When Claire and Christian's lives collide on a cruise ship, their worlds are turned upside down. After a steamy night between them which leads to a misunderstanding, mistaken identities, and a leaked sextape, they're forced to pretend to be engaged to save their reputations. When the ship docked, they both go their separate ways, puting an end to the charade, until Claire turns up pregnant a month later with Christian's child. What starts as a fake engagement becomes a twisted, complicated reality as Claire and Christian find themselves trapped in a contract marriage, fighting against their past, the danger lurking in the present, and their growing forbidden feelings for each other.
Lihat lebih banyak***
~CLAIRE~ *** I sang along to the pop song blasting from several speakers in the bar of the cruise ship. After downing four shots of tequila minutes ago, my head was beginning to spin. I tapped my foot to the beat, nodding and humming along. The bar was slightly crowded, and several couples danced in the middle. I was clearly intoxicated so I didn't order any more shots. I didn't want to get too drunk. I glanced at my watch, wondering why Jason was taking so long. He left me hours ago, saying he had something important to do. But he promised to join me at the bar when he was done. As I scrolled through my phone, the bartender, a blonde brown-eyed beauty, returned and placed a bottle of Martini before me. I shook my head immediately. "I didn't order this." The corners of her lips pulled up in an odd smile as she pushed the bottle towards me. "It's on the house." She said in a tone that left no room for argument. I was surprised, but I accepted it with a polite smile. "Thank you." I took a sip, feeling the harsh taste burn a path down my throat. But a warm feeling suddenly spread through me. I looked up to see the bartender still staring at me with an odd expression. Then she turned and walked away. I knew that look. She was probably surprised to see someone like me on the cruise ship. And I didn't blame her. I was what people called plain Jane. Copper coloured hair, pale green eyes and freckles scattered across my face. And the worst part, I had to wear glasses. I was basic, average and unattractive. I grew up hearing those words my entire life. Back in high school and college, I was pretty much ignored. The ugly duckling of the class. The shy nerd who remained in the shadow of her peers. Until I met Jason, my boyfriend. Jason made me feel special. He took an interest in my passion for design, and he believed in my dreams to own a fashion brand someday. Today was our one year anniversary, and I planned to finally give him my virginity. Jason had been patient with me, never forcing me to do anything I didn't want to do. Just a month ago, I found a receipt in his wallet. It was a diamond ring he purchased, and I was overwhelmed with joy. Jason never made our relationship public, but I knew he loved me. It was probably the reason he booked this trip, so he would propose to me under the moonlight, surrounded by the ocean. This particular night, I had intentionally dressed in a sexy black gown, the type Jason loved. I planned to seduce him after the proposal. But halfway through, my courage deserted me, which was why I ended up in the bar, getting a drink to boost my confidence. I finished the last of the Martini just as my cellphone dinged with an incoming text. My eyes lit up excitedly. It was Jason. He wanted me to meet him in our suite. I climbed down from the high stool I sat on and the entire bar spun crazily. I suddenly felt hot. Shit. Maybe I shouldn't have accepted that Martini from the bartender. My steps were unsteady as I stepped out of the bar and onto the deck. It was night time, and the air had turned chilly. I rubbed my hands over my arms as I staggered my way towards the suites. I squinted through my drunk haze, searching for suite nine. The passages all looked the same, and for a moment, I thought I was lost. Then I spotted it. I leaned heavily against the wall, carefully putting one foot in front of the other. I could barely stand on my feet. I made a mental note never to drink so much, ever again. I stopped in front of the suite and glared at the number, squinting through my watery eyes to make sure I wasn't entering the wrong room. When I was completely sure it was the right one, suite nine, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. "Jason." My voice sounded slurred, even to my ears. Jason didn't respond. He was probably asleep. The room was pitch black and I couldn't see a thing. I tried to find the light switch, but in the process, I stubbed my toe against the leg of a chair. "Son of a bitch!" I cursed quietly as pain exploded in my foot. I kicked off my heels, swaying dangerously, then peeled off my gown. Clad in just my lingerie, I crawled into the bed and straddled him. "My love." I whispered. His arms went around me instantly and I gasped when he pulled me close and kissed me. Desire shot through me. I'd waited for this day, and it was finally here. Jason was gentle as he took off my bra and ripped my panties. Soon I was naked above him. Then he flipped us, covering my body with his. He took his shirt off and kicked away his trousers. "You're drunk." He whispered, his warm breath raising goosebumps on my skin. "I had a little drink." I replied with a soft giggle. "I wanted to seduce you." He chuckled, and through the fuzzy haze in my head, I noticed his voice sounded somewhat different. It was deeper, huskier, and absolutely sexy. Before I could think more about it, his lips came crashing down on mine. A soft moan escaped me as I wrapped my arms around him, tangling my fingers in his hair. He trailed his lips down my throat, nipping softly at my skin, leaving electrifying tingles. My lips parted on a breathless moan when he closed his mouth over my nipple. I arched into him, tightening my grip on his hair and pulling him closer. His lips were merciless, his tongue swirling around my hardened nipples. I gasped in anticipation as he pushed my thighs open and positioned his cock at my throbbing entrance. "Are you ready?" He whispered. Again, the deep timbre of his voice sounded strange, but I was too drunk to think about it. I wanted him so bad. "Yes." I whispered back. He slammed into me with one hard thrust, breaking through my resistance. Pain shot up my core, causing me to stiffen and tighten my arms around him. It hurt like hell, but it was worth it. Jason was worth it. He held me close, kissing my cheeks until the pain subsided. I let out a shaky breath and tried to adjust to his length, buried deep inside me. He withdrew and pushed back in. The discomfort I felt moments ago faded off, replaced with an erotic sensation. A throaty moan slipped out of my lips as he began to move, slowly thrusting in and out. "Oh God." I whispered. "It feels so good." His hands lowered down my body and gripped my hips tightly. He groaned as he increased his pace, thrusting faster, filling me up completely. Soon, an overwhelming sensation began to build at the base of my stomach. My moans turned louder, more breathless, more intense. Suddenly, my pussy clenched around his cock and I cried out as my orgasm slammed into me. My nails dug into his back as I trembled, grinding against him and riding out my climax. A second later, Jason let out a low growl as he reached his climax. He kissed me, and I held him close as he shuddered. It was magical, better than I expected. A while later, he collapsed beside me, breathing heavily. "That was amazing." I whispered, totally breathless. Jason laughed softly. "It was amazing." I rolled into his arms, only to find him holding out a velvet box to me. The diamond ring shimmered brightly even in the darkness. "Sloane, my love, will you marry me?" "Oh, Jason." I gushed happily, grabbing the ring and slipping it on my finger. "Yes. Oh yes, I'll marry you." Suddenly I froze. The drunken haze cleared from my eyes as his question resounded in my ears. I sat up and rolled out of the bed. "Who is Sloane?"***~CLAIRE~***Everything was happening too fast. I couldn't even catch my breath. Why would Christian introduce me as his fiancée? Wasn't it just yesterday he thought I was a whore and kicked me out of his room?I didn't have the time to ponder on it. I looked back at Jason when he started to laugh. "Whatever it is you're doing, Uncle Christian, stop it." He said. "You and I know you wouldn't date someone like Claire. Everyone here knows your reputation. I mean, look at her."He pointed at me and I looked away, completely embarrassed. "She's not the kind of woman you take to bed, Uncle. The blonde bimbos with no lick of sense in their pretty little heads, that's more your type. You would certainly not date someone as ugly as Claire so there's no way you're engaged to her."Christian's expression didn't change. If anything, it hardened. "I know you're just trying to cover the shame and scandal of being caught sleeping with my girlfriend." Jason continued, then his eyes fell on me
***~CLAIRE~***I was rendered speechless. The video played on before my eyes, making my heart sink to the bottom of my stomach. I remembered that the room had been totally dark last night, yet for some reason, this video appeared really clear. I could clearly see myself as I clutched the stranger tightly and wrapped my legs around him. It made me sick. Completely sick. The phone dropped from my hand like it had electrocuted me. I took a step away from Jason, shaking my head, unable to form a word and defend myself. Someone had done this. Someone had framed me. Everyone was staring at me openly now. I caught looks of disgust and contempt. Could this day get any worse? To my utter shock, Jason launched into a pretentious act. He shook his head and placed a hand over his heart like he was hurt. "Why would you do this to me, Claire?" He asked, loud enough for the guests in the lounge to hear. "Why would you hurt me this way? I gave you everything."I took another step back, a conf
***~CLAIRE~***A loud shout roused me awake the next morning. I sat up abruptly and immediately regretted it. The room spun, and a wave of nausea hit me. God, I hated alcohol. The hangovers were always the worst. My head was threatening to split with a raging headache, and my mouth tasted bland. When the spinning stopped, I slowly opened my eyes and looked around. Now that it was daylight, I could see the studio perfectly. Bright coloured fabrics and pastel linens were piled upon the two other couches in the room. There was a window overlooking the sea. I stood up and walked towards it, wobbling slightly. The time had to be almost noon because the sun was high up in the sky. The sight of the sea made my nausea worse, so I turned away. I needed a bath and a change of clothes. I dreaded meeting Jason after what happened last night, but I didn't have a choice. I walked back to the couch and leaned down to pick my heels. Then I spotted the dollar bills the stranger gave me yester
***~CLAIRE~***I found it hard to breathe as I watched the man I love fuck another woman. They were so engrossed, they didn't notice my presence. It made me sick! "JASON!" I screamed. He looked up, surprised to see me standing there. He gently pushed the woman aside and got up. Grabbing a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. He didn't show the slightest sign of remorse or guilt. The woman on the other hand didn't make any attempt to shield her body. She stared back at me calmly, a small smile playing around her lips. There was something very familiar about her. That blonde hair... I realized it suddenly. She was the bartender who served me the tequila shots and the bottle of Martini. "You." I whispered, but before I could attack her, Jason stepped in front of me."Where have you been, Claire?" He muttered. I was taken aback for a moment. He was acting so casual, like I didn't just catch him being unfaithful with another woman. "What?" I whispered. "Where the hell have y
***~CLAIRE~***"Who is Sloane?" I asked sharply. "Have you been cheating on me, Jason?"He didn't reply immediately. For a few seconds, we silently gazed at each other in the darkness. I couldn't see his face clearly, but I was sure he was searching for a lie to tell. I opened my mouth to ask who Sloane was again when he spoke first. And that was when I noticed the change in his voice. "Who is Jason?"His question caught me off guard. What the hell did he mean–My eyes widened in realization. Oh dear God. It can't be. I backed away from the bed, taking the sheets with me to shield my bare body. Then I stumbled across the room, searching for the light switch. When I found it, I pressed it with shaky fingers. The room flooded with bright light, blinding me momentarily. When my eyes cleared, I received the greatest shock of my entire life, probably one that would haunt me forever. The man lying on the bed wasn't Jason. It was some stranger I had never seen. And damn, he was brea
***~CHRISTIAN~***I glared angrily at my phone as I dialed Sloane's number again, and just like the other times, it didn't connect. I was so close to losing my temper. Alone in the ship's private lounge, I sat at a vantage point where I could see whoever stepped into the bar. Sloane and I agreed to meet up here. I personally booked the tickets for this trip. But hours went by, and I didn't see her. I was beginning to get worried. I pulled out a velvet box from my pocket and flipped it open. A diamond ring winked up at me, the square shaped stone glittering like stars. A small smile touched my lips as I gazed at it. It belonged to my mother, one of the few belongings she left behind before she died. And I was ready to give it out to the love of my life. I planned to propose to Sloane tonight. It was why I booked this trip, for both of us. Apart from proposing to her, I also wanted to reveal my true identity to her. Sloane thought I was a penniless man with a troubled past a
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