Juniper's Pov
"Another shot," I told the bartender, tapping my empty glass on the counter.
He slid me another drink and I downed it in one gulp, revelling in the burn. I'd already had several but my mood remained sober and bleak. My mind kept replaying the horrible events of today - walking in on my fiancé with my sister, their cruel words, and my father's schemes to marry me off again against my will. Just thinking about it all made my stomach churn.
A man slid onto the stool beside me. I glanced up. He was strikingly handsome with intense blue eyes and sharp features. Confidence and authority resonated from him though he looked relaxed leaning casually against the bar.
"You seem troubled," he commented, his voice smooth and rich. "Would you like to talk about it?"
Normally I would have brushed off such an intrusion. But something in his steady gaze and the genuineness of his offer touched me. I found myself opening up to this stranger, pouring out the whole sordid story. He listened intently, his expression growing stormier as I revealed my family's appalling behaviour.
When I confessed my father's plan to marry me off to a disabled man just for money, the stranger slammed his fist on the bar, making me jump.
"Despicable," he growled. "No woman should suffer such degradation. Especially not one as lovely and vibrant as you."
His outrage on my behalf was startling but touching. No one had ever reacted so strongly to defend me before. I felt myself irresistibly drawn to this man and his imposing yet oddly comforting presence.
"What's your name?" I asked.
"Lucian," he replied. "And you are...?"
"Juniper."
"Juniper," he repeated gently. "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."
I blushed under his intent stare, a welcome warmth blossoming inside me. We talked for a long time and Lucian's charming attentiveness made me temporarily forget my sorrows.
Eventually, he stood and offered his hand. "Dance with me, Juniper."
Hesitantly, I placed my hand in his much larger one. His strong grip sent a little thrill through me as he led me to the dance floor. Lucian pulled me close, one hand spread possessively across my lower back. We moved together smoothly, our bodies aligning perfectly. The outside world faded away until there was only us and the music.
I lost track of time in the haze of flashing lights and rhythmic motion. When I finally pulled back, I saw it was past 2 am. As much as I wanted to stay here in this dream world with Lucian, I knew I had to get home before my father noticed I was gone.
Lucian ran his fingers down my arm, sending shivers through me. "Stay a little longer. I have a suite upstairs where we can relax and get to know each other better." His voice was low and tempting.
Warning bells went off in my head. After Orion's betrayal, I'd sworn off men for the foreseeable future. But one look into Lucian's magnetic blue eyes crumbled my resolve. I wanted more time with him, to pretend just a little longer that my life wasn't the train wreck it truly was.
"Okay," I found myself saying.
Lucian's answering smile was dazzling. He led me upstairs to a luxurious suite with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the glittering city. My nerves rising, I perched awkwardly on a plush leather sofa.
Sitting beside me, Lucian cupped my cheek gently. "You are exquisite, Juniper. I've never met anyone like you before."
His tender words dissolved my anxiety. Our lips met, softly at first, then with rising passion. Lucian was an expert lover, his hands and mouth worshipping my body until I was dizzy with pleasure. He treated me like a queen, cherishing me in ways I'd never experienced before.
Afterwards, we lay tangled together chatting, all my problems blissfully distant. Just before I drifted off, Lucian kissed my forehead and murmured, "Rest now, my dear. You are safe here."
I awoke slowly the next morning, momentarily confused by the unfamiliar opulent suite. Then memories of the incredible night with Lucian flooded back, bringing a smile to my face.
The other side of the bed was empty - Lucian must have slipped out earlier. I felt a pang of regret that our time together had ended, but also acceptance that it was just a temporary escape from reality.
After dressing, I left Lucian a note with my name and number, thanking him for the wonderful night. I hoped we might meet again someday, but I knew my family would ensure this had to be our only interlude.
I took a taxi home, bracing myself for my father's reaction to my night out. As expected, he was waiting in the foyer, face mottled with rage.
"Where the hell were you?" he shouted.
I briefly considered lying, but what was the point? "I went to a club. Danced, and had some drinks. Met a man."
My father's hand cracked across my cheek. I reeled more from the shock than the pain. He had never struck me before.
"You little whore!" he snarled. "Out sleeping around when you're supposed to marry tomorrow! Thought you could gain some favours spreading' your legs?"
I glared at him, anger overriding fear. "I'm not marrying anyone tomorrow or ever again for your benefit. Do whatever the hell you want to me, but I'm done being your pawn!"
My father's expression turned ugly. "You'll marry the billionaire's son tomorrow as I planned, or your mother's dead. I'm still the only thing keeping her alive. Now get ready."
The fight drained out of me. I couldn't condemn my mother over this rebellion. Once again my father had backed me into a corner I couldn't escape.
I turned away so he wouldn't see the tears filling my eyes. All I could think about was my amazing night with Lucian - his kindness, his passion, how cherished he'd made me feel. A perfect memory that I would cling to in the dark days ahead. Because tomorrow, my freedom will end.
**********
The morning of my unwanted wedding arrived far too soon. As my maid helped me into the elaborate white gown I'd been fitted for weeks ago, my father burst into the room.
"It's time. Get that sulky look off your face and let's go," he barked.
I regarded him coolly in the mirror. "I'm not putting on an act for you. This wedding is a sham and you know it."
He grabbed my shoulder roughly, glaring at me via the mirror. "You'll walk down that aisle with a smile, or else. Your husband-to-be is on his way to meet you. Don't embarrass me in front of everyone."
With that, he dragged me out to the foyer to await the man I was being forced to marry. Bile rose in my throat as I pictured some decrepit invalid hobbling up the aisle with me. All for my father's financial gain. He nudged me to stand up straighter as the doors opened.
A handsome man in a sharp suit wheeled himself towards us. My heart dropped into my stomach. It was Lucian, the captivating stranger from the club. The one bright spot in this nightmare.
I struggled to reconcile the vibrant, passionate man from two nights ago with the wheelchair-bound person before me now. He showed no flicker of recognition, calmly greeting my father then focusing those intense blue eyes on me.
"You must be Juniper. I'm Lucian, your husband-to-be. I look forward to getting to know you better." His tone was polite but distant.
I managed to mumble something appropriate in reply, my mind spinning with questions. Had our encounter just been a vivid dream? No, it had felt far too real. Could he be pretending not to know me for some reason? Nothing made sense.
As we proceeded towards the chapel, I couldn't help noticing my sister watching Lucian intently. Was that...longing in her eyes? Lucian's gaze slid over her once then away, his jaw tightening subtly. It seemed there was history between them too. What the hell was going on?
The traditional vows and rituals passed in a blur. I responded automatically though my mind was far away. At last, Lucian took my arm saying, "Let's talk privately for a moment."
Numbly I helped wheel him down the hall to an empty sitting room and closed the door. His posture changed instantly, shoulders straightening and piercing eyes intent on my face.
"Forgive the spectacle, Juniper. I realize you must have questions, but please just play along for now. All will be explained soon, I promise."
His intense, commanding presence was exactly as I recalled from the club. He was no frail invalid. But why the act?
"Who are you really?" I asked bluntly. "The other night..."
"I know. And I assure you I never expected you to be my bride. Quite a surprise for both of us." Lucian gave a wry smile. "Just trust me a little longer. After the ceremony when we are away from prying eyes, I will tell you everything."
His steady blue eyes radiated reassurance. I decided to suspend my disbelief and go along with this bizarre charade. For now.
The rest of the wedding and reception proceeded smoothly. If anyone noticed the tension between myself, Lucian, and my sister, they 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 effusively for the match. My skin crawled at their smug satisfaction. They saw me as just a business transaction, a bargaining chip.
At last, we pulled away, the elaborate wedding decorations receding into the distance. I sat rigidly on the plush leather seat beside Lucian. He reached over and squeezed my hand.
"I know you have no reason to trust me. But give me a chance to explain everything once we're in private." His eyes implored me to be patient.
I managed a taut nod. Inside I was a mess of nerves and questions. But Lucian had an air of command that compelled obedience. All I could do was wait.
We drove for some time before turning down a long, tree-lined driveway. I gaped in awe as a sprawling mansion came into view, ablaze with lights. So much for Lucian being an impoverished invalid.
He grinned at my obvious shock. "Surprised? I promise it will all make sense soon."
Once inside, he dismissed the servants and wheeled himself to a cosy study with leather couches and a crackling fireplace. After settling myself nervously on the edge of a couch, I turned to him expectantly.
Lucian rose smoothly from his wheelchair, standing tall and strong before me. Comprehension began trickling in.
"So...you're not actually disabled," I stated.
He laughed. "Astute observation. No, I'm perfectly fit as you experienced the other night." He gave me a meaningful look and I flushed.
"Then why the wheelchair and act? Why did you agree to this marriage?"