Shadows of the Night She was never meant to be his wife. Now, she's the only thing standing between him and destruction. On the night of her arranged wedding, Seraphina Moretti vanishes, leaving behind a blood-soaked dress and a shattered empire. But escape is an illusion in the underworld-especially when the man hunting her is Enzo DeLuca, the ruthless mafia heir she was promised to. Forced back into a world she swore to leave behind, Seraphina learns that her disappearance ignited a war, her family is in ruins, and her father's enemies are closing in. To protect what's left, she must do the unthinkable-marry the man she betrayed. But nothing in the mafia is ever what it seems. Enemies lurk within, secrets unravel with every whispered vow, and love is the most dangerous game of all. In a world where loyalty is a weapon and betrayal is inevitable, Seraphina must decide: surrender to a man who could destroy her... or fight for a throne that was never meant to be hers. One choice will seal her fate. One lie could burn them all. And in the end, only one of them can rule.
A Dress Stained in Blood
The silk of her white bridal dress stuck to her; constricting her. The corset against her ribcage constrained her breath, and she remembered this was a trap. Beyond the large oak entrance of the Moretti manor, the outside world waited-a room full of guests, bosses from the mob, and Enzo DeLuca, groom-to-be.
She was engaged to marry a monster.
Seraphina clenched her fists, nails into palms. She had seen him twice before-once when their betrothal was announced, and once when their fathers had finalized the contract over whiskey and money stained with blood. He was cold, deadly, impossible to guess. A man who had built his reputation on precision and brutality.
And in less than an hour, he would be hers.
A knock on the door. She flinched.
"Come in," she urged, cultivating her face into vapid indifference.
The door creaked softly open, and her brother Luciano stood in the doorway. His dark hair was rumpled, and a look of wildness entered his stormy blue eyes.
"Sera," he breathed. "It is time."
Her heart twisted in response to what she saw before her. Luciano was the softer one, the one with a glimmer of hope inside him. Yet tonight, that hope had curdled and turned into only fear.
"I can't do this," she whispered.
Luciano drew an ugly breath and stepped inside the room, closing the door between them. "Then we're leaving. Tonight."
Her head snapped up. "What?"
"I've got a car behind. A new passport, cash-whatever you'll require." He waited. "But once we do this, there's no turning back."
Seraphina's throat constricted. No turning back.
No Moretti name. No empire.
But didn't she want that?
She grasped his hand. "Let's go."
Betrayal in the Shadows
They sprinted through the corridors hastily, dodging the guests and guards at each turn. This evening, the house was a fortress, shutting out enemy-or reluctant bride-from escape.
Seraphina's heart thumped as they reached the door of the servants' exit. The getaway car hovered just beyond.
Freedom was at hand.
Then-horror's most foul sound. A gunshot.
Luciano lurched forward, straining for air. A dark stain spread over the tuxedo.
Seraphina screamed.
A shadow emerged from the darkness. A man dressed in black, a smoking silencer still in his hand.
Her father's second-in-command, Matteo Rossi.
"You really thought you could escape, Principessa?" he sneered.
Anger burned through Seraphina. Matteo was a loyal dog, but she was a wolf.
He didn't have time to react before she did. Fast. Ruthless.
The sheathed dagger belted at her thigh sliced through the air. Matteo never had time to react to what was happening before the blade struck his throat.
A gagged gurgle. A lurch. A silence.
Luciano hit the floor, coughing blood.
"Sera-run!" he rasped.
Tears blotted out everything. "I'm not going to leave you!"
"You have to." His grip on her wrist was weak, desperate. "If you don't, all of it was for nothing."
The rear door crashed open.
Footsteps. Voices.
Seraphina kissed the forehead of her brother. And then she fled.
A Deal with the Devil
She waited until she was able to access the parked automobile. The mercenary-for-hire driver hadn't even shifted into gear when bullets tore holes in the windshield.
Seraphina ducked as glass crashed.
"Drive, damn it!" she exclaimed.
The tires screeched as they ripped through the rear streets, losing the Moretti mansion.
Seraphina rested her forehead against the glass. Luciano was nowhere in sight.
She had nothing. Except-
She wasn't out yet.
Her stomach twisted as she pulled out her phone. One call. One last move.
She dialed.
The line rang through. A voice-smooth, deadly-answered.
"You have a lot of nerve calling me, Principessa."
Seraphina drew a breath. "Enzo. I have an offer."
A pause. Then-
"I'm listening."
Caught in a Cage
The DeLuca compound was not comparable to the Moretti estate. Cold. Less luxurious. More house than fortress.
Enzo behind a black glass desk, his green eyes never leaving Seraphina's like a hunter tracking prey.
"You ran from me," he whispered. "And now you slink back?"
Seraphina squared her shoulders. "I didn't come to beg."
His lips curled into a deadly smile.
"No?" he considered. "Then what do you want?"
She drew a breath. "An alliance."
Enzo's eyes snapped into focus.
"My father betrayed me," she went on. "He attempted to kill me. I owe no allegiance to the Moretti name now."
She looked at him. Steady. Unwavering.
"But I will marry you-on one condition."
Enzo inclined his head. "And that is?"
Seraphina smiled.
"I want revenge."
A Vow Sealed in Blood
There was silence between them.
Then Enzo stood beside her, circling the desk. He stopped before her, close enough she could feel the heat of him.
"You believe you need me?" he breathed.
Seraphina tilted her chin. "I believe you want to murder my father as much as I do. And our combined strength will do the job."
His fingers caressed her jaw, sending a shiver down her spine.
"You're playing with fire, Sera."
"I was born in it."
He didn't say anything for a moment. Then-
He smiled.
"Fine," he said. "We'll do it your way."
He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a black velvet box.
Inside-a ring.
"But make no mistake, amore." He slid it onto her finger, his grip possessive. Unbreakable.
"This marriage? It's not just for revenge."
His lips brushed her ear.
"You belong to me now."
Elena Romano has spent years trapped in a loveless, arranged marriage to Luca DeLuca, the ruthless heir of the DeLuca crime family. Her life is one of duty, deception, and silent suffering-until she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have: Dante Moretti, Luca's best friend and right-hand man. Dante has always loved Elena from the shadows, but his loyalty to Luca has kept him from ever acting on his feelings. However, as Luca's paranoia spirals out of control, he assigns Dante as Elena's personal protector, forcing them into dangerously close quarters. With every stolen glance and whispered confession, their forbidden love becomes harder to deny. But Luca isn't blind. When an assassination attempt against him fails, he sets a deadly trap, suspecting not only a traitor in his ranks but an affair between his wife and his best friend. Just as Elena and Dante plan to escape, Luca unveils his final betrayal-he knew all along, and he forces Elena to choose: kill Dante, or watch him suffer. In a shocking climax, Elena turns the gun on Luca instead, ending his reign of terror. But instead of running, she makes a fateful decision-she will take Luca's throne and become the new queen of the DeLuca empire. As Dante watches the woman he loves embrace the power she once feared, he realizes their battle is far from over. With passion, betrayal, and a ruthless rise to power, this book sets the stage for an explosive sequel where love and loyalty will be tested beyond their limits.
The Price of Innocence Damian Cole has everything-wealth, power, and success-but in the ruthless city of deception, he's lost something far more valuable: trust. Betrayed time and again by the women in his life, he abandons the hollow glitz of the metropolis in search of something real, something untainted. His journey leads him back to his childhood village, where he meets Elsie, a woman untouched by the greed and ambition of the city-or so he believes. What begins as a love story quickly spirals into a treacherous game of manipulation, greed, and betrayal. As Elsie is drawn into the seductive world of wealth and power, her innocence becomes a dangerous illusion. Under the influence of her mother and a charming stranger, she learns that beauty is a weapon, and love is merely a means to an end. But every game has its price, and in the end, someone must pay. In this gripping tale of ambition and deception, The Price of Innocence explores the thin line between love and greed, trust and betrayal-and the devastating cost of getting everything you ever wished for.
Blurb: The Billionaire Husband No Woman Wanted Power. Control. Wealth. Elliot Sloane has spent his life mastering all three-ruthlessly expanding his empire, crushing competitors, and keeping his heart locked away. Love is a liability, and marriage? A cage he swore he'd never step into. But when his late grandfather's will delivers an impossible ultimatum-marry within six months or lose everything-Elliot finds himself playing a game he never wanted to join. No woman wants to marry the cold, calculating billionaire who sees love as nothing more than a business deal. The tabloids call him "The Husband No Woman Wanted," a man too rich, too ruthless, and too untouchable to be loved. His enemies laugh, his family waits for his downfall, and the clock is ticking. But Elliot doesn't lose. His plan is simple: find a wife, secure the inheritance, and walk away unscathed. No emotions. No complications. Just another transaction. Then he meets her. She's not looking for love. She has secrets. A past. A reason to say yes. The perfect deal-until desire ignites, past wounds reopen, and enemies move in the shadows. Elliot is about to learn that some contracts don't come with escape clauses. And the woman he never wanted? She might be the one thing he can't afford to lose. A high-stakes billionaire romance filled with power plays, deception, and undeniable passion. Perfect for fans of intense chemistry, ruthless billionaires, and thrilling twists.
The Wife Nobody Wanted A Psychological Thriller of Betrayal, Survival, and Revenge Olivia Sinclair has been many things-a wife, a widow, a fugitive. But one thing she has never been is wanted. Framed for a murder she didn't commit, hunted by a ruthless crime syndicate, and betrayed by the only man she ever trusted, Olivia is running out of time and allies. When a cryptic message leads her back to a past she buried, Olivia must unravel a deadly conspiracy before it consumes her. Secrets long thought forgotten are surfacing, and the truth is more dangerous than she ever imagined. Because in this game, survival isn't about who you trust-it's about who you outlast. As enemies multiply and shadows close in, Olivia is forced to ask herself the one question she has spent her life avoiding: If no one wants you alive, how far will you go to stay that way? Indefinite Sequel Expansions: Each installment in The Wife Nobody Wanted series will push Olivia deeper into a world of lies, deception, and danger. Whether she is hunted by the past, drawn into new betrayals, or forced to face the ghosts she thought she had escaped, one thing is certain-Olivia's fight is never truly over. Future Expansions Could Include: The Wife Nobody Could Find – Olivia disappears, but when a shocking crime bears her signature, the world asks: is she dead, or has she become something far worse? The Wife Nobody Could Forgive – A survivor of Olivia's past seeks vengeance, forcing her to face the sins she thought were buried forever. The Wife Nobody Saved – As Olivia's enemies close in, an impossible choice awaits: escape once and for all, or save someone she once swore to abandon. The Wife Nobody Could Kill – A final showdown against the crime syndicate that has haunted her-where every ally is a potential traitor, and every betrayal could be her last. In a world where trust is a weakness and survival is a gamble, Olivia Sinclair is the woman nobody wanted-until the moment they needed her dead.
Fools Rest in Pieces – A Tale of Murder, Betrayal, and Dark Transformation When dismembered body parts start appearing across Brooklyn in garbage bags, Detective Kenneth Wilson is thrust into a chilling investigation that leads him deep into the shadows of deception and brutality. The victim, Mary Jordan-a respected real estate broker-had unknowingly entangled herself in the deadly web of Vitro Matic, a manipulative cab driver with a sinister past. Vitro, a man with multiple wives and mistresses, had mastered the art of deception, but his twisted love triangle turned deadly when Aleksa, his jealous first wife, set a plan into motion. With Nadja, his second wife, caught between loyalty and terror, the night Mary vanished and the afternoon she was murdered and dismembered, became a day of unspeakable horror. But what Vitro and Aleksa never expected was that Nadja would escape-and that she would return as someone far more dangerous. Now living under a new identity, Sarah emerges from the ashes of her past, hardened by trauma and consumed by an insatiable hunger for vengeance. As the police close in on the truth, Vitro and Aleksa vanish into the night-but they are not the only ones lurking in the darkness. In a world where love turns to obsession and trust shatters into bloodshed, one question remains: Who is truly the hunter, and who will be the next to rest in pieces? A gripping psychological thriller where every choice comes with a price, and every secret is paid for in blood.
Sophie Clarke spent years sharpening the cutting edge of her revenge. The corrupt billionaire who destroyed her father, Ethan Hayes, is a man above the law-but below hers. Through deception and determination, she infiltrates his life, presenting herself as an artist seeking a sponsor. But the closer she gets, the greater the uncertainty. Ethan is not the cruel monster she had imagined. His niceness, his vulnerability, and what he keeps secret threaten to ruin everything she believes. But someone else is pulling the strings in the shadows. As Sophie learns the true mastermind behind her father's downfall, she realizes she might not be the only player of a deadly game. With betrayal on every hand, she has to decide-will she destroy Ethan, or will she save him? And if she makes the wrong choice, will it be her own destruction that she brings about instead? A breathless tale of revenge, betrayal, and forbidden passion, Time of the Avenger will keep you panting until the last page.
Five years ago, Alessia La Rosa's life took a drastic turn when, suffering from memory loss, she wed to Dominic Carter under her grandfather's mysterious arrangement. But their marriage was a facade, bringing her only humiliation and heartache as Dominic showed no love, and she couldn't conceive. Upon discovering Dominic's infidelity, Alessia sought liberation through divorce. Yet, fate had more in store for her. Five years later, spurred by an anonymous email hinting at her lost child's whereabouts, she returns to the city with her twin babies in tow, determined to uncover the truth. As she navigates the tangled web of her past, a surprising twist awaits. Dominic, upon meeting her again, finds himself drawn to the woman she has become, unaware of her true identity as his former wife. Little does he know, the woman he's falling for is not only his ex-wife but also a powerful Doctor and Master Hacker.
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
It's true what they say about marriage: one partner's always happier than the other. ~~~ Julie's world is shattered when her husband, Ryan, reveals that he wants an open marriage. His reason: he needs a child as they've been unable to have one. Julie reluctantly agrees to save her marriage. The next day, Ryan returns home with his secretary, confirming Julie's long-held suspicion that their affair was taking place behind her back. Julie, heartbroken and enraged, seeks solace in a bar, where she meets a fascinating stranger named Luke, who changes the game. Julie confides in Luke over drinks, and he proposes a risky plan: he will act as her "boyfriend" to turn the tables on Ryan. Julie agrees, setting off a chain of events that will challenge everything she thought she knew about love, loyalty, and herself.
"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."
Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms once at peace. The kingdom of Salem and the kingdom of Mombana... Until the day, the king of Mombana passed away and a new monarch took over, Prince Cone. Prince Cone, has always been hungry for more power and more and more. After his coronation, he attacked Salem. The attack was so unexpected, Salem never prepared for it. They were caught off guard. The king and Queen was killed, the prince was taken into slavery. The people of Salem that survived the war was enslaved, their land taken from them. Their women were made sex slaves. They lost everything, including their land. Evil befall the land of Salem in form of Prince Cone, and the prince of Salem in his slavery was filled with so much rage. The prince of Salem, Prince Lucien swore revenge. 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Ten years later, thirty-years old Lucien and his people raided a coup and escaped slavery. They went into hiding and recuperated. They trained day and night under the leadership of the fearless and cold Lucien who was driven with everything in him to get back their land, and take Mombana land too. It took them five years before they ambushed and attacked Mombana. They killed Prince Cone and reclaimed everything. As they screamed out their victory, Lucien's eyes found and pinned the proud princess of Mombana. Princess Danika. The daughter of Prince Cone. As Lucien stared at her with the coldest eyes anyone can ever possess, he felt victory for the first time. He walked to the princess with the slave collar he'd won for ten years rattling in his hand as he walked. He reached close to her and with a swift movement, he collared her neck. Then, he tilted her chin up, staring into the bluest eyes and the most beautiful face ever created, he gave her a cold smile. "You are my acquisition. My slave. My sex slave. My property. I will pay you in spades, everything you and your father ever did to me and my people." He stated curtly. Pure hatred, coldness and victory was the only emotion on his face. .
"I've warned you from the beginning. Don't marry him, but you won't listen." Darcy stood close to me and smiled with concern. "You're not a woman worthy of a man as handsome, rich, smart, and virile as Blaze." My whole body trembled at her words. "Have you no shame?" I asked. "Take a good look at yourself, Heather." She stared at me in the mirror. "You can't even glance at your ugly face. Do you think Blaze can endure a lifetime of gazing at that scar?" Heather Bailey got a surprise from her husband: a divorce agreement. After a year of marriage and facing ups and downs, she couldn't believe Blaze intended to divorce her. She was devastated when she saw him gazing lovingly at another woman. After signing the divorce papers, shockwaves caught her up. Her flower shop was burned to the ground. Her father's company collapsed, and her parents blamed her. She struggled to rebuild her life from the ground up and became more successful than ever. Having many customers from influential families, she started her revenge on Blaze. She won the very thing he wanted, but that was just the beginning.