket list for the last three years, ever since she joined the prestigious multinational giant, Sylvester Financial Inc.

Her gaze fell on her best friend and colleague, Daniella Pierce. Both of them had joined Sylvester together and grown with the company. While Brynne was promoted to the position of a Wealth Advisor, Daniella bagged the role of an Accounts Manager. They both earned this year-end vacation, a treat from their new employer, Lucian Sylvester, whom they were yet to meet.

The erstwhile CEO, Benson Sylvester, had just retired handing the reins of the business to his grandson, the infamous Lucian Sylvester! But they would deal with him after the fun trip, a new boss as a New Year's gift! He couldn’t be worse than his grandfather!

“I can’t believe I finally made it. There was such a huge traffic hold-up. I thought you would leave without me.” Brynne gasped for air while her eyes searched for the only person she was here for. It was none other than her boyfriend of two years, Adam Carter.

Where was he? Shouldn’t he have picked her up on his way here? Or had he skipped the cruise altogether?

“I wouldn’t have gone without you, Brynne.” Brynne smiled at her only friend in the world as they rushed up the walkway onto the deck.

“Thanks, Dani. Where are the others?” Daniella smiled, knowing who she was looking for.

“If you mean Carter, I saw him ten minutes ago with a woman.” Brynne’s eyebrows shot up with surprise.

“Who? Someone from our office?” Daniella shook her head and waved at the other colleagues who had just boarded.

“No, someone I’ve never seen before. Maybe his new flavor. Forget him, Brynne. He’s not the right guy for you.”

Before she could react to the newfound information, a crew member approached them for security check-in and verification. He handed them a medallion to wear around their neck in coordination with the app they could d******d on their phones. It would be their guide during their stay on the ship. They thanked the crew member and rushed ahead.

“Let’s get to our rooms and dump this luggage.” Daniella pulled a dazed Brynne along up a flight of stairs. The ship was humongous, almost like a floating city, with people everywhere and shops of all kinds. There were restaurants and even a cocktail bar moving between floors like an elevator with people sitting and drinking.

“Brynne, stop dreaming and get in.” She turned to see several elevators open at once, right in front of them. The crowd pushed them inside and out again on their floor. Brynne had never been on a cruise ship before, and this was Danielle’s third time. She was well-versed in everything and Brynne didn’t have to worry. Although she would have preferred to connect with Adam on this cruise, there was no sign of him so far.

“This is it! So, we’re sharing a room!” said Daniella, checking the cruise ship’s app using the medallion.

“How?” Brynne blinked in confusion. Wasn’t she sharing a room with Adam?

“I have no idea. You can ask Ted. He’s the one who has arranged everything. You can ask him why he paired us.”

“Talking about me, ladies?” Ted Hughes, the HR’s PA, peered from the room next to theirs.

“Yes, can I switch rooms? I’ll move into Adam’s room.” A warm flush crept up her cheeks. Although everyone knew about her on-off relationship with Adam, she never admitted it aloud in front of her colleagues.

“Umm, he has a guest with him, Brynne. Why don’t you sort it out with him and get back to me?”

“Yeah, I’ll do that. Dani, I’ll be right back.” Brynne dumped her luggage and stormed down the corridor.

“Cabin DB6023, High Deck 8.” Ted’s voice echoed after her.

“Thanks,” she replied, storming down the corridor to her destination to demand an answer from Adam. She had high hopes from this year-end trip, wanting to take her relationship to a new level. Adam always wanted physical intimacy while she wasn’t ready, even after two years. It had irked Adam, and he had been avoiding her for the last two months. Maybe it was time to please him and fix her relationship with him.

It took Brynne a lot of effort to locate his cabin. The ship swayed as it started its journey; the movement making her stomach lurch. She grabbed onto the nearest door to get a grip on herself. After five minutes, she could make her way ahead down the corridor.

Counting the cabin numbers, she surged ahead. DB6022, DB6023..

Brynne stopped and knocked loudly on the closed door, but no one opened it. Wasn’t Adam inside?

She was about to leave when the door opened and Adam peered out, clad only in a pair of jeans. His handsome face paled at the sight of Brynne, but she hardly noticed.

“Adam, what a relief to see you here! I thought you missed the cruise. Hang on, I’m getting my luggage. I’ll stay here with you.” He looked ill at ease.

“No, wait. You can’t move in here with me.” Brynne gaped at his flushed cheeks in confusion.

“Why?” He tore his gaze away, eager to escape her probing.

“I’m sharing my room with someone else. You had declined earlier. So..” It was true she had declined to go on this trip, but that was a month ago. Things had sorted out, and she was ready now to embark on her dream cruise with her boyfriend.

“I’ve changed my mind. No worries. I can swap places with your guest. Is he from Sylvester?” Adam hesitated, but the door opened wider and a stunning, svelte woman appeared by his side. Brynne gaped at her and then at her boyfriend. So Daniella was right. He had a female guest with him on board. If she had skipped this cruise, she would never have known or believed the truth.

“Who’s this, baby?” asked the woman, clinging to Adam.

“She’s Brynne.” Brynne blinked and watched Adam place an arm around the woman’s shoulders. It shocked her immensely and her throat felt choked with hurt.

“Oh, your ex?” Brynne came out of her daze and faced the duo.

“No, I’m not his ex. I’m still his girlfriend. What’s going on, Adam? When did I become your ex? How can you do this to me?” Her entire body trembled with rage at his betrayal. Here she was thinking of improving their relationship while he didn’t give a f*ck about her.

“We’re over, Brynne. I don’t need a frozen bitch like you in my life. Look, I have needs and I want a girlfriend to fulfill them, to satisfy me in bed. I’m tired of your excuses, your superficial kisses. Get out of my life and stay out for all I care. Come on, Miranda, I need your sweet pus*y now!” He picked up his wh*re in his arms and kicked the door shut in Brynne’s face.

Tears pooled in her eyes as she stared at the closed door. She had never imagined she would see this day. That too on this special cruise! It was the worst nightmare of her life. Her heart shattered into a million pieces. Now she had no one to call her own.

After her parents’ death in a car accident two years ago, she had been too broken to face her life. It was Adam who had comforted her and accepted her in his life. Now she was all alone in this world with a mountain load of debt to pay off.

No, she wouldn’t shed tears for someone who was never hers. Brynne tumbled down the corridor towards the glass cocktail bar that had stopped right in front of her. She needed a drink badly to give her the strength to face the truth. At that moment, she wanted to get off the cruise ship, but the sun had set and the ship was already surging ahead towards the ocean!

Adam’s betrayal had doused all hopes she had in her life. Maybe she was doomed to live and die alone. She wasn’t capable of loving or being loved in return. Brynne stepped inside the bar and ordered herself a cranberry vodka, her favorite.

After the second refill, she felt euphoric. The mesmerizing lights, and the romantic number playing in the backdrop, made the night magical now that she wasn’t in her senses. She let go of her inhibitions and released a staggering breath. She would enjoy her holiday without Adam.

Her gaze fell upon a man at a corner table, dressed in a black business suit. Flanked by females, drooling all over him, Brynne watched him gulp down his drink in one go. His stunning good looks, and his hypnotic aura made him stand out in the crowd. He seemed to pull her towards him like a magnet.

As if sensing her gaze on him, he turned to look at her. The world stopped revolving around Brynne the moment their eyes met. His eyes, the color of the tumultuous ocean outside, held promises of a different kind. Should she give in to the temptation and live recklessly for one night? Maybe it would help get Adam Carter out of her system forever!

She downed her drink in one go; the liquid burning down her throat. It helped douse the ache inside her heart. But she needed more to get Adam out of her system for good. Her gaze went back to the ridiculously hot guy, only to find him staring back at her! Why couldn’t he concentrate on the females clinging to him instead?

Brynne ignored him and sat watching the dazzling stars up ahead. Were her parents there? Were they watching her struggling to survive? She wished they had taken her with them. There was nothing left on earth for her. No one cared for her.

Her gaze went back to the man, only to find him still watching her. Did he know her? Before she could look away, he flashed her a skew little smile! It was a smile that could make even an inebriated woman like Brynne lose her wit, her senses, and her restraint.

 

Related chapters

  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter One - Intoxicated By Him

    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 caugh

    Last Updated : 2024-11-13
  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Two - Blame It On The Vodka

    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

    Last Updated : 2024-11-13
  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Three - The Mysterious Note

    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

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13
  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Four - Was It Accidental?

    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

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13
  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Five - Every Breath You Take

    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

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  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Six - Was It A Dream?

    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

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13
  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Seven – A Fake Date?

    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

    Last Updated : 2024-12-17
  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Eight – A Reckless Deal

    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

    Last Updated : 2024-12-17

Latest chapter

  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Twelve – Dealing With The Devil

    “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

  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Eleven – Wet Like An Ocean

    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

  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Ten – The Art Of Seduction

    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

  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Nine - Moving In With Him

    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

  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Eight – A Reckless Deal

    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

  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Seven – A Fake Date?

    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

  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Six - Was It A Dream?

    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

  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Five - Every Breath You Take

    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

  • A Deal With The Devil   Chapter Four - Was It Accidental?

    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

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