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!"
Late at night, the dimly lit deluxe hotel suite was filled with the sounds of enchanting moans and heavy panting.
The passion subsided after what seemed an eternity.
Resting against Eddie Selleck's chest, Claudia Murphy could feel his steady heartbeat. She gazed at his sharply defined jaw, lost in thought for quite some time.
Suddenly, Eddie's grip around her waist tightened. He leaned in and whispered, "What's on your mind?"
Claudia paused briefly before responding, "I'm thinking about my work."
"Thinking about work now, with me here?" Eddie's voice dropped, his gaze fixed on her, unblinking. "As my secretary, you're sure getting bolder." His tone carried a tinge of displeasure, hinting at his growing annoyance.
Noticing his mood, Claudia sighed inwardly but quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, replying in a sweet tone, "My apologies."
Eddie continued to stare at her, but her charm seemed to soften him, and he smiled, gesturing for her to come closer.
Understanding his cue, Claudia didn't hesitate. She leaned in and initiated another kiss.
The next morning, as Claudia opened her eyes, she found herself alone.
Turning, she spotted Eddie on the phone, his back to her, speaking in hushed, patient tones. Framed by the backlight, his silhouette appeared tall and imposing, exuding an undeniable presence.
Claudia watched, entranced, her lips unconsciously parting, yet she remained silent, not wanting to interrupt.
Eventually, he ended the call and turned to face her, his expression undisturbed. "Morning," he said simply.
"Morning."
Without another word, he resumed dressing. Claudia swiftly rose from the bed, crossed over to him, and began helping him with his tie, which he allowed without comment.
Once his attire was adjusted, Claudia double-checked his agenda. "I spoke with Frank yesterday. He'll handle your schedule today."
This prompted a frown from Eddie. "Isn't it your duty?" he inquired, a hint of concern threading his voice.
Claudia hesitated, her expression turning grave. "I'm submitting my resignation today. Your assistant Frank will take over my duties this month."
At her words, a shadow cross his face. "Reason?" he demanded.
Claudia responded with composure, "I'm twenty-seven. I've been with the Selleck Group since college, and now it's my fifth year. I'm ready for a change in my life."
Eddie press his lips together, remaining silent.
Claudia look up at him, her voice casual yet earnest. "My family has started pressing me about marriage."
As she spoke, she reached out slowly, her eyes softening with a hint of longing. "I used to think there was plenty of time to wait, but now, I'm beginning to realize it might have been just a daydream."
Her outstretched hand was abruptly caught.
In a swift motion, he tilt her chin upward, his gaze mocking. "Retreat as a way to advance?"
Claudia's heart sank, but she shook her head firmly. "No, I meant every word."
Suddenly, the warmth in his eyes vanished. He released her, turned sharply, and delivered the news without a trace of warmth. "Gwyneth Riley is back."
"I heard you're going to marry Marcelo. Is this perhaps your revenge against me? It's very laughable, Renee. That man can barely function." Her foster family, her cheating ex, everyone thought Renee was going to live in pure hell after getting married to a disabled and cruel man. She didn't know if anything good would ever come out of it after all, she had always thought it would be hard for anyone to love her but this cruel man with dark secrets is never going to grant her a divorce because she makes him forget how to breathe.
"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.
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?
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!"
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?