Chapter 2 One Night Stand

Amanda's POV

"Holy shit, get in here," Ethan practically dragged me into the suite. The second the door clicked shut, I slammed him against it, crashing my lips into his. The groan that escaped him sent shivers down my spine.

"Someone's wound up tight," I teased between kisses. He answered by hoisting me up, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as he carried me to the bed.

"You've been killing me all night," his voice was husky. "That dress is straight-up illegal." His hands skimmed over the silk, making me tremble.

I flipped our positions, pushing him down. "Oh yeah? Whatcha gonna do about it?" My fingers made quick work of his tie, tossing it aside. Ethan's eyes darkened with lust as he watched me, his hands running up my thighs.

Our bodies found an effortless rhythm together. Every touch set my skin on fire. Every kiss left me wanting more. "God, you're so fucking beautiful," he breathed, sitting up to capture my lips again. The kiss was hot and demanding, making my head spin. I rolled my hips against his, drawing a sharp intake of breath from him.

His hands tangled in my hair as he flipped us over, pressing me into the mattress. "You drive me wild." he murmured against my neck, leaving a trail of kisses that made me arch against him. His lips found my nipples, sucking and teasing them until I was gasping.

I could feel his cock pressing against me, hard and insistent. My hand slid between us, stroking him through his pants. "Ethan," I breathed, my voice barely a whisper. "I need you."

He groaned, his hands moving to pull my dress up over my hips. "Fuck, you're so wet," he muttered, fingers sliding over my pussy, finding my clitoris and rubbing it in slow, deliberate circles. The sensation made me cry out, my hips bucking against his hand.

He pulled back just long enough to strip off his pants and boxers, his cock springing free. I reached for him, guiding him to my entrance. "Now, Ethan," I pleaded, needing him inside me.

He thrust into me with one smooth motion, making us both gasp. The feeling of his cock filling my pussy completely was overwhelming, sending waves of pleasure through my body. "God, you feel so good," he groaned, starting to move, each thrust deeper and harder than the last.

We moved together, the room filled with the sounds of our bodies coming together, our moans and gasps. Ethan's hands were everywhere, touching, caressing, driving me wild. His mouth found my clitoris again, sucking gently, and I felt the tension building, the edge of release just within reach.

When it came, it was like an explosion, my body shuddering around him as I cried out his name. Ethan followed me over the edge, his thrusts becoming erratic as he came, filling me with his warmth.

Afterward, we lay tangled together, both trying to catch our breath. Ethan pulled me closer, dropping lazy kisses on my shoulder. "Girl, you're something else."

I smirked, tracing random patterns on his chest. "Takes one to know one, hot shot."

"Can't argue with that," he chuckled, his fingers trailing along my spine.

I settled against him, feeling surprisingly content. Tomorrow I'd have to deal with reality - the forced marriage saga, my feuding families, all that jazz. But right now? This moment was straight-up perfect.

The last thing I remembered before drifting off was Ethan pressing a kiss to my temple, whispering "Stay" against my skin. I fell asleep thinking maybe, just maybe, this was more than just a one-night thing.

The brutal morning sunlight pierced my skull as I awakened. I squinted at the unfamiliar surroundings – a spacious bedroom in elegant grays and blues, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a panoramic view of the sprawling city below.

Not my room. Not my house. Not my...

Fragments of the previous night began floating back: the video, Nathan's betrayal, my father's ultimatum about Harold Wilson. Then the bar, and...

Ugh, my brain was fried, pieces of last night coming back in chunks. That guy from the bar - Ethan Blackwood. I'd totally clocked him as some fancy escort. Holy cow, did I actually go there? Had I really proposed marriage to a complete stranger?

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, Elizabeth's name lighting up the screen. I stared at it for three rings before answering.

"Where are you?" Elizabeth's voice dripped honey-coated venom.

"Out." My throat was extremely dry.

"Your father is absolutely livid. Madison saw you leaving the Blue Diamond with some man."

My laugh held no humor. "How convenient that Madison was there to spy."

"Don't take that tone with me." Elizabeth's voice hardened. "You will come home immediately. Your father needs to discuss the Wilson arrangement."

"I'm sure he does."

"Amanda—"

I ended the call, letting my head fall back against the silk-covered pillows. The door opened and Ethan Blackwood stepped in, already dressed in another impeccable suit. Wait - Blackwood? Like the investment empire Blackwood? No way. Sure, he had that polished look, but there was no chance the Blackwood heir was moonlighting as a high-end escort. I shook off the ridiculous thought. My pounding headache was clearly making me delusional.

"Good morning." His voice was carefully neutral. "How's your head?"

I sat up slowly, grateful to find myself still fully dressed. "About last night..."

"Your rather unique marriage proposal?" A hint of amusement colored his tone.

"I should go." I swung my legs over the side of the bed, fighting a wave of dizziness. "This was a mistake."

"Was it?" He leaned against the doorframe, studying me. "A few hours ago, you were quite convinced it was a brilliant strategic move."

"I was drunk."

"You were honest." He straightened. "The car's ready whenever you want to leave. But consider this – you need an escape from an arranged marriage. I need..." He paused. "Let's just say a marriage of convenience could benefit us both."

I stared at him. "You're serious?"

"Entirely."

I took a deep breath, my mind suddenly clear despite the hangover. "I agree to your terms. We'll have a marriage of convenience, and if you find someone you truly love, we can end this arrangement immediately."

A flicker of something - surprise, maybe - crossed his face before he nodded. As we stepped out, a sleek Maybach waited at the curb. "Just a rental," he said smoothly when I raised an eyebrow at the luxury car.

The drive home was silent until his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening for just a second.

"Everything okay?" I asked.

"Perfect." His smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Though we might have a small complication."

Before I could ask what he meant, another car pulled up alongside us at the light. Through the tinted windows, I locked eyes with Madison - her perfect red lips curving into a predatory smile as she took in the scene. Her gaze lingered on Ethan, that familiar calculating look I'd seen right before she stole Nathan.

She raised her phone, snapped a photo, and mouthed two words: "Got you."