Indebted to the Mafia Blurb "Well, are you going to do it or not?" I keep my chin held high, but inside, I'm trembling. "Do what?' the mafia king asks me, a smug look on his face. "What you paid for." I bite my bottom lip, wondering if I can handle him. I am a virgin, after all. He snickers at me, and then, his mouth is on mine, and he's taking every penny's worth. *** Eleni I'd do anything to keep my family safe. When I find out a mobster is trying to kill everyone I love because of a debt, I sacrifice myself and end up on an auction block. When I find myself owned by Dante Cattaneo, I don't know if I've been saved or sent straight to hell. Dante She's gorgeous and scares as hell, even though she's trying not to show it. My number one rule is to never let my weakness show, but from the moment I see her face, I know I have to have her. And if anyone finds out how I feel about her, I'm screwed. Dive into this steamy, dark, mafia romance now!
Eleni
"Baba, I have to leave for class in half an hour," I say as I clear paper plates and cups off one of the high-top tables in the back of The Greek Corner. "I need to change."
My dad huffs a sigh and shoves up from his chair behind the counter. "Yes, chryso mou, I know. But your mama was supposed to be done taking inventory by now to handle customers. Can't you wait a little?"
I bite back a frown and nod. He's been looking more and more tired since we lost Christos a couple years back. I love the night classes I've been taking at the community college a few blocks over, but I'm not going to force my baba to wait tables just so I'm not late. I dump the trash into the garbage can in the back.
The bell over the door jingles, and I turn with my customer service smile already plastered on, then freeze.
Frank Lombardi, the broad, sneering mobster who's held my family under his thumb since they came to America, saunters in with a few of his guys. My skin goes cold.
"Georgie!" Frank smacks the top of the counter, and I watch my dad bite down a scowl. He's always preferred his given name, Gregorio, but he tolerates customers who call him Greg. Frank has only ever called him Georgie. "Got the place all to yourself tonight?"
"No, I-" Baba stops mid-sentence.
I flinch as I realize his mistake. Like one creature, Frank and his men turn to me.
"Oh, I should've known little Ellie would be here." Frank oozes past the rows of packaged goods to where I stand by the garbage can. "You look good in an apron, baby girl."
I smooth the polyester black half-apron around my waist and smile.
"And even better when you smile," one of his men calls.
"Bet you'd look best of all in nothin' but the apron." The third one smirks.
My face burns, and I start to turn away, but I catch Baba's eye. As always, when Frank comes in, his dark gaze fills with pain. He hates seeing them treat me like this, but he can't stop them. Not without consequences. And as humiliating as it is to be treated like a piece of meat, I'll do anything to keep my family from facing those consequences.
As I turn, one of them smacks my butt. I can't help it. I squeal loudly.
"You got a screamer here, Georgie," Frank calls over his shoulder. "But with her tits pressed up to her chin like that and her ass wagging, I bet you already know that. I bet she's been entertaining the neighborhood for a while now."
Tears prick at my eyes, and I hurry away into the shelves of the bodega half of the store before Baba can see how much Frank's words hurt. I know how people look at me. I got Mama's height, which is to say, none at all, but the body of the women on Baba's side. Even in my high-necked T-shirt, a sports bra, and loose pants, men always comment on my curves. Frank Lombardi and his men are just the only ones who have the lack of respect to try to touch me where my dad can see.
Frank swaggers back over to the counter, places his order, and receives sandwiches for each of his men.
"Great little place you got here, Georgie." He taps on the counter. "Be a shame if something happened to it."
His guys laugh like hyenas as they finally leave. I exhale and step out of the shelves.
"I'm so sorry." Baba stretches his hands across the counter for mine.
I smile and step forward to take them. His right hand is powerful and thickly calloused from years of working all the different kitchen tools needed to produce the authentic gyros that keep The Greek Corner afloat. His left hand.... I swallow. Back when I was in high school, Baba missed a payment. Frank said he would be kind, since it was Baba's first. Instead of taking the restaurant, he'd only take three of Baba's fingers. I grab both his hands and squeeze. The awkward pinch of just his thumb and forefinger feels like home after all these years.
"I know, Baba," I say. "You can't do anything about them."
He glances at the door then leans in. "It's worse than usual, chryso mou. He just increased the protection rate, and I don't know if we have it."
I pale and look at the calendar over his shoulder. This Sunday is circled in red. Only five days to make the money, or we find out what happens when Frank Lombardi isn't feeling so nice.
***
I scurry into the back of the class, thankfully only ten minutes late. Professor Calhoun catches my eye and frowns, but he doesn't point me out to the rest of the class. I know he just wants me to do well. I want to do well. I pull out my laptop and peer at the slideshow on the board. We're still on advanced HTML, which is fantastic, because learning HTML for The Greek Corner's website was what interested me in computer science in the first place. I've barely missed anything.
"Okay, you absolutely can't tell anyone this, but I heard the craziest thing about this club called Piacere out on Staten Island," the brunette in front of me whispers to the redhead next to her.
I frown. I can barely hear Professor Calhoun. Just as I'm about to shush them, the brunette continues, "They're doing a virginity auction. Apparently, some girls get thousands of dollars just to give their virginity away to some sleazeball willing to pay for it."
The redhead gasps. My heart drops into my toes. A virginity auction. Between how much time I spend helping at The Greek Corner and how much time I spend with Mama and Baba since Christos disappeared two years ago, I haven't dated anyone since middle school, and I'm not a one-night stand type of girl. I would need a real connection to feel safe.
"You're joking, right?" the redhead asked.
The brunette shook her head. "Nope. I met a girl who did it last year. It's like an annual thing, and the next one's on Saturday."
Baba has five days to make the money Frank needs. Saturday is four days away. Three fingers and my older brother is enough to lose. I scribble down every detail the girls whisper to each other and start mentally shuffling through my closet for something that might be appropriate to wear to a virginity auction.
An enchanted castle full of secrets, a rite of passage she cannot avoid, an arranged marriage she'll do anything to get out of. Bexley isn't like ordinary girls. She'd rather be studying animals than flirting with men. It's too bad her stepfather insists she pay attention to Garth, a meathead who only wants her to make babies and clean his house. On her twenty-first birthday, like all women in her village, she's ordered to the castle to meet with the Alpha King. For someone who didn't even know wolf shifters existed, it's all a shock, especially when she sees the twisted body of King Canaan. Canaan is used to keeping secrets, so it's not difficult for him to keep them from Bexley-like the fact that she's his mate, so she can never leave. But the king has enemies. Not only is the witch that cursed him still out there, when Garth shows up leading a band of villagers who want to kill him, he'll have to fight against his own people. Unless Bexley can find a way to stop them. It might help if she knew the truth about herself. When she discovers her true identity, nothing in the kingdom will ever be the same. If you enjoy fairy tale retelling with a wolf shifter twist, you'll love this new series by the author of The Alpha King's Breeder and The Vampire King's Feeder.
My chances of survival are slim. Going west in the 1880s? Dangerous. Fighting rogues and traveling through pack lands where we are unwelcome? A death sentence. But Akecheta awakens a part of me I've never known before. I'm brave. I'm strong. I'm an Alpha's daughter. I will fight for my people--even if it costs me everything. And chances are, it will. If you love steamy wolf shifter romance that will leave your heart racing, read this new adventure from the author of The Alpha King's Breeder.
I watched Ryan die. So how is Ben wearing his face? Six years ago, I watched my best friend--and secret crush--splatter all over the pavement. He died. I saw him. Yet, in the back of my mind, I've never stopped looking for him. Seeing him in crowds, in the classroom, in my dreams--and my nightmares. It's cost me everything--my identity, my sanity, and maybe my life. So when I walk into class to see a man who looks exactly like Ryan standing before me, I freak out again. My therapist tells me to stay away from Ben. He's no good for me. I'll end up back in a padded room. But I have to know the truth. Is Ben really Ryan? That's not possible. But Ben has scars--real ones and metaphorical ones. If Ben is Ryan, why doesn't he just tell me? Is he trying to drive me crazy? Or worse--is he trying to kill me? The Boy Who Died is the first romantic suspense novel from bestselling romantacy author Bella Moondragon writing as B. Moon. If you love romantic suspense, are a fan of Colleen Hoover, Gillian Flynn, Christopher Greyson, or Paula Hawkins, you won't want to miss this page-turner!
I feel his eyes on me, staring through the darkness-darkness as black as his soul. As the fiancée of a rich state senator, I should be living the easy life, but that's not how it is for me. My mother's sick with cancer, my fiancé smells like women's perfume, and I'm not sure he even loves me. When I start to sense someone watching me, I should be terrified. Instead, I'm electrified. Kidnapped, held in a small room, but not tortured, I'm given a chance to study this man behind the mask. He's intriguing in ways he shouldn't be. He excites me in places I've never felt before. Should I give into the enticement and taste his sin? Or try to return to my regular life with a man I cannot trust who probably doesn't care about me at all? It's tempting-that's for damn sure. Tempted by Sin is a steamy dark stalker romance that might be triggering to some. You won't want to miss the shocking twist at the end!
Christmas magic is in the air at the Santa Clause Ball! Will it lead to love? Growing up in a town called Mistletoe Mountain, it's no wonder I love Christmas. My parents named me appropriately, too. You can't get much more Christmas-y than Holly Lane Garland! This Christmas is going to be even more magical than usual--I can just feel it! At the annual Santa Claus Ball, I meet an amazing man who makes my heart play "Jingle Bells." There's just one problem--well, maybe two. I have no idea what his name is--or what he looks like. (Did I mention the Santa Claus Ball is a masquerade?) Searching for my perfect man leads me to make a new friend. Patrick is amazing, and we have so much in common. He loves Christmas, too. But I think he has a girlfriend. And, well, he's just not the guy who kissed me under the mistletoe. Or is he? Will I find love before Santa arrives, or will I lose my chance at mistletoe magic? If you like sweet, clean Christmas romance novels that get you in the mood for the holidays, you won't want to miss this new romance from the author of Melody's Christmas, Christmas Cocoa, and All I Want for Christmas is Pooch!
Sometimes being outnumbered is a good thing--a very good thing! Harper When I signed up for an app that let me make some extra cash attending events with single men, I had no idea it would lead me to fall in love--four times! Scott is a caring organic farmer with muscles like no other. Damien is one of the richest men in the world who knows how to spoil me. Rafe is a famous quarterback who always hits me in the right spot. And then there's Tomas, my former professor turned Latin lover. It's scary dating four men, but they don't mind. In fact, they like how happy I am this way. Jack, however, my ex, is not exactly happy to find out my new situation. He'll stop at nothing to have me as his own--and share me with no one. When he goes too far, will my men be able to save me? If you love steamy reverse harem books, this new series from the author of Realm of the Chosen and Ember's Flames is perfect for you. Why choose if you don't have to?
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
When they were kids, Derek saved Norah's life. Years later, after Derek ended up in a vegetative state from a car crash, Norah married him without a second thought and even used her medical knowledge to heal him. For two years, Norah was devoted, seeking his affection and looking to settle her life-saving debt. But when Derek's first love returned, Norah, faced with divorce, didn't hesitate to sign. Despite being labeled as forsaken, few knew of her true talents. She was a race car driver, a famed designer, a genius hacker, and a renowned doctor. Regretting his decision, Derek begged for her forgiveness. Just then, a charming CEO intervened, embracing Norah and declaring, "Back off! She's my wife!" Taken aback, Norah blurted out, "What did you say?"
Due to the plight of her family, Phoebe had no choice but to embark on the path of selling herself. In an accident, she had a tangled night with Alexander. Everything began to derail, and even if she fled to the ends of the earth, she would still be found by him and entangled... *** Phoebe screamed in frustration, "What do you want from me?" What was this supposed to be? He raised an eyebrow wickedly. "What do I want? You'll find out soon enough." With that, he hoisted her up and carried her back into the office. The door slammed shut with a kick, and he cleared the desk with a sweep of his arm before laying her down on it, his body pinning hers in place, completely trapping her in his grasp. Every cell in his body was telling him he wanted her. He wanted to claim her again. This time, there would be no escape for her-he wouldn't let her slip away. Never again. If he had suffered for five years, then this woman wouldn't get off easily either!
Rose looked at the reports in her hand and was in shock... The reports said that she was one month pregnant, however, how can she get pregnant when she didn't have any man in her life... "Was it because of that dream? Could I get pregnant because I have sex in my dream?" She thought... She didn't have any mental problems, however, except for this she can't able to think about anything... However, she still didn't get out of her surprise when she met the man in her dream... Kevin Davis looked at the reports in her hand and asked, "Is this child mine?" However, Rose didn't answer but asked... "Was that night not a dream?" Kevin was angry because it was his first time and she thinks it was a dream... Kevin forced her to marry him however, Rose didn't want it... She wanted to abort the child but he didn't let her... In the end... Rose agreed to marry him... She looked at Kevin's blue eyes and said, "I will marry you, however, I had two conditions..." "First, after marriage, you can't control my freedom, I still had the right to do whatever I want. Don't worry I won't harm the child." "Second, if I ever found out that you had cheated behind my back then I will leave with my child and you can't stop me..." Both of them got married... However, after she falls in love with him... She found there are hidden secrets in his past...
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"