• BILLIONAIRE / ROMANCE / MAFIA • 18+ ONLY • They say "Home is where the heart is". Eilyn Han, heiress to a billionaire's empire, would beg to differ. Her artistic, free-spirited nature wouldn't let her fall prey to the allure of corporate greed. But she is still a Han. And no matter what, family comes first. Unfortunate news about her brother forces Eilyn back to Manila. When Axell-her mysterious new escort-decides to take over, his choices thrust her into a perilous web of vengeful mobsters and clan secrets. • A bodyguard by profession, Axell seeks new opportunities as he rebuilds his life in Manila after a messy past. To support his family, he cuts a deal with Mr. Han, a billionaire-a deal that threatens Axell's life and could endanger his family in Britain. When Axell meets the billionaire's daughter for the first time, fate tests their strengths and entwines their paths with a group of thugs out for blood. Will Axell keep her safe? Or will his dark secrets lead to their doom?
Copyright © 2021 MXian
Scenes, dialogues, places, events, and characters in this book are all invented or are used fictitiously.
This story contains mature themes, some violence, profanity, and sexual content not intended for young readers.
Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this story or plagiarism of any kind is prohibited by the law.
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Note: This is written in multiple 1st person POVs.
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P R E V I E W
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"You wanna leave?" I stared at him as he sat on the edge of the bed, his face buried in his palms. The hopeful side of my brain anticipated a denial, but the more sensible part of me knew he believed what happened between us was a huge mistake.
"I should."
He should? Did I ever tell him he shouldn't be here?
That's all he said while he sat on my bed, hunched over, sighing about something that seemed to be bothering him a great deal. His voice sounded gruff and full of regret.
It hurt more than the thought of him thinking I'm the type of girl who prefers one-night stands. It actually hurt. Actual physical pain. I couldn't even breathe properly anymore; my throat and chest ached and felt too tight for air to pass through.
"So you're leaving now."
"I gotta go. I'm on night shift." He got up from the bed and put on his wrinkled shirt.
"Okay," I murmured while holding back tears he obviously didn't wanna see.
The jerk wouldn't even look at my face now.
As my insides coiled, I grabbed my robe to cover myself up. The moment I shut the bathroom door behind me, the tears just streamed down my cheeks. Shit. Everything hurt.
While my eyes and chest ached, I bit on my lip and muffled my sobs with my palm.
It's not like I could say anything to stop him. He wanted to leave now. Meaning, he didn't want this. At all. He didn't want a relationship. He didn't want me.
Just another girl he met...
It's all clear now: I was nothing to him.
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END of PREVIEW
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Chapter 1
- EILYN -
Traffic.
What a waste of time...
These days, I had to deal with traffic everywhere I went. And crowds. Just flocks and flocks of strangers rushing in every direction. Going about their daily lives.
Granted my affinity for privacy and solitude, being stuck with strangers almost always got on my nerve, which was why I chose to leave this dirty city and live my own life in another country.
Every single day in this place, traffic followed you wherever, whenever. Even here in the country's biggest airport. Now I had to waste my entire morning dealing with air traffic, too.
"First time for everything, Ei," I murmured with a sigh. My butt and legs just felt dead. Painfully numb like my brain now. For hours, I'd been sitting in this claustrophobic corner, just waiting to get out. If my pancake butt had eyes, the thick cushion would've been drenched in tears by now.
First time a Seoul-Manila flight took almost five hours! "There's still traffic in the air. Kindly sit tight until the weather clears up," the pilot announced earlier.
Luckily for me I was the only one on this flight who could afford a VIP seat. At least I had some semblance of privacy.
The plane was stuck in the corner of the runway. Heavy rainfall tapped against the windows while my arms and face felt close to freezing.
Why today? Of all days!
Our private jet couldn't fetch me since my uncles were using it, probably closing another big deal. I would've asked my dad to buy a brand new plane, but he's too busy at the moment.
Maybe I'd ask him for a smaller plane for my birthday. Or after my possibly suicidal brother got out of the hospital. "Hang in there, bro." I sighed at my last text to him.
-
Sent to: Kuya J
"Are you out of the OR now?"
Today 08:07AM
-
It's been hours.
Still no replies. Maybe the pain medications knocked him out. But Dad assured me that Kuya Jeihral safely got out of surgery this morning. One good news for today.
It could mean his injuries weren't fatal. Thank God. I'd been praying all night. I hadn't slept yet; now my temperature felt feverish and my joints were starting to ache.
Darn it. It's almost lunch time and we're still stuck in this plane.
"Ugh! I don't have all day!" I wanted to shout at the skies for this dreary weather, but the cabin crew might think I'm being such a Karen.
"Patience goes a long way, Eilyn," my dad used to say to me whenever I behaved like a drama queen. That was years ago, though, and I liked to think living on my own in another country had changed me for the better. "If your mom's too busy to be here, fine. Just be here tomorrow. Go see your brother," Daddy Eugene requested last night over the phone.
Of course I couldn't say no. Thinking about Kuya Jeihral and the culprits behind his unfortunate situation now just made my blood boil with frustration. Although I didn't want to see my only sibling all weak and injured, it's not like I had a choice.
"Tan's guys kidnapped Ken, so we had to find the idiot. The cops wouldn't do shit 'cause it hasn't been 24 hours yet," my cousin Daniel explained hours ago.
To relieve the numbness in my backside, I got up and walked around the first class section. The other seats remained empty as I waited for the ringing to end. "Pick up, D."
Four rings.
Five rings.
Eight...
Nine...
-
Surely my dad didn't have the time to pick me up today. He couldn't even text me back. Like my brother and Daniel.
Where the heck's Daniel? I called him again but he totally forgot about me. Were they stuck in another board meeting?
I flumped back down in my seat. Some nervousness still bothered my peace of mind, and I wasn't sure when my brother would be sent home.
"J's out of surgery." It was Daniel's last text before he stopped answering my messages and calls.
Bored to tears, I let my thoughts roam again. I had time to waste. This flight's taking forever.
More importantly, I didn't expect to hear that my own brother got shot by Tan's criminals and got knocked unconscious by a freakin' bomb explosion.
Shit. It's all Kenji's fault.
We're all used to hearing about Kenji getting in trouble but not to the extent of almost getting my brother killed. His own cousin. The heck...
Really, I thought Kenji's the only one we should worry about after he got kidnapped by that ruthless drug lord, Armond Tan. That guy deserved a death sentence. Multiple sentences, the better.
But Tan had enough dirty money to bribe lots of people in this city.
Sighing loudly, I raked my cold fingers through my messy hair. I probably looked like I just got out of bed, but, whatever. My patience was running out. I just wanted to go home.
If I took a cab and my dad found out, he would definitely pitch a dozen fits, then lecture me about "necessary security protocols" all day. Like the last time.
I understood his paranoia, though. After what Luke (my spoiled and insane ex) did to me when I tried university life here in Manila, my father often worried about my safety.
I closed my eyes and reclined again. My feverish temperature had already conjured up a migraine plus body pains. Then my phone buzzed.
A new text from my dad.
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New message
From: Appa Bear
"J's stable. Transferred to a private room. Daniel can't pick u up. Sec guys waiting for u outside."
Today 10:47 AM
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"Thanks for being very specific as always, Dad." I sighed before sending a reply.
Maybe he's too busy with something again. Like an emergency board meeting, or something else that needed his undivided attention.
"Fine. Cab, it is." I stretched my aching back while trying to ignore the incessant pounding in my jet lagged head.
Five hours. It had been five hours of traveling and waiting. I just wanted it to end. My feet were already itching to get off this plane.
Before I could mumble an expletive, the pilot's voice spoke through the speakers again. "This is Captain Velasco speaking again. We have received instructions to proceed and deplane. We sincerely apologize for the long wait. Thank you for bearing with us and we hope you'll enjoy the sights Manila has to offer."
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"Black Trailblazer with customized plates." Daniel said I should look out for the vehicle. Just one. Not a convoy.
Well, I wasn't a filthy rich politician. Or a big-timer like my Daddy Eugene.
"Go see J. I'll drop by later," Daniel mumbled on the other line.
With my handbag, I walked out of the arrival area wearing a face mask. Crowds of passengers wheeled their luggage out of the airport, rushing to get out like me. I stopped near the exit. I looked for someone holding a placard with my name.
Not a single soul. "How many guys?" I asked. Perhaps I could just stroll out of here like everybody else. My mask hid my face enough.
"Three." Daniel yawned. "Told them to drive you home after. J was asleep when I left. Later. I'm beat."
"Fine. See ya." I hung up. I couldn't wait to see my brother. Fortunately he's recovering well in post-op, at least according to Daniel. Collien would visit my brother after work hours.
As the crowds dispersed around the arrival area, I sighed and waited beside my suitcase. I shouldn't even be here. I should be in Brussels, completing my newest collection for finals.
It's all Kenji's fault. "As usual..." I murmured.
We were never close. Growing up, he treated Kuya Jeihral like a big brother. They hung out more often than I did with my brother. But Kenji never really outgrew his "teenage rebel" phase.
Last I heard, he went to rehab again, perhaps his last attempt at cleaning up his act for his family's sake. Then the incident happened. And now my brother's stuck in the hospital, probably enduring a brain injury that could damage his health permanently.
Infuriating, to say the least.
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New message
From: SD21B
"Maam Ei. B here. 1D 2B. Black Tblzr rims."
Received 10:49
"Fantastic." I scoffed. No black Trailblazer anywhere. As I stood alongside other passengers, the sky dimmed.
The cool wind tousled my hair. My fever's already giving me chills and my body felt drained. But like everyone else, I had to wait.
Then I got a call from Beck, the only female member of our security detail. "Hi, B. Can you hurry up, please?"
"Copy, Ma'am."
"Bay 10. Pink long sleeves, B."
"Copy. Stand by." She hung up.
I glanced around. The clouds darkened before rain suddenly poured.
Ugh. Great. I tried texting my dad again. Then a shadow and dark combat boots parked in front of my flats.
A security guard? Cop?
When I looked up, a wavy-haired guy with dark eyes stared at me, smirking. He didn't look like a cop or airport security personnel. My nose barely reached his bearded jaw. He reeked of cigarettes. He took a drag before flinging the cig onto the ground to stomp on it.
My blood pressure spiked. "Can't you read? There's DON'T LITTER signs everywhere."
"Axell." He held out his palm, as if telling me to shake his hand.
I frowned, just at a loss. His features reminded me of someone I'd rather not think of right now. "Sorry? Who are you?"
"X." Bearded Guy grinned at me, his dark lashes partly concealing his brown eyes. "Your new escort."
"He's the love of my life. My white knight. My savior. Until he wasn't anymore." • "I still want her. I can't keep living in this cruel, ruthless world if I can't have her. I'll do anything to get her back." • • • Erian Božic is a successful businessman and underboss wrestling with the demons of his past and living a double life since losing his wife. After spiraling into depression, he meets Dayn, a compassionate young woman who sees him at his worst. Unable to forget Dayn, Erian tracks her down years later, convinced that she's his only chance at a real future. But Dayn knows Erian is a menacing, broken man with ties to violence. When family problems force her to seek help from him, Dayn agrees to give Erian the future he's always wanted. A passionate night together sparks something new, and Dayn agrees to be his wife. But their marriage isn't smooth-sailing at all. A recovering addict, Erian has been busy making money all year, completely oblivious to her plans. He's always ignored their issues. Until one fateful night when Dayn musters up the courage to tell him she wants a divorce. She walks out on him, leaving him shocked to his core. They're better off without each other. They're just not meant to be. She will be safer if she stayed away from him and his wealthy, influential family. Before she could welcome in a new day without him, something forces her back to Erian's house, where Dayn finds him drowning to death in their pool. Is it suicide? Or murder? [ TW: This book includes descriptions of coercion, domestic abuse & violence, and other NSFW content not intended for young readers. ]
He is the son of a mafia boss. She is someone he never expected to meet and fall for, but she complicates his life when her existence becomes a threat to his family's empire. . . . 24-year-old receptionist and college dropout Seraphine "Sephie" Azur meets Dominico Tomassini on her boss' superyacht. Dominico is her secret crush, the heir of an Italian banker and real estate mogul. During a party thrown by the Tomassinis, a violent incident thrusts Seraphine into his family's web of secrets. When Dominico is forced to take Seraphine to Florence to keep an eye on her, he ensures her safety and lends her money while they live together as part of a clandestine agreement. After long, painful months of pining for his love, Seraphine abandons her end of the deal, desperate to find freedom and true love. Will she escape the Tomassini heir's tenacious grip and get her own life back? Or will her stubborn feelings for Dominico keep her trapped in his messy, dangerous life? [Crime / Romance]
• This story is Book III of The Heir's Secrets [Mafia Games 1] • Ready to take on the world of medicine, Mykaela is forced to confront the secrets of her past while fearing the possibility of losing her best friend Miles, the heir to a wealthy and secretive Italian vampire clan. To keep Mykaela safe, Miles Falco must choose his future and risk it all with the Falcos or find a one-way ticket out of the perilous mafia life he's always hated. Lorenzio Tomassini is a shrewd, wealthy businessman with ties to the Italian mafia. After a death in their clan, he pursues a quiet life in America as his brother faces prison time for orchestrating heinous crimes in Italy. When a public health crisis hits major cities, Mykaela and Lorenzio struggle with the demands of their careers as the wrath of the Italian and Russian mob lurks in the shadows. Will their families' ongoing turf war tear them apart? Or will their love turn into nothing but a marriage of convenience? × GENRES: Contemporary Romance / Mafia / Vampire × MATURE readers only! ◆ cover design: mxian [DISCLAIMER: The original images on the cover are not mine.]
After moving back to New York to pursue her medical degree, Mykaela navigates her way through a dangerous web of lies and family secrets while contemplating a long-distance relationship with Miles, her best friend. Maximiliano “Miles” Falco, an artist turned corporate drone, wants a quiet life away from his family of big-time criminals planning to reign all of Italy. He wants the best for Mykaela—but that means pushing her away so he can deal with his own demons and envious mobsters awaiting his family's downfall. Enzo Tomassini is a businessman whose family of billionaires has teamed up with the Falcos to dominate organized crime in Europe. On the verge of death, he meets Mykaela who changes his perspective on where his life is headed, burdening him with a moral dilemma that leaves him questioning his family's choices. Will their chosen paths grant the desires of their hearts? • Genres: Contemporary Romance, Billionaire, Crime, LGBTQIA+ • Rating: 18+ • This story is the sequel to The Heir's Secrets [Mafia Games XI] •
After moving to Italy, Mykaela pursues a modeling career with Miles Falco's help and a newfound sense of normalcy. All seems well and routine until unforeseen circumstances ruin the illusion and force her back to New York. Miles Falco, an artist enjoying the Italian countryside, must choose between the simple life he loves and being successor to a clan of influential businessmen contending for power in all of Europe. Can he escape his predetermined fate? A life of deceit, chaos, and deadly encounters with the mafia? â—† PG-15 â—† Genres: Mafia, Romance, Crime, Mystery â—† cover design: mxian
Jessiah is a make-up artist aspiring to break into the modeling and beauty industry. She moves to LA when she lands a job at one of the biggest production companies in Hollywood. On her first week on the job, she meets Jenson Ross, a big-deal actor and director with a dark secret only a privileged few know about. × Genres: Contemporary Romance, Werewolf, Crime, Drama × Rating: PG-15 EXCERPT: EXCERPT from BOOK I _ _ _ "Dollface," he murmured with a little smirk. Now his hand gripped her forearm. He snickered when she only kept staring, then pulled her closer to hug her. "You're like an antidepressant, in human form." The utter surprise paused her breathing. She couldn't pull away. Her heartbeat sped up when he hugged her tighter. His warm face pressed onto the side of her neck, his hand lightly squeezing her hip. His beard scraped her skin, his thighs touched hers, and she felt like he was kissing her neck. Shit. He was no longer thinking straight. Perhaps unaware of the consequences of his actions. It was moments like this that worsened her intense attraction to him.  The flirty jokes, the easy conversations, the small smiles, his furtive glances, and his unusually sweet gestures lately just convinced her she was definitely in deep trouble. Amid her loud thoughts, he pulled her closer whenever she pulled away. Her breathing grew shallow while she stared into his eyes. "Dammit," he sighed while he gripped her arms. Then his thumb traced the curve of her neck and shoulder, his touch both gentle and eager. "Why are you always so f-cking beautiful?" "Joss—" "What?" he muttered while stroking her cheek. He wasn't acting drunk or just playing with her. Otherwise he wouldn't let it get this far. "You want me to stop?" _
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!
Sandra Hill, the long-lost real heiress of the Hill family, was shunned by her own kin. Instead of embracing her, they bestowed their affection upon an impostor. They even arranged her to marry a vegetative man in place of her so-called “sister”. Sandra sneered, refusing to put up with this humiliation, cut off ties with the Hill family immediately and ran into the flash marriage with Wesley Cooper, her unconscious billionaire husband. With her incredible medical skills, she defied the odds and revived him. Little did she expect that her husband spoiled her with all his love... A medical genius, a computer prodigy, a national treasure in painting, and a racing legend... Her husband revealed her various identities, leaving the Hill family regretful. Her father came pleading, "It's Dad's fault. Please come back." Her mother wept, "Mom will protect you from now on. Please come back." Even her five brothers knelt before he, begging for forgiveness. Yet, Sandra's smile held a hint of mockery as she vowed, “Never!”
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?