When successful CEO Amelia Carter begins receiving mysterious threats, she hires ex-special forces operative Luke Knight as her personal bodyguard. Known for his icy professionalism, Luke is determined to keep things strictly business. But as danger closes in, their undeniable attraction threatens to break all his rules. Can he protect her without losing his heart, or will the past he's running from catch up with them both?
Amelia Carter stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of her penthouse, gazing out over the glimmering city below. The sharp skyline of New York was alive with lights, yet it offered no comfort. Instead, it seemed to mock her isolation. The world outside was busy, indifferent to her, while inside her home, an oppressive silence had settled.
She clutched the glass of red wine in her hand a little tighter, her knuckles whitening. It had been another long day at Carter Tech, where she was expected to be the unshakable leader, the visionary who had taken the company to unimaginable heights. Yet for the first time in years, she felt vulnerable. A dark cloud had begun to settle over her life, and it wasn't just exhaustion. It was fear.
The first threat had come in the form of a letter-typed, unsigned, and delivered to her office with unnerving precision. "You're being watched," it said. She'd brushed it off as a prank, a petty attempt to rattle her nerves. But then more letters followed, each one more explicit in its threat: "You can't hide." "I will destroy everything you've built." "You'll never be safe."
Amelia didn't scare easily. She had fought too hard to get to where she was. But this... this was different. The letters were too detailed, too personal. Whoever was behind them knew her movements, her habits, even her private moments. She couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, even in the supposed sanctuary of her home.
That's when she'd decided to hire a bodyguard. Not just any bodyguard-Luke Knight.
The man was a shadow himself, an enigma. Recommended by a security firm with an impeccable record, he was said to be the best. Ex-special forces, with a reputation for being cold, methodical, and ruthlessly efficient. He wasn't the kind of person you wanted around unless you needed protection from something... or someone... truly dangerous.
The door creaked open behind her, and she stiffened, feeling her heartbeat quicken despite herself. A few soft, measured footsteps followed, echoing in the open space of the penthouse. She could feel his presence before he spoke-a strange, unsettling sensation.
"Ms. Carter," Luke's voice was low and even, a rumble of quiet authority that seemed to fill the room. "You should move away from the window."
She didn't turn around. "I'm in my own home. I'm supposed to feel safe here." Her voice sounded cold, even to her own ears, but she wasn't sure if it was directed at him or at the situation she found herself in.
"That's exactly why you shouldn't be standing in front of a wide-open glass window, visible to anyone with a clear view." His tone carried no judgment, just a simple fact, as though explaining the obvious to a child.
With a sigh, Amelia stepped away from the window, feeling his watchful eyes follow her every movement. She could sense him there, a powerful, silent presence, analyzing the space around her as if anticipating threats she couldn't even see. It irritated her how much she needed him.
"Is this how it's going to be from now on?" she asked, turning to face him. Luke stood near the entrance, dressed in all black-boots, tactical pants, and a fitted shirt that clung to his broad shoulders. His face was hard, sharp angles, his dark eyes unreadable. There was something about him that was both calming and deeply unsettling.
"You hired me to keep you safe. This is how I do that," he said without missing a beat. "There are too many exposed points in this apartment. You need more secure locations. The windows, the balcony-it's all vulnerable. If someone wanted to, they could take a shot from any building within a half-mile radius."
Amelia's heart lurched at his words. She placed her wine glass down on the nearest table and crossed her arms over her chest, trying to keep her expression neutral. "And you think they will?"
"I think," he said, stepping closer, "that whoever's threatening you isn't bluffing. They've studied you. They've planned this. It's only a matter of time before they act."
A shiver ran down her spine, despite her best efforts to remain composed. Luke's eyes flicked over her face, reading her reaction, though he said nothing. His silence was as unnerving as his presence.
"I don't understand why anyone would want to harm me," she murmured, her voice betraying the sliver of doubt creeping in. "I've made enemies in business, sure. But nothing to warrant this."
Luke tilted his head slightly, considering her words. "There's always a reason," he said, his voice soft but firm. "People don't just do this for nothing. It's personal. And you need to be prepared for that."
His words hung in the air, thick with an ominous weight. She didn't want to believe him, but deep down, she knew he was right. There was something personal about this, something that struck too close to home.
A sudden noise-a faint clicking sound-broke the tension. Luke's body tensed immediately, his hand instinctively moving to the holster at his side.
"Get down!" he barked, and before Amelia could react, he moved with startling speed, grabbing her arm and pulling her down behind the kitchen island. Her heart raced, the adrenaline surging as her mind struggled to catch up to what was happening.
The sound of glass shattering cut through the room like a gunshot. She gasped, her body pressed against the cold marble floor as Luke crouched beside her, his face set in grim focus.
"Stay low," he ordered, peering over the edge of the counter.
Amelia's breath came in shallow, shaky bursts. She could hear her pulse thundering in her ears, her mind reeling from the shock. A loud thud followed, and she felt a sharp gust of wind sweep through the room.
"Was that...?" she stammered.
"Sniper," Luke said quietly, his voice unnervingly calm. "Someone just took a shot."
Her stomach dropped. This wasn't a bluff. This was real.
Before she could say another word, Luke's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, his face darkening as he read the message on the screen.
"They're already inside the building," he said in a low, dangerous voice. "We have to move. Now."
Amelia's blood turned to ice as she realized the full extent of the danger.
They weren't just watching her anymore-they were coming for her.
Born as triplets, Yemi, Tayo, and Bayo were separated at birth, each sold to different wealthy families across Nigeria due to their mother's dire situation. While Yemi remained in Nigeria, growing up to become a celebrated artist, Bayo found himself embedded in the world of espionage as a top CIA agent, and Tayo tragically died under mysterious circumstances. When Bayo learns the truth of his origins, he returns to Nigeria, only to be caught in a web of mistaken identity, as dangerous forces mistake him for someone else. The journey to reunite with his surviving sibling and uncover long-buried secrets begins, with twists in the supernatural as their destinies collide once again.
When humble, hardworking Elena Johnson unexpectedly inherits a billion-dollar empire from a mysterious relative, her life turns upside down. Thrust into a cutthroat world of power, luxury, and family feuds, Elena must navigate deceit, dangerous romance, and family betrayal. As secrets from the past are unveiled, Elena faces fierce rivals and must choose between love and loyalty, all while discovering the truth about her own identity. Will she rise to claim her rightful place, or will the web of lies destroy everything she holds dear? Setting: Primary Location: A sprawling, modern metropolis resembling New York or an elite global city where billionaires control vast empires. Key Settings: The Corporate Headquarters: A towering skyscraper symbolizing the family's wealth and control over the business world. The Family Estate: A grand mansion where much of the family drama and secret dealings unfold. Elena's Former Neighborhood: The modest, close-knit neighborhood she left behind, representing her past life. Luxury Locations: Exclusive restaurants, clubs, yachts, and high-end events showcasing the glamorous lifestyle of the ultra-wealthy.
Lucia Carrington, the formidable CEO of Carrington Enterprises, thought she had it all-wealth, success, and freedom. Yet, after a bitter divorce, she is left questioning the sacrifices she made for her empire. On a much-needed vacation to an exclusive island, she encounters David, a mysterious stranger who, despite his enigmatic past, brings a quiet storm into her life. But their connection threatens to unravel everything Lucia has built, especially when Trey, her ex-husband, reappears, determined to reclaim his place in her world. As love, lust, and power collide, Lucia must navigate her heart's desires and the dangers of trusting again. Will she find the strength to let down her walls, or will the ghosts of her past destroy any chance of true happiness?
Three years ago, the Moore family opposed Charles Moore's choice to marry his beloved woman and selected Scarlett Riley as his bride. Charles didn't love her. In fact, he hated her. Not long after they got married, Scarlett received an offer from her dream university and jumped on it. Three years later, Charles's beloved woman fell terribly ill. In order to fulfill her last wish, he called Scarlett back and presented her with a divorce agreement. Scarlett was deeply hurt by Charles's abrupt decision, but she chose to let him go and agreed to sign the divorce papers. However, Charles seemed to delay the process deliberately, leaving Scarlett confused and frustrated. Now, Scarlett was trapped between the consequences of Charles's indecision. Would she be able to break free from him? Would Charles eventually come to his senses and face his true feelings?
Trigger warning!!! Intended for mature readers who enjoy morally complex, slow-burn, poseesive, forbidden, dark romance that pushes boundaries. ***EXCERPT*** Blood everywhere. Trembling hands. "No!" My eyes blurred. His lifeless eyes stared back at me, his blood pooling at my feet. The man I loved-dead. Killed by the one person I could never escape - my stepbrother. *** Kasmine's life was never hers to begin with. Kester, her stepbrother, controlled and monitored her every move. At first, it was all sweet and brotherly until it began to turn into an obsession. Kester was the Alpha, and his word was law. No close friends. No boyfriends. No freedom. The only consolation Kasmine had was her twenty-first birthday, which was supposed to change everything. She dreamt of finding her mate, escaping the sickening control of Kester, and finally claiming her own life. But fate had other plans for her. On the night of her birthday, not only was she disappointed that she wasn't mated to the love of her life, but she found out that her mate was none other than him - Her tormentor. Her stepbrother. She'd rather die than be mated to a man whom she had known as her big brother all her life. A man who would do just anything to make sure she was his. But when love turns to obsession, and obsession turns to blood, how far can one girl run before she realizes there is nowhere else to run to?
In the previous life, Maggie Johnson was so cowardly, gullible and stupid that she was coaxed by her fiance and stepsister and then broke her legs and lost everything including her fortune, love and even life. However, she was so lucky that she was reborn in the year before everything happened. Since her life restarted, how could she repeat a previous tragedy? Therefore, in this life, she took the opportunity to improve herself and take revenge on the ones who had ever insulted her. Facing the people who had humiliated her previously, she became smart and experienced to break their frames and tricks that had caused her to hurt in the previous life. Finally, no one could stop her pace to amaze the world any more.
She thought he was the villain. He was only trying to save his soul. Rena lives in a world of sunshine, sweets, and simple dreams. Until one reckless decision drops her into a dark realm of secrets, curses and werewolves. Kidnapped, heartbroken. She doesn't know who to trust anymore especially not Logan, the arrogant, cruel Alpha who's keeping her as a hostage. Until she discovers his dark secret. He's been hearing her thoughts all along. Now the walls between them are crumbling. And when feelings grow where hatred once lived, a curse demands that blood becomes a love that demands sacrifice. But how can she give her heart to the one who might need it to die?
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."
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.