Betrayl, infidelity, and shame found Annabelle Winters thrust into a world unlike she expected after being married to her family friend at her mother's request. What were once petty family squabbles manifest into Family Empires waging war in a cut-throat world of greet, murder, and secrets. Annabelle must navigate this new arena of allies and adcasaries with her new partner, Sebastian Kungston ... whom she only recalls brief encounters with in childhood, unarmed and unaware.
By every measure it was going to be the the mosr fancy date of Annabelle Winter's life so far! Jaxon had brought Anna's favorite flowers, orchids. He had brought it a clumsy pot. Anna supposed that was part of his charm, little things like that seemed to evade him. Where others got jewelry or vacatuons she had an unusual growing collection of random things Jaxon got her. Jaxon always seemed a bit awkward when it came to love, especially with her.
She had always seen her best friend's older brother be smooth and swave when he dated other women. But around her he would often stumble over his words and end up doing things like bringing a whole pot of orchids instead of a bouquet. Anna supposed it was because she was different.
"So, you like them?" Jaxon asked, rubbing his neck.
Anna gave a genuine smile and nodded, sitting the heavy round plant aside at an entryway table, "It is thoughtful. You remembered about the orchids."
"Yeah, Maddie reminded me. They didn't have a boquet so ..."
Anna smiled to herself at this. Even the name Maddie made her smile. Madison Bailey, Jaxon's younger twin sister had been the best friend Anna has ever known.
A quick touch up in the mirror beside the door. Mousy brown hair that fell mid-back, and grey-blue eyes from her mother. She was not a slip of a woman, but by her measure - too curvy. Her glance from the mirror fell from her face to inspect the rest of her reflection. She was healthy, but told herself in that moment she was probably a few burgers short of the plus-size section. Anna could only see this version of herself in the mirror. As she fetched her coat. She missed the light gold highlights her hair. She ignored how thick her lashes were. She didn't even notice that her lips were found resting in a beautiful effortless pout. Instead she fussed over how her black dress fit over natural flesh. Pulling her mind from the warping image in mirror she glanced to Jaxon.
The radiance of her smile returned as she watched him. He was respectably tall, with a lean athletic build. With brown hair that fell juat past his full eyebrows and whiskey brown eyes. The entire Bailey family except their father Brent, looked this way, as if some artist took a particularly careful time sculpting the perfection in their classical features. Sliding her arms into her coat she told him so,
"Angel's are probably jealous of you. You look so handsome. "
Jaxon glanced at her and took his time to admire himself in the mirror before opening the door for them both, "Thanks. I just picked this suit up today."
Anna took his elbow as soon as the door shut behind them and he was finished fussing over his suit. By Anna's estimation it was probably worth more than her family made in a half a year. She glanced at her off-the-rack dress before smoothing his sleeve,
"I wasn't talking about the suit, silly. Jack, you know you're handsome. Attractive people know."
"Yeah, but it's nice to hear." Jaxon flashed a winning smile at her as a driver opened the back door to the black luxury car. Annabelle could never tell what they were but the Bailey family seemed to own a fleet of neverending luxury sedans. They always smelled new, looked new. Anna wouldn't be surprised if they bought a new one every time they needed to go anywhere.
As they settled in silence grew between them and Anna couldn't help but wonder if something wasn't wrong. Minutes drew out their distance from another until it was unsettling. Her thumb went to her lips and she reminded herself not to bite her nail. So she straightened out her hem of the dress and glanced to Jaxon once more,
"You havent told me much. There's big event tonight?"
"Yeah, you could say that. It's important." Jaxon responded pecking away at his phone.
Anna tried again. "Thanks for inviting me. I hope the dress is okay?"
Jaxon didn't even bother to look up from his device, and as id recitung lines practiced until they bored him, "You look like a model. The most beautiful woman who will be there tonight, you worry too much."
Anna frowned down at her dress. Black. A bit sparkly. Simple. It fit well. It seemed to flatter the areas it should. It was by no means extravagant, but had cost her over a thousand dollars. The most expensive garment she ever owned. She checked her jewelry in the reflection. She wore her aunt's diamond stud earrings, and her mother's small cluster diamond necklace sparkled well. Both brought attention to her dimples and decolletage.
Anna usually wasn't this hard on herself, but something about being next to Jaxon always made her feel insecure. She rarely voiced this except to her journal and sometimes Maddie. Anna took a breath and steeled herself throwing on a genuine smile. Enough was enough, this was an important event to Jaxon.
As they slowed, Anna tried to peer out Jaxon's window toward the venue but instead saw the reflection of Jaxon's phone illuminate a reflection there. Inverted names and images bounced to her vision as he casually tapped a photograph of a smiling bikini clad woman and a her breath stopped and before she could even inhale again - and so did the car. The word "MATCHED" dominated the screen in the reflection. Anna's heart sank.
The phone's reflection tilted away as Jaxon tucked the phone inside his tailored jacket. Anna shook her head and demanded, "Jaxon, what are you doing?"
Jaxon played stupid. Worse. He wasn't stupid, he knew what she must have seen, but played stupid anyway. "What are you talking about Anna-banana-bells?"
The driver dutifully opened the door as Jaxon smiled at her, as if he was genuinely confused by her question, "We're here!" And with that Jaxon exited the car.
Any bravado Anna had vanished when she saw what was awaiting her. Every ounce of confidence drained from her face. Even the shock and confusion that were waving red flags moments before were all stolen under the scene before her.
Jaxon waved to flashes and cheers. Anna stayed frozen. A red carpeted column split an aisle between a swarm of people, cameras, and reporters. He adjusted his suit and smiled in particular at a group of young women bouncing near the crowd barriers. Anna felt a vertigo, she wasn't told about this. She was uncomfortable but now she panicked. After several long seconds of this eventually Jaxon peeked back into the car and held out his hand for her.
She reached for it, against her brain and heart's protest. She slipped her hand into his and stepped from the car. Not only was it brighter but louder. People speaking everywhere. Strangers demanding answers to questions like who designed her shoes. Anna had known what the Bailey family experienced but rarely was exposed to it.
Frozen there as Jaxon moved again, gallant, suave. Just as he had for his girlfriends of the past. Jaxon was a showman, he knew exactly what to do and say. The sweethearts of the press, the Bailey Twins. The young millionaire heirs to the Bailey Family fortune. They had degrees, a reputation as darlings. Anna couldn't have stood out more.
She had met Mafdie in high school. Anna had transferred in the middle of her Freshman Year. After her father had passed away. Anna's mother placed the money into trusts for their children. Anna had used her trust for a private tuition for school to gave her the best shot at a full scholarship. Every last cent was spent at Glennborne Acandemy. Genevieve, Anna's younger sister, was set to graduate from there this year too.
Anna met Maddison and at first, Anna felt as if Maddie had found a charity case to work on, or some poverty glow-up project. But as the years went on the two developed a deep and meanungful relationship. Anna loved Maddie, who had been nothing but generous, lively, and accepting of Anna. Even the Bailey Family, who loved the celebrity that came with wealth, welcomed Anna with open arms. Anna thought of all of this while staring at Jaxon's hand holdung hers.
Even with Jaxon's urging and reaching hand, it was difficult for Anna to move from that rooted spot. That was until she saw Maddie. She looked picturesque in a gown that was colored as if reminiscent of a peacock. Rich blues and greens in a sea of pattern that swirled round her feet. Her petite stature stood on expensive designer heels with countless hand-cut crystals Is catching every move in the light. If Maddie moved, the world would see this glimmer.
Anna felt her senses return to her and she smiled, nearly trampling over Jaxon to her to her friend. She clasped Maddie's hands who returned the gesture and added and enthusiastic smile. Soon all courtesy was dropped as Maddie enveloped Anna in a huge hug. Anna closed her eyes and smiled embracing Maddie. The press, naturally, captured the reception from every angle.
Anna took the opportunity to tell Maddie, "Something just happened in the car. I need to talk to you about it."
Maddie could tell from Anna's tone it was serious, yet maintained that brilliant smile. She managed through her teeth, "Wait until we get inside." Anna didn't argue.
Blaire Kingston is thrust into a world of macabre world after the death of her friend, Julia. For two years Blaire has researched the ties between Julia's murder, the supernatural, and has arrived at a connection with The Domovoi Fund. Years of careful planning she has become convinced the upcoming Gala is a front for an enclave of vampires trying to infiltrate the human world though elected politicians. Little did Blaire know that the House of Domovoi was merely the tip of the iceberg as she encounters Alexei Volkov, a well-respected eldest son of the Russian Business Mogul, Vladmir Volkov who challenges her to see how deep the world of darkness goes and to embrace her desire to destroy every last vampire.
After abdicating her duties to her bloodline, Elenwe swore her life and soul to the fertility goddess, Adanya. Elenwe grew advanced and rose through the clergy until her 27th spring, the last year to produce a "Child of Adanya". It has been eleven years since she fled the same fate with her family, to be coupled with a stranger. Instead, her prayers were heard and answered as Elenwe discovers herself among the Seven Annointed. Each of these seven are set to participate in the Veneration Ceremony before the shared moon between summer and spring. The ceremony that for every seven years, as long back as one could remember, resulted in charred pillars of ash from the participants. Thrust back into the world she desperately tried to escape, Elenwe, along with her new allies (a blacksmith, a fisher, a prisoner, a miner, an apprentice, and a scholar) need to navigate the difficult political world as all eyes await to see if they are truly the embodiment of the gods...
Annabelle Winters is thrust into a world unlike any she knew after everything went wrong. Jaxon had not spoken to her since their own surprise engagement was ruined. Powerful families, mysteries, intrigue and murder all try to prevent Anna from discovering the truth about her father's former business dealings, the truth about who ger boyfriend was texting that night, and the truth why her best friend suddenly became her arch nemesis. Anna must survive everything in order to learn anything about her new fiance.
For three years, Jessica endured a loveless marriage while her husband pretended to be impotent. His lies unraveled when a pregnant mistress surfaced. After six months of secretly collecting proof, Jessica threw him out and built her own billion-dollar empire. After the divorce, she transformed into an irresistible figure, attracting admirers. As she left her office one day, she met Kevan, her ex-husband's brother. He stepped in, confronting her. "Was I just a tool to you?" Jessica's lips curled into a calm smile. "How much compensation do you want?" Kevan's voice softened. "All I want is you."
Married for four years, Emily remained childless. A hospital diagnosis plunged her life into hell. Unable to conceive? But her husband was rarely home during these four years, so how could she get pregnant? Emily and her billionaire husband were in a contractual marriage; she had hoped to win his love through effort. However, when her husband appeared with a pregnant woman, she despaired. After being kicked out, homeless Emily was taken in by a mysterious billionaire. Who was he? How did he know Emily? More importantly, Emily was pregnant.
"Miss Brown, I am the butler here at your service," the butler replied. "My master wants to buy the baby in your belly." "What?!" Does that mean the abortion didn't take place? Did they kidnap her from the operating table just to buy the baby? But why her? "You..." Alice was about to ask a question, but the man in front of her calmly continued, as if he had expected her question, "You're pregnant with his child, and he needs a child. That's all I can tell you." Alice was forced to sign a surrogacy contract and eight months later gave birth to two healthy babies. Fortunately, the man was unaware of her daughter's existence. It wasn't until five years later that fate brought them together again...
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.
This book contains hot mature scenes and languages. Read at your own risk! "Ahhh...". She threw her head back and gasped at the sudden vibrating sensation from her underwear. "What..what..what was that?" "A little toy and a bigger one playing with each other". Antonio replied and pressed the button again. Angela arched her back at the sweet torment,her fingers digging into the sheets tightly. "Stop..stop..please,this is bad,my head is spinning..i ...can't..take...it". Her mouth moved convulsively. "The setting is still low, you are already so twitchy,your body is just so ready". He replied dry, watching her face closely. "Please....". "Those faces you make...you better stop or I will get hard enough to not hold back". He replied and increased the speed. "Haaa...ahhhh..wait...stop ...please". Angela cried, her eyes bulging,as she fought with herself..her thighs vibrating too. "Seeing you cry to it is actually more interesting,I should use it often on you..,this is pretty fun". He pressed the next button. "Stop please...it keeps grinding on my..clit. so hard.I..think something's coming out...my body...ahhh..I am gonna pee..stop". "If you do that...well you will explain to the doctor and nurses, how you wetted the sheets, you can do better,just hold it in". He smirked. She rubbed her thighs together and bit hard on her lower lip,trying to hold back. "Let's take it to the next level,shall we?" She opened her eyes widely,her tongue out salivating. "No..no..please..no..more...." Suddenly she felt herself shaking convulsively. I am at my limits..this is bad..I can't let this pee out...but it's extremely hard,she thought and burst into tears. "Freckles,I will advise you to save the tears we are just warming up". He breaks into her thoughts. "I.. can't..I can't...ahh nghh!" Her eyes rolled back... Anthonio watched her intently, a cigar clamped in his teeth,a hand in his pocket and the other with the remote. He could feel himself hardened. She had that insane effect on him. "Fuck! I am hard". He cursed under his breath. Suddenly the door opened. "Grandma?" Angela gasped, tears clouded her eyes as she tried to keep her face straight and voice steady. *****ADULT CONTENT HERE* read at your own risk! "No matter the time or place,you will spread your legs for me when I say so,that's my condition,can you do that?" Angela met his eyes and swallowed convulsively. "Yes". Her voice trembled. Angela, a 24 yrs old and breadwinner of her poor class family was left with no other choice other than to say yes to Mr Antonio inorder to save her nieces. Antonio Montero of the famous Montero family! The incredibly handsome, famous idol and young billionaire also known as the sexiest man of his generation. A toxic playboy with many sex scandals. Nevertheless, Angela wasn't a fan of his looks or movie roles as most girls including her very own sister, not even in the least in love with him nor he with her. He got a death wish to grant and she, emotionally blackmailed. Most girls would die to find themselves in this situation but not Angela... One year Angela will have her simple life back. But what will she do if it becomes a life time imprisonment? There are far many secrets about the Monteros that got her entrapped.
Eight years ago, she thought he was a Money Boy at the club, and accidentally had a one-night stand with him because she was framed by her stepsister. Is $100 enough to buy a Money Boy for one night? The next morning, she casually dropped $100 and ran away. Eight years later, she returned with her genius son. Little did she expect to be "deceived" into the Noblefull Group by her beloved son. Her immediate boss turned out to be Mr. $100 from eight years ago! ... "Bad girl, how dare you humiliate me eight years ago, this time you will pay the price!" "Bad girl, one billion dollars, I buy your whole life!" "I just want to be a secretary. You already have several lovers. You are not my type." "But, I only have feelings for you, only love you." However, their relationship was not smooth. Due to a property dispute, his brother deliberately caused a car accident in an attempt to kill her and their son. Due to past grievances of the previous generation, his father held deep hatred towards him and sent assassins to kill them. There were also plots and attempts on their lives orchestrated by his girlfriend. On top of that, they faced oppression from rival factions of the mafia... This is a romantic novel about a billionaire and his secretary, involving several generations of love, hatred, and complicated relationships, and also involving the mafia, revenge...