𝐀𝐔𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐘 They say one night of recklessness doesn't hurt. Well, they probably have never been in a scandal involving a conceited, rude billionaire who thinks he can just waltz into my life and dictate it. Yes, that's right. Jordan Sykes thought I was an easy woman, so when the news about our long-hidden romance, which, by the way, I had no idea of, goes out, he has no problem admitting to the entire world that he's in love with me. Geez, we only had sex that one time. And as much as I hate it, I can't deny how good it was. Neither can I deny the need for more. But I'm a grown woman, well capable of controlling my urges. So when he walks into my aunt's cafe and proposes the idea of fake dating, just for some sort of inheritance game, I say no. Unfortunately, he knows one weak point of mine and thus begins our gambit-a play-act to fool the millions of prying eyes, but most importantly, his cunning family. Do you remember when I said I could control my urges? I didn't know I would have to see him again, let alone spend one year in the same apartment with him as his fake girlfriend. Well, I'm screwed.
AUBREY'S POV
There was no way I could do this, no matter how much the girls chanted near my ears. The reserved side of me probably revelled in this thought. But I wouldn't let myself be pulled back for this one time. One night. That was all. It was my day, my twenty-sixth birthday, so the good-girl-me had to be chained.
People might laugh, knowing I'd kept myself away from all things girls my age had experienced as soon as puberty hits them. Tonight I would get drunk, be reckless like never before, but maybe with a bit of precaution first.
No guys. No drugs. And no drunk driving. I should be fine.
Kimberly, the one with a thick black perm, honey-brown skin, and obscure eyes, held the beer bottle near her lips and wiggled her brows at me as if asking me if I was really up for this. My lips thinned, and I bobbed my head, because even if I said no, she would keep me tethered to the VIP lounge we were currently at.
"So, two truths and a dare you said?" Joyce asked, getting comfortable beside me with a leg crossed over the other. Sweeping her blonde waves to one side, she gave me an encouraging yet commiserating smile.
Joy, being my oldest and my best friend, was the only one who understood how uncomfortable this was for me. Kimberly and the brunette beside her, Lola, had known it too since they had known me from high school, but they didn't care. Maybe it was for the good. How long was I supposed to be confined to my shell of insecurities?
"Yes." I eyed Kim and said, "But just so you know, because I agreed to this stupid game, doesn't mean I'll go first."
"Fine. I'll go first then," she responded with a grin, taking a long gulp of the beer. We were only on our third round and I could already feel my insides heating, my skin sweating, even though the place was air-conditioned.
The dance floor in the middle of the room was overcrowded with people grooving to the insane beats, and the bar across barely had a seat left open. Of course, Kim had to choose the busiest bar in the whole of Manhattan. The only thing that separated the dance floor from us was the three-staired dais the VIP section was built on.
"Since you're the birthday girl, you ask me two truths and give me a dare."
I leaned in and asked, "So, for the first truth, tell me about Harry Marsh."
Kim rolled her eyes at the mention of the name. "You know exactly what happened. He broke my heart. That dick broke up with me via text, like a pussy."
"He was always one. Didn't you notice?" Joy snorted.
Kim shook her head. "I guess I wasn't as paranoid as the two of you when it comes to men. Sue me."
"Hey, we're not paranoid," I protested in mine and Joy's defence. "We're just too focused on our careers." Before she could snap something back, I asked, "Tell me when you're going to submit your next big manuscript."
Kim tensed. If there was something that could zap her carefree aura right out of her, it was her ambition. "Joy rejected it."
"That's crass," Joy said. "I rejected it and gave you full feedback on the things you need to change, and I'm not even the editor. I'm part of the acquisition team. Besides, even if I had said yes, the editor would've put it in the slump on the first page. As your friend, I wanted you to come back with a better version of the book."
I looked back at Kim. "Please tell me you've edited it."
"I don't have the time. There's always one or another event in my schedule."
Joy scoffed. "I think you're procrastinating."
"Can we just get to the dare, please?" Pushing Kim too much could've turned on us, so I nodded.
But before I could give a dare, Lola chimed in. She'd been too busy eyeing a man by the bar all this time, but at least we had her attention now. "Can I give a dare, please?" She didn't wait for me to respond and jumped on the opportunity, not that I would've stopped her, anyway. "Okay, go walk to the black shirt guy at the bar and get his number."
"Are you serious right now?" I arched a brow.
Lola swayed her hand over her face and said, "He has been eye-fucking Kimberly since the moment she walked in. One of us should get a dick tonight. Since you and Joy are opposed to the idea, it better be Kim."
I laughed. Kim stood up and took a deep breath. Giving us all a brief look and regaining her confidence, she made her way to the man in a black shirt and grey jeans, his hair pushed back and the top few buttons of his shirt open. His eyes moved down to Kim's hips as she swayed them like the expert she was.
"How the heck does she do that?" Joy murmured, leaning her back on my shoulder while all three of us watched. "Damn, she's got some mad skills."
"Sometimes, I wonder if I'm a lesbian," Lola said, and I sniggered. "I would definitely make out with her if she walked to me like that."
"Yeah, this is probably the millionth time you've said this," I commented, and she gave a head shrug.
Joy whipped around to me. "Okay, I know this is supposed to be a girls' night out thing. But screw the no-dick rule." She pointed a finger at me. "You're getting laid tonight."
My eyes widened. "What?" She nodded. "No, I'm not. I'm not ready to let anyone into that territory yet."
"You may never be if you keep acting like a grandma," Joy spat back.
Lola nodded along. "She's right. It's your birthday. You've been so hung up on work that you've ditched every guy who's ever been interested in you."
"It's not my fault that they can't wait for me to be ready," I tried to reason, but I knew it was a failure.
"Ready for what? Marriage?" Joy pressed her forefinger on my chest and seethed, "You don't have to be ready for marriage and neither do you need to open your heart. Just open your legs for one night."
"Are you drunk, Joy?"
Joy groaned loudly and then said, "Do not change the topic."
"Okay," Lola put a hand between mine and Joy's face, breaking our eye contact. "At least open your mouth for the night."
"Open my mouth?" I asked. "Do you mean to say-"
"Kiss, Aubs. I mean, kiss, not blowjob." Lola chuckled.
"Generally, everything you guys spew is R-rated."
Joy cupped my cheeks and pulled my face closer to hers. My face scrunched, and she whispered, "Stop overthinking and just pick a guy and kiss him. You promised me you wouldn't hold back for the night."
"But we also agreed on no guys."
"Did I shake hands on it?" I frowned, and she sighed with victory. "Then there was no agreement."
"Now, kissing a random guy. And then what? Snorting cocaine?"
"Sounds like a plan to me," Lola rejoiced and I stared at her, my jaw wide.
"I'm not taking drugs."
"Then how about we go to a strip club right now? Just imagine. Naked men bouncing their dicks all over and around you," Lola said with a sly grin. Joy burst out laughing and I only shook my head, closing my eyes. Arguing with these two was a losing game, anyway.
"Fine, who do I have to kiss?" I asked, my jaw twitching at them.
My eyes shifted to Kim, who was still talking to her admirer. He'd offered her a drink, so I doubted she'd be back here anytime soon. Joy and Lola high-fived and turned to the crowd. After a quick inspection, they looked back at me again.
"Do you notice the light near the main entrance?" I peered at where Joy had pointed. At the long entryway of the club, there was a long dangling yellow light. I nodded and Joy went on. "The first one to stand under it will be your candidate."
I tilted my head. "What if it's an old man? Or a woman?"
"The older the man, the better the kiss . . . Hopefully," Joy drawled. "And if it's a girl, at least you wouldn't feel that weird. We've kissed before."
Yeah, because of a dare. I hated dares.
"But," Lola squealed. "But you cannot kiss this candidate the way you've kissed Joy or me. A peck won't do. You're going to walk out there and use your fucking tongue like the French-kiss master I hope you are."
I wasn't even sure if I was a terrible kisser. The only man I had kissed was my high school boyfriend and he and I had called it off about three years ago. Since then, I hadn't sexually laid a hand on anyone.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," I murmured under my breath as I made my way to the entryway.
I stood at a safe distance from the light, my heart drubbing in my chest. This was stupidity, and I wasn't sure if I could pull it off. But I had to do this. One reckless night couldn't hurt, could it? Maybe this would help me leave my compact life and make me bold enough to walk out of my bubble.
The door opened and a group of men walked in. They seemed busy talking or perhaps quarrelling with each other, giving me enough time to rethink my steps. I glanced back at the VIP section where Lola and Joy watched me, impatient and excited.
But something in Joy's eyes shifted. She tilted her head and furrowed her brows. I looked back at the men. Only one of them had paused under the light. His broad back was turned to me. He was in a formal uniform . . . at a club, which had to be the oddest thing about him.
I moved toward him and tapped on his shoulder. As soon as he turned around, I closed my eyes, gripped the lapel of his blazer, and pulled him down. His height was so tall that I had to tip-toe, despite having him bent at my force. My lips collided with his, and for a second, both of us froze.
I was kissing a stranger right now. Without consent, which made my gut churn.
But I shoved the thought aside and poked my tongue out. His lips tasted of strong scotch. He didn't open his lips or reciprocate while I tried my best to earn some kind of reaction from him. Even though my eyes were closed, I could feel his eyes wide at me. Not just his, but his friends' as well.
When nothing worked, I pulled back. He wouldn't kiss me back, which was quite clear by now.
Slowly, I opened my eyes, only to be startled by the most beautiful pair of blue eyes I'd ever seen. Under the garish yellow light, they seemed green, but I could tell how vibrantly blue they were. His eyebrows were on fleek and his jaw was strongly cut. His nose was slightly crooked at the bridge and his lips were thin pink. Trimmed stubble covered his jaw and chin, giving his sharp eyes an intelligent, focused manoeuvre.
A bead of sweat trickled down the side of my forehead and my throat dried at the look of confusion marking his face. That was when reality dawned on me. What if he was committed? What if he was married? He had to have children. He looked old enough to have one. Or two.
I cursed myself at the back of my mind and stepped back. What the fuck have I done? Why the hell did I give into this stupid game? Before I knew it, I had already whirled around on my feet. My steps felt heavy as I stormed toward the direction of our lounge.
I was so fucking screwed.
[CASTELLO DI CARTE MAFIA CHRONICLES, #3] [Formerly known as *Laceration: The Game of Chains*] 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀 Marrying a stranger is one thing. But marrying a stranger related to the man you thought you’d marry is a whole other thing. What would you do in a situation like this? I, for one, fainted at my engagement party and almost drank my ass off to get through the wedding night. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, they did. My husband offered me a contract, and I signed it, seeing his eagerness to get rid of me. Spending an entire year under the same roof seemed like torture, especially when my dear husband kept making excuses to talk to me, to unnerve me and unravel me with his scorching touches. Yet I liked it. But he wasn’t mine. And his mistress had a lot to attest to that. 𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐒 Marriage for power. A wife ten years younger. And a tattoo. None of these was a part of my plan to thrive as a Mafioso, yet I didn't mind any of it. It was all because of that succubus. My ruination disguised as a beautiful woman, now my bride. I was a man known for my control and snide personality, yet neither helped me overcome my desire and need to taste her skin and when I finally did, I couldn’t have enough of it. The contract should've kept me away from her, should've helped me be the responsible adult and control my thoughts of having her pinned to the bed with her eyes only on me. All I wanted then was to tear that piece of paper that ensured our freedom after a certain point. I could never free her, knowing how damning it could be. There were just a few tiny problems. Her father. My past. Infiltrated enemies. And the damaging nightmares I had no control over.
CASTELLO DI CARTE MAFIA CHRONICLES, BOOK 2 [Also known as POSSESSION: THE GAME OF CLUBS] 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 What is worse than being forced to marry a man you’ve never even met? I’ll answer it. Drinking with a man who’s off-limits and sleeping with him just to prove a point. Plus points, if he’s not the man you're supposed to marry. After one drunken mistake with the enemy, I swore to never entertain him again. But the next time we met, things turned a little too hot in the bathroom. He was the enemy, one I should've known better than to involve myself with, but I couldn’t resist his unbreakable allure. His need for me kindled a spark that made me lose control and forget who I was. Sex was not the only reason. It was the way he softly whispered sweet words into my ears and the way he held me. It was the intensity with which he looked at me and made me feel desired. There was one tiny problem. His marriage was in four months. To the woman who called me her friend. 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐎 They say there’s pleasure in tasting the things you cannot have. Forbidden passion has its own mind when deep-rooted inside someone. I never knew the depth of these words until I saw her—the woman desired by many but touched by none. She was the brightest pink rose in a sea full of white ones. She was covered in thorns, a boundary only I dared to cross because I had nothing to lose. Only, she wasn’t mine, nor I, hers. Every moment we spent together reminded us of the reality meant for us. Some sacrifices are made for the greater good, but what good comes from leaving behind the one thing you never had and have finally found? She surrendered herself to me. Body and soul. Until the end of our agreement. So what if one of us wanted more in the end? What if the one was me?
CASTELLO DI CARTE MAFIA CHRONICLES, BOOK 1 [Also known as PRECARIOUS: THE GAME OF HEARTS] 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀 When my mother's declining health forced me to reconsider my career options, my boss steered me in an unexpected direction. The was simple: get in, get the information, and get the out. Except, it wasn't that easy. Especially when my target was the most nefarious man alive in New York. The closer I got to him, the more I saw sides of him I never expected. He burned me with his scorching touch, demanding and eager gazes. He was determined to have me at all costs. One might think he would stop at that, but—devil, help me—he needed more. More than I was ready to give. There was a reason I never wanted to the Underworld. When my past came crashing onto my doorstep, every lie unravelled, but nothing prepared me for the worst. The truth about the connection between the man I desired and my dead sister. 𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐒 We all know what they say about sweet things: when consumed excessively, they turn from savoury to bitter. That was what she was. A poor excuse for a sweet I wanted to devour. I wanted to make her suffer with the same intensity. She deserved it. And so did her scheming sister. Only, I didn’t know the latter was dead, and I might be the one at fault. But did that stop me from craving her? , no. My desire to have her magnified. She became mine the moment she walked into my life with those hauntingly blue eyes. She could give me the one thing I never had in life: happiness. But being the master at ruining everything, how could I ever be the man she wanted me to be?
THE NEW YORK BACHELORS CLUB, #1 Formerly known as HEALING MR. BROWN 𝐉𝐎𝐘𝐂𝐄 My celibacy had nothing to do with god. I couldn't care less about sleeping around. The problem was I was afraid of touches. Yeah, that's right. Intimacy didn't bother me as long as it was more on the emotional level. That changed when I met Vincent Brown. He was the epitome of trouble wrapped in a dark-haired, six-foot, brawny body. Yet his touch didn't unnerve me. Worse, I loved the way it felt. Our relationship started as strangers in a one-night stand and then on a tour around Paris before going back to our different paths. After five years of avoiding him, who would've thought we would cross paths at a wedding, of all places? Now that he knows who I am, he's determined to make me stay. He's too hard to deny when he looks at me like I'm the only meal he wants to have and touches me as if I consume every being in his body. Only he doesn't know the burden I carry. And the reason I feared being touched. 𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓 She was the perfect balance of fun, humour and strength with a beautiful soul and the most delicious scent I've smelled. When she proposed the idea of remaining strangers, I couldn't have cared less, but that was before I knew her. Five years since and she's still on my mind. When I find her again, it's like she's not the same person anymore. I'm torn between wanting to pull her close and letting her go to protect her from the demons I can't control. Being a selfish arse, you can probably guess which option I would choose. In my quest to know more about her, I come across things I least expect. They say secrets can crumble even the strongest castles, but it's okay to lie to protect the ones you love, though, right? Except I doubt she believes the same. If she learns of the things I've been hiding for the past five years, she wouldn't see me the same way. Plus, I know her brother's death wasn't a hit-and-run case.
Mia's life is spiraling out of control. Abandoned by her mother, bullied mercilessly at school, and thrown into a household of four dangerously attractive stepbrothers, she's desperate to find her footing. "You look absolutely edible," Sean growled, his eyes devouring her. Mia felt a rush of heat between her thighs "Oh, you think so?" she purred, turning to face him. She reached out and traced her fingers along the ribbon that wrapped around his waist. "Well, I've been waiting for this all day. And I'm starving." Sean's smile grew into a predatory grin. "Then let us feast," he said, and in a flash, the ribbon fell away, exposing his rock-hard length. He stepped closer, and Mia felt the warmth of his breath on her face as he whispered, "You're going to take every inch of us tonight, aren't you?" With Rolex's teasing smirk and Sean's quiet, hot stares, Mia doesn't know where to turn-or who to trust. Every glance, every touch leaves her breathless, confused, and craving more than she should. Will Mia survive their games, or will she lose herself in a dangerous world of secrets, seduction, and forbidden desire? One house. Four brothers. Endless temptation.
"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!
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
She was a diamond covered by ashes.... King Dakota was known as the most Powerful Alpha King of all times - more powerful than any other King that had ruled from his lineage. He was cold hearted, introverted and dangerous in anger. Cursed by the Moon goddess, King Dakota had to get married to three wives all in search of a male child that would become his heir, but it was impossible as the curse would only let his wives bear she -wolves. But on a different day, the King meets a lady who offends him and as a punishment, he took her home as his fourth wife. Her name was Shilah. Shilah was a powerless wolf and as a result, was disregarded and intimidated by all. But, when she begins to do things that the King had never felt for years, he began to wonder who she really was. Slowly, she crawled her way into his icy heart and turned out to be something nobody ever expected - a storm.
What happens when a hook-up gets complicated by a baby? Can she hide the secret from him? Or will he show her how possessive he can be when he learns she's carrying his child? "Seven years ago, I had a one-night stand with my brother's best friend, who also happened to be my lifelong crush. The next day, he vanished leaving me pregnant. Now, I am a single mom raising our son in the same small town. Recently, he returned to attend my brother's wedding and the truth about our son was finally revealed. As he reclaims his place in our lives, the sparks between us reignite. However, danger from his past threatens to shatter our newfound connection. I am torn between my love for him and my fear of getting hurt again, especially now that I have two hearts to protect - our son's and my own."
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"