"Rule No. 1 – sex is off the table" He looked at me, a certain darkness clouding his eyes that only brewed lust and desire " Don't worry doll, I'm not going to touch you, not unless you beg me to" Five years ago, Helena De Luca is divorced by her husband, Dante D'angelo, when his high school sweetheart returned and claimed his heart. Now, Helena's back, not for rekindled romance but for survival. Her family's empire is under siege, and the only way to protect it is to strike a dangerous deal with the man she once called her own. Dante agrees to help-but there's only one way: a fake marriage. Helena's reluctance turns to desperation when the rival gangs close in, forcing her to accept. She sets one rule-no falling in love. The stakes are high and complications arise in the form of Dante's manipulative cousin Matteo, who's determined to tear them apart to have Helena for himself no matter what it takes. To make matters worse, Dante's first love is back, determined to destroy Helena's life and claim Dante for herself. Their worlds entangle, a dark sinful attraction festering between Dante and Helena and getting caught in a dirty game of lust, dark desires tainted with betrayal and manipulation. Would Helena be able to withstand the demands of falling for a man as dangerous or would she give in to the pressures of those who want them apart?
HELENA'S POV
I lay on the vast expanse of the bed, the silky sheets embracing my body with the soft tenderness that I craved from Dante, my husband. I could hear the metallic ticking of clock, each tick reminding me of every second that passed and Dante wasn't still home. I tried to ignore the moonlight filtering through the sheer curtains. I couldn't sleep, if I didn't feel the warmth emanating from his body while he slept beside me, the weight of his body pressed upon my fragileness while he pumped his load inside me.
Tonight, the emptiness of our bed felt particularly suffocating. I had yearned for his presence all day, a deep longing that gnawed at my soul. As I lay there, the sound of the door opening made my heart race. As I turned my head, there he was, the silhouette of my husband – Dante D'angelo watching me silently from the door. His strong muscular arms were flexing without him even trying to do so and I took a nervous gulp while my insides burned with desire – a desire that burned for just him
He moved towards me with a grace that belied his strength, the soft rustle of his clothes was the only sound in the room save for my heavy breathing. The mattress dipped as he sat on the edge of the bed, his presence a comforting weight. I felt a warmth spread through me, as his scent wafted through my throat.
"Dante," I whispered, my voice barely audible. He turned to look at me, his dark eyes reflecting the moonlight. There was something different about him tonight, his eyes seeming more distant than ever, a barrier that I couldn't seem to cross, or that he wouldn't let me cross.
He lay down beside me, his body a solid warmth against mine. I felt his arm wrap around my waist, pulling me closer but more like a ritual than an actual act of tenderness. The contact sent shivers down my spine, a sweet mixture of comfort and desire. He had never touched me like that and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly safe. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment, wishing it could last forever.
"Dante," I murmured again, my voice trembling with emotion. He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a tender kiss. It was soft, yet hesitant and I kissed him back, pouring all my yearning and affection into that kiss to draw him out of the shell he seemed to be encasing himself in. But he was Dante D'angelo, a powerful billionaire, he could hardly be in any shell so why was he holding back. But as our lips parted, I couldn't help but notice the distant look in his eyes. It was as if he was here with me physically, but his mind was elsewhere. I searched his gaze, hoping to find a hint of what troubled him so I drew his chin closer to mine.
"What's the matter?" I had intended to sound calm and reassuring but my tone came out croaky with a hint of harshness to it but Dante didn't seem to notice.
"I'm fine" he replied back with no emotions to his tone, more like the automated response of a robot.
"You can tell me what's going on Dante, even if it's about the business. Papa used to discuss business with me all the time, I can understand it"
Dante's eyes washed over me in a tender gaze and he pulled me closer to him in an even more passionate kiss, if this was his way of reassuring me that his distance wasn't intentional then I'd gladly take it. It'd been two years since my father sold me off to him in an arranged married to secure an alliance deal. Two years since I had been sold like a prized possession to a man I barely I knew and having to give up my dream of going to ballet school. The first few months had been hard, I wanted nothing to do with him, I loathed and hated him for pulling away from my dreams but that feeling didn't last long when he touched me – finally. Something shifted within me, opening my senses to explore more pleasures that he was willing to offer and there was a lot more where that came from. So I began to fall for him, I wanted him – no I craved and needed him.
"Come here" he pulled me closer to him, enveloping me in a warm hug. My insides exploded into jelly and he kissed me deeply. An intense make out session that slowly evolved into our clothes racketeering off our body and unto the cold floor which then morphed to sweet love making that captivated my insides. But just as Dante pushed into me, his face contorted in ecstasy, a single name spewed out from his mouth – a name that wasn't mine.
"Gianna" his tone had a croaky hint to it and he was so far gone that he hadn't realized his mistake.
Gianna
I knew who Gianna, everyone in Algreen Cove knew who Gianna was. She was his high school sweetheart but she had broken his heart by going abroad to study and it's been years, so why was he suddenly remembering her name.
Was she – was she back?
"Teach me" I said drunkenly "Teach me how to be a bad girl" "Are you sure about Tiny, there's a tiny addiction that comes with that" he said, looking at me through the hood of his eyes. "What am I getting addicted to?" I echoed back, trying to keep my focus on his face, and not down his chest and his muscular arms. "Me" *** Cheryl Taylor had just recently divorced her cheating husband and decided to move back to her childhood town. Desperate for a room, she finds one with some weird rules and a roommate who seemed to busy to meet with her – everything comes to a shocking pause when she finds out it's Aiden Scott – the town's bad boy, and in fact her high school bully. Aiden Scott is now a made man and a billionaire but he's stepped on a few toes to get there and now they're out for his blood and he has to lay low in the town he grew up – the town that only saw him as a good for nothing bastard. He decides to get a roommate to appear normal, he takes the first one he got and only because it's Cheryl Taylor – the one girl he had harbored a secret crush for years.
Jessica Peters moved to a new city, determined to bury her untamed past and build a fresh future with her devoted boyfriend Nathan Gold. But when she lands a dream job at a powerful corporation, she's shocked to discover her boss is none other than Parrish Holmes-the dangerously handsome billionaire who once consumed her every thought. As they're thrust back into each other's lives, the magnetic pull between them reignites, awakening dark, forbidden desires that Jessica had buried deep. Torn between the need to succeed in her career and the sinful attraction she can't resist, Jessica is trapped in a web of temptation. Just as she decides to leave it all behind for a chance at rekindled passion, she uncovers a chilling secret about Parrish that could destroy them both. With her heart shattered and her loyal boyfriend holding a dangerous secret over her, Jessica must choose between a love that could heal her or a past that threatens to consume her once more. Can she escape the darkness that threatens to pull her under, or will her untamed desires be her undoing?
In the glittering world of high society, where deals are made and alliances are forged, a young woman finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, desire, and unexpected love. When Emily Walker enters into a contract marriage with a billionaire's son Ethan Hatton, to help him secure his inheritance. She never expects to be caught between his captivating charm and the mysterious allure of his brother, Jackson Hatton. As they battle for her affection, Emily is torn between duty and her own desires, navigating a treacherous path of intrigue, jealousy and hidden agendas. Will she follow her heart, risking everything for a love she can't deny or will she succumb to the pressures of society and demands of a contract marriage?
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
“Drive this woman out!” "Throw this woman into the sea!” When he doesn’t know Debbie Nelson’s true identity, Carlos Hilton cold-shoulders her. “Mr. Hilton, she is your wife,” Carlos’ secretary reminded him. Hearing that, Carlos gives him a cold stare and complained, “why didn’t you tell me earlier?” From then on, Carlos spoils her rotten. Little did everyone expect that they would get a divorce.
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
Darya spent three years loving Micah, worshipping the ground he walked on. Until his neglect and his family's abuse finally woke her up to the ugly truth-he doesn't love her. Never did, never will. To her, he is a hero, her knight in shining armour. To him, she is an opportunist, a gold digger who schemed her way into his life. Darya accepts the harsh reality, gathers the shattered pieces of her dignity, divorces him, takes back her real name, reclaims her title as the country's youngest billionaire heiress. Their paths cross again at a party. Micah watches his ex-wife sing like an angel, tear up the dance floor, then thwart a lecher with a roundhouse kick. He realises, belatedly, that she's exactly the kind of woman he'd want to marry, if only he had taken the trouble to get to know her. Micah acts promptly to win her back, but discovers she's now surrounded by eligible bachelors: high-powered CEO, genius biochemist, award-winning singer, reformed playboy. Worse, she makes it pretty clear that she's done with him. Micah gears up for an uphill battle. He must prove to her he's still worthy of her love before she falls for someone else. And time is running out.
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."
Chloe Miler, a naĂŻve young woman, waits shyly to spend Valentine's Day with her boyfriend, but is betrayed on that day when she witnesses him entangled in bed with her own sister. Chloe's heart is broken when her heartfelt love for him is trampled on in an instant. *** Lionel Williams, the mysterious billionaire, the top of the pyramid, is handsome as hell. His eyes are set high, but he is drugged, has a one-night stand with a strange woman, and is humiliated by that unknowing woman with her money! His instincts tell him it's not that simple, and he's going to find her out!