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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?
Natalie
The letter trembled slightly in my grip, but I refused to let frustration get the best of me. It wasn't rejection, not exactly. More like a do better warning disguised as constructive feedback.
"To remain a competitive applicant for the internship, consider elevating your social presence to reflect a well-rounded student experience."
Great. My grades, my dedication, my carefully planned future- none of it was enough. Apparently, I needed to be seen outside the library, maybe even smile in public once in a while.
The coffee shop bustled with activity, the hum of conversation blending with the occasional clatter of mugs. My laptop sat open in front of me, half a page of my research paper blinking back at me, but my mind had been hijacked by this ridiculous requirement. "What am I going to do... Where do I really start from... How's this really necessary." These were the yet unanswerable questions running through my mind.
A few tables away, a loud burst of laughter caught my attention. Jason Carter. Of course. He was surrounded by his usual entourage, effortlessly commanding attention like it was his birthright.
Campus heartthrob. Star hockey player. The kind of guy whose name alone could open doors, while people like me had to prove themselves over and over again.
The unfairness of it all gnawed at me. Then an idea took shape. If the internship committee wanted social presence, why not give them exactly that? Not through meaningless small talk or networking events, but by aligning myself with someone who already had the kind of influence they valued. Jason could be the answer.
Doubt crept in, whispering that this was a terrible idea. He'd probably laugh in my face. Or worse, say yes just to make a game out of it.
My legs carried me toward his table before my brain could fully catch up. The group of guys around him noticed me first, their amusement barely concealed. Jason leaned back in his chair, a slow grin curving his lips.
"Well, this is unexpected." His tone dripped with curiosity.
Nerves threatened to ruin my confidence, but I squared my shoulders and met his gaze head-on. "I need your help."
His brows lifted slightly. "Help?"
"A deal, actually."
Jason exchanged a glance with one of his teammates before turning his attention back to me. "You want me to help you?"
"Yes," I said firmly. "A fake relationship. We pretend to date, and it benefits us both."
Someone at the table let out a low whistle. Another muttered, "Damn, that's bold."
Jason tilted his head, amusement flickering across his face. "You think pretending to be my girlfriend is going to help you?"
"I know it will," I countered. "I need a stronger social presence for an internship. You need to-" I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "Appear more... stable."
That got his attention.
Jason leaned forward, elbows resting on the table. "Stable?"
"Your reputation is all over the place. A serious relationship-even a fake one-could change how people see you."
Silence stretched between us. A slow, thoughtful smile replaced his usual cocky expression. "So let me get this straight. You want to use me to boost your social standing, and in return, I get to look like the kind of guy who can commit?"
I nodded. Jason tapped his fingers against the table, pretending to consider it. "What's stopping me from saying no?"
"If I thought you would, I wouldn't have asked."
The corners of his mouth twitched, like he was fighting back a grin. "Interesting."
Jason
Natalie Pierce just asked me to fake date her. That wasn't something I had on my bingo card today. The whole thing should've been ridiculous, but she stood there, arms crossed, completely serious. No hesitation. No awkward fidgeting. She wasn't like the girls who usually threw themselves at me, and maybe that's what made this even more intriguing.
Leaning back, I studied her for a moment. Straight- A student, never seen at parties, always focused on her next academic milestone. The total opposite of me.
"You're actually serious," I said.
"Completely."
"Tell me what you think this involves."
Her lips pressed together, like she had rehearsed this in her head a dozen times. "We spend time together in public. Hold hands. Maybe sit together at games or study in the library. People need to see us together."
"You left out the fun parts," I teased.
Her expression remained unimpressed. "It's not that kind of arrangement."
That only made me smirk. "Sure, sure. No fun allowed."
Someone at the table coughed out a laugh. Natalie didn't flinch.
"Are you in or not?" she asked.
The smart move would be to say no. My reputation was already a mess, and agreeing to something like this could turn it into an even bigger spectacle. But that also meant controlling the narrative. Coach had been on my case about the team's image, and my bad-boy hockey star reputation wasn't helping.
This could work in my favor. I dragged it out for a few more seconds, enjoying the way she tried not to look impatient. Then I shrugged. "Alright. Let's do it."
A flicker of surprise crossed her face before she nodded. "Good."
"But there are rules," I added.
Her arms crossed tighter. "I figured."
I lifted a finger. "One: No one can know it's fake."
"That's obvious."
"Two: We have to make it believable. That means acting like a real couple, even when we're not in front of an audience."
She hesitated slightly, but nodded.
"Three." I let the moment stretch. "No catching real feelings."
She rolled her eyes. "That won't be a problem."
That was a challenge if I'd ever heard one.
I grinned, reaching for my coffee. "Alright, girlfriend. When do we start?"
"Tomorrow."
Straight to business. No hesitation. Damn. She turned to leave, but I wasn't quite ready to let her go just yet. "Wait."
Natalie paused, glancing back. "What?"
"You're really willing to be seen with me?"
The smallest smirk touched her lips. "That's my line, Carter."
She walked away, leaving me watching her go.
Chloe Evans is a small-town girl with big dreams-dreams of launching her own fashion line and escaping the limitations of her humble beginnings. When she gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase her designs at an exclusive gala, Chloe is determined to make her mark. But there's one problem: the event is hosted by none other than the notorious billionaire entrepreneur, Dani Potter. Dani is a man who's built an empire from nothing, a ruthless businessman with no time for anything but his career. He's never been interested in love, preferring instead to remain emotionally detached from everyone around him. But when he meets Chloe, he's intrigued by her ambition and the spark in her eyes. For the first time in years, he finds himself wanting something more than just success. Chloe and Dani's worlds collide, and the attraction between them becomes undeniable. But the more Chloe gets to know the man behind the corporate titan, the more she realizes that Dani is hiding a painful past-one that could jeopardize everything they're building together. Chloe must decide if she can trust him with her heart, or if she's simply chasing a billionaire's dream that will only end in heartbreak.
Leila Stone's world shattered when she was rejected by her mate, **Alpha Carley Nightpaw**, the night their pack was attacked. Fleeing with a broken heart and a shattered soul, she vowed to never return to the pack that had once been her home-until a blood moon rises, and fate forces her back. Carley, now the Alpha of the Nightpaw pack, is burdened with guilt and regret. The night he rejected Leila, he was driven by fear and duty, unwilling to show weakness in front of his pack. But time has taught him the painful consequences of that decision. When a new threat emerges, one that endangers their entire world, Carley realizes that Leila is the only one capable of helping him defeat it. But winning her trust back may be his greatest challenge yet.
Three years ago, Tiana thought divorcing Sebastian Wolfe would free her from the pain of his lies and the shadows that haunted their marriage. But when tragedy strikes her family and she returns to her hometown, she's forced to confront the man who once shattered her heart-and who still lingers in her soul. Sebastian isn't the same cold, unreadable billionaire she left. He's darker, more haunted-and about to discover a secret that will change everything: the existence of their daughter.
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.
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?
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?
"I, Erika Blackwood, stand before you, Alexander Robertson, with a heavy heart. I hereby reject you as my mate. The bond we once shared has grown fragile, and my soul yearns for a different path. May you find solace in the love of another, and may we both find the happiness we seek." Alexander didn't say a word and looked at me. But he refused to accept. *********** Erika Blackwood is the next Alpha in line of the Ironclaw Pack. She hides her identity and gets mated to the Alpha of the Moonforest Pack, Alexander Robertson. Three years passed, but Alexander is still unwilling to let go of his childhood sweetheart. Erika is mistreated and eventually framed by the same childhood sweetheart. Now she leaves with that humiliation, and goes back to her pack, swearing vengeance on those who hurt her. They all waited for her to return and beg, but what happens when they realize that the famous Ironclaw Pack that was going to help in the rogue war, was ruled by a woman named, Erika Blackwood. Now her Ex mates want her back. Other Alphas want this woman.. But will she accept any of them? Or will she stay independent forever?...
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
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?
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
He told her to call him Daddy. Not because he earned it, but because he fucking owned her. The moment she signed that contract, she stopped being a woman with dignity and became his filthy little plaything. His holes to use. His mess to ruin. He didn't just fuck her, he rewired her. Stripped her clean of boundaries and filled her with sin. Every punishment made her scream. Every game dragged her deeper into his twisted world. And the way he praised her... Good girl. She should've run the first time he said it. But Daddy doesn't let his toys leave. He breaks them until they beg to stay. ** Mia's life changed the night she let a stranger ruin her. One night. She never expected to see him again. Until she walked into her new job... and her boss turned around. Ace.Her one-night sin in a thousand-dollar suit. Only this time, he wasn't asking her to be his assistant. She was to be his wife.