"Strip!" The voice thundered as I stood shocked by the turn of events. I shuddered both in fear and disgust at the thought of this man drooling over my naked body. "Don't make me repeat myself Isabella Valenti." His eyes were all red, like that of an angry bull ready to charge. I wasn't going to give in that easily. I didn't ask for this. I never did. ************ In a world filled with darkness, shedding of blood, tears and screams, Isabella Valenti, the daughter of Don Rodrigo Valenti has to fight her way through survival after the death of her father. The once powerful Valenti family went down in ashes after his death, giving chances to rival mafia clans, most especially Lucas Romano who always had his eyes on the Valenti family for reasons best known to him. Things take an unexpected turn when Isabella is given two options. Thus, either to watch her mother and brother die gruesomely or become Lucas' possession for a crime her father is said to have committed. How long will she survive under the roof of the ruthless Capo? Will hatred turn into love? **********
Isabella
"Who's there?" I turned swiftly, my chest tightening in fear.
"I ask again, who are you?" This time, I squinted trying to see someone but the darkness was doing me no good. Maybe I was just overthinking.
I blew the thin hair on my face forgetting how difficult that would be considering how wet it was due to the heavy downpour. A few steps forward, I heard footsteps again,which wasn't mine. I can't possibly be mistaken for the second time. Someone is after me. It was a really bad idea taking a late night walk in the quiet streets of Palermo, Sicily but you wouldn't blame me.
It's hard losing the man that was the backbone of the family. I just can't come in terms with how mysteriously he died. Damn! My father laid six feet in the ground now and there was nothing I could do to bring him back–Absolutely nothing.
"Shit!" I screamed as a sharp blade scraped against my arm, causing a shallow cut. I was right after all. I am no longer alone. Someone is after me. I turned once again, trying the second time to identify the culprit. The only thing helping my vision was the moon and the rain aiding my hearing.
"You f*cking vigliacco(coward)! Why not show your ugly face?!" I spat out, gritting my teeth in pain. I waited, expecting someone to come out but nothing.
"Fucking a**hole!" I yelped as another blade grazed the same arm. One thing registered in my head-This person wants me dead.
I took to my heels, running like my life depended on it and of course it did. The only thing I had in mind was to hide somewhere safe. I can't die now, not when my mom and little brother still needed me.
'You are no coward Isabella! You are the daughter of Don Rodrigo Valenti! You are to fear no one. Nessuno Isabella!' I came to a halt almost immediately. Dad's words rang in my ears and he was right. I am no coward!
I turned to see the person after me. Oops! People. I looked at the men in front of me, well built and ready for action. I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed.
"Can we stop with the Tom and Jerry game already?" I asked, trying to catch my breath.
"You have to come with us, Miss Isabella." One of the men with dirty blonde hair styled in a ponytail said. To think that they even knew my name. Wow!
"Unbelievable!" I scoffed, dramatically throwing my hands up in the air. "For a second I thought you were here to kill me." I looked at my injured arm, still dripping with blood. I need to get home faster and get this cut dressed.
"Like I said Miss, you have to come with us, either peacefully or we will have no option than to take you against your will." The same guy said again. I counted the men to see if I could take on all of them. I never knew I was that important for someone to bring seven men after me. It's no surprise, I expected this after the death of my father.
"What is your name again?" I pointed to the blonde hair guy. His brows etched in confusion but he replied anyway.
"Ian," He answered.
"Look Ian, I'm going nowhere with you. Go and tell that to whoever sent you." I crossed my arms on my chest, enjoying their scared and confused looks.
"The boss doesn't want her bruised." I heard one of the men whisper to Ian.
"We can't go empty handed either." This was getting interesting. Who is their boss and why does he or she want me captured?
"It is settled. We are taking you with us." Ian turned to face me, attempting to give me a scary look.
"You don't scare me, duh!" I rolled my eyes at him. "But if you want to take me against my will, go for it then. I just remembered I am the daughter of my father." I smirked, staring deep into Ian's eyes, my hands on my waist now. The rain seemed to be on my side as it came down heavily.
"Argh!" The only petite man in the group charged at me with a flurry of punches. I dodged the punches with ease and caught hold of his fisted hands.
"It's been a while since I did this. Did you send this little man as a test?" I inquired, smiling. I was caught off guard for sometime till I felt a sting on my cheek. It hurt, f*ck! I spat out blood as I twisted the fist in my hand.
"You should have kept your other hand in check, bastardo." The petite man fell to the ground, rolling and screaming while holding his twisted hand. It will be difficult to take on the others as they weren't like the first man.
The other men lurched at me throwing swift punches while I did my best to dodge and counterattack at every given opportunity.
"Damn!" I fell to my feet as a kick made contact with my leg. There is no way I'm giving up now. I can't let them take me, at least, not this easy. I got back on my feet hurriedly and delivered a knee to Ian's groin.
"Screw you!" He screamed. I watched in satisfaction, forgetting there were more men to finish. I feel my arms grabbed to my back and my knee forced to the ground.
"Hold her down!" Ian commanded. He must be their leader or something. "We will have to bundle her up to the boss." He growled, his face twitching in pain and his hand protecting his crotch from another possible hit. I couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Take the damn lady away!" My laughter seemed to have annoyed him as he ordered his men who in turn lifted me to my feet, dragging me into the darkness. Is this how easy they are going to capture me? I feel too weak right now, very weak.
"You are not taking her away. Well.. unless you beat my ass up." That voice! I'd recognize it anywhere, anyday. I turned together with the men who held me and there he stood, with his unruly waves and piercing blue eyes, looking charming as ever under the dim moonlight. He was here to save me again, like he always did.
"I have an offer for you. " He paused,as he gazed straight into my eye "Marry me and I will pay you. A contract marriage. " He finally dropped the bomb, causing my eyes to widen in surprise. Marry him? How? Why? I have only known him for about two to three months. What is he talking about? ***************************** Derrik King is a multi-billionaire who owns numerous businesses. He is well known as the CEO of the King's Empire. When Derrik's father plans to get him married to Isabella Scott - a tycoon's daughter, he has no choice but to get into a contract marriage as suggested by his friend. Andrea Price searched earnestly for a job to support her family. Finally, she was given a job as a personal assistant in the Kings Empire. Few months working as a PA for Derrik King, an offer was made. She could earn millions of dollars, if she agrees to be Derrik King's contract bride. Staying with Derrik for just three months was enough to battle with her sanity and now a contract marriage? But sometimes, we are not in control of things that happen to us. Andrea is now faced with choosing her sanity or accepting the money that comes with the contract to save a family member.
Roy D'silver had always been a rising star in the business world. With his natural charm and sharp wit, he quickly made a name for himself in Italy. But when an opportunity arose for his family to move to the United States, Roy knew it was a chance he couldn't pass up. As he settled in his new surroundings, Roy heard whispers of a formidable woman named Selene Rivers. Selene was known as the queen of the business world, with a reputation for being ruthless and cunning. Roy was intrigued by her, and he made it his mission to meet her. One day, fate brought Roy and Selene together at a business conference. Roy was immediately captivated by Selene's beauty and intelligence. He found himself drawn to her, wanting to know more about the woman behind the tough exterior. Their first meeting was brief, but it left a lasting impression on both of them. Roy couldn't stop thinking about Selene, and he knew he had to find a way to see her again. He strategically planned to attend more events where he knew Selene would be present, hoping to catch her attention. Enjoy the Love journey between Roy and Selene through difficulties.
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
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!”
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
The Billionaire Betrayed Wife follows Rachael Morgan, an orphan whose search for love leads her into the ruthless world of the Blackwood family. Betrayed by her husband and tormented by her adoptive sister, Rachael's life spirals into chaos when she's cast out and left to survive on the streets, pregnant and alone. Just when all hope seems lost, a mysterious savior from her past rescues her, giving her the chance to heal and rebuild. Years later, she returns stronger, armed with a fierce desire for revenge. With her son by her side, Rachael will stop at nothing to destroy those who shattered her trust-even if it means risking everything to reclaim her life and her power.
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"