"Is sex on a boat any good?" He went with her, an amused smile on his face. "Depends on the captain." 💫💫💫 Amanda Lemaiyan's heart is shattered when she discovers her fiancé was using her to rise the ranks of her father's conglomerate. After a bitter break up, she has a one night stand with a strange man on her short vacation. When she comes back home, she finds out that the man she slept with is the new CEO who has taken over her ex-fiancé's position at her fashion company. Can she trust him when he says he's after her and not her company's fortune? *** Love woes aside, Amanda finds herself in the middle of family drama when her sister tries to take away her control over the fashion company. Rebecca has her eyes set on the family business empire, and she sees Amanda, who has always been the apple of their father's eyes, as her biggest competition. In the ensuing conflicts, secrets and betrayals are revealed that change Amanda's life forever. When everything seems to be working against her, will she find the true love and achieve the dreams that have eluded her so far?
"Amanda, you look amazing."
Amanda Lemaiyan smiled at her beaming best friend and shrugged. "What can I say, Cara knows how to work her magic."
Cara was her assistant. Amanda hired her three years ago to help at the company. The girl later proved to be useful in multiple aspects, including helping her show up to all occasions looking the part.
Tyra Okello approached and air kissed her cheeks. "All eyes will be on you, dear."
Definitely, Amanda thought. However, she wasn't sure her gorgeous dress, diamond jewelry, and flawless makeup would be the main reason all eyes would be on her.
It was a month after she broke her engagement to Samuel Ocen. Tongues were still wagging. This was going to be her first public appearance since the scandal ensued.
Everybody thought she was devastated after the break up. Of course she was. The asshole used her to gain favour with her father to rise to the CEO position of Lemaiyan Fits. Amanda was lucky to find out about his plan a week before their wedding.
Finding out that a two-year relationship was built on a lie would break anyone.
Her heart still ached, but she would be damned if she appeared pitiful in public. If anyone was feeling sorry for her, they'd be surprised.
"You look gorgeous too," Amanda complimented her friend when she stepped back. While Amanda donned a flowing red gown with a side-slit, Tyra had opted for a black mid-length dress.
Tyra hooked their arms together and led the way to the awaiting limousine. "Come on, let's go make an entrance they'll never forget."
Amanda chuckled as the driver held the door open and they settled inside.
"Have you seen him, by the way?" Tyra asked a few seconds later after the car left the compound.
"Seen who?"
"The new CEO. He's insanely gorgeous. I get wet just looking at him."
"You say that about every hot guy you come across," Amanda accused.
"Trust me, it's different this time. He has these intense grey eyes that seem to be staring right into my soul every time look at them-"
"You've met him already?"
"Once, when he was coming through the entrance of the company building. Believe me, everybody in the vicinity went still and stared." Tyra shook her body, as if hit by a shudder. "He's going to have a hard time fighting off the female attention, I tell you."
"Nah, I don't think he'll mind that," Amanda mumbled.
"Do you want to see a picture of him?" Tyra offered. "I think it's best to prepare yourself so you don't get caught drooling when you see him later on."
"No thanks," Amanda replied. "There's only one reason I'm attending this party, and it's not to make eyes at the new CEO."
"Nobody said you can't do both," Tyra grumbled.
Amanda was attending the new CEO's welcome party to make a statement. She'd walk into the place with her head held high, smile on her face. She knew that everybody was waiting to see whether she'd make an appearance.
She'd be damned if she gave them the idea that she was tucked in her apartment alone, afraid to attend an event that was potentially triggering for her.
She couldn't hide in the shadows forever. It was time to get back to her life. There wasn't a better time to make a grand entrance than that night.
"I don't care who he is," Amanda said, "as long as he knows how to do his job well."
"I doubt you'll be that detached once you see him," Tyra claimed. "He's your exact type."
"No thanks, I'm steering off my father's employees for the next hundred years."
Tyra sighed. "Not everyone is going to be an asshole, you know."
Amanda pressed a finger to her temple. After being friends with Tyra for many years, she was used to her being insensitive to situations. After what happened with Samuel, you'd think the woman would think twice before trying to insinuate that Amanda gets entangled with the new CEO.
She chose the easy way out. "I know."
There was silence for a few seconds. Then Tyra said, "When you came back, I noticed that the pack of condoms I slipped into your suitcase was gone."
Amanda turned to her friend. "What?"
"Before you left for the resort, I snuck some condoms in your bag. I didn't find them yesterday when you came back."
Amanda looked away as heat rose to her cheeks. "You did? I never saw them. I must have dropped the packet at the cabin I was staying."
"Really? Sure you didn't have some mind blowing sex with some hunk you met at the resort?"
To get away from the chaos following her break up, Amanda had taken a trip to a mountain resort. Her plan had been to spend two weeks enjoying the serene scenery and healing from the pain in her heart. She ended up spending the first week entangled in the arms of a man she met the first day, having the rebound sex her therapist warned about.
Rebound or not, it was the best sex she had in years. It was such a shame she'd never see the guy again. But it didn't matter. It was for the best. While she threw caution to the wind for those few days, she needed time to heal and move on. Until then, it was wise to stay away from sexual and romantic entanglements.
Thinking about the man-Lucas Erikson, as he had introduced himself-made her feel warm inside. God, why had she not met him years before, in place of her ex-fiancé?
"What's that smile?" Tyra's voice interrupted her trip down memory lane.
"What smile?" Amanda asked, ridding her face of any traces of said expression.
Tyra narrowed her eyes at her. "You know, since you came back yesterday, you've had this glow to you."
"I did go away to refreshen, remember?"
"Nah, it's more than that. Don't bother lying, Amanda. Come on, confess. You hooked up at the resort, right?"
"Maybe."
Tyra gaped. "Oh my God, you naughty girl. You finally heeded my advice!"
While her therapist was advising against rebound sex and relationships, Tyra didn't think the sex was a bad idea. She had argued it would make her feel better and forget her lying and cheating ex-fiancé fast.
Amanda finally allowed herself to smile. "I couldn't help myself. He was too hot."
"That's the spirit, girl!" Tyra cheered. "You used up the entire packet. Must have been tons of sex."
Well, of course, given they kept at it until Lucas left a week later...
Before she could satisfy Tyra's curiosity, her cell phone beeped in her bag. Taking it out, she saw an incoming call from Cara, her assistant.
"Hello?"
"I have bad news."
Amanda tensed. "What is it?"
"Rebecca is coming to the party."
Amanda relaxed for a second, relieved that it had nothing to do with her ex. Then it hit. "Rebecca? You told me she wasn't coming."
"That's what she said when we sent the invite. She's coming with Keith."
"Are you joking with me, Cara?"
"No. I just found out a few minutes ago. I thought I should give you a heads up."
Amanda sighed into the phone. "Okay, thanks."
She hang up and placed her phone back into her bag.
"What's wrong?" Tyra asked in concern.
"Rebecca is coming to the party. With Keith."
Tyra cursed softly. "I thought she couldn't make it."
Amanda groaned. It was never a good day to come across her older sister. "Same."
Rebecca was probably attending the party to gloat and say a few mean things.
But Amanda was used to dealing with her. No matter how nasty she was, she always managed to escape her clutches without losing her sanity.
What Amanda wasn't used to dealing with was when Rebecca's husband, Keith, was beside her.
Keith, Amanda's first love. The man she gave her virginity to at nineteen.
Then he went abroad to study at the same University with Rebecca.
When the two came back, they were engaged.
Amanda's night was no longer looking as bright as she wanted it to be.
*****
When Amanda and Tyra walked into the ballroom, all eyes turned to them. People parted ways, and a murmur rose. Amanda fought the urge to roll her eyes. You'd think they'd be less obvious about their staring and gossiping.
She was happy to have Tyra by her side. She wasn't sure anyone would have gathered enough courage to approach her.
"Amanda, dear, you look wonderful." Her father appeared, as if he had been watching the entryway for her arrival.
She smiled at him. "Hello, Dad."
Tyra exchanged greetings with Mr. Lemaiyan and excused herself.
"You look much better," her father commented. But then, a frown appeared on his brow. "You shouldn't have rushed your vacation. I have everything under control here."
Amanda placed a hand on his arm. He had always been so concerned about her. Compared to her older siblings, he definitely dotted on her more. "Dad, you know I'm a workaholic. Staying away from work would have made me more stressed out. A short vacation was all I needed. I'm good now."
Her father's brown eyes scrutinized her. "You better stay good because if you don't, I'll fire you myself."
She chuckled. "I know you would. I'll take care of myself, papa. Don't worry."
Lemaiyan Group was the majority shareholder of Lemaiyan Fits. As the chairman and major shareholder of the conglomerate, her father maintained control over the company.
"Let me introduce you to the new CEO," he said, leading her through the room. "I poached him from the most successful fashion startup to come out of New York in a decade."
"Stop bragging, Dad. You've told me that a hundred times already over the phone."
He chuckled. "Have I?"
Her father led her towards a cluster of suits, mostly executives from the company.
Amanda surveyed the group as they approached, trying to catch sight of a new face. Her heart missed a beat when her eyes landed on a familiar head of hair. For a moment, it reminded her of Lucas. But that was ridiculous. She must have been so into him those seven days they spent rolling in bed to have a mental image of the back of his head glued to her mind.
She momentarily gazed at the ceiling and inhaled deeply. It was time to push the man out of her mind.
Her father finally came to a stop. Her eyes adjusted to the group in front of them. They were now paying attention to the chairman.
"Gentlemen," the Chairman nodded at them in greeting. Amanda smiled and and acknowledged them as they returned her father's greeting.
Then her father turned her to the man of the hour. Amanda's jaw fell to the floor along with her smile.
"Amanda, this is Lucas Erikson, the new CEO of Lemaiyan Fits. Lucas, this is Amanda, my youngest daughter. She's the reason Lemaiyan Fits exists today."
Jo hasn't heard a word from Jude since he left for therapy after they completed high school. Three years on, she decides to give love another chance. Just when she opens her heart to someone else, Jude walks back into her life. Do the feelings of old still exist? Do they matter anymore? Book 2 of Knowing Jude
Mari is running away from her abusive boyfriend when she runs into Stefan. Stefan, a werewolf king, has mistaken her for his destined mate, and before she can correct him, he bites and mates with her. Mari is happy enough with her newfound life as the werewolf king’s mate, but will her happiness last when his fated mate, who happens to be her long-lost twin sister, shows up?
"You're not the kind of girl I'd usually kiss," he says, his eyes latching onto my lips. "But I'll do it anyway." Then the cocky jerk leans in and kisses me. ____ Jude Walker is a troubled soul. As a little boy, he made a mistake that made him grow up with hate from his siblings and unacceptance from his dad. He is depressed, suicidal, and a bad boy. Ava Jo Hansen is a quiet girl who cares too much about others. She seems okay to everyone around her, but she has demons gnawing at her sanity. When their paths cross, Ava finds herself drawn to Jude's darkness knowing very well every step of the way it's a wrong direction to go. But she keeps on. Will it be a happy ending for them?
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
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?"
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
After my family's sinister plots collapsed, they lashed out at me, taking their rage to a violent level. Cornered and desperate, I married Jaxton—the town's most sought-after bachelor—due to an unplanned pregnancy. Love had no part in this marriage; I assumed he married me purely out of responsibility, his heart belonging elsewhere. The moment I chose to let him go and turned to leave, he grabbed me and pinned me down hard. "Jaxton, you promised you'd never touch me!" I snapped, glaring fiercely. His eyes flashed arrogantly as he leaned closer. "You're the one who started this!"