The last time Mike and Christine saw each other, one of them walked away with a broken heart. Mike turned around to see her standing in a maroon suit, holding a briefcase, her eyes filled with hurt and exhaustion. He took a step forward. Longing swept over Mike, and he moved to draw Christine into his arms, his lips fiercely claiming hers. * * * * * * * * Mike Russo's life was perfect-until his ex-girlfriend, six teens, and a little girl moved into his mansion.The last thing Christine Frank wanted was to move in with her ex, the man who broke her heart to pieces. Christine Frank's life is turned upside down when a fire destroys the Foster home she runs, leaving her and seven kids without a place to call their own. Then, Mike Russo, her ex-boyfriend and billionaire hotel owner, offers them shelter in his estate. But Mike has a different motive: using Christine and the kids to boost his hotel's image. As they live together, sparks fly; they can't resist each other. Mike is going crazy from each kid's personality. Can Mike's deceitful plan ruin their second chance at love, or will they find redemption and forgiveness?
"Get out," I spat; my voice shook with rage as I stepped back, creating a distance between my boyfriend and me.
Mike hesitated, his voice pleading. "Please Christine-"
"Hurt me? You cheated on me with your secretary." A lump formed in my throat, and tears spilled down my cheeks.
Mike's hands rose, palms up, in a defense gesture. "She came onto me," holding my shoulders, he continued. "You caught us at the wrong moment. Look, I swear to you, Christine, I would never dream of hurting you."
I stepped away from him and wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. "You have hurt me for the last time, Mike Russo."
Mike licked his lips with a resigned expression. "I love you, but you need to trust me on this one, baby."
"Love?" I burst into a bitter laugh. "The only person you love is yourself. I never want to see you again."
Then I slammed my front door shut and leaned by it, my body shaking as I broke into a sob, feeling my heart shatter to a million pieces.
A year later, I clipped my ID badge to my jacket. I took a deep breath, pushing away thoughts of Mike's betrayal from my mind.
I stepped onto the porch and rang the doorbell to Mrs. Smith's Group Home, in the suburbs of Seattle. I loved my job as a social worker, and inspections like this one were my favorite part. I got to see the kids and ensure they received the best care possible.
When the door opened, Mrs. Gladys Smith, the manager, greeted me without her usual warm smile. "Hi, Christine. Right on time, as always."
I creased my brows together, pulling out my clipboard and my pen. "Let's get started, shall we?"
The living room space was tidy, and Kimiko, aged six, was sitting in front of the TV watching a popular preschool cartoon.
She turned to face me with a bright gap-toothed grin. "Hi, Ms. Frank."
"Miko, ah, enjoying the fine entertainment TV has to offer, I see?" I asked.
Kimiko shot me a confused look and shrugged. "I guess."
Gladys led me through the usual routine: medication, security alarm, food plan. I checked through my list as I glanced through the fridge contents. The sound of a ball bouncing echoed through the walls as Jayden and Tommy burst through the kitchen back door.
I lifted a warning finger as they froze. "Uh-uh, take it outside, boys. No dunking in the kitchen."
Jayden frowned. "Aw man."
Tommy snatched the ball and ran out the door, followed closely by Jay. Annabeth played hula hoops with Daphne and Millie in the backyard. Meanwhile, Noah was likely playing video games in his room.
"And another perfect record, Gladys, as usual. Thank you for making my job easier." I turned to face her.
Her expression turned serious. "Christine, can I talk to you for a minute in my office?"
My curiosity rose, and I nodded, following her to the office. But as I sat behind her desk, Gladys dropped the bombshell: "I'm dying, Christine."
I widened my eyes and waited for a laugh and a 'just kidding.' "Oh God, Gladys." I gave a nervous chuckle. "Save the spooky talk for Halloween."
Her green eyes remained serious. "It's terminal lung cancer, and the doctor. Damn the man says I have about six months to get my affairs in order before I die. It's the result of my smoking habit."
I bit back a smile. Gladys was about sixty-five, still agile for her age, but I suddenly noticed her cheerfulness was gone. Tears formed in my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away.
"Do the kids know about..." I whispered.
She sighed. "Just Noah, he, uh, found me passed out in the bathroom, called nine-one-one. Listen, you know my kids don't particularly like this job, and I have no one to hand the home to."
If no one would take the job, then it would be a problem; group homes were in shortage... and there was a possibility of separation.
Gladys' eyes locked onto mine. "I know you're thinking about the system. You can't let them be separated; they're a family, and even when they fight, hell, they always find a way."
Mrs. Smith's coughing fit sent a jolt through me. I leapt from my seat, my pulse racing, as I rushed to her side. "Gladys!" I took a stride towards her by the window.
She lifted a hand as I helped her sit on the leather sofa. "I'm...fine." She wheezed.
I filled a glass of water and handed it to her.
"Listen, I'll do my best to convince the authorities. They'll be together," I said, sitting next to her. "The house may need a temporary manager."
She looked at me with precision. "Or a permanent one."
I felt a surge of surprise as Mrs. Smith's words sank in. "You're suggesting... me? As the permanent manager?"
Mrs. Smith nodded, her gentle smile filling me with a sense of wonder. "Who better to care for them than someone who already loves them like family? I've watched you interact with them better than anyone, Christine," she said, her eyes really believing.
I thought back to all the moments I'd shared with the kids-the laughter, the tears, the quiet moments of connection. I had grown to love them, but taking on the responsibility of managing the group home was a great task ahead.
"But Mrs. Smith, I... I don't know if I'm qualified," I stammered, my doubts creeping in.
As she sipped the water, I processed her words. Becoming the permanent manager would change my life, but I couldn't bear the thought of the kids being separated.
She took my hands in hers. "I put my faith in you, Frank. This is my final wish."
"Gladys, I'll do everything I can," I promised.
She smiled weakly. "I knew I could count on you, Christine."
I swallowed as I heard the kids' voices from outside. How would they cope without her? Six months later, Gladys passed away in her sleep.
Book One in the Spinelli Chronicles Fiona Higgins' life is shattered when. She uncovers the shocking truth about her family's dark legacy: she's the daughter of a ruthless Mafia king, Don Spinelli. As she fights for her freedom from the Mafia, she's drawn to Kane McGregor, the billionaire who saved her life one fateful night. But as they surrender to their forbidden love, they will risk everything to escape the deadly world that binds them. ★ ★ ★ "If you want a war, I'll give it to you," Kane's blue eyes blazed with intensity. "I won't rest until your father, your brothers, and anyone else in that gang rots in jail for the rest of their natural lives." I let out a slow sigh. "I'm not here to compare firepower; I'm just a businesswoman trying to make a deal." Kane's laughter was low and mocking. "Right, and just to be clear, you're not exactly a skilled 'businesswoman.' I almost took you to my bed, and I'm glad it didn't happen." One of my brows arched. "I'm curious, though, would you?" "Would I what?" Kane asked. I leaned forward and whispered into his ear. "Would you still take me to your bed if I wasn't a Spinelli?" The silence that followed was deafening, and I knew I had my answer.
The last time Mike and Christine saw each other, one of them walked away with a broken heart. Mike turned around to see her standing in a maroon suit, holding a briefcase, her eyes filled with hurt and exhaustion. He took a step forward. Longing swept over Mike, and he moved to draw Christine into his arms, his lips fiercely claiming hers. * * * * * * * * Mike Russo's life was perfect-until his ex-girlfriend, six teens, and a little girl moved into his mansion.The last thing Christine Frank wanted was to move in with her ex, the man who broke her heart to pieces. Christine Frank's life is turned upside down when a fire destroys the Foster home she runs, leaving her and seven kids without a place to call their own. Then, Mike Russo, her ex-boyfriend and billionaire hotel owner, offers them shelter in his estate. But Mike has a different motive: using Christine and the kids to boost his hotel's image. As they live together, sparks fly; they can't resist each other. Mike is going crazy from each kid's personality. Can Mike's deceitful plan ruin their second chance at love, or will they find redemption and forgiveness?
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
Julia and Evan were the perfect couple-or so she thought. But everything changed when Evan abruptly ended their relationship, leaving her heartbroken and unable to tell him she was carrying his child. Years later, Julia has built a life for herself and her son, Andy, while Evan has risen to unimaginable wealth and success. Their paths cross again at a chance meeting, but Julia soon discovers Evan has moved on with someone else. Julia is done with the pain. She's fought battles alone, raising a son who deserves the truth about his father, even if Evan doesn't deserve her forgiveness. When Julia told Evan years ago she had something to say, he didn't listen. Now, it's time for him to listen. But is it too late to reclaim what he lost? "We should break up," he'd said, the words cutting through her like glass. The pregnancy test in her pocket stayed hidden, just like the child they would never share. Now, it's Evan's turn to hear the truth-and to face his deepest regret.
Brenna lived with her adoptive parents for twenty years, enduring their exploitation. When their real daughter appeared, they sent Brenna back to her true parents, thinking they were broke. In reality, her birth parents belonged to a top circle that her adoptive family could never reach. Hoping Brenna would fail, they gasped at her status: a global finance expert, a gifted engineer, the fastest racer... Was there any end to the identities she kept hidden? After her fiancé ended their engagement, Brenna met his twin brother. Unexpectedly, her ex-fiancé showed up, confessing his love...
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
Accused of murder, Sylvia Todd's mother was deemed a traitor by the entire pack, condeming Sylvia to live the rest of her life alone in humiliation as a lowly slave. All she wanted to do was to prove her mother's innocence somehow, but fate never seemed to be on the side of the traitor's daughter. Still, Sylvia never lost hope. As the future lycan king of all werewolves, Rufus Duncan possessed great power and status, but he had an inexplicable reputation for being cruel, bloodthirsty, and ruthless. Unbeknownst to everyone, he had been cursed long ago to transform into a killer monster on every full moon. Even though fate did not always look upon the two, it brought Sylvia and Rufus together as each other's destined mates. Will justice be served for Sylvia's mother? What about Rufus' secret? Can Sylvia and Rufus defy all societal norms and stay together? Will these two unlucky souls have their happy ending?
Sawyer, the world's top arms dealer, stunned everyone by falling for Maren—the worthless girl no one respected. People scoffed. Why chase a useless pretty face? But when powerful elites began gathering around her, jaws dropped. "She's not even married to him yet—already cashing in on his power?" they assumed. Curious eyes dug into Maren's past... only to find she was a scientific genius, a world-renowned medical expert, and heiress to a mafia empire. Later, Sawyer posted online. "My wife treats me like the enemy. Any advice?"