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.
Three years ago, the Moore family opposed Charles Moore's choice to marry his beloved woman and selected Scarlett Riley as his bride. Charles didn't love her. In fact, he hated her. Not long after they got married, Scarlett received an offer from her dream university and jumped on it. Three years later, Charles's beloved woman fell terribly ill. In order to fulfill her last wish, he called Scarlett back and presented her with a divorce agreement. Scarlett was deeply hurt by Charles's abrupt decision, but she chose to let him go and agreed to sign the divorce papers. However, Charles seemed to delay the process deliberately, leaving Scarlett confused and frustrated. Now, Scarlett was trapped between the consequences of Charles's indecision. Would she be able to break free from him? Would Charles eventually come to his senses and face his true feelings?
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!
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..."Â But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
Leanna's life had been full of hardships until her Uncle Nate, who wasn't related to her, offered her a home. She fell deeply in love with Nate, but as he was about to get married, he ruthlessly sent her abroad. In response, Leanna immersed herself in the study of andrology. When she came back, she was renowned for her work on solving problems like impotence, premature ejaculation, and infertility. One day, Nate trapped her in her bedroom. "Seeing various men every day, huh? Why don't you check me out and see if I have any problems?" Leanna laughed slyly and quickly unbuckled his belt. "Is that why you're engaged but not married? Having trouble in the bedroom?" "Wanna try it out for yourself?" "No thanks. I’m not interested in experimenting with you."
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
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?