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.
LINDEN
"What a surprise when I checked my schedule for today." I rose from my seat to meet Moses Braddson, one of the world's most powerful and influential billionaires, and he was standing before me, aging like a fine wine.
"How are you, Gabe?" We shook hands before he pulled me into a hug like how he did to his son, Striker Cade, one of my brothers and best friends.
"I'm good, boss. Thank you," I replied as I pulled back. I still wondered what this visit was all about. He always called and met me in his estate if he wanted to talk, so Moses being here perplexed me.
"Can I offer you something?"
"Gabe, I'm like your father, and you're still calling me boss and treating me like one."
"I owe you-"
He gestured for me to stop. "You don't owe me anything. I am the one who owed a huge debt to you."
"If you mean Cade, I will always protect his ass, take a bullet for him because that's what brothers do, boss. I call you boss because I have a huge respect for you, and you're my best friend's father."
"Thank you. I know I can still count on you no matter what."
"Of course. Since I can't offer you anything, may I ask what this surprise is all about?"
"Walk with me." As he slipped a hand into his pocket, he went to the door, and I left no choice but to follow him.
"Of course." I buttoned my dark blue Italian suit and followed him out of my office.
It never ceased to amaze me every time I was on the seventh floor overlooking the full view of Wade Lounge of my new building that had just opened eight months ago. My dearest sweetheart London, Striker's wife, called it a fancy donut because of the design, while I called it state-of-the-art.
Since The Firm signed a multi-million dollar contract with Hover Defense and Security, my life changed drastically. I built my own building and hired thousands of people. I opened five more HQ in other states and countries, and the Firm was officially named Osmium Resource Group.
"This is really a great view," Moses looked at the glass roof where he could see the clear blue sky, the offices across us, and the lounge I named after my fallen brother.
"Come on, boss. Just spill it out. What do you have in mind?" I stopped before him.
"I heard you declined the job Gustav gave you two weeks ago."
I sighed. "You came all the way here for that?"
"No, Gabe. I want to know why?"
"I could have emailed you and explained the reason in two pages." My face broke into a smile. "And yes, because he didn't want my men to do the job. I'm done doing favors. And I don't know him personally to do what he asks-" I stopped when I realized what I said. I sighed, and he seemed to understand my point. "Boss, I only do favors for my family without a thought. You know that."
"I know. Thank you for doing that to Lake."
I wanted to roll my eyes because that was classified unless Lake told him. Before I could say something more, he already said what I had in mind. "I know everything."
"Then you know why I declined."
"You just told me."
"You know that was not the real reason."
"I know that too. Remember why my son left for Winterbourn after rescuing London? Because she was too young for her, and he thought she didn't deserve someone like him."
"Whoa!" I raised my hand. "Boss, a client is a client. I'm the boss, and I follow that rule every day. I declined because I have tons of work to do in my office, and the teams have all their assignments; that left me and Jasper to handle the office job."
"I call it bullshit."
I shrugged. "Just say it already."
"You'll thank me later."
"Now you sound just like Linus."
He chuckled. "Gabe, take it as your vacation."
"You know I don't have to ask your permission if I want a month-long vacation, right?"
"Because you worked so hard for the past years. Your company is in good hands. You deserve a whole year off."
"I can't call it a vacation when I have to find a woman in hiding. What's that call me? A bounty hunter?"
Moses laughed. He found it funny. "She's a pretty bounty. When I first met her, she was just in high school, and I imagined her and Striker to be together."
I sighed in defeat, surrendering to my newly appointed job. "Fine."
"She's with her loyal bodyguard."
"I know what to do. Gustav filled me in. I will just snap her bodyguard's neck, roofie her, put her in a crate, and hand deliver her to her father. Why did she run away anyway? Who's handling her business?"
"People, she pays to do the job, and she can do her job anywhere in the world."
"Good for her."
"Do what's necessary, Gabe. Just bring her here safe."
"If you say so, boss."
"Thank you, Gabe." He offered his hand for a handshake.
"Of course." I gripped his hand. "Don't tell Cade about this. Just tell him I'm on a business trip."
***
I just stepped into the private jet when my phone rang. It was Striker calling me. Of course, I should expect by now that Moses would never keep a secret from his son.
"Cade," I answered with disinterest.
"Business trip, huh?"
"Don't."
"Don't what?" I could see him grinning at me.
"I know you know what's this trip all about."
He laughed out loud. My ear began ringing. "Do you need help?"
"Fuck you." I went to the chair after the flight attendant took my duffel bag.
"I love you, too, brother."
"It's your Pa's fault. And you know I can't say no to that old man."
"He's sitting next to me."
"Of course he is."
"Well, good luck. If you need help, just make SOS out of the seashells. We'll be there in a jiffy."
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"You're gonna have fun. Enjoy and collect some cute colorful tiny umbrellas-"
"Fuck you, Cade."
"Seriously, though. This is an easy job." He had no idea what I put myself into, but I wasn't going to tell him that, to make more fun of me.
I thought of it as another job, like I did more times than I could count. I was on a solo mission this time but I did my assignment.
"I'll see you soon, brother."
I took a nap after the take-off because I needed my strength. I would be working alone, and I didn't know how long to convince the subject to get home. Looking at these pictures on her Instagram account, I knew she had that fierce fire in her.
As soon as the jet landed at Trapani airport, I was picked up by my contact and traveled to Marettimo by ferry, where the subject was at this moment.
I typed a quick message to Jasper, the COO of Osmium. Jasper had been running the HQ in Canada for the last two years. When we changed the name and transferred to our new building Osmium, I promoted him. He had changed a lot and helped Feds catch bad guys. He redeemed himself, and I couldn't be prouder, and so as his sister Sadie, who was married to my brother Cenric Wollf.
LINDEN: Keep my location off the radar. Only Sax and Kye know from the ORG.
JASPER: Done. Contact me if you need anything. Be safe.
LINDEN: I'll be fine. Thanks.
First, I had to blend in. I took a quick shower and changed into something suitable for the evening. A bar a few blocks from my hotel was a little remote but closer to the villa where the subject stayed.
The sun just began to set, and the view of the ocean was spectacular in an orange and blue hue.
I realized Moses was right. I might need a vacation after all. After being honorably discharged from the service, I quickly went to work when Cenric hired me and Beck as his bodyguard. Since then, I have never stopped working for almost five years. I hadn't any regrets, though. I met good people and found new friends and family.
Someone said the fruit of labor was the sweetest of all pleasures, and I agreed. Despite many obstacles and rejections, I wouldn't be here today without my hard work, dedication, and determination. My brothers- I owed them big time.
Despite the spectacular view from the outside of the bar, where open tables under umbrellas, I went inside. It was crowded with local patrons and tourists. The musicians were playing local music on the small stage.
The stools were almost occupied but one. And just what I expected, I would find my subject here in a pretty floral dress with her watermelon caipiroska. She crossed her long shapely toned legs, showing off those creamy thighs. But Quinn Hunter was nowhere near her.
I drew a deep breath before occupying the stool next to her that caught her attention. I was welcomed with her big, round dazzling Celadon blue eyes, reminding me of a hot young Hollywood actress. Her feature was just stunning.
It had been a long damn time since a woman interested me like this.
"Sorry, is this seat taken?"
Her skeptical eyebrow arched, and she shrugged. "You found me."
"Excuse me?"
"Congratulations. How much my father paid you? I'll make it double-no three times. Just leave me alone."
I played a decoy. "How much what?"
"Oh, come on. You're an American, and you-" She inspected me from head to toe. "Obviously, in the military-"
"Was. Yes."
"Well, thank you for your service, sir."
"Welcome."
"And you work-"
"I was just asking if the seat was taken, lady. And I came here to order a drink and spend my days on this beautiful island since my boss literally forced me out of work to have this vacation."
She shut her mouth closed and swallowed. So, she bit it.
I was aware I had caught the bartender's attention, so I ordered my drink. "Negroni, please."
The bartender took my order and went to mix my drink. But before that, he bounced his gaze between me and the most beautiful lady in the bar tonight.
She cleared her throat. "Um. This is a free country. The seat is yours."
"Thanks." I quickly sat before she changed her mind or, worse, left.
"Sorry. I'm kind of cynical to see a big guy like you and an American."
"All good." I briefly looked at her side before I faced the bartender who just placed my drink.
"I'm Estelle."
"Linden."
"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.
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.
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.
Rejected by her mate, who had been her long-time crush, Jasmine felt utterly humiliated. Seeking solace, she headed to a party to drown her sorrows. But things took a turn for the worse when her friends issued a cruel dare: kiss a stranger or beg her mate for forgiveness. With no other choice, Jasmine approached a stranger and kissed him, thinking that would be the end of it. However, the stranger unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, "You're mine!" He growled, his words sending shivers down her spine. And then, he offered her a solution that would change everything...
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
This is a story about two damaged people who came together because of one's desire and the other's fear. Cassandra She was young, innocent, loving, and pretty with big eyes that showed her soul. She was stunningly beautiful but broken and alone, trapped in a world of monsters. Then he appeared. People say he is the worst monster of all, someone you pray never to meet. Will she escape him, or will he become her whole world? Dominic He was ruthless, aggressive, and merciless. Everyone feared him, and he was proud to be the king of his world. But he was also broken. Then she appeared. She was like a fragile doll, his doll. Will he take what he wants and move on, or will she become his life? "Let me go, please," she begged. He buried his face in her neck and tightened his grip around her arms. "Shhhh... breathe, love," he whispered. She cringed at his nickname for her, and he continued, "You are mine, and I am never letting you go. I will give you everything, my love, except your freedom from me."
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
Jennifer Bennett, the rightful heiress to the Bennett legacy, fought hard for her family's recognition, only to be eclipsed by an impostor. Faced with false accusations, bullying, and public humiliation, Jennifer eventually gave up trying to win their approval. Vowing to rise above the injustice, she became the bane of those who wronged her. The Bennett family's efforts to break her only fueled her success, leading her to heights her rivals could only dream of. Someone asked, "Do you feel let down by your parents?" With a calm smile, Jennifer said, "It doesn't matter. In the end, power prevails."
Her fiance and her best friend worked together and set her up. She lost everything and died in the street. However, she was reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, her husband was trying to strangle her. Luckily, she survived that. She signed the divorce agreement without hesitation and was ready for her miserable life. To her surprise, her mother in this life left her a great deal of money. She turned the tables and avenged herself. Everything went well in her career and love when her ex-husband came to her.