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.
P R O L O G U E
When a hand lightly touched the small of my back, I felt the sheets glide down my body. It seemed as though the blood flowing through its veins was moving more quickly than the blood of a typical guy since it was so warm and hot.
I wouldn't be shocked if this were true.
It was dark when I opened my eyes. When he came to see me, it was usually dark.
When he showed there, I had a moment like every other moment. An interval of reason. There was a time when my thoughts told me to close my eyes, speak out loud, and order him to go.
I knew he would, though, if I did. He remained silent. He would go with the same level of silence with which he had arrived.
And then he'd never come back.
But that was the proper thing to do. That was a wise decision. The sensible thing to do.
And I was seriously considering it. I considered doing it every time.
Then I felt his weight on the bed, his body extending out next mine, he pulled me into him, I opened my lips to talk, and before I could even do the sensible thing, his mouth was on mine.
I didn't think for the next two hours.
But I felt. I felt a lot.
And all I felt was good.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
When his shadow began to move into the room, it was still dark.
I was in bed, watching him as he moved. He remained silent. It was strange. There was stillness other than the rustle of clothing.
I could see he had manly elegance even as a shadow. men with strength and elegance. That was also strange. If there were such a thing, seeing my mysterious lover dress himself was like witnessing a fierce, masculine dance. Of course, when he came to visit, there wasn't somewhere except in my bedroom. No, as he was about to depart.
I should sell tickets since it was so amazing. But I would have to share if I did. I've probably already told half of Metro Manila, and they're all receiving their own solo show. That was enough to screw with my brain, along with the fact that he came at all; I let him come, then he made me come, and then he came. Then, as is often the case, repeat.
I wasn't interested in revealing any more than I already had.
I watched as he shifted to the bed. He knelt down, his hand on my knee, his fingers wrapping around the back, and he kissed my hip tenderly, his lips skimming across my flesh, making me quiver. The blankets were then pushed up my body to my waist, where he was dumped.
I was primarily on my tummy, with my hand tucked under my face on the pillow. His body went in that way, his fingers slid under my hair, softly tugging it back, and his lips pressed on my ear.
"Later, baby girl," he said quietly.
"Later," I said quietly.
His head moved inexorably, and his lips caressed the area behind my ear, then his tongue touched there.
That caused my skin to tingle as well, causing my entire body to shudder.
He drew the blankets up to my shoulder.
Then he turned and walked away.
There was no sound, not even the door opening and closing. He had just left. As if he hadn't even been there.
That's insane.
I stood there staring at my bedroom door for a long. My body was warm, satiated, and exhausted. My thoughts were not the same.
I flipped around, put the blankets about my nude body, and glanced at the ceiling.
I didn't even know what his name was.
"God," I said, "I'm such a slut."
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C H A P T E R O N E
I was using my computer at my home office the next morning.
I ought to have been at my job. In the upcoming two weeks, I had three deadlines, and I hadn't even started the job yet. I worked as a contract editor. I was paid per hour, and I didn't get paid if I didn't work that hour.
I had my own mouth to feed. I needed to dress a body that enjoyed wearing many types of clothing and sought them; else, bad things may happen. I am addicted to cosmo, and the cosmos was not really cheap. In addition, I am remodeling a house.
I, therefore, had to be compensated.
That wasn't exactly accurate, but... I wasn't doing any housework. My Dad helped with part of the labor. My pal Enrico worked on other projects. I should clarify that I had a house that I had people fix up by using emotional coercion, guilt trips, and begs.
However, it still required repair, and the tile and cabinets that came from Home Depot, Lowe's, and other retailers did not march into my home and announce, "We would really like to live with you, Giabella Gomez, fix us to your walls!"
That only occurred in my numerous, often daydream-like dreams, of which I had many.
I was fantasizing about my Mysterious Lover, the Great ML, and fantasized about altering our first encounter while I sat at my computer with one heel on the seat, my chin resting on my knee, and my eyes fixed on the window. He professed his eternal love for me because I was smarter, funnier, more mysterious, seductive, and fascinating. I also hooked him with my rapier wit, conversational skills, ability to talk politics and current affairs intelligently, and my humble stories of extensive charitable work.
Or at the very least, give me his name.
I was obviously not any of those; instead, I was intoxicated.
My complex daydream, which was starting to become nice, was interrupted when my doorbell went off, first with a chime and then a clang.
I then stood up and left my office, making a mental note to phone Enrico and ask him to fix my doorbell in exchange for a six-pack and a handmade pizza. Though I had originally planned to contact my Dad, I changed my mind because this may imply that he would bring his unpleasant, whining, continuously complaining new girlfriend.
When I reached the bottom of my stairs, I entered my spacious living room and proceeded to ignore the state of it. Fix Up Chic had been used to decorate it, so there were dust rags, paint brushes, power tools, not-so-power tools, cans and tubes of practically everything, all of which were disorganized and dusted with dust. I considered it progress when I managed to go across the area without raising my hands to my head, clutching my hair, or yelling.
I arrived at the entrance, which was bounded by two slender walls that were each adorned with exquisite stained glass.
That stained glass was my downfall two years ago.
I took one step inside this dilapidated wreck of a house two years ago, around six months and two weeks before I met my Mysterious Lover, noticed the stained glass, turned to the agent, and said, "I'll take it."
The realtor's expression had changed.
Even before entering the home, my father raised his eyes to the sky. He prayed for a very long time. His speech was lengthy.
I nonetheless purchased the home.
I should have actually listened to my father as usual.
I peeked out the door's thin side window and noticed Arlene, my sister's friend, standing there.
Shit.
Holy shit, Holy shit, Holy shit.
I despised Arlene, and she despised me. What on earth is she here and ringing up my doorbell?
I looked behind her to check whether my sister was hidden or lurking in the shrubs. I wouldn't be surprised if Isabelle and Arlene jumped me, tied me to the stairwell, and looted my house. This was how Isabelle and Arlene spent their days in my darkest fantasies. This, I was certain, was not far from the truth. It's not a joke.
Her eyes came to me at the window, her face screwed up, making what might be attractive, if she used a lighter touch with the black eyeliner and blush, and her lip liner wasn't a completely different shade than her lip gloss, not so pretty.
"I see you!" she said, and I moaned.
Then I walked to the door because Arlene would yell at the house, and I loved my neighbors; they didn't need a ten thirty in the morning, biker bitch from hell standing on my doorstep and yelling at the house.
I opened it only little and walked to stand between it and the jamb, my hand on the handle.
"Hello Arlene," I said, trying to seem nice and happy with myself.
"F*ck 'hello,' is Isabelle here?" said Arlene.
See! She spent her entire day looting.
I had to work hard to keep my eyes from rolling.
"No," I said.
"She's here, you better tell me," she cautioned, then turned to face me and yelled, "Isabelle! Witch, if you're in there, you better get out here right frickin' now!"
"Keep your voice down, Arlene!" I yelled.
She craned her neck and jumped on her toes, shouting,
"Isabelle! Isabelle, you crazy, foolish witch! Get your butt out here!"
"Seriously, Arlene, shut your freaking mouth up! Isabelle isn't here. Isabelle is never here. So shut up and leave," I said as I shoved out the door, pushing her back.
"You shut up," she snapped back. "And you get smarter. You're helping her..." She lifted her hand, pointing her finger at me, thumb extended upwards, then hooked her thumb and produced a gunshot noise that blew up her cheeks and made her lips tremble.
If the serious as shit expression in her eye wasn't frightening the snot out of me, I would have taken a time to think about how wonderful she was with vocal sound effects.
So, instead of praising her on the one genuine gift I knew she possessed, I said, "What?"
She dropped her hand, stood up on her motorcycle boots, and muttered softly, "D-e-a-d, dead. You and your sister, if you don't get wise. You get me?"
Then I asked a stupid question because it was commonly asked and there was always just one answer, yes.
"Is Isabelle in any sort of trouble?"
Arlene looked at me as if I had a loose screw. Then she elevated her hand, made the gun sound effect, and aimed her finger at my head. She then turned around and walked down my front stairs quickly.
I was standing on my front porch, looking at her. She was dressed in motorcycle boots, a snugly tank top, an unzipped, black leather motorcycle jacket, a short, tattered jeans skirt, black fishnet tights, and motorcycle boots, all of which are illegal in some countries due to various reasons, including fashion and decency. It was also about twenty degrees outside. Not even a hoodie was worn by her.
My sister and Arlene's sound effect sounded in my remainder of my mind as well.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
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?
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?
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.
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.
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
Due to the plight of her family, Phoebe had no choice but to embark on the path of selling herself. In an accident, she had a tangled night with Alexander. Everything began to derail, and even if she fled to the ends of the earth, she would still be found by him and entangled... *** Phoebe screamed in frustration, "What do you want from me?" What was this supposed to be? He raised an eyebrow wickedly. "What do I want? You'll find out soon enough." With that, he hoisted her up and carried her back into the office. The door slammed shut with a kick, and he cleared the desk with a sweep of his arm before laying her down on it, his body pinning hers in place, completely trapping her in his grasp. Every cell in his body was telling him he wanted her. He wanted to claim her again. This time, there would be no escape for her-he wouldn't let her slip away. Never again. If he had suffered for five years, then this woman wouldn't get off easily either!
"You were about to cum in me." I said and sat up. That's when I felt a stinging pain across my ear as my hand caressed my face, then the realization hit me- he had slapped me, Lee had just slapped me. #Sex. Lies. Money. Power. *** Jessie, after finding out her fiance had married another woman, decides to have a one-night stand with his uncle, only to find herself married to him. But despite being married to his uncle, she was still attracted to him, so she started secretly seeing him. Well, the uncle wasn't willing to give her up now, not after he vowed to always be by her side; now she had two men fighting for her. And the woman her ex-fiance married wasn't just going to give up on him. Will Jessie realize old flames can never be and live a peaceful life with her new billionaire husband, or will Jade succeed in winning her back?
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
After three years of loveless marriage, Kira was slapped with divorce papers. She has shown him her unrequited love throughout her entire marriage with him, but he decided to turn blind eyes all because of his lover. Distraught and heartbroken, Kira choose to sign the divorce papers with bitter heart. But then and there, she promised herself that when she's back, he will come crawling to her, but she will make him pay for hurting her. Join Kira as she transform to a wealthy heiress and soared as the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar empire, a remarkable healer and make her ex-husband pay!