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When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(33) Author: Beth Kery He froze when something drew his attention away from Ian’s tense conversation. Elise stood several feet away from him in the hallway, her brows arched in amazement. “I can’t be there for a few days yet. Fax the authorization papers to my residence,” Ian was saying. “We both know she hasn’t been reacting well to the sight of me anyway,” he said, his voice sounding hollow . . . barren. “If anything, I’d say I’ve been the trigger to her worst periods recently, Julia.” Elise opened her mouth. Before she could get off the first word of her demand to know what he was doing, Lucien lunged across the space that separated them. He cupped her face and covered her mouth with his own. He applied pressure, swallowing her tiny squeak of surprise, his entire focus on the man in the office. Had Ian heard anything? he wondered distractedly. Ian resumed his conversation with whoever was on the phone, but suddenly Lucien couldn’t

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(30) Author: Beth Kery She glanced down at the strappy high-heel sandals she wore along with a sack dress she’d belted at her hips. “This is nothing,” she said as he took her hand and began to walk. “You wouldn’t believe the miles I walked in heels while I was waitressing.” His eyebrows shot up. “Waitressing?” She grinned, happy to have surprised him. “At La Roue, in Paris.” He hailed a cab. “We can walk,” she said. “I understand from Francesca the penthouse is very close, isn’t that right?” A cab snapped to a halt in front of the curb. He opened the door for her. “You’re getting a blister on your right ankle,” he said deadpan when she gave him a questioning look. She glanced down. He was right. The skin around her ankle strap was abraded and red. When had he noticed? She sighed in relief a moment later when she settled in the air-conditioned cab and did a double take when she noticed his small smile as he studied her. “What?” “T

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(34) Author: Beth Kery Stark longing overwhelmed her. No retort came to her as he guided her to her knees. Part III: When You Tease Me Chapter Five The feeling of her small hand sliding along his cock through his pants made his entire body coil tight with lust. He hadn’t realized until that moment when she teased him with a touch that was both knowledgeable and hesitant at once—he would have said shy, but that term couldn’t apply to Elise—how much lust he’d been trapping inside muscle, blood, and bone. Her touch liberated it. It roared in his veins, until even if Ian Noble had walked into the room at that very moment and accused him of some heinous crime, Lucien couldn’t have stopped. Not while Elise’s flavor lingered on this tongue. His fingers sunk into her hair, thrilling to the silky feeling of the cool, loose waves caressing his skin, his breath stinging in his lungs as she unfastened his pants. He stroked the warm satin of her

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(29) Author: Beth Kery . . . like Elise herself. He couldn’t help but be curious about what sort of a woman that smart, funny, sad girl had become. Still, his curiosity hadn’t been so great that he’d sought her out when he’d moved permanently to Paris to open his first hotel and restaurant. It’d been completely by accident that he’d glimpsed her at the opera. Their boxes were almost directly across from each other. The curtain was about to go up when he noticed several faces in the audience flicker to the left of the stage. He’d followed their gazes idly, wondering what was causing the stir. His body sprung into instant alertness. She’d stood and was making her way to the back of the box. The gown she wore was jaw-dropping. No, not the dress itself, but Elise in it. It was made of a pale ivory metallic material that clung to her ripe, svelte curves, the material giving off a pearl-like sheen that nowhere near rivaled the luminosity of

The Master Player(7) Author: Emma Darcy ‘Yes, but…’ She looked down at her blue silk party dress. ‘I have only these clothes.’ ‘A bathrobe will be fine for breakfast,’ he assured her. ‘I’ll arrange for clothes to be brought to you from the hotel boutiques when they open. Don’t worry about appearances. The big picture is more important.’ The big picture…one she was drawing, not her mother or Tony or even Maximilian Hart, who was giving her choices, not making decisions for her. She watched him move away, taking out his mobile phone to make the call to his lawyer. Somehow his power didn’t feel quite so intimidating anymore. He was using it on her behalf-the white knight slaying her dragons. She couldn’t help liking him for it. CHAPTER THREE STEPHANIE ROLLINS did not bring a lawyer to the meeting. She walked into Max’s office wearing power clothes-purple dress, wide red belt, red high heels, red fingernails-with the overweening confidence of a woman who had always held sway over he

Runway Zero-Eight(6) Author: Arthur Hailey He pushed the thoughts from him in violent self-disgust. There were things to do, things requiring his complete concentration. Putting out his right hand he flicked the switches on the automatic pilot panel, waiting until each control became fully orientated and the appropriate indicator light gleamed to show that the next stage of the switching over could be started. Ailerons first, needing a slight adjustment of the compensating dial to bring them fully under electrical control; then rudder and elevators were nursed until all the four lights set into the top of the panel had ceased winking and settled down to a steady glow. Satisfied, Dun glanced at his p.d.i. dial and took his hands off the wheel. Sitting back in his seat, he let the aircraft fly itself while he carried out a thorough cockpit check. To an inexperienced eye, the flight deck presented a weird sight. Just as though two invisible men sat in the pilots’ seats, the twin control

Stunning (Pretty Little Liars #11)(24) Author: Sara Shepard She put her face in her hands and murmured that everything was so hard. Mrs. Fields patted her shoulder. “It’s okay, honey.” Which made Emily feel even worse—Emily didn’t deserve her mom’s sympathy. “I have an idea.” Mrs. Fields picked up the cordless phone from its cradle. “Why don’t you talk to Father Fleming at the church?” Emily made a face, thinking about Father Fleming. She’d known him forever. He’d listened to her first confession when she was seven years old, telling her not to sweat calling Seth Cardiff a walrus in the schoolyard. But admitting to a priest she’d had premarital sex? It seemed so wrong. The thing was, Mrs. Fields wouldn’t take no for an answer—in fact, she’d already set up a meeting with Father Fleming the following day without asking Emily first. Emily relented, if only to reassure her parents that it was okay for them to go to Texas as planned. They’d left for the airport that morning, although M

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(23) Author: Beth Kery We are alike, you and I. Both alone. Both misfits. But not alone when we’re together, she added in her head. A powerful feeling swelled in her chest. “How is your father?” he asked quietly. She grimaced. “He’s growing more stubborn in his old age.” “He always could have used being a bit more stubborn when it came to you,” Lucien said with dry amusement. Elise rolled her eyes, even though she actually thought Lucien was right. She hadn’t minded half as much as she thought she would have when her father cut her off financially. Maybe part of her had been waiting for someone in her life to show a little backbone; although, when it came to her father, she suspected he wouldn’t hold out if she begged him hard enough. She’d just been tired, too worn out to exhibit the required amount of wheedling and bargaining to get him to relent. “Other than his newfound cantankerous streak, he’s much the same as always. Still g

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(26) Author: Beth Kery “Mr. Lenault! You know Francesca, don’t you?” she asked, pink lips curving. “Of course I do,” he said, leaning down to give Francesca a brief kiss of greeting on the cheek. “She just told me she’s a runner,” Elise said. “I’m going to start training with her for the Chicago Marathon.” “You run?” Lucien asked Elise, disguising his surprise. “Yes. I started a year ago. It’s good discipline,” she emphasized, the defiant spark in her sapphire eyes meant solely for him. “I hadn’t realized you two had met,” he added mildly, ignoring her stab at him. “I introduced myself last night after experiencing the ecstasy of her Essaouira chicken and strawberry crepes,” Francesca said, grinning up at him. “She’s brilliant. Ian and I asked for you at Fusion last night, but they said you weren’t in the restaurant. We had very important news to tell you.” Francesca was always a lovely woman, but he’d never seen her look quite so

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(28) Author: Beth Kery “I was wearing a thong,” she defended, chin up. Lucien’s sharp, annoyed glance made her wilt on the inside, however. “And how about the night I came upon you in a secluded alcove at the Opéra de Paris? You were busy demonstrating what was apparently your enthusiastic, deep affection for a married, middle-aged politician. I believe you were nineteen at the time. Do you recall?” “I . . . you . . . wait.” Her heart squeezed tight and seemed to stop in her chest. “Was that you who interrupted when I was with Hugh Langier?” His sarcastic expression was her answer. Enthusiastic, deep affection. Oh no. She shut her eyes, but Lucien’s stare continued to score her. She hadn’t seen who had walked in on her tryst with Langier; she only knew someone had. Knowing that someone was Lucien made her feel light-headed with shame. How could she have been so impulsive—so stupid—at times? No. She wouldn’t think of it. She wasn’t

Played by the Billionaire(14) Author: Alexia Adams “Do you know William Manning, the CEO?” Had she found him out? He darted a look at her face but it was serene, innocent. His stomach fell to the bottom of the boat and the trickle of perspiration turned into a torrent. He dropped the oars and splashed a bit of cold water on his arms, giving him time to answer. “I’ve met him. He’s very private, doesn’t get out much. I’ve heard people say that when you look into his eyes you can see lines of code scrolling across.” Lorelei laughed and the tension in his shoulders relaxed a fraction. He needed to turn this conversation away from him. “What about you, what do you do?” “Hmm?” Lorelei seemed lost in thought. “Oh, I’m an Event Director for the Happy Day charity. We arrange days out for children undergoing treatment for long-term illnesses. I organize some of the fundraising events.” “Sounds like satisfying work. Do you enjoy it?” “Yes. It can be difficult to come up with new ideas to

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(16) Author: Beth Kery Part II: When You Defy Me Chapter Three His hand struck the lower curve of her ass cheeks, causing a burst of sensation. “Ouch.” “Je suis désolé,” she heard Lucien apologize huskily behind her. He touched her buttocks, his palm warmed from her spankings. Her breath hitched. “It will take me a time or two to learn what you can tolerate . . . what you need.” Her clenched eyelids sprang open. “What I need is for you to stop torturing me this way.” His hand disappeared. Smack. “Wrong. You need a consequence for your actions.” The nerves on the surface of her bottom stung and burned. There was an inexplicable link between those nerves and her sizzling clit. She bit her lip, experiencing an almost overwhelming desire to touch herself . . . to staunch the ache growing between her thighs. “Brace yourself,” Lucien warned, his voice a low, sexual purr that washed over her exposed, flaming ass and tickled at her damp

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(19) Author: Beth Kery He designated an intersection in the Gold Coast neighborhood for them to meet. “I will set up medical exams for both of us tomorrow,” he said. “Medical exams?” “Yes,” he said calmly. “We should both know we are safe for sexual interaction. I know that I am, but I want to assure you of the same. Are you on birth control?” he asked levelly. She nodded. “Good. In the meantime . . .” “Yes, darling?” she prodded when he faded off. His gaze flashed to meet hers. Darling. The word sounded completely contrived, frequently practiced, and yet . . . undoubtedly alluring uttered from her flushed, ripe lips. Damn her. Always turning the tables. She waited, just a hint of amusement shining in her eyes. “You are my employee. We’ll keep our distance from each other, for the time being.” Her eyes widened in angry disbelief. “You were the one who begged for the job,” he reminded her mildly. “But that has nothing to do wit

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(21) Author: Beth Kery “Did the cab drop you off in the wrong place?” he asked as they made their way toward the bustling outdoor market. “What? Oh, no,” she said, realizing he’d probably seen her walking toward him from blocks away. “I took the bus.” He blinked. “The bus?” She dug into the pocket of her small backpack and pulled out a card. “My CTA pass. Do you have any idea how convenient these things are? Between buses and the L, I can go anywhere in Chicago,” she said, the amazement in her voice genuine. Learning to navigate around had been an oddly liberating experience for her, invigorating, to jump onto a vehicle and blend anonymously with the vibrant flow of humanity, to become a single cell in the lifeblood of the city. His eyes gleamed in amusement. “You hold it up like it’s a badge of honor.” “It is.” “Étoile would make quite the headline out of that,” he murmured, referring to the French tabloid she hated with a white-h

Fire Inside (Chaos #2)(13) Author: Kristen Ashley Hop and his brother watched until the dealer was out of sight. Then Hop asked, “You callin’ this into Tack or you want me to do it?” “I got it,” Dog grunted, pulling out his phone. “Brother,” Hop called and Dog looked from his phone to Hop. “We patrol every night. Used to be, few and far between, we find this shit. This is the second night this week.” “Escalating,” Dog agreed. Hop turned his head to look down the sidewalk where the dealer had taken off. Benito Valenzuela had been a minor player years ago but one Tack had heard about and intuitively kept his eye on. Tack’s intuition, as usual, was right. When things shifted in the underworld of Denver—big players like Darius Tucker opting out of the drug trade, Marcus Sloan downsizing operations, the Russian Mob losing its leader and reorganizing, amongst other things—Valenzuela saw his opportunity and didn’t waste time. He quickly amassed territory however he needed to do it,

Rage of Angels(35) Author: Sidney Sheldon They were having dessert and Adam still had not said one word that could be misconstrued. Jennifer had been building up her defenses for nothing, fending off an attack that had never materialized, and she felt like a fool. She wondered what Adam would have said if he had known what she had been thinking all evening. Jennifer smiled at her own vanity. “I never got a chance to thank you for the clients you sent me,” Jennifer said. “I did telephone you a few times, but—” “I know.” Adam hesitated, then added awkwardly, “I didn’t want to return your phone calls.” Jennifer looked at him in surprise. “I was afraid to,” he said simply. And there it was. He had taken her by surprise, caught her off guard, but his meaning was unmistakable. Jennifer knew what was coming next. And she did not want him to say it. She did not want him to be like all the others, the married men who pretended they were single. She despised them and she did not want to des

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(20) Author: Beth Kery Lust rode him ruthlessly in that moment. The memory of Elise did. With an inevitable sense of resignation, he set down the snifter and walked to his bedroom suite. His fingers moved fleetly over his shirt buttons. Instead of removing the garment all the way, he merely opened the sides wide, baring his chest and belly. In the bedside drawer, he found a bottle of lubricant. He unfastened and lowered his pants, scooping his erection out from the confines of his boxer briefs, shoving the elasticized band beneath his heavy balls. God he ached. Hastily, he poured some of the lubrication into his hand and rubbed the silky liquid onto his straining cock. He clamped his eyelids closed at the friction against overly sensitive flesh. He let go of restraint, and the floodgates of fantasy opened. Parting his legs and finding a stable stance, he gave in to primal lust, jacking his cock with a combination of precision and force

Her Hometown Hero (Unexpected Heroes #2)(16) Author: Melody Anne “I just accepted this job so I can be close to my dad. I will still fly to Seattle a few days of the month and do surgeries, so I’m working for both places. Like before, only switched.” “But . . . I . . . I interviewed with Dr. Thompson. He’s my boss. He said he’d been here forever—and that he was part of the place, someone who was never going to leave.” If she said it, then it had to be true. It had to be! “Dr. Thompson is retiring next week, actually. It’s been very hush-hush. He bought a condo in Mexico and is moving on.” “He’s too young!” “Just because you don’t want him to go isn’t going to change the situation, Sage. Deal with it,” he said, sitting back and crossing a foot over his knee. “It’s just that . . . well, someone should have told me if there were plans on changing the supervising doctors. It might have made a difference on where I decided to do my residency.” She was trying to calm down, but the lo

Beauty from Surrender (Beauty #2)(18) Author: Georgia Cates I turn the water on as hot as I can tolerate and step under the raining heat. It feels good and I warm up in a matter of minutes. I use his masculine products to wash my hair and body and I remember the way these scents mix with his skin to create the most intoxicating essence. Oh, I have missed his smell. I hurry through my shower because I'm eager to be with him. Next to him. Hopefully, under him. Once I'm out, I blow-dry my hair using the hotel-provided dryer. I flip my head up and my tresses are wild and untamed. I could really use a brush. I rummage through my purse and find an old one floating around in the bottom. I brush out the tangles and wish I had a flatiron to smooth it down. I use his toothpaste and my finger to brush my teeth before I slosh around a mouthful of minty goodness. I would've preferred to have found a toothbrush in my purse to the hairbrush. Two luxurious velour robes hang on the ba

Holiday Treasure (Billionaire Bachelors #10)(35) Author: Melody Anne What she did know, though, was that even if she did end up regretting anything she’d done, she’d also have the good memories to counteract the bad ones from that horrific Christmastime two years before. They’d made love once, and it had been magnificent. Yes, her time with Tanner was coming to a close. She felt that in the air, knew he would soon be gone — he’d said so openly from the first moment sparks had flown between them. Like any good magical being, he’d be off in a poof of smoke. Silence stretched on between them, but it wasn’t awkward, wasn’t unbearable. Tanner poured her a glass of wine, and she looked into his mesmerizing eyes before allowing a nervous giggle to escape. “Wow, if you knew the thoughts running through my mind, you might try to run as fast as you can,” she said when he raised an eyebrow at her little burst of laughter. She sipped her wine and prayed that her nerves would calm down. “I don

When I'm with You (Because You Are Mine #2)(15) Author: Beth Kery “Are you all right?” “Yes,” she grated out, hoping he heard the anger in her voice and not the other bewildering feelings brewing in her chest. He spanked her again. She bit her lip to stop herself from moaning. He knew what he was doing. His slaps were quick and brisk, meant to sting, not bruise or harm. He smacked her on the lower curve of her right buttock twice. A cry flew out of her throat. She shifted her hips instinctively, trying to avoid another swat on her prickling flesh. He bracketed her hips with his hands and kept her steady. “Hold still, or you’ll earn more,” she heard him say, his voice thicker than before. Was he getting turned on? Arousal pinched at her clit for some reason. She crunched her eyelids closed in rising bewilderment. He rubbed the patch of flesh on her bottom as if in apology for making her nerves sizzle. Her ass felt hot beneath his big hand. He smacked her again. She gasped. Dis

Second Chance Boyfriend (Drew + Fable #2)(3) Author: Monica Murphy I tense up but nod. I try my best to appear neutral, like our new topic of discussion doesn’t bother me. “What do you want to know?” My shrink watches me, her careful gaze steady. “It still bothers you to hear her name.” “It doesn’t,” I lie. I try my best to appear nonchalant, but my insides are churning. I both dread and savor hearing Fable’s name. I want to see her. I need to see her. I can’t make myself go to her. And she’s clearly given up on me. I deserve her giving up. I gave up on her first, didn’t I? More like you gave up on yourself. “You don’t have to lie to me, Drew. It’s okay if it’s still difficult.” Dr. Sheila Harris pauses, tapping her index finger against her chin. “Have you considered trying to see her?” I shake my head. I consider it every day, every minute of my life, but my considerations are useless. “She hates me.” “You don’t know that.” “I know I’d hate me for what I did if I were her. I

The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner #1)(7) Author: James Dashner He blinked hard several times, trying to get the image of what he’d just seen in the shack out of his mind. The Changing. Gally had called it the Changing. It wasn’t cold, but Thomas shuddered once again. CHAPTER 4 Thomas leaned against the tree as he waited for Chuck. He scanned the compound of the Glade, this new place of nightmares where he seemed destined to live. The shadows from the walls had lengthened considerably, already creeping up the sides of the ivy-covered stone faces on the other side. At least this helped Thomas know directions—the wooden building crouched in the northwest corner, wedged in a darkening patch of shadow, the grove of trees in the southwest. The farm area, where a few workers were still picking their way through the fields, spread across the entire northeast quarter of the Glade. The animals were in the southeast corner, mooing and crowing and baying. In the exact middle of the courtyar

A Thousand Boy Kisses(31) Author: Tillie Cole I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Poppy’s quiet silhouette drifted toward the window. “Poppymin?” Poppy halted, then finally looked back at me. I swallowed, chasing away the razor blades in my throat, as Poppy came to stand before me. She was wearing a thick parka coat over track pants and a sweater. A backpack lay at her feet. I frowned. It was still dark. “What are you doing?” Poppy made her way back to the window, looking back to playfully ask, “Are you coming?” She grinned at me and my heart cracked. It splintered at how beautiful she was. My lips curved upward at her infectious happiness, and I asked again, “Where the hell are you going?” Poppy pulled back the curtain and pointed at the sky. “To watch the sunrise.” She cocked her head to the side as she looked at me. “I know it’s been a while, but did you forget I did this?” A wave of warmth flowed through me. I hadn’t forgotten. Getting to my feet, I allowed myself a small hu

Third Time's a Charm (Holland Springs #3)(2) Author: Marquita Valentine “Do you want me to take you to your cousin’s house?” she asked. “He’s not home and I don’t have a key.” And as things stood, he wasn’t welcome there. Her arms tightened around him. “Can you still make it to my Jeep?” Nodding once, he began to hobble towards the small SUV. Of course, he could do this. He’d done it before. *** The ride into the backwoods town of Holland Springs wasn’t as bad as he thought. It was worse. Every pothole and bump served to remind him of how his new motto of “Just say no” got the living hell beat out of him. However, there were just some things a man didn’t do. Like be a sperm donor for some eighty-year-old nutter with a twenty-year-old trophy wife because he needed an heir for his empire. No matter how painful the consequences. Now that he’d been properly punished, he’d get some time off before his uncle tried to persuade Sasha to his way of thinking again. And next time, S

Third Time's a Charm (Holland Springs #3)(5) Author: Marquita Valentine “On the contrary, I think your place would be absolutely perfect,” a low male voice drawled. Sasha grinned at the back of Rose’s curly black head, watching as her spine stiffened and her shoulders squared. She turned and he braced for the impact. Rose’s ocean-blue eyes stared right through him, her pretty face making him suck in a breath. He was at a loss as to what to say next. So, as to not look like a complete and utter fool, he stayed silent. As did she. “Okay…I’ll just be over here rearranging something.” Skye strolled over to an antique hutch and began to move the merchandise around. Sasha blinked in surprise. He’d nearly forgotten the youngest Holland sister was in the room. Hell, he forgot everything when Rose was anywhere near him—especially when she was in his arms. She was…dangerous. “Why don’t you go stay with your cousin,” Rose suggested, her stubborn jaw clenching. “The newlyweds are curr

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(30) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt “Do you know what this is?” he asked Miss Gerard. Sylvia bent to examine the flower. “No, my lord.” Her smooth brows knit. “Shall I ask the gardener for you?” “No need.” He straightened and dusted off his hands. “I just wondered.” They’d reached the end of the path where a little stone bench squatted against the garden wall. Edward withdrew a large white handkerchief from his coat and laid it on the bench. He gestured with one hand. “Please.” The girl settled gracefully and folded her hands in her lap. He clasped his hands behind his back and absently watched the little yellow flower. “Does this alliance suit you, Miss Gerard?” “Perfectly, my lord.” Sylvia didn’t look at all perturbed by the bluntness of his question. “Then will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” “Yes, my lord.” “Good.” Edward bent to kiss the dutifully presented cheek. His wig itched more than ever. “THERE YOU ARE.” Coral’s voice broke the s

Third Time's a Charm (Holland Springs #3)(9) Author: Marquita Valentine “Sweet baby,” she crooned, sitting down in the chair that had rocked the first Poppy Holland born in the New World. Rose hummed, the familiarity of their routine giving her a sense of peace. Ivy grunted and sucked harder, making Rose laugh. “Greedy little thing.” Blackbeard meowed and Rose focused on him. The cat’s gaze seemed to be disapproving. “Don’t look at me like that. We need the money.” He let out a growl. “Leave if you don’t like it, but who else is going to put up with you?” The feline rose and stretched, sauntering from the room in a way that only a spoiled cat secure in his position could. As Ivy ate, Rose kept one eye on the clock. She still had supper to fix. Sasha’d given her a funny look when she’d said that. Maybe she should have said four course dinner. That was language he understood—the snob. She let out a little giggle. Wonder what he’d think of cheese grits and sliced ham with biscu

Third Time's a Charm (Holland Springs #3)(10) Author: Marquita Valentine “Look here, Blackbeard, I’d invoke parley, but I seriously doubt your superior would give me any quarter,” he said with a smile, “She’d cut me into tiny pieces with a butter knife, I suspect.” Gently, he stroked the cat’s back. Blackbeard sheathed his claws and purred. “That’s a good puss,” he said as the cat laid on its side. “Traitor,” she muttered. Whirling away, she strode to the stairs and made her way to Ivy’s room. Sasha was good with animals. Even ones that stuck their claws into him and ruined his pricey clothes. So what? Blackbeard was notoriously fickle with his affections, she mentally argued. Besides, he probably knew she was watching him. After checking on Ivy, she shuffled to her room. She changed clothes, trading her faded jeans and long-sleeved t-shirt for a cotton nightgown. A velvet robe that had belonged to the fifth Poppy Holland hung on the back of her door. She pulled it on and tied

Third Time's a Charm (Holland Springs #3)(6) Author: Marquita Valentine “I said we’d talk later.” Skye snorted. “You just want to have the last word.” Rose made a face. “I do not.” “Ladies, can we agree to disagree?” They both opened their mouths, but he raised a finger. “With a nod, if you please, my head is about to explode.” To his relief they did as he asked. He glanced to the right and groaned. Just what he needed—Jemma Leigh Jackson sashaying her way across the street. It had been relatively easy to chat her up, and she’d been a veritable treasure trove of information as she filled him in on all the gossip he’d missed since the last time he was in this backwards little town. “I’ve never seen a man look at Jemma Leigh like that before,” Skye said. He swung his gaze back, Rose’s lovely face filling his vision. “If one is going to pretend to wear designer, one must get a decent knock-off.” Rose gave him a skeptical look. “Jemma Leigh is a former Miss North Carolina and

An Echo in the Bone (Outlander #7)(9) Author: Diana Gabaldon I had been so shocked by what had happened that I hadn’t thought to wonder whether Arch Bug knew that his wife was dead. Jamie said that he had called out, called for Arch to come, as soon as he realized—but there had been no answer. Perhaps Arch had suspected a trick; perhaps he had simply fled, seeing Jamie and Ian and assuming that they would certainly not harm his wife. In which case … “Oh, bloody hell,” I said under my breath, appalled. But there was nothing I could do about that. I hoped there was something I could do about Ian. I rubbed a forearm over my face, blinked snow from my lashes, and went on, slowly, the light from the lantern swallowed in the vortex of whirling snow. Were I to find Arch … My fingers clenched on the lantern’s handle. I’d have to tell him, bring him back to the cabin, let him see … Oh, dear. If I came back with Arch, could Jamie and Ian occupy him long enough for me to remove Mrs. Bug from t

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(28) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt Edward winced as he finally mounted. That was exactly why he was making this trip: to drive thoughts of the widow from his mind. He’d chosen to work off some of the restlessness—both of body and of mind—by riding to London. His luggage and valet would follow behind in the carriage. But as if to mock that plan, the newly named Jock bounded up as soon as the bay clattered out of the stables. The dog raced out the door ahead of him; he had been missing the last half hour. Now his hindquarters were covered with malodorous mud. Edward reined his horse around and sighed. He planned to visit his fiancée and her family this trip and finalize the engagement negotiations. An overlarge, smelly mongrel would not help his cause with the Gerard family. “Stay, Jock.” The dog sat and regarded him with big, brown, only slightly bloodshot eyes. His tail swept the cobblestone behind him. “I’m sorry, old man.” Edward leaned down to ruffle the

Third Time's a Charm (Holland Springs #3)(3) Author: Marquita Valentine He turned off the shower and stepped out, wrapping a towel around his lean hips. “You can dry me off if you’d like,” he said, peering through his lashes at her and making her fingers itch to do just that. Did he ever quit being so…him? “I’d like for you to hurry up.” “Repetition is a sign of distraction, you know.” “Sit.” She pointed to the chair she’d brought in earlier. He gave her a lazy smile, doing as she asked. “I’m ready for your tender ministrations.” She grabbed the small jar, determined to approach him in a completely clinical manner. “Tristan—Dr. Reed gave me some clothes and a pair of shoes for you to change into. He said you could keep them.” “Boyfriend?” His mouth flattened. “Nice guy.” Rose stepped closer and applied the lightly scented ointment to his shoulders first, following the lines and contours of sinew. He was pure muscle, smooth skin over iron. She wanted to touch him everywhere

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(33) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt And Anna realized it was the sole time he had spoken to her that night. Chapter Ten In the middle of the night, when all was black, Aurea was awakened by passionate kisses. She was drowsy and could not see, but the touch was gentle. She turned and her arms wrapped around the form of a man. He stroked and petted her so exquisitely that she didn’t even notice when he drew the nightgown from her body. Then he made love to her in a silence broken only by her cries of ecstasy. All night he stayed, worshipping her body with his own, and as dawn neared, she fell asleep again, replete with passion. But in the morning when Aurea awoke, her lover of the night before was gone. She sat up in her great, lonely bed and searched for any sign of him. All she could see was a single feather from the raven, and she wondered if her lover had merely been a dream…. —from The Raven Prince Edward threw down his quill and pushed up his spectacles

Third Time's a Charm (Holland Springs #3) Author: Marquita Valentine Chapter One If it hadn’t been for the vultures circling above the Johnsons’ old tobacco field, Rose Holland would’ve never seen the dead body. “Oh my God!” Slamming on the brakes, she put the Jeep in park and grabbed her cell phone, jabbing at the buttons. Nothing happened and she looked down at the screen. “No signal,” she muttered and tossed it into the passenger seat. Of course not, she was thirty miles outside of Holland Springs, North Carolina. And that, according to her Garmin, was smack dab in the middle of nowhere. Rose had two choices: wait; or drive to town and get help. She should wait. It was the decent thing to do, and eventually someone would come along. State troopers loved to patrol this stretch of highway that the locals referred to as a speed trap. Tapping her fingers against the dash, she muttered, “Any minute now.” A vulture landed and poked at the arm. Bile rose in her throat, then p

Dangerous Deception (The Bad Boy Billionaires #4)(9) Author: Judy Angelo “So Danny, you’re a school teacher, huh?” Storm asked. She nodded but she didn’t turn her head. “Yes. I teach preschool.” “So you teach in the daytime and moonlight as a chauffeur at nights and on weekends.” He grunted. “When do you have time for fun? A young kid like you should be out partying with your friends.” Dani almost laughed out loud. What friends? She hardly even had time for herself let alone to socialize with friends. She didn’t say any of that, though. “I get by,” she said and left it at that. For some time there was silence and Dani had begun to wonder if Storm had succumbed to his sleepiness when she heard his voice again. “So, do you have a girlfriend?” “Um, no…not right now.” He'd caught her off guard. Where in the world was he going with this? “I don’t blame you, fellow. It’s good to take a break from women sometimes. They're something else, aren’t they?” He laughed softly, as if

Crushed (Pretty Little Liars #13)(25) Author: Sara Shepard Spencer paced back and forth around the little room. “Maybe it was just an act. Hanna, do you remember where Noel was when you talked to Aria?” Hanna shoved her hands in her pockets, the light from the digital clock on the wall glowing red on her face. “Well, he wasn’t in bed when I woke up. And I didn’t see him in the hall, which is where I was for most of the conversation. He came inside from the back when we got home, though. He said he was smoking a joint, but he didn’t smell like weed at all.” Aria’s eyes blazed. “Now you’re against me, too?” “Of course I’m not against you!” Hanna said. “But, Aria, it is weird.” Spencer shifted forward in the chair. “Remember how strange Noel was when ‘Courtney’ came to Rosewood?” she asked. “He was in a support group with her. He urged you guys to be friends. And you caught them making out at the Valentine’s Day dance. . . .” Aria slapped her arms to her sides. “Ali ambushed him! N

The Sheikh's Redemption (Desert Nights #1)(9) Author: Olivia Gates “He got the highest grades without trying, while I had to struggle to keep up. He was a favorite with our elders for being so methodical and achieving. He was a sweeping success with girls for being so good-looking, yet so cool and detached. The only thing I could trounce him in was sports, and he came close to equaling me even in those by mere cunning.” He gave a deprecating laugh. “And of course, all through, our mother was praising the hell out of his every breath. As a boy who then idolized his mother, I grew frantic for equal appreciation, and when I despaired of that, for any at all. She did show me some on occasion, but it always felt like the crumbs that were left over from Haidar’s feast. It took me years to outgrow the need for her validation, to be resigned to who she was, and the kind of relationship I had with her. But I could never become resigned to my and Haidar’s relationship. “It was a paradox.

Crushed (Pretty Little Liars #13)(31) Author: Sara Shepard The other girls murmured their agreement. “Um, I guess you have a point,” Aria mumbled, even though the idea of painting a Starry Night mural made her twitchy. It was like she’d have a big bull’s-eye on her forehead, saying, Hey, cops! Want to know why I know this painting so well? I’ve got the practice version in my closet! Off Spencer’s suggestion, she’d moved the painting to the very back of her closet, behind a box of old sweatshirts. Her mom had knocked on the door as Aria was finishing up. “Whatcha doing?” Ella had asked, bursting into her room just like she always did. “Don’t come in here!” Aria shrieked before she could restrain herself. “I’m cleaning!” Ella stopped in the doorway. “Aria Montgomery, cleaning? I thought I’d never see the day.” She tossed something into the room. “This came for you today.” It was a letter with Aria’s address on the front, nothing else. For a seizing second, Aria feared A had writt

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(9) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt There it was, nestled beside its taller mates, just as she’d left it. The slim red book seemed to beckon her. Anna drew it out and opened it to the title page. The print was ornate and barely readable: The Raven Prince. There was no author given. She raised her eyebrows and flipped several pages until she came to an illustration of a giant black raven, far larger than the ordinary bird. It stood on a stone wall beside a man with a long white beard and a weary expression on his face. Anna frowned. The raven’s head was tilted as if it knew something the old man didn’t, and its beak was open as though it might— “What do you have there?” The earl’s deep tones startled her so badly that Anna did drop the book this time. How had such a large man moved so silently? He crossed the carpet now, with no regard to the muddy tracks he left, and picked up the book at her feet. His expression went flat when he saw the cover. She couldn’t tel

King (King #1)(29) Author: T.M. Frazier I leaned against the window and hugged my arms to my chest. The lights from businesses and signs blurred together as we passed into streams of colored lights. “You’re right. You’re much worse than them,” I whispered, knowing full well that King couldn’t hear me over the music. “Because with them, it wouldn’t hurt this much.” Chapter Nineteen Doe King hadn’t come to bed in days. I still helped him at night in his studio but our conversation never escalated to anything more than him barking orders at me. On Saturday morning I’d found a box on the kitchen counter with a note addressed to me. The card read: FOR OUR DATE. BE ON THE PORCH AT EIGHT-PREPPY Our date? Why would we go out on a date? Inside the box was a short black strapless dress and a pair of matching heels. Preppy had made sure I had a bunch of jeans and tank tops to wear on a daily basis. He even stopped at a store and let me pick out some underwear and bath stuff one day, but

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(15) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt Anna settled back and watched the familiar scenery roll by. As the carriage came upon the outskirts of town, she saw a wad of clothes in the roadside ditch. Curious, she leaned out the window to get a better look. The bundle moved, and a head with fine, pale-brown hair rose and turned toward the sound of the carriage. “Stop! John Coachman, stop at once!” Anna pounded on the roof with her fist. The carriage slowed to a halt, and she flung open the door. “What is it, miss?” She saw the startled face of Tom, the footman, as she ran past the back of the carriage with her skirts held in one hand. Anna reached the place where she had seen the clothes and stared down. In the ditch lay a young woman. Chapter Five The moment the duke agreed to his bargain, the raven leapt into the air with a powerful rush of wings. At the same time, a magical army streamed from the castle’s keep. First came ten thousand men, each armed with a shi

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(5) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt Mr. Hopple heaved a sigh. “I’m afraid so.” He pulled out a handkerchief and mopped his brow. “I am on the hunt for a new secretary for his lordship. It is not an easy search. The last man I interviewed kept blotting his paper, and I was not at all sure of his ability to spell.” “That would be a problem in a secretary,” Anna murmured. “Indeed.” “If you find no one today, do remember that there will be plenty of gentlemen at church on Sunday morning,” Anna said. “Perhaps you will find someone there.” “I’m afraid that will do me no good. His lordship stated he must have a new secretary by tomorrow morning.” “So soon?” Anna stared. “That is very little time.” A thought dawned. The steward was trying without success to wipe the mud from the packet of needles. “Mr. Hopple,” she said slowly, “did the earl say he required a male secretary?” “Well, no,” Mr. Hopple replied absently, still involved with the packet. “The earl simply

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(2) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt Fanny stood blinking up at the two women. Her mouth was slightly ajar. Mother Wren sighed. “Go put a pot of water on to heat. Miss Anna will be washing her hair.” The girl scurried into the kitchen, then popped her head back out. “Yes, mum.” The top of the steep stairs opened onto a miniscule landing. To the left was the elder woman’s room; to the right, Anna’s. She entered her small room and went straight to the mirror hanging over the dresser. “I don’t know what the town is coming to,” her mother-in-law panted behind her. “Were you splashed by a carriage? Some of these mail-coach drivers are simply irresponsible. They think the entire road is theirs alone.” “I couldn’t agree with you more,” Anna replied as she peered at her reflection. A faded wreath of dried apple blossoms was draped over the edge of the mirror, a memento from her wedding. “But it was a single horseman in this case.” Her hair was a rat’s nest, and there

Big Rock(19) Author: Lauren Blakely He sets down his club, and crooks his finger. “It’s called the G-spot. You find it inside a woman. When you hit it at just the right angle, she comes harder than she ever has before. Need anything else?” I pretend to bang a drumstick as soundtrack to his punchline, then I tell him about my new temporary relationship status. After he laughs, guffaws, and chuckles over my predicament, he asks, “Is this your way of asking me to be your best man? Will the wedding be fake, too?” I laugh and shake my head. “There won’t be a wedding. Ever. But this is what I need. When we have our softball game next weekend, my dad will be there, and his buyer will be there. All I need is for you to act like you knew I was into her. If it comes up, don’t act surprised or suspicious.” My dad runs a mixed-age softball team sponsored by Katharine’s, and he recruited both Nick and me for his team this year. Nick’s softball swing is worlds better than his golf swing. He no

Crushed (Pretty Little Liars #13)(30) Author: Sara Shepard Iris rolled her eyes. “Stop being so dramatic.” “I’ve definitely done my part,” Emily insisted. “Now tell me something about Ali.” Iris rubbed her palms together. “What do you want to know?” Emily’s mind scattered in a thousand different directions. She hadn’t been prepared to get to choose her question. “Did Ali have a boyfriend?” Iris ran her fingers across one of her newly stolen shirts. “Everyone adored Ali. Guys and girls. Everyone wanted a piece of her.” “Was there someone special? Someone who would do anything for her?” A knowing smile spread across Iris’s face. “You were the one who was in love with her, weren’t you?” Emily flinched. “Who told you that?” Iris’s eyes locked on Emily’s. “Ali talked about you all the time when she was at The Preserve. She was like, My sister has this one friend named Emily who’s got it bad for her. That’s how I’m going to win her over. She’ll be a piece of cake.” Emily focused o

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(3) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt “Perhaps if I were to produce more lace. Or, or I could give up meat entirely,” her mother-in-law said a little wildly. “I don’t want you to have to do that. Besides, Father made sure I had a good education.” Mother Wren brightened. “Your father was the best vicar Little Battleford ever had, God rest his soul. He did let everyone know his views on the education of children.” “Mmm.” Anna took the cloth off her head and began combing out her wet hair. “He made sure I learned to read and write and do figures. I even have a little Latin and Greek. I thought I’d look tomorrow for a position as a governess or companion.” “Old Mrs. Lester is almost blind. Surely her son-in-law would hire you to read—” Mother Wren stopped. Anna became aware at the same time of an acrid scent in the air. “Fanny!” The little maid, who had been watching the exchange between her employers, yelped and ran to the pot of stew over the fire. Anna groaned.

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(12) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt Anger. She felt anger. Society might not expect celibacy from the earl, but they certainly expected it of her. He, as a man, could go to houses of ill repute and romp all night with alluring, sophisticated creatures. While she, as a woman, was supposed to be chaste and not even think of dark eyes and hairy chests. It was simply not fair. Not fair at all. She pondered the damning letter for a moment longer. Then she placed it carefully back in the desk drawer under the new paper. She made to close the drawer, but stopped, staring at the raven book. Anna’s mouth thinned, and she impulsively snatched up the book. She slipped it in the center drawer of her own desk and returned to work. The rest of the afternoon dragged on. The earl never did return from the fields as promised. Hours later, riding in the rattling carriage home, Anna tapped the back of one fingernail against the glass window and watched the fields turn into the mu

The Sheikh's Redemption (Desert Nights #1)(11) Author: Olivia Gates “As long as you’re sure—” “B’Ellahi ya rejjal. Name your price.” The man blinked at Haidar’s growl. Then licking his lips nervously, he did. Haidar whistled. No wonder many men had been broken by their desire to acquire this place. Just as the man started to look worried, Haidar gestured to the distance. “Throw in those dunes and the land up to the road and you have a deal. Send me the contract and payment details. I want this finalized by tomorrow morning.” Before the man could express his elation at this once-in-a-lifetime deal, Haidar waved goodbye and headed to his car. As he drove away, he took one more turn around the area to soak in the sight of the place that would be his in hours. It already felt as if it had always belonged to him. He could have gotten it at half the asking price. But this haven of solace and seclusion was worth the expense. It hadn’t felt right to haggle for something he apprec

Dangerous Deception (The Bad Boy Billionaires #4)(13) Author: Judy Angelo “Well, if you say so,” he said, dragging the words as if they were the hardest things for him to say. Dani gave him a firm nod. “I do say so. I’ll see you tomorrow at five. Don’t be late.” She waited for him to turn and watched as he crossed the lobby and went through the door, still mumbling in distress and confusion. She laughed to herself as, from the door, she watched him climb on his motor cycle and ride away then she headed back to the elevator, punched the button and headed up to her apartment. She was still laughing when she went inside. Storm Hunter had forced her to explore a wild side she never knew existed. Now she would force him to explore his softer, more sensitive side. It was going to be fun watching him squirm. CHAPTER FIVE “Lola, calm down. There’s no need to be so dramatic.” Storm had to grit his teeth to keep his voice calm and under control. The woman was impossible. “Dramatic?"

Dangerous Deception (The Bad Boy Billionaires #4)(3) Author: Judy Angelo “You may help yourself to some wine, ma’am,” Dani said, never taking her eyes off the road. “We’ve got white wine and red.” “I don’t want any wine,” Lola sulked. “I want champagne.” “You’ve had enough to drink, Lola.” Storm’s voice was imperious. “You don’t need anything but a bed right now.” “Ooh,” she purred, “that sounds good.” Dani couldn’t decipher Storm’s response. It sounded like a cross between a grunt and a snort. She was dying to see the expression on his face. Curiosity got the better of her and she glanced into the rear view mirror. He chose that very moment to look up and their eyes met, his dark brown and mysterious and hers, wide and startled. She dropped her eyes and embarrassment washed over her. Please don’t let him keep staring at me. She knew she was probably red as a lobster. Danielle Swift, keep your eyes on the road and mind your own business. Great advice, except it wasn’t so easy to

Crushed (Pretty Little Liars #13)(33) Author: Sara Shepard Then again, Spencer wasn’t sure what else they should do. Placing the artwork on a museum doorstep would only invite controversy—and besides, Aria’s fingerprints were probably all over the canvas. What they needed to do was nail Ali and her helper and force them to confess everything. Ironically, A was their only get-out-of-jail-free card. An IM popped up on her computer screen. I’m here, said someone with the handle FlyOnTheWall. It was Chase, the investigative blogger Spencer had contacted the other day. They’d planned to chat this afternoon, but Spencer hadn’t been sure whether he would actually sign on. She checked over her shoulder. Everyone else was intently staring at their own screens, oblivious to her. The IM blinked at her, waiting. I’m here, too, she typed back. I like your site. You’ve done a lot of research. Thanks, Chase answered, adding a smiley emoticon. So what’s your name? Spencer hesitated. I don’t want

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(6) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt Anna started on the long approach to Ravenhill Abbey, her confidence fading the closer she got. That front entrance was simply too imposing. She hesitated a moment when she neared the Abbey, then veered around the corner. Just past the corner, she saw the servants’ entrance. This door, too, was tall and double, but at least she didn’t have to mount granite steps to reach it. Taking a deep breath, she tugged on the big brass knob and walked directly into the huge kitchen. A large woman with white-blond hair stood at a massive central table. She kneaded dough, her arms elbow-deep in an earthenware bowl the size of a kettle. Strands of hair came down from the bun at the top of her head and stuck to the sweat on her red cheeks. The only other people in the room were a scullery maid and a bootblack boy. All three turned to stare at her. The fair-haired woman—surely the cook?—held up floury arms. “Aye?” Anna raised her chin. “Good

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(8) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt —from The Raven Prince Edward halted in the act of entering his library. He blinked. A woman sat at his secretary’s desk. He repressed the instinctive urge to back out a step and double-check the door. Instead he narrowed his eyes, inspecting the intruder. She was a small morsel dressed in brown, her hair hidden by a god-awful frilled cap. She held her back so straight, it didn’t touch the chair. She looked like every other lady of good quality but depressed means, except that she was petting—petting for God’s sake—his great brute of a dog. The animal’s head lolled, tongue hanging out the side of his jaw like a besotted idiot, eyes half shut in ecstasy. Edward scowled at him. “Who’re you?” he asked her, more gruffly than he’d meant to. The woman’s mouth thinned primly, drawing his eyes to it. She had the most erotic mouth he’d ever seen on a woman. It was wide, the upper lip fuller than the lower, and one corner tilted. “I a

The Raven Prince (Princes #1)(10) Author: Elizabeth Hoyt The carriage rumbled around the corner and pulled up before the front steps. The earl climbed out and held the door for Anna. Eagerly, the mastiff started down the front steps ahead of her. Lord Swartingham frowned at the animal. “Not you.” The dog lowered its head and went to stand at his side. Anna placed her gloved hand in the earl’s as he helped her into the carriage. For a moment, strong, masculine fingers tightened around hers; then she was released to sit on the red leather seat. The earl leaned into the carriage. “You needn’t bring a lunch tomorrow. You will be dining with me.” He signaled the driver before she could thank him and the carriage lurched forward. Anna craned her neck to look back. The earl still stood before the steps with the huge dog. For some reason, the sight filled her with a melancholy loneliness. Anna shook her head and faced forward again, chastising herself. The earl had no need of her pity.

Dangerous Deception (The Bad Boy Billionaires #4)(10) Author: Judy Angelo “No, but you let me go on believing a false assumption.” “Listen, I’ve already apologized to you and I’m not going to do it again. If you can’t understand the reason for my disguise then I can't help you.” She set her mouth in a rebellious pout and refused to back down. Billionaire or not, she was not about to let any man intimidate her. That seemed to take him by surprise. He was probably not used to a woman standing up to him. He stared at her for several seconds then slowly, almost imperceptibly, he nodded. “Alright, I take your point. But from here on don’t even think of deceiving me again.” And with that he turned on his heel and stalked off, leaving Dani staring after him. CHAPTER FOUR An hour had passed since the grand revelation and Storm still could not believe it. He'd been duped. Danny, or Dani as he would now have to think of her, had made a sucker out of him. Jeez, was he so easily foo

King (King #1)(32) Author: T.M. Frazier “What the fuck, Bear! What is all this?” King growled. His fist was clenched at his side, and the hand that held mine grew tighter and tighter. I could feel his pulse racing in his wrist. Bear smiled and held out his arms. “Dude, it’s a party. It’s Saturday. We used to throw ten of these in a seven day week. Didn’t think you’d mind.” “Don’t go anywhere. I’m coming back down. You and I need to talk.” King pointed at Bear then dragged me upstairs to his room. “I need you to stay in here while I talk to Bear. I’ll be right back.” For once, he wasn’t barking orders at me. It sounded more like a plea. “Close the door. Keep it locked.” “Okay,” I said, stepping into the room and shutting the door. It was the first time he’d told me to do something that I didn’t feel the overwhelming need to argue with him. Three hours later, there was still no sign of King, and the music seemed to be getting louder and louder. I’d read for a bit, clicked through

King (King #1)(28) Author: T.M. Frazier King mumbled something that I couldn’t quite make out as I neared the edge. I was about to jump off into the most amazing life-changing orgasm when suddenly he was gone, and the cool night air brushed against all the parts of me that he’d made sopping wet. Suddenly all too aware that I was lying there with my legs spread, my nakedness fully exposed to him. My cheeks flushed. “What’s wrong?” I asked, breathless like I’d just run a marathon. King leaned back in his seat. Other than his raging hard-on straining against the front of his jeans, he looked completely unaffected by what we’d almost done. “I’m not going to take you unless you tell me you want me. If you can’t say the words while I’ve got my tongue in your pussy, then it’s not something you really want. I told you before, when I fuck you, it’s going to be because you want it so bad you’ll be begging for it.” “When you touched me,” I said slowly, “did it not seem like I wanted it? Di

The Sheikh's Redemption (Desert Nights #1)(14) Author: Olivia Gates He cast each a look, was hurled back a hail of antipathy. All he needed now was for Jalal to walk in, and the triad of wrath and rejection would be complete. He exhaled, tried to focus on the proceedings. Though what he hoped to achieve here, he no longer knew. The people who had mattered most to him hated his guts. He didn’t think his transgressions against each warranted that level of acrimony. Seemed just being himself was enough to earn it. And he thought a whole nation would want him? Another major point was they—even Rashid with his scars and transformation—were prospering with him gone from their lives. Maybe that should tell him something. That there was no escaping his mother’s legacy. That all he could ever be was a malignant influence. That redemption was out of the question and the best thing he could do for Azmahar was stay the hell away. He turned one last time to the two who thought that was

The Sheikh's Redemption (Desert Nights #1)(3) Author: Olivia Gates The ex–Demon Queen. Too bad he could never be ex–demon spawn. His mother had besieged him from birth with her fear that her abhorred enemy, the Aal Shalaans, starting with her husband and his older sons, would taint him, the “true part” of her. She’d made sure they had no part of him. Starting with his name. From the moment she’d laid eyes on her newborn sons, she’d seen that he was the one who was a replica of her, hadn’t bothered thinking of a name for his twin. Their father had named Jalal, proclaiming him the “grandeur” of the Aal Shalaans. Jalal was doing a bang-up job proving their father’s ambitious claims right. She’d named him. Haidar, the lion, one type of king. She’d been plotting to make him one that far back. When she’d known it was impossible. Through non-insurrectionist means, that was. As a princess of Azmahar, she’d entered into the marriage of state with the king of Zohayd knowing her half-A

The Sheikh's Redemption (Desert Nights #1)(7) Author: Olivia Gates Haidar shook his regal head, making his mane undulate in a swish of silk—on purpose, she was sure. “Oh, I’m just his doppelgänger. I was paid five grand online by some lady who wants to act out her fantasy of dominating him. I usually come for less, but I charged extra since she wants to get real kinky. I was given this address, the floor, but not the number of the condo. So which of you has a thing for this Haidar guy?” Her neighbors gaped at him, at each other, then finally, at her. She was the one in the bathrobe, after all. Her brain was too zapped to function. But she had to. If she didn’t do something, this…this…madman would demolish her image. And his own. She staggered out of her apartment, her perspiring bare feet making her advance on the polished marble precarious. He watched her with feigned uncertainty. “Oh, it’s you?” His gaze swept her with what looked like earnest assessment. “I somehow thought