When she walked into my office, she took my breath away; she was the definition of beauty. Flowing red hair and eyes the colour of emeralds. I had to make her mine. The talented designer was hiding something though I could see the fear in her eyes. When her past catches up with her, and I almost lose her, it breaks me. No one will take my butterfly. I am a powerful man, and I make a vow to do anything within my power to keep her safe. I will be the one to set my butterfly free as she learns to fly once more, free from the chains that once held her down. Ellie may think she's broken, but Zac sees the beautiful, brave woman she is as she fights to bring justice into this cruel world.
Butterfly
Ellie's point of view
Chapter one
I sigh as I look around the cheap and most definitely not cheerful hotel room, muttering to myself as I swing my legs, to the cold threadbare floor.
"Come on, Ellie, time to get this lazy ass moving."
I laugh out loud as I realise I'm talking to myself; I can't help but smile. I may be in this cheap shitty hotel room, but it's my first glimpse of freedom in a very long time and boy, does it feel good.
I make my way over to the curtains, still smiling as I open them and force the filth-ridden widow open. It takes some effort to lift the heavy old wooden frame, but it finally gives, and I peep my head out to take a deep breath. Today will be a good day, the day I can finally make a new start and never look back.
Heading into the tiny bathroom, I turn on the creaky old shower, it isn't very hot. Still, I jump in anyway, washing my hair and body, careful not to touch the mouldy wall before climbing out of the shower, I throw a towel around me, heading back to the other room, drying my hair and putting on some natural makeup.
Before pulling open the small tatty suitcase that contains the few clothes I own. I pull out a plain black knee-length pencil skirt and simple white blouse with long sleeves, pulling them down to cover the faint scars still visible on my wrists; I finish off with an elegant bun and a pair of black heels.
Seven am, and I'm making my way out of the tiny hotel room with my precious portfolio tucked tightly under my arm; I don't want to be late for this interview. I desperately need this job as my savings won't last me much longer; looking at my watch, I giggle, I'm so early.
I decide to pick up a coffee from a cute little cafe facing Harris Corps designs, and I walk over to the counter to place my order; the handsome young man serves me with a friendly smile.
"Good morning, Madam; what can I get for you on this beautiful morning."
"Just a latte, please," I reply.
"So what brings a beautiful lady like you here."
He asks with a cheeky wink as he places the cup of coffee in front of me.
I laugh as I reply.
"I have an interview at Harris Corps Designs."
He nods his head as he says.
"Ahhh I see. Well, good luck with the interview, Miss?"
I giggle at his blatant flirting as I take the cup from him and say.
"Thank You."
I'm still smiling as I make my way over to a quiet table in the corner of the room, trying to juggle my portfolio and coffee at the same time. Sipping the coffee as I watch the world pass by me, I love to watch people but then again, at one time, It was all I had to pass the time. Once I've finished my coffee, I return the cup to the counter; the young man smiles as he says.
"Thank you, I'm sorry, but I didn't get your name."
I roll my eyes as I reply, "I didn't give it."
He laughs as he says.
"Well, Miss, the name is Connor, good luck with your interview, and I hope we will meet again."
"Maybe.... The name is Ellie, by the way."
I laugh as I wave goodbye, telling him my name as I walk through the door before crossing the busy street as I make my way to the Harris Corps Designs building. Once inside, I find myself standing at the front of an imposing reception desk as I smile at the lady behind the desk.
"Hi, I'm Ellie Simms; I have an interview this morning with Mr Harris."
She smiles as she says.
"Good morning Miss Simms."
I cringe as she looks down her glasses at my clothes before she stands in her smart business dress as she shakes my hand.
"You're early, please take a seat Miss Simms, and I'll let Mr Harris know that you have
arrived."
I Make my way over to the little seating area as she picks up her phone, and I hear her say.
"Mr Harris, there is a MIss Simms here to see you........Yes sir, right away."
She makes her way over to me as she says.
"Miss Simm, Mr Harris will see you now, If you'd like to follow me."
She sets off towards the lift , and I find myself having to run behind her to keep up, with my portfolio still tucked tight under my arm. We take the lift to the top floor, where she leads me down a long corridor, where she knocks on the door at the end. A deep masculine voice calls out from behind the door.
"Please come in."
I'm shocked as I walk in behind her, as possibly the biggest and most handsome man I've ever seen stands from his desk, smiling as he says.
"Thank you, Mrs Austin, Miss Simms. It's nice to meet you; please take a seat."
I regain my composure as I reply.
"Thank You Mr Harris, and Likewise, I've heard so much about you and Harris Corps designs."
I answer back, unable to stop the blush that forms on my cheeks as he says.
"All good, I hope. Miss Simms, I've had a look through the designs you emailed to me, and I'm very impressed. I see you've brought your portfolio with you.
"Yes," I reply as I place the folder on the desk; our hand's touch for a second as he takes the folder from me, sending electric shivers through me; I pull my hand away, blushing as he studies my work.
"Impressive, Miss Simms." He says as he flicks through the pages.
"Thank you, Mr Harris."
He smiles as he says.
"Miss Simms, I would like to offer you the position on my design team. I'm very impressed with your work. I'm hoping you can start on Monday?"
"Yes....Yes, Monday is good."
I answer back, a little too enthusiastic. I can't help myself, I'm finally moving on with my life, and things are starting to look up.
He chuckles as he says.
"Well, thank you, Miss Simms; Ill see you at eight-thirty on Monday."
He stands up to shake my hand; good lord, this man is like a mountain. I blush again as he takes my hand in his, sending an electric current straight to my core.
"I look forward to it, Miss Simms."
I look down as I realise he's still holding my hand as his eyes cast over the faint scars still visible on my wrists; I quickly pull my hand free embarrassed by the scars that still mar my skin.
He studies my face as I hastily try to open the door with my portfolio; he reaches over to open the door. I can't help the involuntary flinch as I turn my head away. He pulls away when he sees the fear in my eyes, taking a step back with a concerned look on his face before he pulls the door open as I hastily make my exit towards the lift.
I race out with my heart in my mouth; Mrs Austin raises her eyebrows as I run past her. Once outside, I take a few deep breaths and smile
Yes......yes.....Time to move on......
I'm still smiling as I make my way back to the little cafe, deciding to treat myself now that I have a job.
Conner raises his head when I walk inside; he smiles as he says,
"Hello again, Ellie, couldn't keep away from me then?"
I giggle as I reply.
"I'm celebrating; I'll have a piece of your chocolate cake and a latte, please."
He smiles as he says,
"Right away, Ellie, take a seat. I'll bring it over to you, and congratulations, I hope this means I see more of you."
I'm smiling as I make my way back to the corner table; I like Connor; he has such an easy way about him, I could see him as a friend; it's been a long time since I had any friends in my life, I'm still smiling when he places the cake and drink in front of me, and I turn to watch the world rushing by the window.
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Warning! Mature Contents! ***Excerpt*** "You belong to me, Sheila. I alone am capable of making you feel this way. Your moans and body belong to me. Your soul and your body are all mine!" *** Alpha Killian Reid, the most dreaded Alpha in all of the North, wealthy, powerful and widely feared in the supernatural world, was the envy of all other packs. He was thought to have it all... power, fame, wealth and favour from the moon goddess, little was it known to his rivals that he has been under a curse, which has been kept a secret for so many years, and only the one with the gift of the moon goddess can lift the curse. Sheila, the daughter of Alpha Lucius who was an arch enemy to Killian, had grown up with so much hatred, detest and maltreatment from her father. She was the fated mate to Alpha Killian. He refused to reject her, yet he loathed her and treated her poorly, because he was in love with another woman, Thea. But one of these two women was the cure to his curse, while the other was an enemy within. How would he find out? Let's find out in this heart racing piece, filled with suspense, steamy romance and betrayal.
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
When Corynn mustered up the courage to tell Elliot about her pregnancy, she unexpectedly found him gallantly helping another woman from his car. Her heart sank as three years of effort to secure his love crumbled before her eyes, compelling her to leave him behind. Three years later, life had taken Corynn down a new path with someone else, while Elliot was left grappling with regret. Seizing a moment of vulnerability, he pleaded, "Corynn, let's get married." Shaking her head with a faint smile, Corynn gently replied, "Sorry, I'm already engaged."
On their wedding night, Rogelio wrapped his fingers around Marian's neck and spat at her, "Congratulations! From now on, you live in hell!" The reason for his wrath was that he believed she was responsible for the death of his elder brother. So, he married her but refused to touch her, determined to make her suffer for the rest of her pitiful life! However, due to an unforeseen accident, Marian was forced to sleep with Rogelio in order to save him, and she ended up getting pregnant. Concealing her pregnancy, Marian lived cautiously under Rogelio's watchful eyes. He hated her and relentlessly humiliated her, yet he would never allow anyone else to lay a finger on her— "Mr. Bailey, your wife got into a fight with someone!" Rogelio secretly took action, eliminating that person completely. "Sir, your wife claimed that all of your family's wealth belongs to her!" Rogelio quietly transferred all the shares to her. Unaware of all this, Marian only wanted to escape, but Rogelio pulled her into his warm embrace, whispering, "Mrs. Bailey, where do you intend to go with our unborn child?"