Bound To My Husband

Allison's Pov:

Standing before the mirror, I could barely recognize the woman staring back at me. I was so dolled up it felt like a mask.

This was all my best friend Laura's idea. She wanted me to taste true freedom before I was married off to my father’s best friend. It sounds insane, but it is my father’s wish as he faces his final days. My billionaire father truly feels it is right to hand me over to a man I have never even met, someone I am certain is decades older than me.

I was supposed to meet him tonight, but I made up an excuse to skip it. I wasn't going to give my virginity to some old man. It was better to give it to a random, handsome stranger. Those were Laura's words, not mine.

Speaking of the devil, she peeked her head into the room and stared at me.

"Don’t you feel this dress is a little bit revealing?" I worried, turning toward her and desperately trying to cover myself. She only met me with a cold glare.

"You are only doing this for one night. How hard can it be?" she snapped, practically rolling her eyes at my hesitation.

I took a deep breath. She was right. This was my only opportunity. I have been so buried in work lately, running my father’s multi-billion dollar company, that I barely have a second for myself.

"Come on, let's go Allison. Trust me, all eyes are going to be on you."

She wasn't lying. When it comes to attracting attention, I’ve always been good at it because of my looks. I let my golden hair flow freely over my shoulders and down my back, taking one last look at the stranger in the mirror.

We got into my car and let my personal driver take us to the club. We could hear the thumping music from a distance. Laura was already hyped up, throwing her hands in the air and dancing freely in her seat. I bit my lip hard to keep from laughing at her energy.

Once we entered the club, we settled into the VIP section. I scanned the crowd, my heart racing as I looked for someone to hook up with.

"You have to be free and enjoy the vibes! They will be here before you know it!" Laura shouted into my ear over the deafening music.

I nodded quickly, agreeing with her. I took a few shots, feeling the bitter liquid burn down my throat. I told myself I would have just a few more and then stop.

"Allie, that is enough," Laura insisted, trying to take the glass away.

I quickly snatched it back.

"Why don’t you..." I trailed off. The words felt heavy, as if I wasn't the one speaking them. In just a few minutes, I was completely, helplessly drunk. "I need you to find a guy that can fuck me," i said.

Laura took a deep breath, without sparing me that judgemental look.

I wasn't good at drinking. In fact, I never drink because I turn into a mess in seconds.

"Fine, stay here and do not wander off," she insisted.

Then she was gone, leaving me all by myself. I kept on drinking without holding back. This was the freedom I never had, and now that I had finally tasted it, I was beginning to misuse it. The world began to spin in a hazy, golden blur.

Suddenly, I felt someone grab me by the waist and pull me. Even if I wanted to hook up with someone, I did not want it to be this way. I stared at the strange man and realized he was not the type I wanted. He saw that I was alone and vulnerable, and he clearly wanted to take advantage of that.

Before I could protest, another hand grabbed me and pulled me out of the stranger's grip.

"Allison, you are coming with me." His husky voice passed through my ears like a sweet melody, making my toes tingle. The vibration of his voice felt like a physical touch against my skin.

"How do you know my name?" I wondered curiously. "Did Laura tell you to come?"

He ignored my question as he held my staggering body firmly to his chest. By this time, the man who had been bothering me had disappeared into the crowd. I leaned into his warmth, mesmerized by the scent of expensive cologne and woodsmoke.

"No," he finally answered, though he did not let go of me. "Why did you drink yourself into a stupor?"

From the way he spoke, he sounded angry. He was acting as if he were familiar with me, his eyes burning with a strange, protective fire.

"I am not," I protested, swallowing hard as I tried to defend myself.

"How many fingers can you see?" He raised five fingers. I narrowed my eyes, struggling to focus as they danced before me.

"Ten," I whispered. He pinched the bridge of his nose as if he were disappointed.

"No, no, eight." I tilted my head, but he remained quiet. "Maybe fourteen."

He suddenly bent down and swept me into his arms, carrying me bridal style. The strength in his arms made my heart race for an entirely different reason.

"Allison, no human has fourteen fingers," he noted, his tone shifting to amusement as he chuckled. The sound was low and rich, vibrating against my ribs.

"No, no, but an octopus has one," I mumbled, saying the first words that popped into my head.

"An octopus," he repeated in disbelief. He carried me upstairs, passing a long hallway lined with different rooms.

"Did I say octopus?" I sighed, but he ignored me. He opened a door and placed me gently on the bed before turning to close it.

"Why don't you shower and get some sleep?" He leaned against the wall, carefully tucking his hands into his pockets.

His shirt had three buttons undone, and the sleeves were rolled up to show his toned muscles. He looked like he had just walked out of a magazine with his sharp jawline and deep blue eyes. He was staring at me like I was prey, and strangely, I didn't want to run.

"But I don't want to sleep," I murmured, springing up from the bed and moving toward him. Even if he was the predator, I was ready to be the hunter.

I pressed myself against him, wrapping my hands around him tightly. The heat between us was instant and overwhelming. "I want you," I breathed. He looked at me in shock, his body tensing under my touch.

"I only just met you tonight. How can you throw yourself at me just like that?" he growled, his voice thick with a mix of hesitation and desire.

I did not care what he had to say. I had to fulfill what I came here to do. I pressed my lips against his, and for a moment, he stood there frozen. The kiss was desperate and sweet, fueled by the alcohol.

"You are only saying these words because you are drunk," he huskily cautioned, searching my eyes to be sure.

"No," I refuted, shaking my head. "This is why I came to the club."

His lips turned into a dark smirk as his grip on my waist tightened, pulling me flush against him.

"Then I don't have to hold back," he darkly promised.