Elena Ricci's world shatters when her mother falls critically ill, leaving her with no options but desperation. A whispered suggestion from a friend leads her to a dark and twisted auction where the rich buy more than just art. Desperate for the money to save her mother, Elena agrees to auction herself, only to be swept away by a man far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Dante Moretti, the ruthless Mafia Lord of Milan, didn't plan to buy anyone that night. But something about Elena's fire her defiance, her desperation captivates him. He saves her, but his intentions are anything but pure. Now trapped in his luxurious world of power and violence, Elena fights to keep her independence, even as Dante's possessive obsession over her deepens. Two years later, with her mother saved and a child born from their twisted union, Elena plans to escape. But Dante's enemies have other plans, using her and their child as pawns in a deadly game. Just when she thinks she's nothing more than a bargaining chip, Dante risks everything to rescue her, unraveling a passion neither of them can deny. Can Elena break free from the Mafia Lord's grasp, or will Dante's love prove to be the most dangerous force of all?
Elena Ricci could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she paced the narrow alley behind the café. She had just come off her shift, her apron still tied around her waist, her hands trembling as she clutched the phone to her ear. The sun had set hours ago, leaving the streets of Milan bathed in shadows, but she barely noticed. All she could think about was the call she'd received from the hospital earlier that day.
Her mother's condition had worsened. The doctors were clear-without an experimental treatment, which cost more than Elena could ever hope to make, her mother didn't stand a chance.
"I can't lose her, Clara," Elena whispered into the phone, her voice cracking. "She's all I have."
On the other end of the line, Clara's silence stretched uncomfortably long. Elena's best friend had always been her confidante, but now, even she seemed at a loss for words. The silence weighed heavy until Clara finally spoke.
"I might know a way to get the money... but, Elena, it's not what you think. It's... extreme."
Elena stopped pacing, her breath catching. "What do you mean?"
Clara hesitated again, and the sound of her breathing through the phone felt louder, ominous. "There's an auction," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not the normal kind. It's private. Exclusive. The kind where people like us don't get invited. They... they bid on people, Elena."
Elena's grip tightened on the phone. "What are you talking about? Bid on people? Like-"
"Yes," Clara cut her off. "Exactly like that. You auction yourself off. For money. The kind of money you need."
A sick feeling twisted in Elena's stomach. She turned, leaning against the cold brick wall of the alley, staring up at the sky as if some answer might be hidden in the clouds. The idea was absurd. Selling herself? Becoming someone's property?
"No," she muttered. "There's no way. I can't..."
"Elena," Clara's voice softened, but it was firm. "I know it sounds crazy. But these men... they're rich. Powerful. They don't play by the same rules. I heard about it from someone who knows a girl who did it. She got paid enough to disappear. And maybe... maybe this is your way out. For you and your mom."
The thought clawed at Elena's mind, wrapping around her like a vice. She had been scraping by, working two jobs, and it still wasn't enough. The medical bills piled up every day. There were no other options. But could she really sell herself like some piece of property? Become a possession to some man she'd never met?
Her voice was barely audible when she finally spoke. "How... how does it work?"
Clara's answer was immediate. "I can take you to the place. It's tomorrow night. It's all very discreet. If you agree, you'll sign a contract. You get the money up front. After that... it's up to the highest bidder. You belong to them."
Elena's throat tightened. The word belong echoed in her mind, making her feel both nauseous and desperate. She imagined her mother lying in that hospital bed, the life slowly slipping away from her. And then she imagined herself, just another faceless woman trapped in the world of men who saw them as nothing but possessions.
She swallowed hard. "I... I need to think about it."
"I understand," Clara replied, her voice softening further. "But don't take too long. If you don't do something soon..."
The implication hung in the air, thick and unbearable. Elena ended the call without saying goodbye and stood in the alley, trying to gather her thoughts. She couldn't breathe. The night felt suffocating, and the narrow walls around her seemed to close in.
She ran a shaky hand through her hair, feeling the weight of her decision crushing her. Her mother was dying. What kind of daughter would she be if she didn't do everything in her power to save her? Even if that meant crossing lines she never thought she'd cross?
As she stepped out of the alley and began the short walk to her tiny apartment, her mind was already made up. Tomorrow, she would go to the auction.
The next evening, Elena stood in front of a large mirror, her reflection almost unrecognizable. Clara had helped her prepare, choosing a sleek black dress that hugged her curves and made her look like she belonged in the world she was about to enter. Her dark hair had been styled into loose waves that cascaded down her back, and her lips were painted a deep red-a color she had never worn before.
"You look incredible," Clara said, standing behind her, eyes scanning her appearance. "They're going to lose their minds when they see you."
Elena swallowed, staring at her reflection. She didn't feel like herself. The woman in the mirror looked confident, alluring, but inside, Elena was crumbling.
"I feel sick," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I don't know if I can do this."
Clara's hand landed on her shoulder, squeezing gently. "You don't have a choice. Just remember why you're doing it. Your mother needs you. After tonight, you'll have the money, and you can walk away from all of this."
Elena nodded, though her hands still shook as she applied the final touches to her makeup. The weight of the night ahead pressed down on her chest, making it difficult to breathe. This wasn't her. She wasn't cut out for this.
But as Clara had said, she didn't have a choice.
When they arrived at the venue, Elena's breath hitched in her throat. The building was a lavish estate on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by high walls and guarded gates. Men in tailored suits stood at the entrance, their eyes cold and assessing as they checked Clara's invitation and let them pass through the iron gates.
The inside was even more overwhelming. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and soft music filled the air, setting a tone of elegance that felt at odds with the dark reality of what was about to happen. Elena clung to Clara's arm, her heart racing as they were led through the grand hall into a smaller, dimly lit room filled with people. Men, mostly. Wealthy men in suits, their expressions hard, their eyes predatory.
"Elena," Clara whispered, squeezing her hand. "Stay calm. You'll be okay."
Elena nodded, but her palms were slick with sweat. Her gaze darted around the room, taking in the faces of the men who would soon be bidding on her. Each one made her stomach turn.
Her throat was dry as a man in a tuxedo approached them. He was tall, with silver hair and an air of authority that made Elena immediately uneasy.
"You must be Elena," he said, his voice smooth but cold. "Welcome. You'll be up soon. Follow me."
Elena's heart raced as she followed him down a hallway to a private room. The auction was happening behind closed doors, out of sight of most of the guests. Clara gave her one last reassuring look before the man led her away, disappearing into the crowd.
Inside the room, Elena stood on a small platform under a spotlight. Her knees wobbled as the door shut behind her. She could hear murmurs from the other side of the room, but she couldn't see anyone in the darkness. All she could feel was the heat of the light on her skin and the pounding of her heart in her ears.
"This is Elena Ricci," a voice announced from the shadows. "The bidding starts now."
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the first bid came in. A low murmur, almost inaudible.
"Five hundred thousand euros," a man's voice echoed from the darkness.
Elena's breath hitched. Five hundred thousand? The number made her head spin. But before she could fully process it, another voice cut through the air.
"One million."
Her heart raced. The numbers kept climbing, men's voices calling out bids as if she were nothing more than an object to be bought and sold. It felt surreal, like she was floating outside of her body, watching it all happen to someone else.
Then, the room went silent. The final bid had been placed.
"Five million euros," the auctioneer said, his voice firm. "Sold."
Elena couldn't breathe. Five million. It was more than she had ever imagined, more than enough to save her mother. But the victory felt hollow as the reality of her situation crashed down on her. She had just been bought.
"Please follow me," the man with the silver hair said, stepping into the light.
Numbly, Elena followed him through another set of doors, her body moving on autopilot. She barely registered the luxurious surroundings as they walked down a long corridor, until they stopped at a pair of heavy wooden doors. The man knocked once, then pushed them open.
Inside was a large, dark room, dimly lit by a single lamp on a mahogany desk. A figure sat behind the desk, his back to the door, the outline of his broad shoulders visible in the shadows.
"The buyer will see you now," the man said, before stepping back and closing the door behind her.
Elena stood frozen at the entrance, her hands clenched into fists. Her throat was tight, and her legs felt like they might give out beneath her. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
The man behind the desk shifted, then slowly stood, turning to face her. When his eyes locked onto hers, Elena's breath caught in her throat.
He was tall, impossibly tall, with a commanding presence that filled the room. Dark hair fell just above his collar, and his chiseled jaw was set in an expression of cool detachment. But it was his eyes that held her captive-ice-blue, piercing, and utterly emotionless. He studied her for a moment, as if assessing every inch of her, before taking a slow step forward.
Sophia Rivera has always relied on her own grit and determination to carve a name for herself in the cutthroat world of art. At 29, she's on the cusp of success, managing an exclusive New York City gallery. The last thing she needs is distractions-especially in the form of Alexander Pierce, a devastatingly handsome tech billionaire nearly two decades her senior. Reserved, enigmatic, and harboring scars from a bitter past, Alexander is everything Sophia shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. Drawn together by chance, their connection quickly ignites into something undeniable. But their budding romance is anything but simple. Whispers of their age gap and Alexander's reclusive reputation follow them everywhere, while his cunning COO, Victoria Lannister, has her own reasons to keep him single-and firmly under her control. When hidden agendas and secrets threaten to tear them apart, Sophia must decide if love is worth risking her independence, while Alexander faces the ultimate challenge: lowering his walls and trusting in a love that defies logic and societal expectations. In a world where age, power, and appearances matter more than the truth, can two souls find their way to a love that's worth fighting for?
In the shadowy town of Black Hollow, secrets run as deep as the surrounding forests. Elena Voss, a young veterinary assistant, returns to uncover the truth about her late mother's past, only to stumble into a world she never knew existed-a world of ancient rivalries and untamed beasts. Damon Grey, the enigmatic alpha of the Shadowfang Pack, has always walked a fine line between duty and darkness. When Elena unknowingly trespasses on his territory, she becomes the target of Magnus Kane, a ruthless rogue alpha bent on revenge. Tasked with protecting her, Damon must confront his own demons while keeping her safe. As Elena unravels her connection to the werewolf legacy, a dangerous attraction grows between her and Damon. But when a shocking truth about her heritage comes to light, she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the one destiny has in store. With betrayal lurking at every turn and war brewing on the horizon, will Elena and Damon's bond be enough to overcome the forces threatening to tear them apart? Or will their love ignite a war that will destroy them both
One unforgettable night with a stranger leaves heiress Elara Kingston in ruin disowned, disgraced, and exiled with a secret she never intended to keep. Three years later, she returns, ready for revenge against those who betrayed her. But her carefully laid plans unravel the moment she locks eyes with Ronan Blackwood, the powerful CEO who was her mystery man...and the father of her child. As Elara tries to shield her secret while seeking her revenge, Ronan's intense, possessive pull is impossible to ignore. Drawn back into his world, she's caught between old betrayals, new passions, and a shocking truth that changes everything. When Ronan uncovers her secret, he'll do anything to claim what's his, including her heart. . Can Elara escape her past or is she destined to fall for the one man who could destroy her carefully built life all over again?
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..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
For two years, Ashton had poured his heart into his marriage, yet Emalee's heart remained cold. Despite his dedication, Emalee presented him with divorce papers. She bluntly stated she could not remain married to a man whose net worth was less than a million dollars. Ashton signed the papers, closing one chapter of his life and stepping into a new beginning. Then, Ashton revealed his secret identities: a music mogul, a medical expert, and a martial arts master—each persona impressive enough to stun the world. As Ashton’s true capabilities came to light, Emalee was overwhelmed with deep regret.
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
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?
Sheila had her back against the wall when her family tried to force her to marry an awful old man. In a fit of rage, she hired a gigolo to act as her husband. She thought the gigolo needed money and did this for a living. Little did she know that he was nothing like that. One day, he pulled off his mask and revealed himself to be the world's top magnate. This marked the beginning of their love. He showered her with everything she could ever want. They were happy. However, unexpected circumstances soon posed a threat to their love. Would Sheila and her husband make it through the storm? Find out!
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."