Nadia's life was a symphony of flour, sugar, and the contented sighs of satisfied customers. Her bakery, "Flour & Fancy," was a haven of warmth and comfort, away from the whispers of the city's underbelly. One rainy afternoon, a misplaced invitation shattered the tranquility. Addressed to "Nadia Petrova," it spoke of a lavish wedding for a couple she didn't recognize. Intrigued by the strange coincidence and fueled by a touch of reckless curiosity, Nadia tucked the invitation into her pocket. Over the following weeks, the misplaced invitation became a twisted calling card. Cryptic messages, delivered through seemingly ordinary means – tucked under her bakery door, finding it in her purse – drew Nadia deeper into Dante's world. Torn between her fear and a growing fascination with the man behind the power, Nadia began to search for the enigmatic Don only to come up with nothing not even his picture. Her creations, infused with love and a hint of rebellion, became a silent conversation between them. The night of the wedding, a world unseen by Nadia unfolded. The venue, a mansion shrouded in shadows, pulsed with a dangerous energy. Inside, opulent chaos reigned – glittering gowns, veiled threats exchanged under crystal chandeliers, and a tension that crackled in the air. Here, Nadia encountered Dante Russo, the enigmatic Don. His gaze, as sharp as obsidian, held a flicker of surprise when he saw her. Despite the danger radiating from him, Nadia couldn't deny a spark of attraction. She found herself to be the center of the invitation. She was the bride without even realizing it. Dante realizes that there was a mix-up. She was not the girl he hired to be his fake bride. To save face, he comes up with a plan. She had two choices either accept the deal or get killed by the Don. As Nadia learned more about Dante's world, the harsh realities of the mafia life clashed with her kind heart. Witnessing a brutal act of violence forced her to confront the darkness that lurked beneath the surface. Their connection, a forbidden dance on the edge of a knife, threatened to unravel everything. One night, she stumbled upon a truth. They used her as bait, luring Dante into a trap. The invitation was not a mix-up. It was deliberately sent by her husband's brother. The ensuing chaos forced Nadia to choose – retreat to the safety of her bakery or fight for the man who had awakened a fierce protectiveness within her. As she was picking up the broken pieces, she came to know the dark secret. Her parents were killed by Dante Russo 10 years ago. Thrown into yet another challenge, she navigated her way through. In the end, Dante dismantled the violent operations of the Russo family, leaving behind a legacy of justice. Nadia, no longer just a baker, became his partner, not just in love, but in building a new future.
Sunlight streamed through the bakery window, painting golden squares on the worn wooden counter. The air vibrated with the rhythmic thwack of Nadia's whisk against a stainless-steel bowl, the sound a familiar melody in her symphony of daily routines.
Flour dusted her apron like a chef's badge of honor, a testament to the hours spent crafting edible masterpieces. The aroma of cinnamon and cloves hung heavy, a comforting fragrance that spoke of warm hearths and cherished memories. Today, as always, Nadia was in her element.
Nadia, the owner of "Flour & Fancy," wasn't just a baker; she was an artist, a magician who transformed simple ingredients into edible works of art. Her bakery was her haven, a sanctuary of warmth, sugar, and the happy murmurs of satisfied customers.
Unlike the fast-paced, impersonal world outside, Nadia's life was a symphony of slow, deliberate movements. The rhythmic kneading of the dough, the gentle whoosh of the oven, the clinking of teacups against saucers - each sound was a familiar note in her daily composition.
Flour & Fancy, her haven nestled on a quiet corner street, wasn't just a bakery; it was an extension of her soul. Every cupcake swirl, every intricately piped flower on a wedding cake, held a fragment of her passion and artistry. It was a testament to her resilience, a sweet victory built on grit and a love for all things sugar. Orphaned young, Nadia had clawed her way up, turning her childhood comfort food into a thriving business. Flour & Fancy wasn't just a source of income; it was a symbol of self-reliance, a fragrant ode to overcoming adversity. It was her everything. Without Flour & Fancy, Nadia can not exist.
Today, however, a discordant note disrupted the rhythm of her routine. As the last of the morning rush subsided, Nadia found herself flipping through a glossy magazine left behind by a customer. Usually, she avoided such publications, finding their preoccupation with the rich and glamorous frivolous in comparison to the simple pleasures her life offered. But today, a headline on the gossip page caught her eye: "The Notorious Russo Empire: A Glimpse into the Opulent World of Mafia Luxury."
A shiver danced down her spine as she read the exposé detailing the ruthless power struggles and ostentatious displays of wealth within the Russo family. The world it depicted was everything Flour & Fancy wasn't – cold, calculating, and consumed by violence. A world she found abhorrent. Nadia skimmed through the photos, scoffing at the diamond-encrusted jewelry and ostentatious mansions. Just as she was about to close the magazine, a sharp chime from the door announced a new arrival.
Looking up, Nadia expected to see Mrs. Periwinkle, the sweet elderly lady with a perpetual craving for her signature lemon chiffon cake. Instead, a young woman with nervous energy practically vibrated in the doorway. Her carefully styled hair and designer clothes felt out of place in the warm, flour-scented haven. She looked way too fancy to step foot in a place like this.
"Hi, I'm uh, Nadia?" The woman stammered, clutching a pristine white envelope.
Nadia blinked, surprised. "Yes, that's me. Can I help you with something?"
The woman thrust the envelope forward, her voice barely a whisper. "This came for you? I mean, for a Nadia, but it looked fancy and I wasn't sure..."
Nadia took the envelope, her brow furrowing as she examined the embossed lettering. "Nadia Petrov," it read in elegant calligraphy, addressed to a grand estate on the outskirts of town. A shiver danced down her spine. The name wasn't hers, but it was close enough to send a jolt of curiosity through her.
"Must be a case of mistaken identity," Nadia said, forcing a smile.
The woman seemed relieved. "Probably. Sorry to bother you!"
Nadia watched her leave, then weighed the envelope in her hand. The address belonged to the Russo estate, the sprawling mansion shrouded in mystery and rumored connections to the city's powerful mafia families. Intrigue battled with caution in Nadia's mind. The baker in her, the one who craved new experiences, who found inspiration in the unexpected, was itching to explore this bizarre turn of events. The sensible part, however, urged her to toss the invitation in the trash and forget the whole thing.
Someone has rightly said, "Curiosity kills the cat."
But as Nadia stared at the opulent address, a mischievous glint sparked in her eyes. "Just a peek," she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips. "What's the worst that could happen?"
Ignoring the tiny voice of reason at the back of her mind, Nadia tucked the invitation into her pocket. The world of the Russo estate, so different from her own, beckoned with a strange allure. Little did Nadia know, that one peek would be the first step down a rabbit hole, a delicious, dangerous tumble into a world of frosting and firearms, of forbidden love and frosted danger.
A bustling metropolis, with hidden pockets serving as werewolf territories. Skyscrapers cast long shadows, and the city's hum masks the growls beneath the surface. Kai: A young werewolf, recently relocated to the city, struggling to adapt to the pack hierarchy and societal pressures. He possesses heightened senses and a rebellious streak. Elara: A cunning and ambitious werewolf leader, navigating the complex politics of the city's werewolf factions and protecting her territory fiercely. Dr. Evelyn Thorne: A brilliant human scientist, unaware of the werewolf world, who stumbles upon a secret that threatens both communities. Join me to find out what happens when opposing forces align.
This is an English translation of the famous Urdu novel "Jannat ke Pattay" This is a story of courage, reality, resilience and faith. The leading character Haya Salman, an LLB student who belongs to a conventional family.She got a scholarship from a Turkish university which a turning point for her.
This book is a collection of multiple short stories completely unrelated to each other. The stories include Age Gap, Mafia Romance, Enemies to Lovers and Neighbor romance Buckle up because i am going to take you on rollercoaster ride
Stefan Carter a successful business man with a dark and very cold personality because of his past. Unlike your typical bachelor he has no interest in flings. That all changes when he met Selena Hanson fresh out of college who is cautious in giving away her heart.
I'm Amara. Never been loved by my parents. Never been liked by my friends. Until one guy who saw me through my walls. He made me believe I'm loveable. Gave me strength to dream. Took my heart and crushed it. Left me with nothing. When i finally gathered the pieces he is back this time now as my boss. And he wants me back. Again. But I'm no more a naive girl i once was. He can't fool me with his charms again or that's what i thought. Will I be able to resist his charm this time?
Warning! Mature Contents! ***Excerpt*** "You belong to me, Sheila. I alone am capable of making you feel this way. Your moans and body belong to me. Your soul and your body are all mine!" *** Alpha Killian Reid, the most dreaded Alpha in all of the North, wealthy, powerful and widely feared in the supernatural world, was the envy of all other packs. He was thought to have it all... power, fame, wealth and favour from the moon goddess, little was it known to his rivals that he has been under a curse, which has been kept a secret for so many years, and only the one with the gift of the moon goddess can lift the curse. Sheila, the daughter of Alpha Lucius who was an arch enemy to Killian, had grown up with so much hatred, detest and maltreatment from her father. She was the fated mate to Alpha Killian. He refused to reject her, yet he loathed her and treated her poorly, because he was in love with another woman, Thea. But one of these two women was the cure to his curse, while the other was an enemy within. How would he find out? Let's find out in this heart racing piece, filled with suspense, steamy romance and betrayal.
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
"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.
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."
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"