Is love worth fighting for, a danger worth escaping? When ambitious nature photographer Annabel Allen flees her dictatorial father's arranged marriage, she finds happiness in Scotland and love with Greg. But two years later, her past catches up. Her father's business deal with the ruthless Reynold family demands her marriage to Shawn, a cunning and attractive playboy. As Greg discovers Annabel's impending wedding, he races against time to stop it. But Shawn refuses to let Annabel go, sparking a bitter family feud.
Annabel's P.O.V
I was pacing back and forth in my room, my mind filled with anxiety. Now that I have completed the discipline my father wanted and gotten my college degree, I want to become a nature photographer, but deep inside, I know my father won't allow it. He has always not cared what I'd like to do, but I'm sure he would not let me be a photographer, not to talk about a nature photographer.
"But for every shot not taken is a shot missed," I said as I stopped pacing. "Was that Jordan or Kobe's words?" I asked myself. "Well, I don't know whose words are those, but what I do know is that I am going to tell my father what I want regardless of what I think he is going to say."
Approaching my father's study, my palms were sweaty, and each step taken was heavy, filled with thoughts to turn back, but I was determined to tell him no matter what. I was about to knock when I noticed the door of the study was slightly open. I could hear my father and another man discussing his study. I don't know why I didn't turn back, I listened.
"We would so much like to invest in Allen Tech, but having just twenty percent of the profit is too low." I could hear a deep hoarse voice say to my father.
"What percentage are you looking to work with?"
"Thirty-five percent."
"Deal."
Did I just eavesdrop on my father's business meeting? I am sure it is not a bad thing, or is it? I said as I thought of heading back to my room. I mean I can always come back and talk to him.
"To further solidify the relationship between the two companies, or should I say families, I'd like to propose a marriage alliance." I heard my father continue the discussion just as I was about to leave. Because of my curiosity, I froze to listen further.
"Go on, Mr. Allen." The other man nudged my father to continue.
I think a marriage alliance between my lovely daughter Annabel and Shawn sounds nice and would solidify the bond between both families.
I was shocked upon hearing this, and I felt rage from the depths of my guts.
I turned and ran to my room, slammed the door behind me not minding the sound it would make, and proceeded to lock it. Different emotions came rushing. I could not say I wasn't surprised yet I was surprised.
I felt anger raging inside of me as I started to let out a sniffle. I Couldn't stop the tears from rolling down my cheek. I lay in my bed and wept.
**********
After hours had passed, I had so many thoughts, and I finally decided to run away. I am going to move to Scotland and live my life away from this, all of this.
I opened my wardrobe, picked out some clothes, and arranged them into my luggage.
Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door, which I didn't reply to, and then again, there was a knock again.
"Who is that?" I shouted.
"Ma'am, Mrs. Allen would like to know if you would join her by the pool this afternoon. Gloria, one of the house helpers in the house, asked in a polite and calm voice.
I immediately felt bad for shouting upon hearing Gloria's voice. I took a deep breath.
"No, I'd like to rest in my room today."
"Okay, ma'am," Gloria replied as I could hear her steps residing.
Finally, I was able to pack my essential needs. All that is left is to get some cash as I already booked my flight earlier.
My flight was for 22:00. It's still 15:15.
I got ready and told Gloria that I would be dropping off some of the clothes I wouldn't be needing anymore at the pick-and-drop center. She insisted on helping drop them, but I couldn't let her.
Upon leaving home, I went to the nearest bank around to get enough cash to sustain me for the first few months. I checked my time to see I had barely fifteen minutes to get to the airport.
I headed to the airport, got checked in with my ticket, and am now waiting for the boarding time.
GREG POV
"I would miss you," Helen said as she fell on my bed. "I can not believe you are leaving now. My birthday is in 3 weeks." She added.
"I am deeply sorry Helen. But I'd just be gone for a couple of months. And I'd also be visiting once or twice between those months. I'd make it up to you during one of those visits." I said as I patted her head now that she was sitting up.
"Really!"
"Yeah. Now, put on a smile for me and don't be a crybaby." I laughed as she pouted.
Immediately Helen left the room to help me get some of my clothes from the dryer out back, my phone rings. I picked it up and answered without checking the caller ID.
"Yo, fam!" I immediately recognized it was Edward speaking over the phone.
"Wagwan brother," I replied with a slang we usually use in greeting each other.
"Have you left already?" He asked. "I was just calling to check on you. I also have good news."
"Nah, I haven't. I'm still packing my bags. What's the good news bro?"
"Mehn, I passed the exams, bro. I am now a certified detective." He said excitedly. "I mean, my letter just came in, and I haven't told my dad yet."
"Wow. Congratulations, bro. This is huge. You deserve it. I'm so happy for you. I am also very proud of you. I'm sure your dad would be happy about it and proud of you too."
"Man, can you come celebrate with me later today before you leave. You can just fly the jet out in the early hours tomorrow."
"Nah, bro, you know how I feel using the jet. Moreover, I already booked my ticket, and my flight is 22:00." I said in a dejected voice. "I'm sorry, but can we do it next time? Like when I'm back." I said, knowing Edward would try persuading me more
"Alright, it's fine. We can hold it till you return. His tune was calmer."
"Really... thanks, man. It's on me when I get back."
He laughed. "Of course, it's on you. Later, man, gotta tell my pops."
"Alright" I said as we ended the call.
*******
I got to the airport, got checked in with my flight tickets, and I was now walking down to the boarding station
My cell phone chimed and I brought it to my face to check who had messaged me.
3 messages from Helen
2 messages from Edward
Damn, I'm not even out of the country yet. I better check and reply to Helen's first, else I get an ear full later.
WHAM!!
I bumped into someone. I looked up to find the person I had bumped into and it was a lady and she had landed on her ass.
"I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention." I said as I stretched my hand offering to help her up.
I couldn't help but notice her beautiful eyes as she held my hands to support herself standing up.
"It's okay, I'm equally at fault as I was also not paying attention." She said as she took my hand.
But at this point, I could barely hear her. I was so mesmerized by her eyes. I give anything to take her nose mask and face cap off to get a proper look at her face.
Someone snapped their fingers and I realized she was the one. As I came back to reality, I babbled some. "I'm sorry I said again..."
"It's fine," She said as she cut me off and walked away before I could say anything else.
"Passengers for flight A10297, DANA Airline. London, England to Glasgow, Scotland. Please proceed to the boarding station." The flight announcer spoke over the mic.
"Let's make the most of the next few months." I said to myself out loud.
Daniel and Celine must be excited. Celine especially, she's been wanting me to come earlier. Anyway, they will be seeing me soon. I thought as I proceeded to the boarding station.
"What do you mean? Don't get this wrong but we are not even friends" "Friends with benefits, stepsiblings with benefits, what the difference flower" He somehow made sense, what is the worst that can happen?" ***** Good girls don't fall for bad boys, especially not their stepbrothers. And I, Dahlia Peterson know this. There's only one problem... I might have accidentally, um... it was just one night, alright? One really good night. Panties? Yup, they're melted. It was a mistake, it doesn't mean anything. Sorry, there's two problems. Did I mention our parents are away and we're stuck home alone together for a while? I'm the responsible one. The good girl with perfect grades. And I'm trapped with a bad boy who showed me what it's like to give in to my wild side.
Oh Yes! I moaned, one if my hands on the wall while the other found its way to cover my mouth. I couldn't believe I was the one sounding like that. "This is so... so f*ck*ng good... oh sh*t; I never want this to end." "It never will, my goddess."I felt his hot breath on my ear from behind and wanted more. "More, I want more," I said in whimpers. "Please, give me more.." I knew I was acting like Oliver twist but I never wanted this to end either. The thrusting became more intense. Then, he suddenly stopped. "Oh no," he said, worry evident on his face. "I think we need to change the condom." "It's okay," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "There's no need to worry. I can't get pregnant, so there's nothing to worry about. Just keep doing what you were doing. Please, don't stop now." *** Daphne Trego felt her life crumbling when she received a notification that Renold, her fiance, was going to be the father of another woman's child. After an intense confrontation, Daphne was left to confront the painful reality of their shattered relationship. Soon, Daphne encountered Self-made Billionaire CEO David Allen in disguise, leading to an unexpected passionate night. Even though they didn't use a condom during their one-night stand, Daphne wasn't worried - after all, one of the reasons she broke up with her ex-fiance was that she couldn't provide him a heir. However things turned out differently as Daphne found out she was pregnant... What would Daphne do when she finds out that the man she slept with is about to be married?
When Rebecca's father's will reveals a surprising condition: marry within twelve months or lose the family business and inheritance, Tariq Sly's crazy proposal seems like the perfect solution. Marry his friend, Jeremy Will, Rochester Industries' charming co-CEO by day and infamous king of owning women's panties by night. Yes, everyone stands to gain from this temporary arrangement. But can they pretend to be in love long enough to tie the knot? Playing fiancé to the competitor's daughter isn't easy. Would Rebecca settle for Jeremy or would she pick Tariq instead? And can Rebecca trust her fake husband to be only a husband on paper?
He's an emperor. She's but a servant. He's a werewolf, She's but an...elf? Stephen Calipher, the King of Lycans, has ruled over the supernatural kingdom, Lyall, for decades, without a mate to call his own. Aurora Evel has a slightly unique feature, unfortunately, those features brought trouble to her doorstep. However, where there's a damsel in distress, there's a chance for a hero. But when she finds herself in the arms of the Alpha King Stephen, will her unique features be a blessing or a curse?
The many nights here with the Rossi men have left me on a whole roller coaster of emotions possible, but as I stand here with Dimitri's hand on my waist, the familiar guilt overcomes me. Guilt for having a crush on my boyfriend's brother - and my professor. For two years, Arabella Lucia has been in a relationship with Blake Rossi until one afternoon, he isn't hers anymore. Shattered by his betrayal, Arabella's sole comfort becomes her sinfully hot tattooed professor who explains Shakespeare in class enigmatically and whispers filthy things in her ears when they are alone. He becomes her passion. Her addiction. She becomes his obsession. But fate has other plans and getting it on with your ex-boyfriend's brother never ends well.
This is not your regular werewolf story, this is more. Isabel has a power so rare that it magnifies with every emotion she has. However, she has been through so much in the last ten years. Her werewolf father abandoned her, and she had to deal with her mother's death alone. Her auntie, Rose took her in, and they had to move around a lot over the years after that tragic occurrence. Now Rose wants Isabel to stay with her in the town she left ten years ago. When she arrives, everything comes to light. Secrets long buried rise to the surface, and she's faced with the irresistible Alpha Mark, her fated mate. Will Isabel's fragile control shatter under the weight of her emotions, or will she harness her power to reclaim her destiny?
"Never let anyone treat you like shit!" I learned that the hard way. For three years, I lived with my in-laws. They didn't treat me as their son-in-law but as a slave. I put up with everything because of my wife, Yolanda Lambert. She was the light of my life. Unfortunately, my whole world came crashing down the day I caught my wife cheating on me. I have never been so heartbroken. To have my revenge, I revealed my true identity. I was none other than Liam Hoffman—the heir of a family with trillions of dollars in assets! The Lamberts were utterly shocked after the big reveal. They realized what fools they had been for treating me like trash. My wife even knelt down and begged for my forgiveness. What do you think I did? Did I take her back or made her suffer? Find out!
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."
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."