Faux Vows, True Desires

When they got to the more intimate moments, Owen found himself craving more than just kisses. But he'd promised her that he wouldn't force anything upon her.

If he wanted to truly indulge, he knew he had to put a ring on her finger first. That way, enjoying the pleasures would be justified, a matter of marital right.

Owen had just sealed a lucrative deal with Mr. Spencer, and both parties were over the moon. Celebration was in order, and it led to a few too many drinks.

Owen had intended to be Cecilia's knight in shining armor, ready to intercept any unwanted alcohol. But with spirits high, he'd let his guard down. By the time he remembered his chivalrous plan, Cecilia had already had her fair share of drinks.

He could kick himself.

Both Lucinda and Cecilia had warned him not to let her get drunk.

Seeing her blush like a boiled shrimp and her eyes getting all blurry, it'd be strange if she wasn't drunk.

Mr. Spencer, meanwhile, was being propped up by his secretary, clearly having overindulged himself. Walter, ever the considerate host, suggested that Mr. Spencer stay at the hotel overnight. As a valued client of the Ikella group, it was only right that he be treated with the utmost hospitality at the Pinehurst Hotel.

The secretary, seeing his boss in such a state, agreed to Walter's suggestion, deciding a night's stay was better than trekking back home in that condition.

Soon, the presidential suite was cleared out, leaving only Owen and Cecilia. "Cecilia," Owen said gently, gauging her mood with care. "You alright there?" Cecilia's response was a wide grin followed by a hearty, boisterous laugh.

Owen blinked in surprise. Did she laugh heartily when she was drunk?

The next thing he knew, her hands were all over his face, pinching, twisting, and generally having a field day with his features.

"So it's real," she mumbled, apparently convinced she was dreaming.

"Hey, handsome," she slurred, puckering her lips. "What's your name? How old are you? Got a wife yet? Come on, give me a smooch." Owen was flabbergasted.

Here was Cecilia, not recognizing him and shamelessly flirting with him.

Not only did she envelop him in kisses, but her hands were also all over him, with the unmistakable intent of undressing him.

composure, not wanting to

him, chuckling wryly, "No wonder you said you were a terrible drunk, hitting on men like this. Lucky it's just me. If it were anyone else, you'd be crying with regret tomorrow morning." "Handsome, come on. I'll pay you-a hundred bucks

scooped her up and carried

One thing was certain.

and offering money, she was

to kiss his entire body to make it worthwhile, and even

Such a lowball offer!

hundred and one? That's top dollar, come

free, they were back around his neck, pulling him down to her, lips puckered for

tried to fend her off, blocking her lips with

Wow, you've got a great body. Let's

him, her drunken strength and blurred vision making it a clumsy effort. Eventually, she managed to undo a single

sides of his shirt and

at those muscles! Hot

and growled, "Cecilia, stop pushing

had its

wasn't listening. She loved to flirt

warned Owen about this-never to

she saw was the muscular figure before her. She found it very appealing, and as she was about to dive in for a taste, her stomach rebelled, and the next thing

Cecilia!

flipped her

troubles fast asleep, with a part of the

What a night!

her soiled evening gown, placed her on the couch, and then ripped off

on new sheets and laid her

she didn't cause any more trouble once she was

under the covers-her gown had been removed, and he didn't