"Join Lucas, Sarah, and Emily on a heart-pounding journey of suspense, betrayal, and redemption in 'Shadows of Truth.' As they uncover dark secrets and face insurmountable odds, their bond is tested in a gripping tale of courage, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship. With twists and turns at every corner, this urban thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page."
Lucas sat at the kitchen table, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts as he absentmindedly stirred his coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the sound of Sarah chopping vegetables at the counter.
"Hey, Luke, you've been quiet tonight. Everything okay?" Said Sarah she gaze at Lucas looking up, Lucas eyes met with Sarah's concerned gaze. He forced a smile, trying to push aside the weight of his thoughts.
"Yeah, just tired from work, I guess."
Said lucas, She frowns slightly, her eyes searching his "Are you sure that's all?"
In hesitation, unsure how to voice his inner turmoil "It's just... I don't know, something feels off."
Sarah immediately sets down her knife and moves to sit beside him, placing a comforting hand on his arm "You can talk to me, you know. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together."
He instantly takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief at her words "Thanks, Sarah. It's just... I feel like I don't belong here sometimes."
Sarah squeezes his arm reassuringly "What do you mean?"
Lucas struggles to find the right words "I mean, your family, this whole lifestyle... it's not what I'm used to. Sometimes I feel like I'm just pretending to fit in."
Sarah gently brushes his cheek with her hand "You're not pretending, Luke. You're a part of this family, and we love you just the way you are."
His face clouded with weak smiles, grateful for her reassurance "Thanks, Sarah. I needed to hear that."
She leans in and kisses his cheek "Anytime, love."
As they sat together in comfortable silence, Lucas's gaze fell upon something on the floor. He reached down and picked it up, a small envelope that had fallen unnoticed during their conversation.
Lucas furrows his brow, examining the envelope "Hey, did you drop this?"
Sarah shakes her head, puzzled "No, I don't think so. What is it?"
Lucas instantly opens the envelope and pulls out a letter, his curiosity piqued "It looks like there's something inside."
Sarah leans in to get a better look "Who's it from?"
Lucas immediately reads the letter silently, his eyes widening in surprise "It's... it's from my father."
Sarah's eyes widen in shock as she listens to Lucas's words.
"Your father? But I thought..."
nods "Yeah, I thought so too. But it seems there's more to the story than I realized." Lucas responded.
Sarah reaches out and takes his hand, squeezing it gently "Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together."
He smiles gratefully at her "Thanks, Sarah. I don't know what I'd do without you."
She returns the smile "You'd probably starve without my cooking."Lucas laughs softly "Yeah, probably."
Sarah gets up from the table and moves to the counter "So, what do you want to do for dinner?" Cos I'm Famished; as he sets the letter aside, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders"How about we order in? I don't really feel like cooking tonight."
Sarah nods in agreement"Sounds good to me. Thai or pizza?"
He considers for a moment "Let's go with Thai. I could use some Pad Thai." Okay then she accepted without arguing,smiles clouds her face "Pad Thai it is, then. I'll make the call."
As Sarah dials the number for their favorite Thai restaurant, Lucas can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for her unwavering support. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knows that with Sarah by his side, he can face them with courage and determination. And as they sit down to enjoy their meal together, he's filled with a renewed sense of hope for the future.
The aroma of Pad Thai filled the kitchen as Sarah ended the call and returned to the table. She placed her hand atop Lucas's, a comforting gesture that spoke volumes without the need for words.
"It's all sorted. Should be here in about thirty minutes." Sarah said; Lucas smiles, grateful for her thoughtfulness* "Thanks, Sarah. You always know how to take care of me.""Well, someone has to look out for you." Said Sarah.
Their laughter filled the kitchen, momentarily pushing aside the weight of Lucas's newfound discovery. For a moment, it felt as though nothing else mattered, as though they were simply two people enjoying each other's company.
But as the laughter faded, Lucas's thoughts returned to the letter in his hand. He turned it over, examining the faded ink and worn edges, his mind racing with questions.
sighs "I can't believe this. After all these years, to receive a letter from him..."He speaks out surprised at what was happening Sarah squeezes his hand gently "It must be a lot to process. Do you want to talk about it?"
Lucas shakes his head "I don't even know where to start. There's so much I don't understand."
She stood up and leans in closer, her voice soft and comforting "We'll figure it out together, Luke. Whatever it is, we'll face it as a team."
Lucas turned to her with smiles on his face , feeling a surge of love and gratitude "I don't know what I'd do without you, Sarah. You're my rock."
Sarah returns the smile, her eyes shining with emotion "And you're mine, Luke. Always."
Their moment of intimacy was interrupted by the sound of a doorbell, signaling the arrival of their dinner. They rose from the table and moved to the door together.
As they sat down to eat, Lucas couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that lingered in the back of his mind. But as he looked across the table at Sarah, her presence a beacon of strength and support, he knew that together, they could handle anything that came their way.
And as they shared their meal and conversation, Lucas felt a glimmer of hope begin to blossom within him. Whatever secrets his past may hold, he knew that with Sarah by his side, he could face them all fearlessly.
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
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. What’s 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 couldn’t 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 doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s 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?
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
For three years, Shane and Yvonne were wed, sharing heated nights, while his devotion clung to his ex. Yvonne strove to be a dutiful wife, yet their marriage felt hollow, built on desire rather than real warmth. All changed when she became pregnant, only for Shane to thrust her onto the operating table, warning, “Either you or the baby survives!” Broken by his cruelty, she vanished in grief and later returned, radiantly accomplished, leaving everyone awestruck. Haunted by remorse, Shane begged for another chance, but Yvonne only smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, men no longer interest me.”
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
"You're a creepy bastard." His eyes smolder me and his answering grin is nothing short of beautiful. Deadly. "Yet you hunger for me. Tell me, this appetite of yours, does it always tend toward 'creepy bastards'?" **** Widower and ex-boss to the Mafia, Zefiro Della Rocca, has an unhealthy fixation on the woman nextdoor. It began as a coincidence, growing into mere curiosity, and soon, it was an itch he couldn't ignore, like a quick fix of crack for an addict. He didn't know her name, but he knew every inch of her skin, how it flushed when she climaxed, her favourite novel and that every night she contemplated suicide. He didn't want to care, despising his rapt fascination of the woman. She was in love with her abusive husband. She was married, bound by a contract to the Bratva's hitman. She was off-limits. But when Zefiro wanted something, it was with an intensity that bordered on madness. He obsessed, possessed, owned. There'd be bloodshed if he touched her, but the sight of blood always did fascinate him. * When Susanna flees from her husband, she stumbles right into the arms of her devilishly handsome neighbour with a brooding glare. He couldn't stand her, but she needed him, if she was ever going to escape her husband who now wanted her dead. Better the devil you know than the angel you don't. She should have recalled that before hopping into Zefiro's car and letting him whisk her away to Italy. Maybe then, she wouldn't have started an affair with him. He was the only man who touched her right, and the crazy man took no small pains in ensuring he would be the last.