LONDON I've never been a rule-breaker. Until the God-like and hotter-as-sin, I despise for two years comes back and becomes my temporary bodyguard. I hate his work ethic-Striker Cade never mixes his job with pleasure, but when he looks at me, he's got heartbreak written all over him. When my father threatens to shut down, the only thing that matters to me, he volunteers to help. Our marriage is supposed to be the solution to my problem, but my father has another evil plan. The more we spend time together, the more I realize I don't have to act madly in love. I already am. *** STRIKER I've never lost focus at work. When London becomes my client, she's got forbidden fruit written all over her, and she hates my guts, but something tells me she's worth it. Until I find myself in her bed without any recollections, the next day, we're engaged. I would love to play her in-love husband. Only we're trapped by her father's demands, pawns to his bigger plans. When her life is threatened and our marriage is at stake, I reach out to my last resort. And I realize she has become the person I can't live without. *** Don't forget to check out THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN BRIDE , THE BILLIONAIRE'S CREED, and THE BILLIONAIRE'S ROGUE PRINCESS.
STRIKER
I landed this morning from Winterbourn after two years working for a good friend, Rome Langston. Then I woke up from a nap to the black sedan waiting for me.
I wasn't expecting anything when I arrived at the Vanderford estate, but what shocked me was how someone welcomed me with that stone stare of hatred that had me wondering for a second. You could have begun with, are you here for my father? That sort of thing.
Sometimes, life was really shit. When you expect too much, you get less. When you were not Messi, who took home the FIFA World Cup Champion, or Ronaldo, who just became the world's most expensive athlete, nobody gave a shit about you.
For instance, London Vanderford- the heiress to the Vanderford Group. I mean, who am I? That was the first thing that came to my mind. She probably didn't remember me. The last time we met was two years ago. Things have changed a lot since then.
My smile instantly faded as I met the coldest hazel eyes I'd ever seen. I knew there were gray flecks in there-I'd seen them up close. Right now, they looked like they could freeze hell and anything they fixated on-it was unwelcoming and unsettling as she slanted daggers at me, delivering an icy chill down my spine.
I shouldn't be thinking something carnal, but she looked hotter, though, and the pictures she posted on her Instagram for her twelve million followers didn't do any justice.
Despite the chill in my whole body, my posture remained strong. I thought she recognized me for a moment, but I could be wrong. It had been years. The last time we met, she was terrified, shaking, and crying as she clung to me. And I was paid to be there to save her. Other than that, I was a stranger to her.
"Sir Linus will be here shortly," said the old man's butler, Walton, interrupting my little musing.
I nodded as I watched the only daughter and heiress to the billion-dollar world's largest luxury brand and Vanderford Group as she descended the grand stairs.
My chest felt like it had been set on fire as the Vanderford princess passed by. Her high heels echoed in the entire mansion, and I stood there as I rooted in place. I guessed my presence didn't hold the same effect on her.
I wasn't humiliated that she didn't give a damn that I was there. I knew where I stood. We were opposites in many ways. She was the sky, and I was the ground. She was the beauty, and I was the beast.
London was gorgeous. Yeah, sure, I had the looks, thanks to my bastard sperm donor, but she wore more than my monthly income. That was how significant our differences were. And she was dating that asshole-what was his name? Magnum? Marcus? Maximus? Okay, I shouldn't go there. I meant I was here to meet her father. That was all.
When the echo passed, I turned around. That was it. And the princess left. She entered the car waiting for her, and her driver and bodyguard, Ezekial Reed shut the door closed.
I'd met royals and shook their hands. I had billionaire friends, so meeting privileged kids wasn't new to me, but I just had an eye on the forbidden fruit, and it would be just an elusive dream.
"You met London?" I recognized Linus's voice. Deep and husky.
I faced him and offered my hand, but he pulled me into a hug instead.
"Welcome back, son." He patted my back.
"Thank you, sir. Good to be back." Despite how disappointed I was with myself, a small smile appeared on my lips.
"I'm assuming this is permanent." He ushered me to the massive hallway, to the back door.
I sighed. "Yes, sir."
"My guess Rome Langston was not happy with your decision."
"Our agreement was a year contract, just for him to get acquainted with the country. I couldn't say no when he and the princess asked me for another."
"I'm glad that you are here, Striker."
"Me too, sir."
"Your father must be thrilled." He sat on the lawn chair, and I took a seat across from him.
A classic bourbon bottle, rock glasses, and a set-up chess board were on the table.
I was assuming he meant my adopted. "Dad is still on a business trip. You are the first person I have met since I landed. Well, if I don't consider Walton and your daughter."
He eyed me for a second before he spoke. "London has changed a lot." He shifted gears and paused with a deep sigh. Sorrow suddenly appeared in his hazel eyes. "Since that incident."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault. She'd seen therapists since I couldn't make her open up. And her relationship with Magnus doesn't help her either. I don't know what to do, Striker."
"Honestly, sir. I am the last person you wanna ask for an opinion. I'm truly sorry to hear that she's been struggling to cope." I was still struggling to understand why she looked at me that way. What did I do wrong? And what was I doing here? "Maybe she needs to be with the people she trusts, like you. Maybe she needs a break-a long vacation away from stress, visit places that play significant roles in her life."
"She doesn't want to be here. This is where she grew up, and she kept telling me that it's absurd for a grown woman to stay with her dad."
"Yeah, right." I chuckled as I looked at the vast lawn.
"She didn't talk to you, did she?"
I moved the white pawn as I couldn't meet his gaze. "No."
"Not even a hi?" His brows slightly creased as he took the bottle of fine bourbon and poured us shots.
I grabbed the glass he offered, even if I didn't drink at this time. "I think she doesn't remember me. I mean, it happened so fast. I was wearing gear and mask-"
"She remembers you and knows you, Striker." He made a move with his chess piece.
"Oh." I stared at him for a moment. Then why she seemed to hate me? I sipped the amber liquid, ignoring the twist in my stomach.
"She asked me to look for you, but you left for Triberis Capria the next morning."
"What did she ask me for?" I traded carefully.
"I think you were the only person she trusted at that time." And I was gone. I felt sad, terribly sad, and guilty.
My chest ached. If she could have asked for me earlier that day, I could have paid her a visit. And then what?
"I'm sorry. A job was waiting, and I couldn't turn it down."
Linus shook his head. "It's all right."
"May I ask how you know my arrival?"
"I asked Linden a favor and your father, but Tate doesn't know the exact date when you're back. Linden called me yesterday to say you're arriving in the morning."
"This must be crucial. What can I do for you, sir?" I moved my knight. He had already captured three of my pawns, and I got two of his pieces.
"You've greatly helped my family, and I owed you."
"Sir, you don't owe me anything. I was just doing my job."
"Yes, you were, but you kept your promise. And I wanna ask for another favor."
"Anything." I swallowed hard. I wished God that I would not babysit his daughter, who hated my guts.
"I'm taking Reed to the Middle East since he speaks Arabic." Shit. I knew where it was headed, and I had a feeling I would not like it. "I'd be out of the country for a few weeks."
I wanted to laugh my ass off at him. He could hire an entire firm. Hell, he could buy an entire security firm. So why me? And why now?
"Let me guess. I'll be the temporary replacement."
"Yes, and there's more." Of course, there was.
I captured his pawn, which he could have captured mine earlier with his Bishop, but either he didn't notice it, or he was waiting for me to make a wrong move.
I leaned back. "Oh, boy."
Linus chuckled. "I want you to look after her."
"It's part of the job, sir, but that's not what you meant, is it?"
"I want you to be with her 24/7-"
"You want me to spy on your own daughter, too? You don't trust her or the people around her?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
"I trust her. She knows that."
"Wait." I raised a hand. "Is she in sort of trouble? Does she have some threat in her life? Do you need extra security?"
"No. My head security is confident that we are safe."
I blew a breath as I felt like I was losing a game. "You want to use me to get into your daughter."
"If you have a daughter, you will feel what it is like to be a father who wants nothing but to see his daughter happy. I want her to live her life, and I don't see it happening soon. She has everything this life can offer, but something is missing. I don't see the sparks in her eyes anymore, son. And she's holding back."
"It takes time to heal. And do you think I can help?"
"I do. Do everything in your power, and I will do everything to pay you back."
I looked at him intently. I opened my mouth to say something but had to shut it back.
Linus must have seen something in my eyes-that he was putting me in a challenging position and that I might have to gamble something I had not done in a long time.
"Please, think about my offer?"
"It's not an offer, Mr. Vanderford." I rose from the chair. "You made your decision, and you're not giving me a choice here."
"One hundred thousand for two weeks. Would that be enough?" I would gladly accept it if it didn't come from him. I meant, who in the fuck would offer me that kind of money? He was extremely wealthy, yes. My dad had money, too, not as much as Linus had, but it was an insult to me.
I drew a deep breath since my blood started boiling.
"I'm offering you because I trust you, and you are like my son. Don't take it as an insult, Striker. Of course, you have a choice. You can still say no."
"What if she says no?" I let him win. He was not only winning in chess but also in this argument.
He captured my King. "Checkmate. I already discussed it with her but didn't tell her who will replace Reed."
"My guess, she figured out the moment she saw me. Hence the glare."
His smile didn't meet his eyes as he stood up. "Please, think about it."
"I don't need that money. I'm still an employee of the firm. Linden will take care of my salary."
"Does it mean you accepted my offer?"
"You know when I do." I offered my hand. And here I was, ready to gamble my heart to save the lady in distress.
"Thank you." He shook my hand. "Thank you, Striker."
I left the mansion with a smile on my face. I should be terrified because I knew I would definitely break a lot of rules, I could feel it, but it would be the first time. So this would be fun.
"Why did you bend over, Maverick?" Â "Because you told me to, assh*le." Â "I'm so tempted to f*ck you right now. You're the most exquisite woman I've ever been with, the only beautiful thing I see and have." Â "Then what are you waiting for? Just punish me already!" *** MAVERICK As a working college student, I struggle to make ends meet until a stranger approaches me with a proposal-- to be his employer's wife for an enormous sum of money. Knowing the cash will help me pay my grandmother's medical bills, I accept the offer with a demand-- just a marriage of convenience, no intimacy. It's too late to realize I'm marrying the charming and gorgeous to a fault, young Mr. Winston. And there's this instant fire between us despite my inhibitions. Things get more complicated when our sham marriage is put to the test by his father, who threatens to expose my dirty little secret. *** LAKE Being a Braddson-Winston heir is sometimes a curse. My father is a real SOB and a pain in my ass. He makes one outrageous demand for me to secure the CEO seat in the company-- marriage. So I found a perfect bride- Maverick Bates II, who is beautiful but in a dire financial situation. I only ask two things. We stay MBA and keep things purely business until the contract ends. As simple as that. It was meant to be a straightforward deal, but each day I get to know her, my position is not the only thing at stake but also my heart. I realize I can't let her go even if I have to make a dangerous bargain with her father, who happens to be a ruthless crime boss.
Without warning, he grabbed me by my ankles and dragged me to the edge of the bed. “Take your panties off,” he ordered me as he unbuckled his belt and worked on his pants, letting them fall on his ankles. Then he grabbed his dick out of his boxers. He was already hard and began stroking it. When I was too shocked to move, he growled at me, his green eyes searing against mine. “Panties. Off. Now, Nirvana.” I did as he said, scrambling to remove my shorts and underwear. My chest started heaving. My lips went dry as I watched him enjoy stroking himself. “Open your mouth, suck me, and take me all in.” His order woke up something inside me. Lust fired up through my veins, and my clit ached for him. I opened my mouth, and he shoved his shaft inside. “That’s it, sweetheart. Good girl.” *** All her life, Nirvana Thorne thought she was just human, at least not until a mysterious guy rejected her for no reason. When she finally uncovers her family secrets, Knight reclaims her as his fated mate and forces her to dig deep into the unimaginable danger of the underworld to undo the curse. Fighting her attraction towards him is hard enough. Every time they get close, their chemistry sizzles, and the heat between them becomes irresistible. When the pack is under siege, she must learn to gain control of the newfound power within her while the alpha intends to show her where she belongs. *** All Knight Blackwell ever wanted was to run his pack while getting rich. What he didn’t need was a woman demanding his attention, let alone a human mate like Nirvana. So he rejects her. What he never sees coming is his mate possesses an ancient secret— she’s a creature bound in magic intertwined with an ancient dark prophecy and the key to something bigger than anything they’ve ever imagined. With his primal urges getting harder to resist and the powerful being wreaking havoc in his wake, Knight has to sate his dark cravings for his mate before they go to war that Nirvana might have to sacrifice a piece of herself.
“Do it again.” “Be more specific, baby.” I heard a smile in his words. He was enjoying this and wanted me to beg. “Fuck you. You know what I mean.” I grunted in frustration. “I actually don’t.” He stopped again. His rough hand remained between my thighs. “Stop playing games, or I will stroke myself until I come.” I wiggled my ass, seeking a quick relief from the throbbing in my core. Breathing raggedly, he said, “No one is playing games here, baby. I just want to know what you want.” “You really make me do this, don’t you?” My voice was a combination of frustration and irritation. He was enjoying this too much, probably punishing me for giving him blue balls twice. “You were complaining earlier, so, yes. I don’t want another broken nose.” “Spank my ass, Califf. Then touch me and fuck me with your finger. I wanna come. Do you think you can do that?” *** All Shadow ever wanted is to live in peace with their pack, but as a royal Lycan and the daughter of a witch, it comes at a price. When a faceless enemy targeted her, she did not only lose her wolf but also her healing gift, leaving her powerless and vulnerable. Now that the bond is gone and her happy ending is not guaranteed, she has nothing left to offer. She doubts whether she’s still worthy of her mate and Luna of their pack. Alpha Califf becomes a formidable Alpha after defeating a sinister enemy. He should be invincible with allied packs everywhere and witches at his disposal, but Shadow becomes a liability. Despite what happened to his mate, he’s willing to leave the pack and live with her away from threats, but their enemy is two steps ahead of them, and Shadow becomes cold and distant, leaving him nothing but agony he’d never felt before. Will Shadow get her revenge and find a way to get her wolf and gift back? Will they uncover the ugly truth behind their enemy? Or their foe is just right under their noses all along.
“I can smell you’re wet for me, my little mate.” My nose flared. My chest heaved. My rage boiled inside my body, making me want to explode. “Well, take this, Alpha. I, Shadow Raven Hawks, omega of Night Stalker Pack—” “Shadow, what the fuck are you doing?” He was fast to cup my face as his eyes began brewing the pain. “Rejecting—” I wasn’t finished when he slammed his mouth against mine, stopping me. *** She’s a lone wolf— a rogue. Shadow Hawks learns to keep her head down. That’s how she survives until she wakes up in a pack run by a control freak hot-as-sin ruthless Alpha. With one single sniff of him, she feels an intense connection with irresistible heat. Now she’s got her old pack on her heels. The only one who can protect her is Alpha Califf. She will do everything, even if she has to bow down and reveal herself. Califf Stone doesn’t have time for a relationship but to protect his pack from a sinister, vicious Alpha killing the neighboring packs. Until he meets a mysterious rogue who enjoys defying his orders, he finds himself craving for her, losing control— And he knows she’s the one. When their common enemy threatens her, he’s ready to break his defenses to protect his mate. What surprises him, she’s not only half-Lycan, half-witch. She’s also a Lycan Princess.
Estelle Bladwyn has a certain type— a little older with a little less demanding job and knows his way in bed. When she bumps into a hot thirty-ish man on her not-so-romantic-getaway on an island, he does check two on her checklist, and exactly what she wants for that moment. One thing that doesn’t set right— their growing attraction is overwhelming, and her life is already complicated. But who can deny someone like Linden, who held you captive with his eyes, caged you in his arms, and still promised you a good time? Gabe Linden is getting old and still single and done with hookups and doing favors. When some big guns like Moses Braddson, a man he looks up to, he just can’t say no to. The only problem is he hasn’t taken the job yet— he knows he’s already failing it. Looking into her celadon blue eyes, he sees right into her soul. There’s no way he’s letting her go, even by means of breaking his number one rule— The beautiful billionaire is his to keep.
With one mistake, Princess Carlott lost everything in a blink of an eye. When she was labeled a fraud, a rogue—a pariah, she escaped her dysfunctional past to where no one would judge her. For years, she has built herself as Carly Storm. No more foolish mistakes, just her uneventful, boring life. Until she stumbles with a grumpy irresistible CEO, Rome Langston—well, not exactly, he’s her boss, and one thing she can’t ignore is full of fireworks between them. She isn’t looking for a hookup. When her boss offers her that proves impossible to resist, maybe that’s all she needs—no commitment, just amazing weekends. After all, she was once a rogue. What can go wrong? Well, that’s precisely what happens. Her past doesn’t just stay where it is, and her secrets threaten to come out. *** Rome just takes over the family business. Until the brunette storms into his office, reporting late as his assistant, complicating everything he believes in. He finds himself torn between hiring or firing her. The last thing he wants is a distraction. But maybe, a distraction is all he needs. What can go wrong with a bit of fun? Besides, he’s just human. When he finally realizes they have something real, just right when a bomb blows in his face, it’s anti-climatic. Worse, the woman he’s in love with is only a royal princess.
Stella Richard married Rene Kingston in the place of her sister Sophia due to some reasons. But from the beginning, she knows that her marriage was just a time-limit contract and once the time was up she had to go. For RK, this marriage was just a burden but for her, it was a gift from God. Because RK was the man who she had loved all her Youth... So, in the meantime of her marriage, Stella did her best so that this marriage may work out. But on the day she found she was pregnant, her husband gives her the divorce paper and said... "I don't want this child. Don't forget to abort." These words come out of his mouth, like a bomb for Stella, and changed her life... She signed her name on the divorce paper and left the house... Because she doesn't want to be with such a cold-hearted man... Five years later... RK bought the company In which Stella worked. But Stella did her best not to have anything to do with him... Because she had a child and she didn't want him to find out about him... But one day When Stella picked up her son from school he saw her... RK, "How dare you had a child with another man?" Stella, "I don't think it has anything to do with you." RK was about to say more when his gaze fell on the child beside her... His face looked as same as when he was young...
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
For seven years, Claudia allowed herself to live under Eddie's shadow. She thought that devoting herself to him would eventually win his heart, but it turned out to be nothing more than wishful thinking on her part. When they finally cut ties, Claudia did not argue or ask for any compensation. Instead, she chose her peace and left without looking back. She never imagined that Eddie would suddenly appear on her wedding day, furious and wild-eyed. He glared at her groom and declared, "I was here first!"
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.
Five years ago, he upped and left his wife without informing her. He had always felt unworthy. As a result, he decided to go and become a better man. It took him five whole years of daily hard work. When he was satisfied, he returned as a powerful and honorable man. He intended to start a family with his wife. But he got back to meet the greatest shocker of his life. He actually had a daughter!
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.