Accidental Bride, Eternal Claim

The heavy blackout curtains of the presidential suite at the iconic Hollywood hotel left a sliver of morning light slicing through. Sienna Harper opened her eyes slowly, a throbbing headache pounding behind her temples. Her body felt heavy, achy, every muscle protesting as if she'd run a marathon—or worse.

The first thing she registered was the sleek charcoal carpet glowing softly in the sunlight and the minimalist dark walls accented with brushed gold. Where the hell was she? This couldn't be real. Rubbing her temples, she tried to sit up, only to freeze when a strong arm tightened around her waist, pulling her back against a warm, solid body.

Panic hit like a wave. Last night flooded back in fragments: the rooftop after-party in the hills, everyone dressed to kill, champagne flowing like water, glasses clinking endlessly under string lights. She'd been celebrating landing a tiny guest spot on a new streaming series—her first real break after years of auditions. Someone had handed her another drink, insisting she relax. She'd tried to wave them off, but the room had spun, and a man—strong, insistent—had guided her away to "rest."

He'd left her in a dark room. She'd stumbled to the bed, collapsing into it. Then, in the shadows, hands—hot, sure—had wrapped around her waist. Her body had been pressed beneath a man's, the heat overwhelming. His breath on her neck, his lips claiming hers in a kiss that was deep, demanding, intoxicating.

She remembered trying to say no, but the words dissolved into moans. He'd moved with raw urgency, tearing at fabric, entering her slowly at first, then harder, faster. Pain had flared, then melted into something dizzying, electric. She'd clutched his shoulders, gasping, "It hurts..."

He'd stilled instantly. "Are you a virgin?" His voice had been low, rough. She'd been too lost in sensation to answer. He'd brushed hair from her cheek, whispering, "You sweet, beautiful thing... you've ruined me."

Now, in the daylight, she turned her head and caught the side of his face: sharp jawline, thick dark lashes resting against high cheekbones, jet-black hair tousled. Her stomach dropped. She had no idea who he was. How had she ended up in bed with a complete stranger?

Her heart raced. She had to get out—before he woke up and this nightmare got worse. Carefully, she slid his arm from her waist and slipped from the sheets, wincing at the soreness. She grabbed her slinky black evening dress from the floor, the one she'd worn to the party, and pulled it on with shaking hands. She tied her long hair into a messy knot and glanced back at the sleeping man. He looked almost peaceful, but something about him screamed danger.

Sienna crept to the door, easing it open. The hallway was empty. She hurried out, bare feet silent on the plush carpet, heart hammering as she disappeared around the corner.

The moment she was gone, Grayson Kai's eyes snapped open. They were sharp, predatory, like a hawk spotting prey.

He sat up slowly, the sheet pooling at his waist. A hidden bodyguard in the shadows glanced at him, then at the older man standing just outside the door.

The old man—his loyal aide for over twenty-five years—knocked lightly on the open frame. "Come in," Grayson said, his voice cold as steel.

The aide entered and bowed slightly. "Young Master."

Grayson ignored him at first, rising to pull on his tailored black shirt and slacks with deliberate movements. The older man waited patiently; he knew better than to rush the CEO of Kai Media Empire.

"Do you want me to stop her?" the aide asked carefully.

Grayson's body tensed. He glanced down at the faint red stain on the sheets, and a flicker crossed his usually impassive face. Memories surged: the way her skin had felt under his hands, the sweet taste of her lips, the way his body—long dormant, repulsed by every other woman—had ignited for her alone.

He sat on the edge of the sofa, legs stretched out, exuding the effortless command of a king. "This woman... interests me," he murmured to himself.

The aide, who had watched Grayson grow from a guarded boy into a ruthless billionaire, felt a rare chill. "Say it."

"Everything is my fault," the aide continued quickly. "Punish me, Master."

Grayson closed his eyes, expression blank. The aide knew this silence meant fury—and danger. He spoke carefully: "I should not have allowed the mix-up last night. The woman I arranged never arrived. The bodyguard mistook her for the intended guest and brought her in. By the time I realized..."

Grayson opened his eyes, dark and unreadable. "Who is she?"

The aide hesitated. "Not the one I prepared, Master. A mistake."

"We can't change that now, can we?" The aide's tone was careful, but the implication was clear: the result mattered. Grayson had finally shown desire for a woman—proof he wasn't as untouchable as the rumors claimed.

Grayson leaned back, a faint, dangerous smile touching his lips. "Find out everything about her. Now."

"Yes, Master." The aide bowed and retreated.