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â ď¸ WARNING â ď¸ This Book Contains Matured Contents, reader's discretion is advised. *** "Do you have any idea how much I want to be inside you right now?" he asked as he stood to his feet. "Then why aren't you?" I responded, loving the feel of him pressed so close, my back to the mirror, my front to him. But even still, in some far corner of my lust-fogged mind, I realized that we were still in a bathroom. Anyone could walk in and see us. The thought of getting discovered was scary and erotic at the same time. "Oh, we're not done. Spread your legs a bit for me, Kitten." He commanded. When I did as he instructed, he settled between my legs again. "Now close your eyes. And try not to move." Dominic Rutherford murmured. I drew in a sharp breath as his fingers slipped into me with a silky, wet ease. First one. Then another. A feverish tide rose inside me, and I groaned. I jerked in response, causing me to unconsciously move my hips towards his teasing, clever hand, seeking more. "Ohh-" My body trembled under his touch. "Please..." *** Ruby escapes a stifling marriage filled with betrayal, eager to reclaim her freedom. At a masquerade ball, she meets Dominic, a mysterious older man always wearing a mask and has a complex past. Their intense attraction ignites a passionate and dangerous affair. Dominic, who was tasked by Ruby's unknown brother to find her, is captivated by her defiant spirit. As Ruby gets entangled in Dominic's dark world and faces threats from her vengeful former husband and an enemy within, she struggles with her fear of love. Will Ruby and Dominic overcome their pasts and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart? Can Ruby submit to love even after the truth is revealed?
RUBY'S POV
"Thank you."
I gave the Italian man a smile over the counter, accepting the hot cup of latte. I took a sip, the frothy sweetness coating my tongue, and felt a pang of satisfaction. Nothing like a cup of coffee after a long day at the gym. My mornings were sacred-my time to unwind, to shed the facade of "Mrs. Perfect Wife," and to just exist.
As I settled back into my chair, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts, and finally froze on one.
My so-called absentee husband.
My thumb hovered over his name for a moment too long, debating if I really wanted to ruin this blissful moment. But boredom had been gnawing at me lately.
I hit call.
The phone rang twice before his voice came through, clipped and impatient. "What do you want, Ruby?"
"Good morning to you too, darling," I chirped, keeping my voice as sweet as the latte in my hand. "I was just calling to check on you. Is that a crime now?"
He sighed. "I'm busy. Can we do this later?"
I leaned back in my chair, smirking to myself. His tone was rushed, defensive even. "Busy with what? It's a Wednesday morning. You don't have meetings until the afternoon, remember?"
There was a pause-just a fraction of a second too long. "Work stuff. You wouldn't understand."
"Of course," I said, taking another sip of my latte. "Work stuff. Sounds... mysterious. Are you saving the world again, or just playing hooky?"
Gabriel didn't laugh. He never did. "Ruby, I don't have time for your games."
"Games?" I let out a mock gasp. "I'm just trying to be a good wife. Isn't that what you wanted? Someone to check in on you, make sure you're eating your greens, and all that?"
His breath hitched slightly, and I could almost picture him rubbing the back of his neck, like he always did when he was caught off guard. "I'm not hungry," he muttered. "And I'm fine. You don't need to check up on me."
"Right," I said, my voice dropping into a colder register. "Because you're always so fine, aren't you? Everything's just peachy in the world of Mr. Perfect."
"Ruby," he said sharply. "What's the point of this call?"
I glanced around the cafĂŠ, watching as a couple nearby laughed over their shared plate of pastries. For a moment, I wondered what it must feel like to have that kind of ease, that kind of connection. I barely stayed in the same house with Gabriel anyway, so it was all wishful thinking.
"I don't know," I said softly. "Maybe I just wanted to hear your voice. Is that so terrible?"
There was another pause, longer this time. When he finally spoke, his tone was filled with something I couldn't quite place. Guilt? Regret? No, that would require him to care.
"Look, Ruby," he mumbled. "I'm not in the mood for this. If you're bored, go buy another dress or take one of your yoga classes or whatever it is you do to keep yourself entertained. Just leave me out of it."
My anger flared up, but I forced a laugh. "Ah, there it is. The great advice from my loving husband. Spend more money, distract myself, and stay out of your hair. How original."
"Don't twist my words," he snapped.
"Why not? You twist mine all the time," I shot back. "Or do you only reserve your creativity for the office these days?"
He didn't answer. I could hear faint background noises on his end-papers shuffling, the hum of a television, and something else... a soft laugh that wasn't his.
My fingers tightened around my cup. "Are you alone?" I asked casually, though my heart was roaring now.
"Of course," he said, too quickly. "Why would you even ask that?"
I smiled, though there was no one around to see it. "No reason. You just sound... different. Distracted. Nervous, even. Makes me wonder what-or who-you're hiding."
"Ruby, don't start," he warned.
"Start what?" I said innocently. "I'm just making conversation."
He exhaled sharply, the sound of a man who had run out of excuses. "I'm hanging up now."
"No, you're not," I shot back. "Not until you tell me what's going on."
"Nothing is going on!" he snapped, his voice rising. "Why do you always have to make everything so damn difficult?"
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table. "Because you make it so easy, darling. I mean, listen to yourself. You're practically choking on your own lies."
"You're paranoid," he growled. "This is exactly why-"
"Why what?" I interrupted. "Why you don't love me? Why you treat me like some inconvenient houseplant you forgot to water? Go on, say it. I won't be surprised."
The line went silent again, but this time it wasn't empty. I could hear his shallow breathing, the faint rustle of movement, and then-just barely-a voice in the background. A woman's voice.
I cut the call, abandoned my latte and raced out of the cafe.
**********
I drove home faster than I should have, the city of Chicago blurring around me like an abstract painting. My fingers tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel, not with anger, but with anticipation. Whatever I had heard over the phone, I wanted to see it for myself. It wasn't jealousy-no, I had stopped caring about him long ago. This was curiosity. Pure, unfiltered curiosity.
I pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. My shoes thundered against the stone pathway as I walked to the front door, letting myself in with deliberate ease.
I headed upstairs, taking slow steps. The faint sounds I had suspected over the phone became clearer as I neared the bedroom. I paused at the door, my hand hovering over the handle. This was it-the moment most women would dread.
But not me.
I pushed the door open just enough to see inside, and there he was, tangled in the sheets with a woman I did recognize. Julia, my supposedly best friend. Her long hair spilled over the pillows as she gasped his name, her nails clawing at his back like a desperate animal. My husband was grunting, his face contorted in an expression I hadn't seen in years-pleasure.
And I watched.
The sight should have hurt me, shouldn't it? This was my husband, my supposed partner in life, betraying me in the most clichĂŠ way imaginable. But instead of pain, I felt exhilaration. A cold, calculating thrill spread through me like wildfire.
This was my chance.
I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms and tilting my head slightly. They were so consumed by each other that they didn't even notice me. How ironic. The man who barely spared me a glance was now on full display, utterly vulnerable.
I waited until they finished. It didn't take long- Gabriel never had much stamina. When they finally collapsed into the sheets, panting and spent, I straightened up and cleared my throat.
His head snapped up. Julia yelped, scrambling to cover herself with the sheet. I smiled, the kind of smile that could chill a room.
"Don't mind me," I said smoothly, stepping into the room as if I belonged there. "I just thought I'd see what all the noise was about."
"Ruby-" he started.
"Don't bother explaining," I cut him off, waving a hand dismissively. "I've seen enough. In fact, I'm impressed. You actually managed to put some effort into something for once."
Julia looked between us, her face pale and horrified. "I-I can explain," she stammered. "I.. I..I'm sorry!"
I laughed. "Oh, sweetie, don't apologize. You've done me a favor."
"Ruby, listen-" he tried again, sitting up and reaching for me.
"No!" I snapped. "You don't get to talk right now. In fact, you don't get to do much of anything. But I do have an idea."
They stared at me in confusion.
"Why don't you both join me for dinner tonight?" I offered. "We can talk this out like civilized adults. Doesn't that sound fun?"
"What are you playing at?" Gabriel growled.
I moved to the door, turned to him and smiled again. "Oh, you'll see. Be ready by seven, Gabriel. And bring your latest wh*re with you."
NINETEEN years old Elsa Welmat only has one job and that's to seduce the Alpha Heir of Blood moon pack into falling for her. Being the wolfless daughter of the dead Alpha of Damien Wyatt of Crest Lake Pack, her life has been hard and all she ever wants is to make those who caused her parentsâ death pay. Pretending to be a maid, she entered the household of Alpha Nathan of Blood Moon Pack, hiding her true identity. To her, making the Alpha Heir fall for her was easier not until she realized that there's an unbeatable bond between both of them. Slowly she fell for the Alpha Heir unbeknownst to her that she's mated to the Alpha heir. Her world turned upside down. Torn between love and duty, she questioned all she had been told all her life. Somehow she stumbled upon the truth and realized she had been lied to. But could it be too late to undo what she has done or would her new love life go crash-landing when the Alpha heir discovers all her lies? Again, will she be able to save the Alpha Heir from those who want him dead before it's too late?
Nicolette Harrison, an omega, married to Xander Auger, the Alpha of Red Moon pack. Although she was not his mate, both parties agreed to respect each other and have a loveless marriage. What happens when Laurel, the mate of the Alpha, is coming back to the pack and Nicolette feels threatened? And apart from that, she had promised her mother not to divorce her husband, how was she to cope seeing him with another woman when she was sure she had feelings for him? Was the Alpha willing to accept his wife even though she wasn't his mate? How far will they go and would they even get to be with each other after everything?
EXTRACT.... *** He pushed me to the wall as he pinned my hands above my head. "Alpha Na..na." He placed his hands over my lips as he slowly started to kiss my neck. "Itâs Nathan to you." "This is wrong; Iâm already married to Alpha Damian." I tried saying something, and just then, he pulled away from me. "I donât care. Weâre mates, and so what if I had rejected you then? I want you back now, Isabella." He told me. *** When Nathan Grayson found out an omega, a lowly wolf, named Isabella was his mate, he rejected her immediately. To him, such a powerful alpha as himself couldnât be mated to an omega, and as a result, he kicked her out. Sometime later, he is on the verge of losing his wolf, and only one person can help: his rejected mate, Isabella. He wants her back, but thereâs one problem: she is now married to the deadliest alpha of all time, alpha Damien.
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
She was a diamond covered by ashes.... King Dakota was known as the most Powerful Alpha King of all times - more powerful than any other King that had ruled from his lineage. He was cold hearted, introverted and dangerous in anger. Cursed by the Moon goddess, King Dakota had to get married to three wives all in search of a male child that would become his heir, but it was impossible as the curse would only let his wives bear she -wolves. But on a different day, the King meets a lady who offends him and as a punishment, he took her home as his fourth wife. Her name was Shilah. Shilah was a powerless wolf and as a result, was disregarded and intimidated by all. But, when she begins to do things that the King had never felt for years, he began to wonder who she really was. Slowly, she crawled her way into his icy heart and turned out to be something nobody ever expected - a storm.
Rose looked at the reports in her hand and was in shock... The reports said that she was one month pregnant, however, how can she get pregnant when she didn't have any man in her life... "Was it because of that dream? Could I get pregnant because I have sex in my dream?" She thought... She didn't have any mental problems, however, except for this she can't able to think about anything... However, she still didn't get out of her surprise when she met the man in her dream... Kevin Davis looked at the reports in her hand and asked, "Is this child mine?" However, Rose didn't answer but asked... "Was that night not a dream?" Kevin was angry because it was his first time and she thinks it was a dream... Kevin forced her to marry him however, Rose didn't want it... She wanted to abort the child but he didn't let her... In the end... Rose agreed to marry him... She looked at Kevin's blue eyes and said, "I will marry you, however, I had two conditions..." "First, after marriage, you can't control my freedom, I still had the right to do whatever I want. Don't worry I won't harm the child." "Second, if I ever found out that you had cheated behind my back then I will leave with my child and you can't stop me..." Both of them got married... However, after she falls in love with him... She found there are hidden secrets in his past...
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!
My family was on the poverty line and had no way to support me in college. I had to work part-time every day just to make ends meet and afford to get into the university. That was when I met herâthe pretty girl in my class that every boy dreamt of asking out. I was well aware she was out of my league. Nevertheless, I mustered all my courage and bravely told her that I had fallen for her. To my surprise, she agreed to be my girlfriend. With the sweetest smile I had ever seen, she told me that she wanted my first gift for her to be the latest and top-of-the-line iPhone. I worked like a dog and even did my classmatesâ laundry to save up. My hard work eventually paid off after a month. I finally got to buy what she wanted. But as I was wrapping my gift, I saw her in the dressing room, making out with the captain of the basketball team. She then heartlessly made fun of my inadequacy and made a fool out of me. To make things worse, the guy whom she cheated on me with even punched me in the face. Desperation washed over me, but there was nothing I could do but lie on the floor as they trampled on my feelings. But then, my father called me out of the blue, and my life turned upside down. It turned out that I was a billionaire's son.
After five years of marriage, my husband is always absent on my birthday. No gifts, no blessings. He said, "I've given you the money, buy whatever you want." But he started preparing for Fiona's birthday half a month in advance. He said, "She's different, she only has me." As the sole survivor of a unexpected fire, he has been heartbroken for over a decade. Watching Fiona in Moments holding a cake and kissing his face. I slowly commented. ăJust this useless person, I'm giving him to you.ă