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Yet I had to ask. In return for what? One dark eyebrow slanted, and his voice held an edge of mockery. "Occupying my home, my bed. My eyes blazed blue fire. "As your mistress? He sounded mildly amused, and at that moment I truly hated him. "Then.....what? I demanded. "As my wife! For a moment I lost the power of speech, and I felt the blood drain from my cheeks. "If this is a joke, I began shakily, it's in very bad taste. Chef Anna needs cash fast and there's only one man she can turn to... Eric Alexander. Eric needs to marry to meet the terms of his late father's will, so he'll help Anna. She'll be his convenient wife. It's so sexy and interesting, it will leave you breathless.
Anna's point of view
Can we talk? Stark, minimum words that cost me dearly, and incurred a probing look.
"There's something you want to discuss?
His voice was a faintly inflected drawl, and I suppressed an involuntary shiver.
I spared him a quick glance and gleaned little from his expression. Assertiveness was the key. "Yes.
"In that case, let's do so over lunch.
Share a meal with him? I really didn't want to spend any more time than necessary. Time was something I didn't have!
He sensed my hesitation, and his eyes narrowed slightly. I looked too slender, my features too pale, and I resembled a cat on hot bricks.
Grief, without doubt, had to be taken into account...but why did he have the feeling it was more than that? A broken romance?
He told himself if he didn't care...and knew it to the untrue. For, despite the intervening years, he still retained a vivid recall of my teenage crush and the method with which he'd dealt with it.
The surprising sweetness of my young mouth; my reaction to his touch; the way I'd felt in his arms, and my uninhibited response.
It had affected him more than he'd imagined possible and left him with a lingering sense of frustration at the knowledge he could have taken me.
What had held him back? Remorse? Guilt? At the time, he'd refused to contemplate thinking it might be anything else...and he'd grasped opportunity with both hands soon after by relocating to New York, where he'd focused on forging his own fortune.
Not unlike the feeling he entertained now.
"We both need to eat, Eric ventured silkily.
Do I have a choice?
"A sandwich and coffee, I conceded, aware it was all I could afford.
"When was the last time you ate a decent meal?
The question came out of left field, and I stiffened at the underlying censure. "In case you've forgotten, I spend my time in the kitchen cooking professionally for a living.
"For clientele.
"The nature of the business," I responded, and incurred his dark gaze.
"An hour or two enjoying a leisurely meal in my company is abhorrent to you?
Difficult. Unnerving. But not abhorrent. I closed my eyes, then opened them again. Of course not.
We were walking along a busy city street, and I hesitated as Eric indicated a restaurant I knew to be ruinously expensive.
"Relax.
Sure. Like I could do that!
The maître d' took one look at Eric, determined an aura of wealth, and ushered them to a well-positioned table.
Within minutes, the drinks waiter elicited our order, and I opted to stay with chilled water, as did Eric.
"Do you have a preference?
Oh God, I didn't want to do this!
"I'm not very hungry.
Eric cast me a brief glance over the top of the menu, then went ahead and ordered the bruschetta, two entrèes, two mains, and intimate desserts that could wait until later.
I opened my mouth to protest, only to close it again as I incurred his dark, unyielding look.
"You really want to argue?
Give it up, a silent voice warned.
The temptation to launch into my request was uppermost if only to get it out there and be done with it--for the thought of playing polite and conducting a meaningless conversation almost brought me undone.
He looked every inch the man he'd become. Hardened, ruthless, powerful. Someone it would be wise not to toy with....unless you were prepared to face the consequences.
Successful beyond measure, Michael had been known to reveal, with pride, his residence in London and the south of France, to name a few.
While I was almost destitute and in debt to her eyeballs.
Some comparisons!
Did-could- Eric know of my financial circumstances? Probably not. Unless he'd make it his business to find out.
The waiter appeared and placed a platter on the table. The bruschetta was tempting, but, given the state of required concentration.
"Eat, Anna.
To refuse would be churlish, given a banana followed by coffee.
"How long do you intend to stay in Sydney?
He met my gaze and held it. "As long as it takes.
An ambiguous answer that didn't commit him to anything.
Would he comply with the conditions of Micheal's will?
It really was no concern of mine whether he did or not.
I moved the food around on my plate and was so caught up with nerves I didn't trust myself to light my fork.
"You wanted to run something with me? Eric prompted and caught my sudden look of anguish.
This was hard, but I couldn't prevaricate, wouldn't pretend. To explain...and ask.
Which I did, as briefly as possible, whilst outlining only the pertinent facts and my desperate urgency for funds.
The specter facts of the loan shark hovered over me like the sword of Damocles, ever threatening, and poised to fall anytime soon.
Fear consumed me, stretching my nerves to breaking point.
There was nothing to be gleaned from his expression, making it impossible to discern whether he'd view my request favorably or not.
"What amount do you have in mind?
I mentioned a sum, and he didn't even blink.
"You perceive it as a gift?
"No, Genuine shock widened my eyes, and my hands shook slightly as I replaced my water goblet down on the table. "A loan. I closed my eyes, then opened them again.
"Using the shades bequeathed me under the terms of Micheal's will as collateral.
I'd done the math, had agonized and lost sleep over the figures, minimizing them to bare essentials to clear accumulated debts and purchase a vehicle.
"I'll pay you back every cent, with interest.
"Over what time frame?
I relayed an estimation. "Less, I assured him quickly.
" Can utilize the annuity from Cressida's estate and transfer it directly to you.
Eric surveyed me carefully, then offered a silky negative. "No:
My features paled, and my eyes became large stricken pools. I had nowhere to go...no one else I could ask.
Loan sharks lent money on a strictly short-term basis and non-payment wrought dire consequences.
I could feel the germ of anger begin to seed and take hold, sparking into flames that owed much to the past.
Uppermost was the desire to pick up the salt shaker and hurl it at him. I consciously placed my hands on my lap in an effort to control it.
Any hope Eric might honor Michael's verbal assurance of financial help died a natural death, and I rose to my feet, unable to bear so much as another minute in his company.
"Go back to New York and have a nice life.
"Sit down. Dark slate-grey eyes seared mine. "I'm not done.
"I am!
I turned away from the table, and in the next instant a hand closed over my wrist, mama king me as securely as steel restraints.
"Let me go. The words husked from my throat in a low growl, and my eyes flared with brilliant sapphire chips.
This was close, I was supremely conscious of his height and breadth of shoulder, the clean, laundered smell of his clothes, and the faint, teasing aroma of his cologne.
"Sit down...please.
The "please" did little to appease my anger as I glared at him. "Give me the reason why I should.
WARNING: WARNING: This book contains violence, explicit words, and sex. Some words that might not be liked by others. Reader's discretion is advised. The city is under attack by vampires! Everybody inside! Nala shouted. The vampires were tossing and throwing people around, John was scared and ran off to hide. One of the vampires grabbed Nala from behind and she pushed Cypher mistakenly, he fell to the ground. Rebecca grabbed Nala with her claws flying towards a building, Cypher got up quickly, grabbed Nala's legs, and retrieved her from the vampire. Nala fell on top of Cypher's face and they both stared at each other, immediately he reversed her to the ground. Stay here! He said. No, you stay here! You tried to kill me, she reversed him back on the ground and was running away. The three vampires were in the air staring at Nala as she ran. Fresh blood! Rebecca kills the stranger. Sarafina said. Would love to. Rebecca said, running towards Cypher. Nala was chased by Sarafina, Cypher shot his arrow at her but didn't get her.
6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!
Sandra Hill, the long-lost real heiress of the Hill family, was shunned by her own kin. Instead of embracing her, they bestowed their affection upon an impostor. They even arranged her to marry a vegetative man in place of her so-called “sister”. Sandra sneered, refusing to put up with this humiliation, cut off ties with the Hill family immediately and ran into the flash marriage with Wesley Cooper, her unconscious billionaire husband. With her incredible medical skills, she defied the odds and revived him. Little did she expect that her husband spoiled her with all his love... A medical genius, a computer prodigy, a national treasure in painting, and a racing legend... Her husband revealed her various identities, leaving the Hill family regretful. Her father came pleading, "It's Dad's fault. Please come back." Her mother wept, "Mom will protect you from now on. Please come back." Even her five brothers knelt before he, begging for forgiveness. Yet, Sandra's smile held a hint of mockery as she vowed, “Never!”
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."
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
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."
She thought she was the love of his life, and he became the love of her life that fateful day she had seen him at the pack's party. Selene Grace was only a replica of Alpha Leo's real mate, and when he spotted her, Leo immediately claimed her as his Luna in order to suppress the rumors of him being mateless. Being unable to conceive turns Selene's marriage into a nightmare, and as if that wasn't enough, Alpha Leo finally reunites with his long time lover and mate, rejecting a pregnant Selene as a result. 5 years later, Selene, a now successful doctor, receives an invitation to the moon shadow pack in order to rid the pack of a deadly disease which has struck it. Will Selene return back to the pack which had caused her so much pain, and what would she do when she realizes that she is mated to the Alpha who had betrayed her in the past?