Chapter 1: Who is Sloane?

***

~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?"