Olivia Guerrero led a quiet, uncomplicated life. Working for an eccentric billionaire has given her plenty of time to pursue her interests. Surprisingly, this results in complacency. So, when the man she's spent years with suddenly drags her into an explosive chase, complete with bloodthirsty villains and the distinct possibility of death, Libby wonders if she's gotten in way over her head. But does it really matter when the commando sent to save you is as hot and as infuriating as hers? Jerome Nicolas is a werebear with a past but little in the way of a future. He's a gun for hire, a soldier of fortune, and the leader of Shifting Squad. Except for this one, every job is the same. He never thought he'd be able to love again, but one look at Libby has the tough-as-nails ex-Army stumbling over his feet and words. They only have one night together, and Connor is never the same again, for better or worse. Andrew is once again brought together by fate to save his woman, possibly the world, and, most heartbreakingly, his cub, about whom he knows nothing. Is it possible for Libby and Andrew to overcome their lies and have a future together, or are they doomed to fail?
The echo of her footsteps seemed to chase her down like a pack of ferocious hounds. Olivia kept looking over her shoulder every few steps, her breath catching in her throat. She had the distinct impression that she was being followed. The streets, on the other hand, were practically deserted.
The Laguna sky was gloomy, lit only by artificial lights and a sliver of the old moon, which was gradually fading into obscurity.
Olivia could tell she was sobbing because her hasty footsteps were accompanied by hiccupping noises every now and then.
"Get home!" she chanted to herself, her hands clasped together on her chest.
As her apartment building came into view, the terrible humming in her ears that she'd been experiencing since rushing out of Mr. Santos's house seemed to get louder.
It stood there, warm and welcoming, promising security and protection, and all Liv could think about was whether the locks would hold.
Against what, specifically? You've gone insane! You're walking down the street alone!
Was she, however, truly alone?
She wiped her brow with the back of her left hand after feeling something drip down her brow. The bloodied hand washed away, and she wondered for the first time that evening whether it was her blood or someone else's.
The thick globs of drying blood on her hands stood out against her dark skin, creating a stark contrast.
Without a doubt, she realized that with her hands covered in blood, she would have only spread whatever was on her brow.
Everything seemed so far away now. When he called, she dashed into her boss's house, his breath ragged and his words jumbled. He was discovered on the floor of his massive library, gargling his last breaths. Libby chin trembled as she remembered collapsing next to him and helplessly attempting to assist when it was clearly too late. He had told her not to call an ambulance. She did it, regardless. It never came. She pushed through the glass doors into the foyer and dashed to the elevators, expecting a hand to reach out and grab her. Libby took a deep breath as the doors closed in front of her, and the foyer was still devoid of any living beings, only bathed in warm orange lights. It was accompanied by a loud wail, and she had to fight the urge to cover her mouth with her hand and hush herself.
She pushed through the glass doors into the foyer and dashed to the elevators, expecting a hand to reach out and grab her. Libby took a deep breath as the doors closed in front of her, and the foyer was still devoid of any living beings, only bathed in warm orange lights. It was accompanied by a loud wail, and she had to fight the urge to cover her mouth with her hand and hush herself.
As the key slipped soundly into the lock and the tumblers undid themselves with an encouraging clink, Libby let out the breath she had seemed to be holding since entering the place.
Her house was right around the corner. Her spacious couch, flat-screen TV, and kitchenette. Her bedroom door remained wide open, exactly as she'd left it. All she could think about was going inside and soaking in a bathtub. But she knew she couldn't do it. She'd sprint into the bedroom, grab a suitcase, and flee. She was unable to stop herself. No, not right now.
As she was about to walk through the door, a strong hand clamped over her mouth and violently pulled her back. She couldn't even bring herself to scream.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Movement in the bedroom," Tim said, the earpiece in Jerome's ear making an irritating buzzing sound in addition to the information.
"Movement in the left stairwell," Gilbert added.
His team was dispersed, with everyone holding their positions while he was tasked with the actual pursuit. And he was well aware that he wasn't the only one who had backup. Something about professional jobs smelled bad and could punch you in the face from a mile away. That's probably why the woman was so alarmed-it was too obvious to ignore.
With a hissing snarl, Jerome turned around on his heel and charged down the other side of the building. His heart rate increased, and he knew his muscles would begin to prepare for the impending fight or flight. He couldn't see anything except the gray, fluorescent walls of the right-side stairwell leading up. His steps had become heavy and hurried, rather than silent.
Jerome accelerated to the fifth floor faster than any other man. That's what ten years in the Army does to a man. It didn't hurt that he was a werebear capable of outrunning most top-tier sprinters. When he opened the door to the corridor, a low growl thrummed in his throat as the stench hit him square in the face.
Wolves.
Those fucking wild dogs were always the culprits.
He'd never been inside, but he knew his way around like the back of his hand. A left turn, a straight, narrow corridor, the elevators, and her apartment were all ahead of her. It had two adjoining rooms, she preferred the color lavender, and her home was always immaculate. And she was in so much jeopardy that it took his squad to save her.
As he pounded down the corridor, the carpets on the floors softened his steps, his black pants, combat boots, and long-sleeved T-shirt making him look like something out of a bad action movie in an upper-class apartment building. He was half expecting a doorman to appear out of nowhere and make a snide remark about the dress code of the building.
"Lieutenant, they're on the fourth floor." "You don't have much time," Gilbert said, his voice tense.
Jerome cracked a grin. Close shaves. He was completely smitten by them.
His surefooted step swayed for a moment as he rounded the corner and caught a whiff of her scent. He stumbled slightly, narrowly avoiding a faceplant into the wall. He swallowed the growl, which was a reaction to her odor as well as annoyance at himself. She smelled like... well, she smelled like heaven.
"Get over your fucking self!" he snarled mentally.
Then she appeared directly in front of us. At the same time, a second ping rang in his ear.
"They've made it to the fifth." Not just in the apartment, but all over the house. She's walked up to the front door. "Get the fuck out!"
Tim's voice was a little tinny in his ear. He didn't have to repeat himself. From afar, he took in the mouthwatering shape of the woman he was about to rescue. Her swollen breasts, the attractive curve of her wide hips, and that white chocolate skin that begged to be licked. Jerome caught a glimpse of her soft, ruby lips, which he'd admired while they'd been watching Ramos's house. But something about seeing her through the binoculars and then in person threw him for a loop.
Nonetheless, reaction and training kicked in when his brain desired to take a moment to truly appreciate the beautiful creature that fate had brought him. He slammed his hand over her mouth, squeezing so tightly that even if she screamed, it would be muffled yelps at best. She instinctively snatched his arm.
His body reacted immediately. A burst of heat shot through him, claiming him with the ferocity of a bullet to the chest. He felt as if someone had knocked the wind out of him, but his body kept working. His legs continued to move. Jerome nearly dragged her backward, angling her back toward where he'd come from and pushing her along the well-lit, bright corridor.
"I'm here to help you. Move or we'll both perish "Instead, he hissed in her ear, overcome by an inexplicable desire to bite and lick at that delicate part of her.
Her hazel eyes sparkled with gold threads as she looked up at him, wide with fear. He didn't slow down, and she kept moving and running alongside him. In the distance, a door slammed, followed by shouts. He couldn't tell what they were, but he did notice that they could only run in one direction. And the fucking wolves would be well aware of it.
He tentatively took his hand away from her mouth, missing the sensation of her warm breath against his skin, and she gave a tiny little nod. Jerome let go of her hand and grabbed it, dragging her along as his other hand grabbed one of the sidearms he had secured on his hip. The yelling grew louder, and at least three pairs of combat boots slammed down the corridor, in addition to his own.
Fuck.
"Do everything I tell you," he said, giving her a quick glance.
Her face was splattered with blood, and her hand was warm in his, still drenched in her boss's lifeblood. Despite her best efforts to keep up with him, she was visibly shaking. It broke his heart to see her like that, eyes sunken and body straining to keep up with everything she'd seen and done that night. He'd make damn sure she'd never be hurt again.
He would have paused to consider how fucking ridiculous that sounded at any other time, but not now.
He didn't have a choice but to protect her. Whatever happens, whatever happens.
Her face was splattered with blood, and her hand was warm in his, still drenched in her boss's lifeblood. Despite her best efforts to keep up with him, she was visibly shaking. It broke his heart to see her like that, eyes sunken and body straining to keep up with everything she'd seen and done that night. He'd make damn sure she'd never be hurt again.
He would have paused to consider how fucking ridiculous that sounded at any other time, but not now.
He didn't have a choice but to protect her. Whatever happens, whatever happens.
He muttered something under his breath as he kicked the door shut behind him. There was a plan for a plan. Contingency after contingency. But these thugs were depleting his arsenal at a breakneck pace. The announcement from Tim's twin, Tom, rang in his ringing head at the same time he heard another set of footsteps rush up the stairs.
"There's a movement in the other stairwell." "Suggest moving to the roof."
"No shit," he hissed under his breath as he half-pulled, half-carried his dark-haired goddess up the tenth-floor steps.
"What?" she asked, her voice shaking.
He didn't say anything. There was no time for small talk. There was no time to enjoy the absolutely vexing tingle her touch sent through him. There was no time to ponder how he knew what this sensation was or what it meant. There isn't time to stare at her and try to remember every single detail of her face. No. There was only so much time in the day.
Giabella Gomez has finally met her ideal match. He is attractive and seductive, and what began as an anonymous night of passion has developed into a year and a half-long pleasure fest. Yes, it's a little odd that he only shows up in her bed at night, but Gia is so certain he's the one that she just can't say no. Gia is unaware of how much more Falcone Cabrera knows about her. She is stunning, independent, and cautious in her romantic relationships. However, Falcone must battle his personal demons, which prevent him from connecting with anyone. Falcone's protective nature, however, manifests itself fully when Gia is drawn into Metro Manila's dangerous underworld. The issue is that Gia isn't as sure he's the one anymore after experiencing Falcone's Alpha attitude in the open.
HIS BABY TO BEAR Once more brought together by fate, Jerome must save his woman, maybe the entire planet, and, most heartbreakingly, his cub, whom he was unaware of. Are Libby and Jerome destined to fail or can they get past their mutual faults and enjoy a future together? DOUBLE TROUBLE WITH THE TWIN WOLVES The brothers will do all it takes to protect their partner and their boys, risking their devotion, future, and friendships in the process. However, when they are up against the most deadly terrorists in the world, their mere willpower is useless. They also desire blood. Will Madison, Tim, and Tom find happiness, or will they be unable to escape the cruel grasp of fate? HOT COUGAR's BABY Shaun and Dani must decide if they can work together and have faith in one another in the face of lies, death, irrational terrorists, and an innocent kid caught in the center of it all. If not, then fate never had those things in store for them. However, one thing is for certain: neither of them is giving up easily! AMIDST THE CATS’ CRADLE It's now or never, the men are aware. Save Dani and their descendants, or they will live to repent it. The Arctics hold the key to either their eventual salvation or extinction. Will they be unsuccessful, or have Jordan and Mitchell finally found the lady who can inspire them to collaborate?
This man has been visiting me almost every night for more than two years now. And every time he visited me, he make me come. I've met him that night more than two years ago in a bar. The moment I laid eyes on him, I knew that he is my dream lover. He is hot, sexy and gorgeous. Savannah knew that it's really strange the she hasn't seen him on broad daylight but I know, and am sure that he is the man for me. Martin "Falcone" Cabrera knows more about Savannah more than she could ever imagine. She's gorgeous, strong headed and skittish about relationships. But Falcone is facing all of his life's demons that keep him being deeply close to anyone. Yet when Savannah is drawn into Metro Manila's badass world, Falcone couldn't help himself but get his protective nature comes out in full force. But the problem is, when Savannah finally get to see Falcone's bossy and alpha attitude in broad daylight, Savannah thinks that she is not sure whether he is the one for her anymore.
My abrasive next-door neighbor confronts me on the street, accusing me of spying on her with my telescope. I wish I'd known I could have been watching her in her bedroom; I despise squandered opportunities. But I'm not going to let this opportunity pass me by. Her curves scream for me to touch them. I'll show her my telescope, no problem. She turns out to be working for my ex and will do everything she can to keep me from getting what is rightfully mine. She can try everything she wants, but I always take what I want. And I want her right now.
"I've warned you from the beginning. Don't marry him, but you won't listen." She stood close to me and smiled with concern. "You are not a woman worthy of a man as handsome, rich, smart, and virile as Blaze." My whole body trembled at her words. "Have you no shame?" I asked in a quivering voice. "Take a good look at yourself, Heather." She looked at me in the mirror. "You can't even look at your ugly face. Do you think Blaze can endure a lifetime of looking at that face?" Heather Bailey had a surprise from her husband that night: a divorce agreement. After a year of marriage and facing ups and downs, she couldn't believe Blaze intended to divorce her. But she was devastated when she saw him gazing lovingly at another woman because that person was closest to her. Shortly after she put her signature on their divorce papers, shock waves caught her up. Her flower shop was severely burnt, beyond repair. Her father's company collapsed, and her parents blamed her. She struggled to rebuild her life from the ground up and became more successful than ever. Having many customers who came from influential families, she started her action against Blaze. She won the very thing he wanted. But that was just the beginning.
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
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.
"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!
"I'm going to tell you what I have in mind," he murmured. "First you're going to strip down until you're completely naked," he whispered against her ear. "Then I'm going to tie you up so you're completely powerless and subject to my every whim." "Mmm, sounds good so far," she murmured. "Then I'm going to insert a plug to prepare you for me. After that I'm going to spank that sweet ass of yours until it's rosy with my marks." She shivered uncontrollably, her mind exploding with the images he evoked. She let out a small whimper as he sucked the lobe of her ear into his mouth. God, she could cum with just his words. She was already aching with need. Her nipples tingled and hardened to painful points. Her clit pulsed and twitched between her legs until she clamped her thighs together to alleviate the burn. "And then I'm going to f**k your mouth. But I won't cum. Not yet. When I'm close, I'll flog you again until your ass is burning and you're on fire with the need for relief. And then I'm going to f**k that ass. I'm going to take you hard and rough, to the very limits of what you can withstand. I won't be gentle. Not tonight. I'm going to take you as roughly as you can stand. And then I'm going to cum all over your ass. Are you ready to be completely and utterly dominated?"
Lindsey's fiancé was the devil's first son. Not only did he lie to her but he also slept with her stepmother, conspired to take away her family fortune, and then set her up to have sex with a total stranger. To get her lick back, Lindsey decided to find a man to disrupt her engagement party and humiliate the cheating bastard. Never did she imagine that she would bump into a strikingly handsome stranger who was all that she was currently looking for. At the engagement party, he boldly declared that she was his woman. Lindsey thought he was just a broke man who wanted to leech off her. But once they began their fake relationship, she realized that good luck kept coming her way. She thought they would part ways after the engagement party, but this man kept to her side. "We gotta stick together, Lindsey. Remember, I'm now your fiancé. " "Domenic, you're with me because of my money, aren't you?" Lindsey asked, narrowing her eyes at him. Domenic was taken aback by that accusation. How could he, the heir of the Walsh family and CEO of Vitality Group, be with her for money? He controlled more than half of the city's economy. Money wasn't a problem for him! The two got closer and closer. One day, Lindsey finally realized that Domenic was actually the stranger she had slept with months ago. Would this realization change things between them? For the better or worse?