The Billionaire’s Stubborn Bride

AN UNEXPECTED KISS

RUBY

Driving around aimlessly with tears blurring my vision might not have been a good idea, but I didn't know where else to go. I've never had many female friends, and most of the women in my circle were eager to find husbands, often making me feel like they were competing with me. My sister used to be my closest friend, but she was married now, and calling her at 11 pm isn't ideal.

My sister, who had always been fearless, was in a scandalous situation with the Duke of Gloucester at a New Year's party. The duke was forced to make an offer, which my father readily accepted.

One thing my father wouldn't compromise on was our virginity. If I had wanted to marry Diavolo, all I needed to do was get pregnant. My father would have had no choice but to accept our relationship. But I never considered doing that or even having s*x with him. Subconsciously, I must have known that I didn't want to be with him. Maybe my father was right; perhaps I was just being rebellious. However, it didn't make the pain any less unbearable.

I pulled into a bar and stepped out of the car. Walking into the surprisingly quiet bar, I felt guilty, as if all eyes were on me. I made my way to the bar and took a seat.

The bartender approached me. "What can I get you?" he asked.

I was not accustomed to this setting, so I chose the safest choice. "I'll have a glass of red wine, please."

The bartender nodded and turned to pour me a glass, placing it in front of me. I gently took the glass, swirled the wine, and brought it to my nose for a sniff. Then I sipped the wine slowly to savor its taste. It was good and had a strong flavor, although my family's wine was better.

The Ferretti family had been in the winery business for as long as anyone could remember. It was a tradition passed down through the generations, and it had grown to become one of the leading brands in Italy. I took pride in my heritage; wine-making was in my blood.

"Someone who knows how to appreciate their wine," I heard a rich, husky, masculine voice comment from behind me. I brought the glass to my lips for another sip and turned to look at the person, nearly choking when I saw him. He looked unreal, like some Adonis or something.

I swallowed and replied, "I've always appreciated good wine," while my brain took in his features. He had sun-kissed skin as if he worked outdoors and a deep tan that made me wonder if it covered the rest of his body. His curly blond hair and sea-blue eyes drew my attention. I couldn't help but focus on his soft, inviting lips. It was a miracle I hadn't noticed him when I walked in.

"Just good wine?" he grinned.

I smiled back, suppressing the urge to blush. "I enjoy the finer things in life. Good food, clothes, flowers, scenery, just the usual stuff. How about you?"

"I appreciate everything God created, and I'm currently appreciating what must be God's masterpiece," he said, giving me a smile that made the butterflies in my stomach dance with joy. Was he flirting with me?

"What is that?" I asked curiously.

"You," he responded.

I gasped, feeling my face flush.

"God must have spent his time on you. You're unlike anyone I've ever seen before," he continued, making me blush even more as I took another sip of my wine.

"Well, I'm not sure what to say," I replied, biting my lip nervously.

He tilted his head and wondered, "I can bet you often hear people tell you how beautiful you are."

I replied, "Well, yes. My father always says so, but he's obliged to."

"What about your boyfriend?" he asked, inquiring if I was single.

"He used to tell me that." I took a cautious look around the bar, ensuring no one from our circle was around. The last thing I wanted was gossip about me talking to a mysterious man in a bar making rounds. I exhaled when I saw no one I recognized.

"Used to?" he repeated.

"Seeing as I just broke up with him for taking money from my father to end our relationship, I don't trust his judgment," I confessed.

"Ah, this is a one-person pity party?" he inquired.

"It is," I replied, looking at him, no longer feeling alone.

"Well, your boyfriend is terrible. And since I don't want anything from you, I think it's only right to let you know that you're beautiful," he stared at me with those captivating eyes that seemed to hold me in place.

"T-thank you," I stuttered, sipping my wine.

"You're welcome," he replied, taking a sip from his glass of whiskey.

"Do you come to this part of town often?" I inquired to keep the conversation going and fill our charged atmosphere. I'd never been so attracted to a man before. It was like sparks and electricity were flowing back and forth between us. I furrowed my brow as I wondered if he felt it too.

"I'm new in town actually," he responded, turning in his chair in my direction.

"Oh." I almost wanted to offer to show him around, but then I remembered my conversation with my dad earlier in the evening. It would be easy to deliver, show him around town, and spend more time with him. Unfortunately, although I may be single, I was not available. I sigh, thinking it's better to end it now.

I signaled to the waiter and then turned to my mysterious companion.

"I'm sorry. I have to call it a night. It was nice meeting you," I say, reaching for my purse to get my wallet, but he beat me to it and paid for both our drinks, leaving a tip.

"You didn't have to," I complained.

He smiled and shook his head. "You're welcome." He stood up as well, and I raised an eyebrow at him. He laughed. "I'm turning in for the night, too. I might as well walk you to your car."

I shrugged, not minding at all. It meant a few more minutes with him. He touched my waist to lead me through the now-busy bar. It felt like electricity coursing through my veins, even with the layers of clothing between us. I briefly wondered what it would feel like without anything between us, just our skin, but I shook the thought from my head. That road led to trouble.

When we stepped outside, I exhaled. "My car is over there," I pointed toward where I had parked.

He walked with me to my car, and I opened the car door, facing him.

"Um... Goodnight," I said.

He smiled enigmatically and tilted his head as if he were pondering something. Then he placed his hand on my waist, pulling me closer, and slowly lowered his head, giving me a chance to pull away, but I didn't. He pressed his lips to mine, and the sensation that's been growing in my stomach blooms and courses throughout my body. He kissed me slowly until I parted my lips and deepened the kiss. His tongue met mine, and I shivered. He tasted like mint, whiskey, and pure masculinity. His hand on my waist pressed me closer until my chest brushed against his.

I forgot about everything else, completely lost in this stranger's kiss. I put my hand around his neck, hearing my purse and keys fall to the ground, but nothing could stop me from kissing him.