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Celeste Bennett has spent years in the shadow of New York's elite, working as a private chef for the city's wealthiest families. When she's hired for an exclusive event at the lavish estate of billionaire Jayden McGregor, she expects nothing more than a routine job. But from the moment their eyes meet, the cold, untouchable billionaire makes it clear-he wants her. Jayden is a man used to getting everything he desires. Powerful, enigmatic, and haunted by his past, he has sworn off love. But something about Celeste draws him in-a fire he can't resist, a temptation that threatens to unravel his carefully controlled world. She knows better than to fall for a man like him. He's out of her league, and their worlds are too different. But when fate keeps pulling them together, resisting becomes impossible. As secrets come to light and passion ignites, Celeste and Jayden must decide: will they risk everything for a love that was never meant to be?
The steady rhythm of the kitchen returned, but Celeste's pulse refused to settle. She had worked for the wealthy before- New York's elite thrived on extravagant dinner parties and gourmet meals. But Jayden McGregor was in a league of his own. She had expected the cold, scrutinizing gaze, the quiet authority that commanded a room. What she hadn't expected was his approval.
"Don't let it get to your head, Bennett," one of the sous-chefs murmured as he slid past her. "McGregor doesn't give compliments unless he means them."
Celeste shot him a look. "I don't need his approval to know I made the right choice."
And yet, despite her words, the way Jayden's eyes had lingered on her stayed with her long after he had left.
She forced herself to focus, plating the next dish with precision. The McGregor estate demanded perfection, and Celeste was determined to deliver.
By the time the final course was served, exhaustion had settled deep into her bones. The rest of the kitchen staff was wrapping up for the night when Chef Roux clapped his hands together.
"Good work, everyone. We're done here."
A collective sigh of relief rippled through the team, but before Celeste could step away from her station, one of the servers approached.
"Mr. McGregor has requested to see you," the young man said, looking slightly awed.
Celeste blinked. "What?"
The server nodded. "He's in the lounge."
A ripple of murmurs passed through the kitchen. Chef Roux raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Celeste hesitated. Clients rarely asked to see the kitchen staff, and billionaires never did. She could refuse- she wasn't required to entertain anyone after service-but something in her gut told her that ignoring Jayden McGregor wasn't an option.
Squaring her shoulders, she wiped her hands on her apron and followed the server out of the kitchen.
The McGregor estate was nothing short of breathtaking. Every detail, from the sweeping marble floors to the gilded chandeliers, exuded wealth. But it was the quiet opulence-the understated confidence of old money-that truly set it apart.
The lounge was dimly lit, a stark contrast to the bright chaos of the kitchen. Celeste spotted Jayden immediately. He stood near the fireplace, a tumbler of amber liquid in his hand, exuding effortless power. For a moment, she considered turning back. Too late. His gaze lifted, locking onto hers.
"Miss Bennett," he said smoothly, his voice rich and steady. "Join me."
Celeste hesitated before stepping forward. "Is there a problem, Mr. McGregor?"
A flicker of amusement crossed his face. "Not at all." He gestured to the armchair opposite him. "Sit."
She remained standing. "With all due respect, sir, I'm just the chef. If you have feedback about the meal, I'd prefer to receive it through Chef Roux."
Jayden took a slow sip of his drink before setting the glass down. "And if I prefer to speak to you directly?"
Celeste swallowed. "Why?"
"Because I don't waste my time," he said simply. "And you intrigue me."
A sharp exhale left her lips. She had dealt with entitled men before, men who thought their wealth granted them access to anyone they desired. But Jayden's interest didn't feel purely superficial. It was something else. Something dangerous.
"Mr. McGregor-"
"Jayden," he corrected.
She stiffened. "Mr. McGregor, I appreciate the compliment, but I'm here to cook, not to entertain."
His lips twitched, as if she had amused him. "Understood."
She waited for him to dismiss her. Instead, he reached for his drink again. "How long have you been working for Roux?"
Celeste frowned. "A little over two years."
"And before that?"
She hesitated. "Different kitchens. Different cities."
His gaze sharpened. "Which cities?"
"Does it matter?"
Jayden leaned forward slightly, studying her. "You're not like the others."
A prickle of irritation flared in her chest. "If this is about my background, I-"
"It's about your talent," he interrupted. "You're not just another chef. You think differently. You take risks."
Celeste's breath caught.
She had spent years fighting for recognition in a male-dominated industry, pushing herself to the brink for a career that rarely rewarded her. And now, in the span of a single evening, Jayden McGregor had seen through all of it.
"I'm offering you a job," he said suddenly.
Celeste blinked. "What?"
"I need a personal chef," Jayden said. "Not just for events-full time."
Her stomach twisted. "I already have a job."
He smirked. "I'll double your salary."
Celeste stared at him. The offer was tempting-hell, it was more than tempting. Working for someone like Jayden McGregor could open doors she had never dreamed of.
But she had spent too long carving out her own path. And she wasn't about to become some billionaire's personal employee.
"No," she said firmly.
Jayden's expression didn't change. If anything, he looked amused.
"You're refusing before you've even heard the details?"
"Yes," she said. "Because I know what working for men like you entails. Long hours. No personal life. Constant expectations."
Jayden tilted his head. "And yet, you already live like that."
Celeste swallowed hard.
He wasn't wrong.
Still, she met his gaze head-on. "I'd rather do it on my own terms."
For the first time, something flickered in Jayden's expression-something unreadable.
After a moment, he exhaled. "Fair enough."
Celeste's shoulders relaxed slightly. She turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.
"Be careful, Miss Bennett."
She frowned, glancing over her shoulder. "Excuse me?"
Jayden leaned back in his chair, his gaze unreadable. "You might think you have control. But the world doesn't work that way."
Something in his tone sent a shiver down her spine. Without another word, she turned and walked out of the room.
But as she stepped back into the kitchen, she knew one thing for certain- She had just caught the attention of a man who never let go of what he wanted. And that terrified her more than anything else.
Adele Williams has spent her life hiding among humans, unaware of the destiny woven into her blood. But when the ruthless and enigmatic Lycan King, Frank Robinson, discovers her existence, her carefully crafted life is torn apart. Frank, haunted by a prophecy that speaks of a mate who will either save or destroy him, is drawn to Adele with an irresistible force. Yet she wants nothing to do with the dominant and dangerous king who claims she belongs to him. Forced into his world, Adele must navigate the deadly politics of the Lycan court, where enemies lurk in the shadows and betrayal is a breath away.
In the kingdom of Eldoria, Lady Evelina is bound by duty to marry a prince she does not love, her heart already belonging to a forbidden figure - Sir Alden, a mysterious knight whose loyalty to the crown is unwavering. When a powerful curse threatens to destroy the kingdom, Evelina finds herself drawn into a perilous quest with Sir Alden, seeking the ancient relic that could save them all. As they journey through treacherous lands, their bond grows deeper, but so do the dangers that threaten to tear them apart. With the weight of the kingdom's fate on their shoulders, they must navigate the perils of both magic and their own hearts. Can a knight and a lady destined for separate paths find a way to unite - or will duty and destiny keep them apart forever?
Emery James has spent years building her dream café in a quiet coastal town, far from the chaos of big-city life-and even further from the heartbreak she left behind. But when her landlord sells the building to none other than Desmond Proctor, her former best friend and the man who once broke her heart, her peaceful life is suddenly turned upside down. Desmond, now a successful real estate investor, never expected to return to his hometown-or to face the woman he's never truly forgotten. Tasked with redeveloping the property, he offers Emery a deal: work with him to save the café, and he'll reconsider the sale. Old wounds, unspoken feelings, and undeniable tension bubble to the surface as they're forced to spend time together. But as they rediscover the connection they once had, Emery has to decide-can she trust Desmond with her heart again, or is she setting herself up for another heartbreak?
Luca Montella- the cold and calculating Don of the Montella crime family, is forced into an arranged marriage to secure a fragile truce, he expects nothing more than a strategic alliance. But his bride, Maria Spaletti, is not the meek pawn he anticipated. She is fire wrapped in silk, a woman with her own secrets-and an agenda that could destroy them both. Maria has spent years plotting revenge against the family that betrayed her, and marrying Luca is her way in. But the deeper she sinks into his dangerous world, the harder it becomes to resist the man behind the monster. As deadly rivals close in and long-buried truths unravel, their marriage of convenience becomes a battlefield of passion, power, and betrayal. In a game where love is the deadliest weakness, will Luca and Maria survive their vows... or will they burn together?
Rules are easier to set than to follow. Between stolen glances, whispered secrets, and an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore, their "fake" relationship starts to feel all too real. As Natalie steps into a world of attention she never wanted and Jason wrestles with emotions he's always avoided, they both must decide- is this just a game, or the beginning of something neither of them saw coming?
Valeria Monroe has spent her life chasing perfection- top grades, a flawless reputation, and a future meticulously planned by her parents. Nothing has ever distracted her from success. Until now. A chance discovery threatens to shatter the pristine world she's built and suddenly, the truth feels more dangerous than a lie.
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?
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...
"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?"
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
The day Raina gave birth should have been the happiest of her life. Instead, it became her worst nightmare. Moments after delivering their twins, Alexander shattered her heart-divorcing her and forcing her to sign away custody of their son, Liam. With nothing but betrayal and heartbreak to her name, Raina disappeared, raising their daughter, Ava, on her own.Years later, fate comes knocking when Liam falls gravely ill. Desperate to save his son, Alexander is forced to seek out the one person he once cast aside. Alexander finds himself face to face with the woman he underestimated, pleading for a second chance-not just for himself, but for their son. But Raina is no longer the same broken woman who once loved him.No longer the woman he left behind. She has carved out a new life-one built on strength, wealth, and a long-buried legacy she expected to uncover.Raina has spent years learning to live without him.The question is... Will she risk reopening old wounds to save the son she never got to love? or has Alexander lost her forever?