Chapter 1

Chapter 1:

“We’re here to escort you home, Miss Morgan p>

Fernanda Morgan looked over the men in crisply tailored suits standing before her.

“Your parents have been searching for you tirelessly over the years. As soon as they discovered your whereabouts, they sent us to ensure your return,” announced the man who seemed to be a butler, his smile warm and inviting. “Moreover, the Harper family is eagerly awaiting your arrival. You are to be engaged to Mr. Harper once you return p>

“Alright then. Let’s go,” Fernanda replied with a slight nod.

She gathered her already-packed belongings and stepped into the car.

The journey from the small town of Zhota to Esaham would take at least two days by car.

As dusk settled over the sky, they arrived in another small town. The butler found a modest but appealing motel and suggested they stay overnight.

Fernanda’s room was at the far end of the second-floor hallway, Room 201—arguably the best available. The butler and the rest of the group stayed on the lower floor.

The night was unusually warm and dry, making the old air conditioner useless. Fernanda opened the window to let in the breeze, and the curtains billowed gently in the evening air. After her shower, she dimmed the lights and crawled into bed.

She was drifting into a light sleep when a sudden noise outside startled her awake.

Another sound at the window snapped her fully alert. She sat up just as a shadowy figure burst through, landing on her bed.

The icy touch of a blade pressed against her neck as a low, threatening voice growled, “Don’t you dare move.” Fernanda froze, her body tense with fear.

The faint, metallic scent of blood lingered on the man’s sleeve—a grim reminder of the danger she faced. That unmistakable hint made it clear: this man was not to be trifled with.

Find what you love at gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․𝒸𝗼𝗺

Outside, the commotion grew louder. Moments later, a forceful knock rattled the door. A rough voice demanded, “Is anyone there? Open up now p>

As the voice still echoed, the knife at Fernanda’s neck pressed in a little deeper. The man’s tone was dripping with malice as he warned, “Get rid of them, or you’re as good as dead p>

His right arm tightened around her waist, while his left hand kept the knife steady at her throat. Through his firm grip and deliberate movements, Fernanda realized he meant every word.

Cornered, she knew she had to play along for now.

“Sure.” With a soft, steady voice, Fernanda tried to reassure him. “It’ll all be okay p>

When there was no response from inside, the people outside used a master key to unlock the door and stormed in.

At the sound, the man yanked Fernanda’s oversized T-shirt, pulling her down onto his lap and wrapping his arm around her, forcing her to straddle him as he adjusted his position.

At that moment, the door swung open and a harsh beam of flashlight lit up the room.

Fernanda let out a panicked scream, quickly bending over the man to shield him from view.

“Sweetheart, what the hell is this place? How could anyone have the audacity to barge in like that?” she cried, clinging to him, her grip tight and desperate, acting as though she was terrified.

Her voice, usually sweet and alluring, now had an edge of irritation mixed with breathless charm that was strangely captivating.

Suddenly, Fernanda felt the man beneath her tense.

Moments later, he wrapped his arm around her and expertly flipped over, pulling the blanket over both of them.

As the blanket slid over them, its soft rustle blended with the rhythm of their breathing, creating a scene of subtle intimacy.

Faces flushed with embarrassment, the group at the door stood stiffly, caught off guard by the private display before them.

Inside the room, the couple made no move to stop their intimate act.

The motel’s security guard let out an awkward chuckle. “Looks like they’re pretty busy… Maybe we should leave, huh p>

One of the men brushed past the guard and entered the room with determined steps. Fernanda’s heartbeat surged as she listened to the footsteps approaching. Were they really about to expose them?

A cold blade pressed against her side, its tip grazing her skin and sending a shiver through her already tense body.

The footsteps stopped beside the bed, and with a burst of courage, Fernanda leaned even closer to the man beneath her.

The blanket was gently pulled back, allowing the harsh light of the flashlight to reveal a glimpse of her delicate, bare back.

In the softness of the bed, their movements didn’t falter. Fernanda’s lips met his in a fervent kiss, her hair cascading down to hide his face, while his hand moved gently along her side.

The quiet moans that escaped their lips gave the scene an undeniable intimacy.

Suddenly, a voice called out from the hallway, breaking the tension. “Boss! Something’s happening out on the street!” Instantly, the man beside the bed sprang to his feet and rushed out the door.

As the door slammed shut, Fernanda disentangled herself and slipped out of bed.

Moonlight crept through a gap in the curtains, casting gentle shadows across the room. The man watched as Fernanda’s slender figure became a silhouette against the pale light.

Memories of earlier moments flashed through his mind—his fingers tracing her smooth, velvet skin, her delicate arms wrapped around him. Her hair had brushed his face, each strand silky and carrying a faint fragrance. Her voice had been a gentle melody, soothing and calm.

This woman was composed and perceptive. In the midst of chaos, instead of panicking, she had pressed her lips to his—a kiss so convincing it had fooled their pursuers.

Her lips had been cool against his, and her kiss was awkward, simply pressing her lips to his without further movement—clearly her first time.

Breaking the silence, the man’s voice softened, losing its usual harshness and gaining a note of allure. “Was that your first kiss p>