The Mariage Bargain: Betrothed To Mr. CEO

per'

e bartender, tapping my e

sober and bleak. My mind kept replaying the horrible events of today - walking in on my fiancé with my sister, their cru

ome with intense blue eyes and sharp features. Confidence and authority re

d, his voice smooth and rich. "W

s of his offer touched me. I found myself opening up to this stranger, pouring out the whole sordid stor

ff to a disabled man just for money, the strang

uld suffer such degradation. Especially

r reacted so strongly to defend me before. I felt myself irresistib

our name?

replied. "And

nip

tiful name for a beautiful woman. Don'

ing inside me. We talked for a long time and Lucian's char

nd offered his hand. "

e to the dance floor. Lucian pulled me close, one hand spread possessively across my lower back. We moved togeth

lly pulled back, I saw it was past 2 am. As much as I wanted to stay here in this dr

Stay a little longer. I have a suite upstairs where we can relax

le future. But one look into Lucian's magnetic blue eyes crumbled my resolve. I wanted more ti

found myse

us suite with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the glittering

ek gently. "You are exquisite, Juniper.

on. Lucian was an expert lover, his hands and mouth worshipping my body until I was dizzy wi

blissfully distant. Just before I drifted off, Lucian kissed m

unfamiliar opulent suite. Then memories of the incredible n

arlier. I felt a pang of regret that our time together had ended, bu

ng him for the wonderful night. I hoped we might meet again someday,

r's reaction to my night out. As expected, he w

ell were you

was the point? "I went to a club. Dan

ek. I reeled more from the shock than

nd when you're supposed to marry tomorrow! Thought

anyone tomorrow or ever again for your benefit. Do whate

onaire's son tomorrow as I planned, or your mother's dead.

y mother over this rebellion. Once again my fathe

azing night with Lucian - his kindness, his passion, how cherished he'd made me feel. A perfe

***

As my maid helped me into the elaborate white gown I'd

ky look off your face an

"I'm not putting on an act for you. T

ll walk down that aisle with a smile, or else. Your husband-to-be i

le rose in my throat as I pictured some decrepit invalid hobbling up the aisle with me. Al

heart dropped into my stomach. It was Lucian, the captivating

h the wheelchair-bound person before me now. He showed no flicker of recogni

nd-to-be. I look forward to getting to know

stions. Had our encounter just been a vivid dream? No, it had felt far too re

ntly. Was that...longing in her eyes? Lucian's gaze slid over her once then away, his jaw t

ded automatically though my mind was far away. At last, Luc

room and closed the door. His posture changed instantly, s

ust have questions, but please just play along f

xactly as I recalled from the club. He

?" I asked bluntly.

e for both of us." Lucian gave a wry smile. "Just trust me a little longer. Af

. I decided to suspend my disbelief and g

hey didn't let on. Finally, it was time for us to leave for Lucian's home. His father clasped my father's hand, thanking him eff

receding into the distance. I sat rigidly on the plush leat

e me a chance to explain everything once we're

s and questions. But Lucian had an air of command

veway. I gaped in awe as a sprawling mansion came into view, abla

ock. "Surprised? I promise

study with leather couches and a crackling fireplace. After settling

air, standing tall and strong before

t actually disa

ectly fit as you experienced the other night.

r and act? Why did you