Victoria was about to graduate high school and move to Los Angeles with her mom to pursue her dream of being an actress. But disaster struck and her mom was murdered. The murder remained unsolved with no leads. So, Victoria left everything behind and never looked back. She met the perfect guy who was handsome, famous and rich. Her life seemed picture perfect in Hollywood, until her past caught up with her. ** It was the day before my 18th birthday when my mother was murdered. It appeared to be a home invasion. I should have been home, but I had a school project due and stayed late at the library. It is hard not to think of the "what if's". What if I was home, would I have been killed too? What if I could have saved her? The guilt I feel for not being there engulfs me some days. I never knew my father and I do not have any siblings. It was just me and my mom. The only other family I had was my best friend, Theo. We have known each other since we were little and talk every day. After graduation, me and my mom were going to move to Los Angeles together. My lifelong dream was to be a famous actress in Hollywood. Theo didn't want me to go. He would always say that I was too good for Hollywood and that it would ruin me one day. But I felt all alone now and wanted nothing more than to leave. Theo tried convincing me to stay. He told me that I would have regrets leaving without knowing who my mother's killer was. But the police had zero leads and I had nothing left here in this small town. He tried getting me to stay for him, but I just wanted to be away from everything and everyone who reminded me of home and my mom. I know it hurt him, but it hurt me more to stay. So, after graduation I left for California and never looked back. Theo would text me every day. At first, I would respond, but after a while I stopped and so did he. Years had passed and I did a good job of forgetting my old life. I just celebrated my 22nd birthday and you would think by now that I would have some acting gigs under my belt. But I found out very quickly how hard it is to break into show business. All the money I got from my mom's passing had run out and I had to take odd jobs to make ends meet. I worked at a diner for a while. Then I got a job at a fancy boutique. This is where I got my big break and met Charles Sampson. He was shopping for his wife and was saying how his assistant had just quit due to a family emergency and he was in desperate need of a new one. Charles was in his 60's but he had a long acting career under his belt and just landed a major role in a successful series. I jumped at the opportunity as this could be a great stepping stone for me to land an acting role. Plus, I could learn a lot from him. I felt like things were finally looking up for me. I had been working for Charles for a few weeks and today was the day we got to go on set for filming. I was beyond excited and really nervous. "Victoria, please stop playing with your hair." Charles said. "I am so sorry." I said as I put my hands under my legs so I couldn't do it again. It was one of my nervous habits and was hard to control. "You will do great. You do not need to be nervous. If anything, I should be the one being nervous." he said as he laughed. There were a lot of big named actors and actresses on this show, and I was excited but scared to meet them. So far, Charles is the biggest celebrity I have ever met. The car dropped us off at the entrance of the set for today. We both walked in and were greeted by the producer. She had her assistant show us to his fitting room. As we were walking by the suites, I glanced at the name on the wall outside of one of the doors and saw Luca Hayes. I have had a crush on him for as long as I can remember. I couldn"t believe I was walking by his fitting room. The door was open, and I peeked in. He was pulling a shirt over his head and all I could see was his toned abs. I didn't stop staring until his shirt covered them. I quickly looked up and we made eye contact. I could feel my face heat up and immediately turn red. He had this cute smirk on his face, and I looked away and left as fast as I could. I was so embarrassed. He probably thought I was some weirdo, just staring at him. I wouldn't be surprised if I had drool coming out of my mouth. I hurried and caught up with Charles and the assistant. We arrived at his fitting room and his stylist was ready for him. I didn"t need to be there for this so I asked, "Is there somewhere that I can set up my laptop to work on emails?" The assistant showed me to a communal area with food, wifi and a lounge area. "Be careful with him. He is known to make you feel special, but it is all a lie." She said as she walked away. I looked up from my laptop and saw Luca walking toward me. I didn't dare say a word and just looked back at my screen. "Did you like what you saw?" he asked. I kept my eyes down and said. "I don't know what you are talking about."
It was the day before my 18th birthday when my mother was murdered. It appeared to be a home invasion. I should have been home, but I had a school project due and stayed late at the library. It is hard not to think of the "what if's". What if I was home, would I have been killed too? What if I could have saved her? The guilt I feel for not being there engulfs me some days.
I never knew my father and I do not have any siblings. It was just me and my mom. The only other family I had was my best friend, Theo. We have known each other since we were little and talk every day.
After graduation, me and my mom were going to move to Los Angeles together. My lifelong dream was to be a famous actress in Hollywood. Theo didn't want me to go. He would always say that I was too good for Hollywood and that it would ruin me one day.
But I felt all alone now and wanted nothing more than to leave. Theo tried convincing me to stay. He told me that I would have regrets leaving without knowing who my mother's killer was. But the police had zero leads and I had nothing left here in this small town. He tried getting me to stay for him, but I just wanted to be away from everything and everyone who reminded me of home and my mom. I know it hurt him, but it hurt me more to stay.
So, after graduation I left for California and never looked back.
Theo would text me every day. At first, I would respond, but after a while I stopped and so did he. Years had passed and I did a good job of forgetting my old life.
I just celebrated my 22nd birthday and you would think by now that I would have some acting gigs under my belt. But I found out very quickly how hard it is to break into show business.
All the money I got from my mom's passing had run out and I had to take odd jobs to make ends meet. I worked at a diner for a while. Then I got a job at a fancy boutique. This is where I got my big break and met Charles Sampson. He was shopping for his wife and was saying how his assistant had just quit due to a family emergency and he was in desperate need of a new one.
Charles was in his 60's but he had a long acting career under his belt and just landed a major role in a successful series. I jumped at the opportunity as this could be a great stepping stone for me to land an acting role. Plus, I could learn a lot from him. I felt like things were finally looking up for me.
I had been working for Charles for a few weeks and today was the day we got to go on set for filming. I was beyond excited and really nervous.
"Victoria, please stop playing with your hair." Charles said.
"I am so sorry." I said as I put my hands under my legs so I couldn't do it again. It was one of my nervous habits and was hard to control.
"You will do great. You do not need to be nervous. If anything, I should be the one being nervous." he said as he laughed.
There were a lot of big named actors and actresses on this show, and I was excited but scared to meet them. So far, Charles is the biggest celebrity I have ever met.
The car dropped us off at the entrance of the set for today.
We both walked in and were greeted by the producer. She had her assistant show us to his fitting room.
As we were walking by the suites, I glanced at the name on the wall outside of one of the doors and saw Luca Hayes. I have had a crush on him for as long as I can remember. I couldn't believe I was walking by his fitting room.
The door was open, and I peeked in. He was pulling a shirt over his head and all I could see was his toned abs. I didn't stop staring until his shirt covered them. I quickly looked up and we made eye contact. I could feel my face heat up and immediately turn red.
He had this cute smirk on his face, and I looked away and left as fast as I could.
I was so embarrassed. He probably thought I was some weirdo, just staring at him. I wouldn't be surprised if I had drool coming out of my mouth.
I hurried and caught up with Charles and the assistant.
We arrived at his fitting room and his stylist was ready for him. I didn't need to be there for this so I asked, "Is there somewhere that I can set up my laptop to work on emails?"
The assistant showed me to a communal area with food, wifi and a lounge area.
"Be careful with him. He is known to make you feel special, but it is all a lie." She said as she walked away. I looked up from my laptop and saw Luca walking toward me. I didn't dare say a word and just looked back at my screen.
"Did you like what you saw?" he asked.
I kept my eyes down and said. "I don't know what you are talking about."
The last thing I wanted was to get caught up in any of his games. Plus, this job meant everything to me, and I wouldn't want to jeopardize that.
"What's your name?" he asked.
I didn't want him to think I was interested in him so, I picked up my phone and acted like someone had called me.
"Excuse me, I need to take this." I said as I grabbed my things quickly and ran to the bathroom. I really had nowhere to go but I just needed to get out of there.
After about 10 minutes, I figured the coast was clear and left the bathroom.
I walked back to Charles fitting room hoping he was finished with hair and makeup. Luckily, the door was open, and they were just finishing up.
Charles noticed me outside the door. "Oh good, you are back. We are about to head to the set. Would you like to come and watch a few takes? It is great experience for you."
Without hesitation I said, "Absolutely I would!"
We walked down the halls and made our way to the set. I got goose bumps from being so excited. Even though I am not the one acting on set, it is still so amazing to be here for this.
There it was, a full living room set surrounded by lights and cameras. I am sure I looked like a kid in a candy store.
"You again?" a voice said behind me.
My smile dropped and I turned to look at him. It was Luca.
"It would be so much easier to say hello to you, if I knew your name." he said.
"Luca, this is my assistant, Victoria. Please let her know if you need anything." Charles said.
"Nice to meet you, Victoria." Luca said.
"Charles, we need you on set." the director said.
It was just me and Luca now. I couldn't help but feel nervous. He was insanely attractive and all I could do was stare at him.
I caught myself, looked away and said, "Nice to meet you."
"Anything, huh?" he asked.
"What?" I asked confused.
"Just curious if you really would get or rather do anything I needed?" he said with a smirk as he walked away.
Was he flirting with me? My heart was beating so loudly that I could barely hear anything else. No, I must have misinterpreted it.
There is no way he could be interested in me. He must just do this with everyone, like the assistant warned.
Filming was about to begin so I found a chair in the back and sat down.
It still felt so surreal that I was watching live filming on a Hollywood set. I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
My eyes kept landing on Luca, and I found it hard to look away. He was mesmerizing. He rarely needed to do any retakes. He was practically perfect every time.
Filming looked to be wrapping up, so I decided to use the restroom before it was time to leave.
I fixed my makeup and as I was walking out of the restroom, I bumped into someone right outside the door, and it was like walking into a wall. I fell straight to the ground.
Tessa Jones just graduated college. She was excited to get an interview with a top tech company. On a night of celebration of her new job, she was almost r***d by a creep in an alley. An unknown man saved her just before her life would have been changed forever. Tessa ended up having her first one night stand with this man. The next morning she started her new job as a third assistant to the CEO. When she met her new boss she was shocked......
âYou need a bride, I need a groom. Why donât we get married?â 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. âShe keeps asking for a divorce, but I donât want that! What should I do?â
â ď¸ WARNING â ď¸ This Book Contains Matured Contents, reader's discretion is advised. *** "Do you have any idea how much I want to be inside you right now?" he asked as he stood to his feet. "Then why aren't you?" I responded, loving the feel of him pressed so close, my back to the mirror, my front to him. But even still, in some far corner of my lust-fogged mind, I realized that we were still in a bathroom. Anyone could walk in and see us. The thought of getting discovered was scary and erotic at the same time. "Oh, we're not done. Spread your legs a bit for me, Kitten." He commanded. When I did as he instructed, he settled between my legs again. "Now close your eyes. And try not to move." Dominic Rutherford murmured. I drew in a sharp breath as his fingers slipped into me with a silky, wet ease. First one. Then another. A feverish tide rose inside me, and I groaned. I jerked in response, causing me to unconsciously move my hips towards his teasing, clever hand, seeking more. "Ohh-" My body trembled under his touch. "Please..." *** Ruby escapes a stifling marriage filled with betrayal, eager to reclaim her freedom. At a masquerade ball, she meets Dominic, a mysterious older man always wearing a mask and has a complex past. Their intense attraction ignites a passionate and dangerous affair. Dominic, who was tasked by Ruby's unknown brother to find her, is captivated by her defiant spirit. As Ruby gets entangled in Dominic's dark world and faces threats from her vengeful former husband and an enemy within, she struggles with her fear of love. Will Ruby and Dominic overcome their pasts and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart? Can Ruby submit to love even after the truth is revealed?
June Rivera was divorced by her husband after three years of marriage because he wanted to be with her sister who was pregnant for him. Kicked to the curb with a divorce and rejected by her parents,she struggles to make ends meet and get a job until she saves Luis Ambrose from an accident - the only child of Rafael Ambrose, a widowed man and the CEO of Ambrose Corporation. When little Luis asks to have her as a nanny, and Rafael's mother pressures him to get married, they draw a contract. To be Luis's nanny and his fake wife for one year in exchange for 50 million dollars!
The day Raina gave birth should have been the happiest of her life. Instead, it became her worst nightmare. Moments after delivering their twins, Alexander shattered her heart-divorcing her and forcing her to sign away custody of their son, Liam. With nothing but betrayal and heartbreak to her name, Raina disappeared, raising their daughter, Ava, on her own.Years later, fate comes knocking when Liam falls gravely ill. Desperate to save his son, Alexander is forced to seek out the one person he once cast aside. Alexander finds himself face to face with the woman he underestimated, pleading for a second chance-not just for himself, but for their son. But Raina is no longer the same broken woman who once loved him.No longer the woman he left behind. She has carved out a new life-one built on strength, wealth, and a long-buried legacy she expected to uncover.Raina has spent years learning to live without him.The question is... Will she risk reopening old wounds to save the son she never got to love? or has Alexander lost her forever?
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. Whatâs 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 couldnât 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 doesnât seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that heâs 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?
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."