The Sinner, Mr. Devil, Belzebuth, Stefano De Lorenzo, The Don. I am called so many names for sinister reasons. You see, as the Don, the Italian underworld is where I reign supreme. Corruption and depravity fuel my existence, and my heart is as cold as stone. But when I am faced with my duty of bearing an heir, I know exactly who will be my bride. The one whom I'll break and mold until she becomes my queen. ---- His proposal is ruthless. Marry him or face the dire consequences. It's true what they say about Yoruba Demons but what if this Yoruba man is biracial? Stephano De Lorenzo, an Italian-Nigerian and the stuff of nightmares -and dirty dreams. In high school, he was my bane of existence then my best friend then my almost lover. Then, poof. He disappeared. If only he'd stayed away. But instead, he comes with a sinister proposal and an ultimatum. That means ripping me from my gilded cage. It means locking me beneath his searing flesh. It means war. I'm not supposed to like it. To beg for more. To fall for him. There's just one problem. His blue eyes. His obsession. It's intoxicating. Together, we could conquer this dark world. But only if he doesn't break me first.
Tiaraoluwa's POV
I'm getting married in a few months after college. And I just found out five minutes ago. My mouth is agape as I stare at my parents.
Forty-eight hours ago, I had just closed an extremely important chapter in my life. I had just written my last college paper, completing four years of training and transformation into the adult I am supposed to be. And now they're laying this mind-blowing news on me?
"Wait, hold up. Just pause for a second," I say, inhaling deeply before exhaling again. "Daddy, I'm not quite sure I understand what you're trying to say. Who is getting married?"
The lines on my father's face are much more pronounced as he stares at me. Or, more accurately, he stares at the wall above my head. He hasn't looked me in the eye once since he and Mom called me into his office and sat me down for a conversation.
This isn't a serious conversation, this is fucking crazy. This is life-changing. "Sweetheart," my dad starts, "you have no idea how sorry I am. This match has been years in the making, from the moment you were in high school."
My jaw tightens. "Then why haven't you told me? Why didn't you prepare me for it from the moment it was formed? Or better yet, why didn't you stow me far the hell away from a man whose name I don't even know and I'm supposed to fucking marry?" My voice goes up in an octave tone and I don't even need to look at my mom's face to see the disapproving frown, either because of my swearing or my yelling.
You see, we are Nigerians who currently live in New York City but even as a New Yorker, I was raised as a proper Nigerian Yoruba girl, which means to be respectful towards elders, polite, prim, and proper. Her lessons never really stuck, but when I'm around them, I try to pretend they did. Not today, though.
Today, it would seem my parents have fucked up astronomically. Which means I don't owe them a proper attitude or nice words.
"I didn't think the agreement still stood, Ade mi (my crown)" My dad said, completing his statement in Yoruba dialect.
I scoff. "This is ridiculous," I tell them, getting to my feet.
"Sit your bum down, Tiaraoluwa Regina Oba," orders, my mom said looking at me under her dark eyelashes. Like I said, strict Nigerian Yoruba woman to the core.
My mum is not the one to be messed with even though my father knows that. Her lips are slightly pursed and there's a don't fuck with me because I-am-hurting-more-than-you expression on her face. Like I'm not the one who should be upset here.
My father, Mr Ronald Oba might be the head of the family, but he has always treated me like his little girl and spoiled me, even. My mom, however, is the parent you don't cross.
I hesitate for just one second before falling back into my chair across from them. Even now, my dad is seated while my mom stands behind him. But despite her position on her feet, my dad doesn't have all the power. I would say it's evenly shared, they're equal partners. I've always admired that, always admired their relationship. That isn't to say there aren't any flaws. The most glaring one is promising their fifteen-year-old daughter to marry some man she doesn't know.
"You haven't even heard who the man you will marry is," my mom says. Her voice is soft, and light. Her hand brushes over her pearl necklace. I know she is trying to diffuse the tension in the air. My mother, Mrs Ife, Aya Oba (the king's wife) as my father likes to call her. She's like every other wife of the ton.
The ton is the elite members of the city of New York. They are mostly wives from the Upper East Side who carry around expensive bags, wearing tweed suits and blouses, and long sophisticated dresses. Their every move is scrutinized by the others, so they all go a long way to ensure their reputation isn't damaged. In a way, the wives protect the families even more than the husbands. And my mom is no different. In fact, she's one of the strongest. But right now her actions are putting one thing into perspective.
She's just as nervous and a tad scared as my dad. Which means I should definitely be freaking out more about this situation. "I'm sure you will tell me, Mom," I say. "I'm simply buzzing with anticipation."
"Tiaraoluwa, I want you to know that I regret my actions," my dad begins. "You were only fifteen and about to finish high school when the family business was in a terrible state and dire need of help. It was about to go bankrupt..."
I tune him out as my stomach churns. He's not answering the question. Why won't they just tell me who it is? With every second they withhold the information, I grow more nervous. Is he ugly? I shake my head at the thought. I have much bigger things to be worried about.
Forget ugliness or looks, the man could be in his sixties or worse. I don't even want to think about it. I'm only twenty years old, for fuck's sake, I shouldn't have to deal with something like this.
Just days ago, I was just struggling to read for an exam. And a few hours ago I was out to celebrate with my friends. I thought as my mind replayed what happened five hours earlier.
"GIRLS, YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT BUT ONE TIME, THERE WAS THIS PATIENT THAT HAD A DILDI LODGED IN HIS ASS AT MY DAD's HOSPITAL," Anya, my college dormmate, yells at us, her heavily accented voice, tinged with excitement. She's twisting her upper body to the catchy tune playing in the club, her butt still stuck to a chair.
"What?! No way!" My second dorm mate and least favorite person in the entire world right now, Abishola, exclaims, her kohl-rimmed eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes, way!" Tucking her silky, long, hair behind her ear, Anya sips on a glass of wine.
"When the nurse asked him how that happened, he claimed he slipped and fell on it. Yeah, like anyone is going to believe that." She snickers, rolling her eyes and we all hoot loudly in laughter.
How did I end up here? Well, the second I dropped my pen for our final year art exams at The Juilliard School, Abishola and Anya had suggested we celebrate being graduates and success on our final exam. And I couldn't say no, even though I was deadbeat tired, not after I had promised to treat them after I bailed on them last time to do a professional shoot for a company I am affiliated with so here l was, fulfilling my promise.
Anya gulps down the rest of her Sex On The Beach before standing from the table we three sit on. "Damn, I have to refill my glass."
A frown etches itself between my brows and I ask, slightly concerned, "Girl, relax. You just finished your third glass. Aren't you tipsy already?"
"No, I'm not, Mother. I'm gonna go get a drink and of course, search for some handsome guy to bang me hard. I deserve it after all that school stress."
A flirtatious wink is sent my way, coupled with a thrusting motion that she mimics with her fingers. There's no doubt that my friend is already drunk, with that stagger and a glazed shimmer in her eyes, try as she might want to deny it.
"Now lose that face and drink up. Come on, we need to get wasted and laid."
Anya being a lightweight, always insists on downing about 10 shots of hard liquor whenever she's out partying. And while she has never revealed it to us, I believe it's her subtle way of rebellion. Like she's telling her strict Indian parents fuck you for shipping me abroad to study medicine and take over your fucking family business. Her words, not mine.
"But nothing. See," Three henna-decorated fingers are held up to my view, each studded with flashy, silver rings. "I can count up to three so that means I'm not drunk."
Not fully drunk yet. Reluctant, I nod just as Abishola butts in, "Ti, let the thirsty breathe. My girl truly deserves those drinks and Angelfish, if you find any yummy guys, steer them my way for a taste of black pussy!" "Oh shut up! Not Angelfish!"
At that nickname, Anya flips Tiwa the middle finger before heading to the bar. Shaking my head at their antics, I watch her go, noticing how men stop and stare at her curvy body-encased in an extremely short gown.
"But..." It's me again, the voice of reason, anxious that someone will take advantage of her. Abishola reaches forward to interlace her fingers in mine.
"No buts, try and relax. You have been working so much." Warmth rushes through me at her kind words and I squeeze back. "Thanks, babe."
"You're not welcome!" she pipes up suddenly, our sarcastic code for you're totally welcome, honey, and retrieves her fingers to bump my shoulder hard. She's right, the get-wasted part, not the get-laid so I decided to channel all my worries into a black hole and enjoy the night.
Lost in thoughts again, I drink, until Abishola nudges me softly in the arm. "Hottie o'clock. A guy at the left is intensely staring at you."
"Huh?" Her voice is frantic at my slow reaction.
"To your left, Ti! Now!" Curious, I quickly crane my head opposite but no one is staring, everyone's caught up in the club's world of humping, gyrating, and twerking.
Scowling, I take another sip of my drink and say dryly, "I think your delusions are becoming wilder every minute, Abby."
"What?!" My friend's vivid red braids swirl as she swerves her eyes around, a nonplussed look on her dyed blonde brows.
"How did he disappear? Ti, I swear I saw this gorgeous gorgeous man staring at you. You know, the Mazimo kind with black suits and all?" Strange.
Just as I was ordering my second shot of vodka, my parents' special ringtone pierced the air. I checked my phone to see my dad's urgent message: "You need to come home immediately." It felt like an emergency, so I bid my friends a hasty goodbye and left the club.
I blame my reckless drinking for my wild night with a masked stranger, who turned out to be my ruthless CEO. Who cares that I'm promised to another man? But our impromptu wedding leads to so much more than I bargained for. His dirty promises warm me. The hate turns to friendship, and makes me dream of more. He's like the most dangerous kind of wine. That's why I blame him for making me fall in love with him. But when I find out our marriage was nothing more than revenge against my family, I figured out I can exact mind too. Just when I was about to finalize my revenge, a stunning revelation was discovered. Will love overcome revenge or is happy ever after just a figment of my imagination.
"What do you mean? Don't get this wrong but we are not even friends" "Friends with benefits, stepsiblings with benefits, what the difference flower" He somehow made sense, what is the worst that can happen?" ***** Good girls don't fall for bad boys, especially not their stepbrothers. And I, Dahlia Peterson know this. There's only one problem... I might have accidentally, um... it was just one night, alright? One really good night. Panties? Yup, they're melted. It was a mistake, it doesn't mean anything. Sorry, there's two problems. Did I mention our parents are away and we're stuck home alone together for a while? I'm the responsible one. The good girl with perfect grades. And I'm trapped with a bad boy who showed me what it's like to give in to my wild side.
Oh Yes! I moaned, one if my hands on the wall while the other found its way to cover my mouth. I couldn't believe I was the one sounding like that. "This is so... so f*ck*ng good... oh sh*t; I never want this to end." "It never will, my goddess."I felt his hot breath on my ear from behind and wanted more. "More, I want more," I said in whimpers. "Please, give me more.." I knew I was acting like Oliver twist but I never wanted this to end either. The thrusting became more intense. Then, he suddenly stopped. "Oh no," he said, worry evident on his face. "I think we need to change the condom." "It's okay," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "There's no need to worry. I can't get pregnant, so there's nothing to worry about. Just keep doing what you were doing. Please, don't stop now." *** Daphne Trego felt her life crumbling when she received a notification that Renold, her fiance, was going to be the father of another woman's child. After an intense confrontation, Daphne was left to confront the painful reality of their shattered relationship. Soon, Daphne encountered Self-made Billionaire CEO David Allen in disguise, leading to an unexpected passionate night. Even though they didn't use a condom during their one-night stand, Daphne wasn't worried - after all, one of the reasons she broke up with her ex-fiance was that she couldn't provide him a heir. However things turned out differently as Daphne found out she was pregnant... What would Daphne do when she finds out that the man she slept with is about to be married?
When Rebecca's father's will reveals a surprising condition: marry within twelve months or lose the family business and inheritance, Tariq Sly's crazy proposal seems like the perfect solution. Marry his friend, Jeremy Will, Rochester Industries' charming co-CEO by day and infamous king of owning women's panties by night. Yes, everyone stands to gain from this temporary arrangement. But can they pretend to be in love long enough to tie the knot? Playing fiancé to the competitor's daughter isn't easy. Would Rebecca settle for Jeremy or would she pick Tariq instead? And can Rebecca trust her fake husband to be only a husband on paper?
He's an emperor. She's but a servant. He's a werewolf, She's but an...elf? Stephen Calipher, the King of Lycans, has ruled over the supernatural kingdom, Lyall, for decades, without a mate to call his own. Aurora Evel has a slightly unique feature, unfortunately, those features brought trouble to her doorstep. However, where there's a damsel in distress, there's a chance for a hero. But when she finds herself in the arms of the Alpha King Stephen, will her unique features be a blessing or a curse?
The many nights here with the Rossi men have left me on a whole roller coaster of emotions possible, but as I stand here with Dimitri's hand on my waist, the familiar guilt overcomes me. Guilt for having a crush on my boyfriend's brother - and my professor. For two years, Arabella Lucia has been in a relationship with Blake Rossi until one afternoon, he isn't hers anymore. Shattered by his betrayal, Arabella's sole comfort becomes her sinfully hot tattooed professor who explains Shakespeare in class enigmatically and whispers filthy things in her ears when they are alone. He becomes her passion. Her addiction. She becomes his obsession. But fate has other plans and getting it on with your ex-boyfriend's brother never ends well.
Dear readers, this book has resumed daily updates. It took Sabrina three whole years to realize that her husband, Tyrone didn't have a heart. He was the coldest and most indifferent man she had ever met. He never smiled at her, let alone treated her like his wife. To make matters worse, the return of the woman he had eyes for brought Sabrina nothing but divorce papers. Sabrina's heart broke. Hoping that there was still a chance for them to work on their marriage, she asked, "Quick question,Tyrone. Would you still divorce me if I told you that I was pregnant?" "Absolutely!" he responded. Realizing that she didn't mean shit to him, Sabrina decided to let go. She signed the divorce agreement while lying on her sickbed with a broken heart. Surprisingly, that wasn't the end for the couple. It was as if scales fell off Tyrone's eyes after she signed the divorce agreement. The once so heartless man groveled at her bedside and pleaded, "Sabrina, I made a big mistake. Please don't divorce me. I promise to change." Sabrina smiled weakly, not knowing what to do...
"I stood at the edge of my heart and watched him choose her. In the end, I was not the one he needed. I was simply the one he settled for." - Noelle ~~~~~~~ I thought I was the one he loved. But a few days before our wedding, I saw him in a way I never had before. His eyes softened as he spoke to her. His first love, and the very woman who had left him in pieces. Heartbreak was something I knew too well. And as I watched the love he still held for her in his eyes, I realized what I had to do. I couldn't marry a man who wasn't truly mine. With no means to cancel the wedding and lacking the courage to confront him, I made a desperate choice to leave. I painfully gave his first love my treasured engagement ring thinking it was for the best and the only way to free myself. But when he saw that ring on her finger, the fragile world I had tried to escape began to shatter. His obsession to find me and bring me back ignited a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."