Chapter 1 The Consequence of a One-Night Stand
When Claire Martinez woke up in the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, she felt sore all over, her head throbbing.
For a moment, she couldn't remember why she was there.
But the messy clothes on the floor and the lingering scent of passion in the air were enough to reveal that it had been a wild night.
Bits and pieces of the night slowly came together in her mind.
Last night, Claire had arranged to meet a friend at a bar, but her friend couldn't make it due to a sudden issue.
But as she was about to leave, she felt both desirous and dizzy, realizing that someone had spiked her drink!
With the little clarity she had left, she tried to seek help, only to collide with a man...
She vaguely remembered the man being tall and well-built.
She had thought she was saved, but instead, she was forced into a car by his men.
The rest was just a blur.
Claire looked into the mirror, her skin marked with countless hickeys!
Her face flushed with anger, and she clenched her fists tightly.
Who was that jerk?!
By the bed, there were several neatly placed new dresses in her size, as if they had been tailored just for her.
Claire grabbed one and put it on, as her own clothes were too tattered to wear.
After a quick wash, she prepared to leave the room.
But at the door stood several men in black suits, one with a nasty scar on his face.
Claire recognized him as the one who had forced her into the car!
Back then, she had heard him yell, "We found her!"
She instantly realized these people had been looking for her all along!
The scarred man stood by the door and blocked her path. "Sorry, miss, but you can't leave yet. Our boss' order."
Claire couldn't believe it. They were like the mafia, easily keeping someone captive!
"Who is your boss?! Let me go, or I'll call the police!"
The scarred man remained silent and expressionless, clearly unafraid of the police.
Claire gritted her teeth and tried to push past him, but he shoved her back into the room.
His strength was overwhelming, and she nearly fell to the floor.
Just then, a chuckle came from behind her. Claire looked up to see a strapping man approaching.
He was about 6'3", dressed in a black trench coat that accentuated his tall, muscular frame. His golden-brown hair was slightly curled and brushed back, revealing a face that seemed sculpted by the gods. His brown eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.
He exuded an aura of sexuality, yet his powerful presence made people instinctively fear him.
"Don't be so rough. She's my guest." The man gestured for the scarred man to step back, who obediently returned to the door.
He walked over to Claire and bent slightly, his deep eyes locked onto hers.
Claire looked at his face, vaguely recalling last night.
When their eyes met, she couldn't help but take a step back.
It was him! She had tried to seek his help, but he had her kidnapped instead!
Like an animal's instinct when facing danger, no matter how elegant and noble the man seemed, she still felt terrified.
Unfortunately, Claire tripped!
As she was about to fall, the man caught her by the waist, bringing them close enough to feel each other's breath.
Without thinking, she pushed him away. "Last night, I was drugged! You should have taken me to a hospital. I can report you!"
"I planned to, but you were too eager." The man stepped back and calmly sat in a chair.
He looked up at Claire, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You don't remember? You clung to me last night..."
A small bite mark was visible on his exposed collarbone. Clearly her doing.
Claire's cheeks and ears instantly turned red. Maybe... she had indeed been very forward last night...
She stammered, "But... that was because of the drugs! Even so, why won't you let me leave now?"
She tried to find a reason to argue against his unreasonable behavior.
"Hmm... Because you can't leave here for now."
His attitude was too calm, and he spoke as if he were her guardian.
It left Claire speechless.
"Why?!" This was illegal detention!
"You don't need to know the reason right now," he said, staring at her. "All you need to do is cooperate."
Damn! What a scoundrel! Claire cursed inwardly.
The next moment, her eyes fell on a certain object behind him. It was a holstered gun.
She remembered her shooting lessons at the club with her father. Maybe this gun could help her escape!
She thought for a moment, slowly approaching him, softening her tone. "Please, my father is waiting for me at home."
She thought she was being careful and could snatch the gun without alerting him.
However, the man noticed her every move.
"Hey, don't move!" She pointed the gun at him, but her hand trembled, her heart pounding.
The man seemed unafraid of her actions, more like he was watching a mischievous kitten.
However, his nonchalant demeanor made Claire extremely annoyed.
Damn it, she was threatening to shoot him!
"Is everything okay, sir?" The scarred man's voice came from outside.
"It's fine," the man replied.
He looked at Claire. "Do you know how to use that?"
"Of course."
"But your hand is shaking."
"That's your imagination."
The man leaned in and softly murmured, "You'd better stay by my side."
He then stood up, his towering figure casting a shadow over Claire.
The overwhelming pressure made her even forget to breathe.
She suppressed her fear, pretending to be calm, her finger ready on the trigger. "Don't come any closer!"