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Natalie accepts to play the role of billionaire Mateo Logan for a price, falling in love while wondering how he is connected to her brother's bogus conviction. Natalie Linden's brother is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, and she would do any job to help him get out. Soon, she's agreed to pretend to date wealthy Mateo Logan for $10,000 to relieve his mother's pressure on him to find a marriage. But once Natalie is immersed in Mateo's world, he falls for her, and she begins to feel the same way. Natalie learns that the Logans are somehow implicated in her brother's conviction despite her infatuation with Mateo as she draws closer to them. As she delves further into a world of luxury and intrigues, Natalie is forced to depend on Mateo, even if it may cost her everything
I looked up from where I was reclining on my VIG Chesterfield couch in the middle of a shift. I'd taught myself to do this, to avoid indenting the material. My mother stood at the foot of it. She gave me such a deep disapproving look that I almost made an effort to sit up properly. Her look was the epitome of dissatisfaction. Her slim nose cocked, devilish red lips twitching. With a sigh, I let my face fall against the soft leather, knowing where this talk was going.
"This again?" I inquired.
"You're nearly thirty, Mateo," she murmured, putting her arms over her chest. Her numerous diamond-studded bangles jingled as she moved.
I cocked my brows at her. "I'm twenty-five years old. That's not even close to thirty."
"It's past time for you to quit causing controversies and making our family look bad."
"I don't ruin our family's reputation-"
"-And it's time for you to have your own family so we can give the next generation of our company a head start," she said.
Finally, I forced myself into a sitting posture. I made sure to smooth out my waistcoat; so she wouldn't have anything more to complain about. "So you're expecting me to meet someone today, fall in love with them, marry, and have children? That is not how it works. Maybe it does today, with all the dating apps available, but I'm not like that."
"There are several young ladies who are interested in you. Since you were five years old, Cecil's daughter requested your hand in marriage. She's also rather lovely."
I cocked my brow at her. "Legal arranged marriages are no longer practiced in the United States. The year is 2015, not 1765. I don't want to marry someone for only business.
"You want a marriage built on love?" she questioned, her voice hardening. "To retain their fortune, wealthy families marry into other wealthy families. It's what our forefathers did before us and what we shall do in the future. That is how we keep our company going."
It was pointless to argue with her. "I'm just not interested in marriage right now."
She approached the little gap between us, hanging intimidatingly over me. "I've granted you twenty-five years of liberty. I've provided you with everything you've ever desired. All I want is that you compensate me by promising to keep our company running."
The company was not going anywhere for a long time. We were like the new Hiltons. What was it that was bothering her? Why was she now attempting to impose this on me?
"You no longer have an option in this situation. If you don't calm down, I'll take your vehicle and home."
"This home and this automobile are mines. You can't intimidate me in that way."
My mother's wicked grin sent shivers down my spine. "Do you think I won't figure anything out?"
I knew she wasn't kidding, as much as I hoped she was. I sprang from the couch, my hand over my pocket, where the keys were. "Wait a minute."
"What are you waiting for?" she asked.
"Isn't this a bit sudden? I will need time to think. You can't simply go in and expect me to agree to this."
"It shouldn't surprise you, Mateo. That is something you can thank your brother for."
My body was flooded with heat. I clenched my fists so tightly that my fingernails dug into the flesh of my palm. I cautioned myself not to fall for it. She only desired that I back down.
And she was aware of where it stung the most.
"Your brother wouldn't bother me like this."
"How are you going to use Lee against me?" I said firmly.
"It's all up to you, Mateo."
"I'll... I'll find someone...." I didn't have much choice.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Good." She nodded with some satisfaction.
"However, I'd want you to give me a year."
Her pupils constricted. "One year? For what purpose?"
"I'd prefer to meet someone on my own. After a year, I'll bring her to you and speak about marriage. You can't expect me to meet someone and marry her on the spur of the moment, can you? Allow me to meet with a couple of the other prospects first."
As my mother considered my suggestion, the room became quiet. If she'd only agreed to my plan, I'd have had more time to figure out what to do about the request she'd issued. What could I argue against her if she said no when using Lee as leverage?
"Six months," she answered eventually. "Not another day extra. When the time is over, you must bring the girl of your choice before me, and I will determine whether or not she may marry into our family. If she fails, you'll marry anybody I choose."
Of course, there would be requirements. Conditions were always present. "Fine," I said, knowing she'd get her way.
She smiled as the lines on her brow softened. "Good. You are free to keep your automobile. Make certain that you arrive at work today. There is someone you must fire."
"I understand," I said as I saw her turn on her heel and click away from me.
I sank back onto the couch as soon as she departed, feeling a headache building. Why was she so set on marriage? I was delighted with how I was spending my life-satisfactory and alone. I had no desire for a relationship. Even if I had those requirements, I could find a willing companion at the neighborhood pub.
For the time being, I needed to find someone who could fool my mother into believing she was my girlfriend. It wouldn't be too difficult. I didn't lack the physical attractiveness to persuade someone to do it. I knew I was an excellent catch because of my conditioned, friendly, and pleasant nature. If that weren't enough, I'd show them my bank account.
Then it struck me.
The strategy was straightforward. Find a lady, pay her to date me for six months, stage a break-up just before introducing her to my mother, and then pretend I was too distraught to go on. That way, I wouldn't be compelled to marry a stranger and could remain single until I found the one I was destined to be with. My mother would pity her son, who was experiencing his first heartache. It would be simple.
I smiled.
Let the games begin.
"Get moving, or I'll throw soap in your eyes." As Jordan continued to obstruct my stride, I issued a warning. "You're the one getting in my way... YOU get up." With a chuckle in his voice, he instructed. "I'll nipple cripple you if you don't move..." I threatened to make him raise his arms to conceal his chest. "Why would you want to violate mine when I always look after you?" I put my palm over his face before he could say anything. ——A pack enclosed by high walls. Nobody could get in, and no one could get out. An Alpha who is well-known for utilizing weapons instead of claws. Why? Nobody knows. Allison had suspected Jordan of keeping something from her when they first met. What? She couldn't wait to find out. She was, after all, an Alpha. It was unusual for two Alphas to imprint on one another. But there was nothing typical about Jordan and Allison. They were remarkable people with incredible secrets and responsibilities. But they need to find out what they're doing soon before time runs out. Before someone much more powerful catches up with them. Someone who has lived for centuries.
The stories will blow your mind, your imagination will be put to the test, and you will be thrilled to read these Romantic tales
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."
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
"You're a creepy bastard." His eyes smolder me and his answering grin is nothing short of beautiful. Deadly. "Yet you hunger for me. Tell me, this appetite of yours, does it always tend toward 'creepy bastards'?" **** Widower and ex-boss to the Mafia, Zefiro Della Rocca, has an unhealthy fixation on the woman nextdoor. It began as a coincidence, growing into mere curiosity, and soon, it was an itch he couldn't ignore, like a quick fix of crack for an addict. He didn't know her name, but he knew every inch of her skin, how it flushed when she climaxed, her favourite novel and that every night she contemplated suicide. He didn't want to care, despising his rapt fascination of the woman. She was in love with her abusive husband. She was married, bound by a contract to the Bratva's hitman. She was off-limits. But when Zefiro wanted something, it was with an intensity that bordered on madness. He obsessed, possessed, owned. There'd be bloodshed if he touched her, but the sight of blood always did fascinate him. * When Susanna flees from her husband, she stumbles right into the arms of her devilishly handsome neighbour with a brooding glare. He couldn't stand her, but she needed him, if she was ever going to escape her husband who now wanted her dead. Better the devil you know than the angel you don't. She should have recalled that before hopping into Zefiro's car and letting him whisk her away to Italy. Maybe then, she wouldn't have started an affair with him. He was the only man who touched her right, and the crazy man took no small pains in ensuring he would be the last.
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
Iris grew from an orphaned child to the adopted daughter of the Stewart family at age ten, finding warmth in her nominal uncle Vincent's kindness. Seven years later, she became his secret lover. When Vincent's engagement was announced, gossip spread about the notorious playboy CEO finally settling down. But only Iris knew the extent of his cold, two-faced nature. Iris fell for Vincent and, through tears, begged, "Marry me," only to be met with his frosty refusal. Defeated, she accepted a lawyer's proposal, sparking public excitement. Then, on her wedding day, Vincent pleaded desperately, "Don't marry him…"
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."