Nelly Stone has known nothing but pain and servitude. Orphaned at a young age, she became a slave to cruel masters who saw her as nothing more than a commodity. When the day comes that they decide to sell her purity to the highest bidder, her life takes an unexpected turn. Dante Stormborn-the ruthless and enigmatic Russian mafia king-steps forward. Known as the most feared man on earth, Dante has everything: wealth, power, and an empire that answers to no one. Yet, the moment he lays eyes on Nelly, he knows she belongs to him. Declaring her his obsession, he whisks her away, determined to protect her at all costs. Terrified and vulnerable, Nelly struggles to adapt to her new life under Dante's control. But as the walls of fear begin to crumble, she discovers a strength within herself she never knew existed. Slowly, she transforms from a scared, pitiful girl into a fierce woman capable of standing beside the man who owns her heart. As their love deepens, a shocking revelation changes everything. Nelly is not an orphan after all-she is the long-lost daughter of the American Mafia bosses. When her true identity is revealed at a high-profile mafia party, her world is turned upside down. Now a target for those who seek to destroy Dante, Nelly faces relentless threats and attempts on her life. But every move the enemy makes is crushed under Dante's iron will. With Nelly by his side, Dante cements his reign as the most powerful mafia leader in the world, while her reunited family stands as his strongest allies. In a world of darkness, betrayal, and bloodshed, their love burns brighter than ever. Together, they will face every enemy, build an unbreakable legacy, and prove that nothing can come between the king and his obsession.
The auction house smelled of desperation and fear. The stale scent of unwashed bodies mixed with the sour tang of sweat hung heavy in the air, clinging to my skin like a second layer of filth. My knees trembled as I stood behind the heavy curtain, the bruises on my arms a reminder of my captors' warning.
"Behave, or you'll regret it," they'd sneered, their mocking laughter following me into the darkness.
My name is Nelly Stone. For as long as I can remember, I've been nothing more than property-a pawn in a cruel game played by those who hold the power. My memories of freedom are fleeting, fragmented pieces of a life stolen from me. All I know is that tonight, my fate would be sealed.
"You're up next, girl," the handler barked, shoving me forward.
The coarse burlap dress scratched against my skin as I stumbled, catching myself against the edge of the curtain. Beyond the velvet drape, I could hear the low hum of voices-men with money and influence, gathered here to bid on lives like mine. The thought made bile rise in my throat, but I swallowed it down. Showing weakness would only make things worse.
The auctioneer's voice boomed, drowning out the murmurs. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have something truly special for you tonight. A rare beauty, untouched and unspoiled. Perfect for any of your... desires."
My stomach churned as I realized he was talking about me.
The curtain was yanked open, and I was thrust onto the stage. Bright lights blinded me, and the roar of the crowd felt like a physical blow. My hands clenched at my sides as I fought the urge to shrink away. I wouldn't give them the satisfaction.
"And here she is!" the auctioneer announced, his voice oily and insincere. "A virgin, as pure as they come. Who will start the bidding at one million?"
Gasps rippled through the room, followed by a flurry of raised paddles. The numbers climbed higher and higher, the frenzy feeding on itself. I wanted to scream, to run, to fight-but there was nowhere to go.
Then, amidst the chaos, a voice cut through the noise like a blade.
"Five million."
The room fell silent.
I turned my head, searching for the source of the voice, and my breath caught in my throat. He stood at the back of the room, his towering frame shrouded in shadows. Despite the dim light, I could make out his sharp features-the chiseled jaw, and the piercing blue eyes that seemed to see straight through me. He exuded power and danger, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
The auctioneer cleared his throat, his smile faltering. "Five million, going once... going twice..."
"Ten million," another bidder called out, his voice wavering.
A murmur of disbelief swept through the crowd. I could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating.
The man at the back didn't even blink. "Fifteen million."
The room erupted into chaos.
"No one's worth that much!" someone shouted.
"Is he insane?"
But the man's gaze never wavered. His eyes were locked on mine, a silent promise burning in their depths.
The auctioneer's voice shook as he brought down the gavel. "Sold! To Mr. Dante Stormborn for fifteen million!"
Dante Stormborn. The name sent a shiver down my spine. I'd heard the rumors-whispers of a ruthless king who ruled the Russian mafia with an iron fist. They said he was untouchable, invincible. And now, he owned me.
The handler grabbed my arm, dragging me off the stage and toward the waiting area. My legs felt like jelly, my mind spinning with questions. Why would someone like him pay so much for me? What did he want?
The answer came soon enough.
The heavy door to the backstage area swung open, and there he was, filling the doorway with his presence. The room seemed to shrink around him, the air crackling with tension.
"Leave us," he commanded, his voice low and gravelly.
The handler didn't hesitate, scurrying out of the room like a frightened rat.
Dante's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a strange mix of fear and fascination. He took a step closer, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey.
"You're mine now," he said, his voice soft but laced with steel. "And no one will ever touch you again."
I didn't know whether to feel relieved or terrified.
I took a step back, my instincts screaming at me to create distance between us. But there was nowhere to run. The room was small, and suffocating, with Dante Stormborn looming in its center. His piercing blue eyes pinned me in place, and I felt as though he could see every hidden part of me-my fear, my desperation, and my shame.
"You're scared," he said, his deep voice reverberating through the silence.
I swallowed hard, unable to form a response.
"You should be," he continued, stepping closer. "Men like me don't make purchases like this without expectations."
My breath hitched. His words were a warning, but they were also laced with something else-possession. The way he looked at me wasn't like the others at the auction. They had stared at me as though I were an object, a prize to be claimed. Dante's gaze burned with something more dangerous.
"You don't have to be afraid of anyone else anymore," he said, his voice softening ever so slightly. "No one will touch you without my permission."
That should have been comforting, but it wasn't. His words were a promise, but they came with strings attached.
"Why... why me?" I managed to whisper, my voice trembling.
His lips curved into a faint smirk. "Because I wanted you."
That was all he offered. No grand explanation, no deeper reason. He wanted me, and that was enough.
Before I could process his answer, he extended a hand toward me. I flinched, the movement involuntary, and his eyes darkened.
"Don't," he said sharply. "Don't fear me like that. I'm not here to hurt you."
I stared at his outstretched hand, unsure of what to do. The calluses on his palm hinted at a life of violence, yet his fingers were steady, as though offering an unspoken promise of safety. Tentatively, I reached out, my hand trembling as it brushed against his.
His grip was firm but not crushing, his warmth seeping into my cold skin.
"I'm taking you home," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Home. The word felt foreign, almost meaningless. I didn't have a home, not anymore.
---
The ride to Dante's estate was a blur. The sleek black car that awaited us outside the auction house was guarded by men in suits, their expressions stoic and unyielding. Dante ushered me inside, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back, a touch that was both possessive and oddly reassuring.
As the city lights blurred past the window, I couldn't stop stealing glances at him. He sat across from me, his posture relaxed yet commanding, as though the very air around him bent to his will.
"Stop looking at me like that," he said, his voice breaking the silence.
I froze, heat flooding my cheeks.
"You're wondering what kind of man I am," he continued, his gaze locking onto mine. "You're trying to decide if I'm a monster."
I didn't deny it.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Let me make it simple for you. I am a monster. But I'm your monster now. And I protect what's mine."
The weight of his words settled over me, leaving me both terrified and strangely comforted.
---
The estate was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Hidden behind tall iron gates and guarded by armed men, it was a fortress disguised as a mansion. Marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of chandeliers, and the air was filled with the faint scent of cigar smoke and leather.
"This is your new home," Dante said as he led me through the grand entryway.
I said nothing, my eyes darting to the men who stood at attention as we passed. They watched me, their gazes curious but respectful, a stark contrast to the leering stares I was used to.
Dante guided me up a sweeping staircase and down a long corridor lined with doors. He stopped in front of one and pushed it open, revealing a spacious bedroom.
"This is yours," he said simply.
The room was luxurious, with a massive bed draped in soft linens, a wardrobe that looked like it could hold more clothes than I'd ever owned and a balcony that overlooked the sprawling estate grounds. It was more than I could have ever dreamed of, yet it felt like a gilded cage.
"I'll have someone bring you clothes," Dante said. "For now, rest. You'll need it."
He turned to leave, but I found my voice. "Wait."
He paused, glancing over his shoulder.
"What... what do you want from me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
He stepped back into the room, closing the door behind him. The click of the lock made my heart race.
"What I want," he said, his tone dangerously low, "is for you to understand that you belong to me now. Your past is irrelevant. Your fears, your doubts-they don't matter anymore. You're mine, Nelly. And I don't share what's mine."
The intensity in his gaze left me breathless. There was no escape from him, no denying the hold he already had over me.
As he turned and left the room, I sank onto the edge of the bed, my mind spinning. I didn't know what my new life would bring, but one thing was certain-Dante Stormborn wasn't just a man. He was a force of nature, and I was caught in his storm.
I thought I could leave the past behind and avoid the packs, especially the ruthless Shadow-claws. But when I accidentally cross their borders one night, I find myself face-to-face with Damon, the one person I swore to despise forever. Damon's not just any alpha; he's powerful, relentless, and dangerously possessive. Our shared history is stained with rivalry and resentment, yet I can't deny the intensity that crackles between us now. There's something darker in his gaze, something that tells me he won't let me go this time. But I can't ignore the strange pull Damon has over me, even as I try to fight it. His obsession with me runs deeper than I understand, and each encounter only strengthens his hold. As his enemies circle closer, I realize that Damon's need for me is no longer just about rivalry; it's a craving, a hunger that threatens to consume us both. I know I should escape, but every time I'm near him, I find myself drawn deeper into his world, into his obsession. Now, I have to make a choice: resist Damon's dangerous addiction or risk everything for a bond that might be my undoing.
Lauren Paul never expected her holidays to turn into a whirlwind of fake romance, unexpected sparks, and heart-wrenching choices. Struggling to escape her family's relentless questions about her single status, Lauren does what any modern woman would do: she turns to the internet. Her quirky plea for a fake boyfriend catches the attention of Ken, an online gamer with charm and wit to spare. What starts as a harmless arrangement quickly spirals into something far more complicated when they meet in person. Ken is everything Lauren didn't know she needed: funny, confident, and surprisingly considerate. With his sharp sense of humor and unexpected warmth, he fits perfectly into her family's holiday celebrations. Their fake relationship feels natural, almost real. But just as Lauren starts to think Ken might be more than just her pretend boyfriend, a new complication arrives in the form of John, her brother's maddeningly attractive roommate. John is the opposite of K n quiet, steady, and effortlessly magnetic. From the moment he steps through the door, Lauren can't ignore the way he makes her pulse race. As the holidays unfold, John's gentle charm and lingering glances stir feelings Lauren never expected. Suddenly, the lines between her carefully constructed fake relationship and her real emotions begin to blur. Caught between Ken's fiery energy and John's quiet allure, Lauren finds herself in a love triangle that's as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching. Her family's meddling, her brother's overprotective nature, and her own spiraling emotions only add to the chaos. To make matters worse, both men have secrets of their own, and Lauren begins to wonder if she knows either of them as well as she thought. As Christmas approaches, Lauren is forced to confront her fears and insecurities. Can she let go of her need to please everyone and follow her heart? Or will her holiday charade leave her lonelier than ever? Holiday Hearts: A Love Game Gone Wrong is a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about finding love where you least expect it. Packed with witty banter, steamy chemistry, and moments that will tug at your heartstrings, this story explores the messy, beautiful reality of love in all its forms. Perfect for fans of fake dating tropes, slow-burn romance, and a touch of holiday magic, Lauren's journey will have readers rooting for her to find her happy ending. Will she choose the man who swept her into a pretend romance or the one who quietly stole her heart? One thing's for sure: this holiday season, Lauren Paul is in for the ride of her life.
I never imagined my life would lead here-a world where power, fear, and loyalty rule. I was an orphan, lost in the system until I was sold to the most feared and powerful man in the underworld: Zane Stormborn. They told me he was ruthless, a man who controlled cities and commanded armies of loyal followers. But to me, he was just my new master, a man I'd have to serve in the shadows of his mansion. Yet, as I moved through the dark hallways of the Stormborn estate, I saw a side of Zane no one else knew. He wasn't just a feared crime lord; he was a man shaped by pain, haunted by secrets, and drawn to me in ways I couldn't understand. Against all odds, I went from the lowest servant in his home to the only woman he trusted by his side. But life with Zane isn't a fairytale. His enemies lurk in every corner, waiting to use me against him. They tried to break me, to tear us apart, but I won't give up so easily. I've come too far to lose him now, and I'll fight anyone who dares to stand in our way. This is my story-a journey from darkness to love, and a fight to hold on to the one man who changed my life forever.
Grace Hunter, a quiet and unassuming omega, had always admired the powerful and charismatic Alpha Dante Nightshade. But on her 18th birthday, the bond she longed for was severed before it could even begin-Dante rejected her, dismissing her as too weak to stand by his side. Shattered but determined to endure, Grace sought to rebuild her life in the shadows of her heartbreak. Unexpectedly, fate delivered solace in the form of two captivating twins, Adrian and Caleb Storm. They were opposites-Adrian, a confident and brooding protector, and Caleb, a playful yet fiercely loyal soul. Both were drawn to Grace's quiet strength, vowing to show her a love she had never known. As the twins competed for her heart, Dante began to unravel. The omega he had rejected refused to fade into obscurity; instead, her resilience and allure only deepened his regret. Yet Grace's path was far from simple. Her father's demands threatened to force her into a union for the good of the pack, adding a new layer of conflict to her life. Torn between Adrian's intensity, Caleb's charm, and the lingering pull of Dante's presence, Grace faced an impossible decision. Would she embrace the love of the twins, forging a new future, or would she give in to the yearning for the alpha who had once broken her heart? In a tale of heartbreak, healing, and the power of second chances, Grace must navigate the tumultuous waters of love and loyalty while discovering her strength.
Rejected by her mate, who had been her long-time crush, Jasmine felt utterly humiliated. Seeking solace, she headed to a party to drown her sorrows. But things took a turn for the worse when her friends issued a cruel dare: kiss a stranger or beg her mate for forgiveness. With no other choice, Jasmine approached a stranger and kissed him, thinking that would be the end of it. However, the stranger unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, "You're mine!" He growled, his words sending shivers down her spine. And then, he offered her a solution that would change everything...
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
"I want a divorce!" Ryan demanded, despite the fact that he had cheated on her with his ex. ~ Serena is no longer the quiet, romantic lady Ryan Winters married and divorced five years ago. Now the CEO of Rocky's Designs, she is bright, unwavering, and unapologetic about her independence-a far cry from the woman Ryan remembers. When fate brings them back into one another's lives, Ryan is forced to confront the truth about their past, their newfound hot chemistry, and a surprising revelation; Serena has a daughter who may be his. But Ryan's girlfriend, Kate, isn't prepared to lose him again. She will do whatever it takes to keep Ryan in her grasp-even if it means destroying Serena's life and the corporate empire she has built. What happens when Serena's now peaceful life is being disrupted? Will Serena lose once again or will she seize this billionaire's heart?
It's true what they say about marriage: one partner's always happier than the other. ~~~ Julie's world is shattered when her husband, Ryan, reveals that he wants an open marriage. His reason: he needs a child as they've been unable to have one. Julie reluctantly agrees to save her marriage. The next day, Ryan returns home with his secretary, confirming Julie's long-held suspicion that their affair was taking place behind her back. Julie, heartbroken and enraged, seeks solace in a bar, where she meets a fascinating stranger named Luke, who changes the game. Julie confides in Luke over drinks, and he proposes a risky plan: he will act as her "boyfriend" to turn the tables on Ryan. Julie agrees, setting off a chain of events that will challenge everything she thought she knew about love, loyalty, and herself.
“Drive this woman out!” "Throw this woman into the sea!” When he doesn’t know Debbie Nelson’s true identity, Carlos Hilton cold-shoulders her. “Mr. Hilton, she is your wife,” Carlos’ secretary reminded him. Hearing that, Carlos gives him a cold stare and complained, “why didn’t you tell me earlier?” From then on, Carlos spoils her rotten. Little did everyone expect that they would get a divorce.
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.