As the quints head into their third and final year of college, they are going to discover the thing that truly matters most - family. Follow them on their journey as the sisters deal with situations beyond their control. That is when the family becomes essential, especially the Gray Family. Now all they must do is get through the next two years with minor issues. Considering these are The Gray Sisters, expect the unexpected. With a little bit of help from the Brothers and a whole lot of humor, anything is possible. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Unconditional Love
Lakin
Patience has never been my strong suit. I prefer to use my fists to get my point across. But, of course, now I would have to garnish some with Mia.
Her speech had improved, and so did her motor skills, but she had developed an innocence about her. She looked at things differently than before, and now it was my turn to take care of her.
I spent more time with her than with my family. They understood, but today we're celebrating Grammy's birthday. I swear the woman is like two hundred years old.
According to Dad, she is only ninety-five, close enough.
I drove over to Mia's house to pick her up for the birthday party and got out of the car. I walked up to the front door and knocked.
Michael answered it and smiled. He held the door open as I walked inside.
"I'll get Lyric. Mia's a little upset."?
"About what?"?
"Her dress."?
I nodded and walked up the stairs, and he followed me.
I knocked on her bedroom door, and it was quiet. I turned the knob, opening it to reveal Mia sitting on her bed with her head down.
I walked over to her and crouched in front of her. "Hey, baby girl."
She lifted her head and looked at me, wide-eyed, smiling. "Lakin!"
"Michael said you were a little upset about your dress."?
"Oh, Lakin, it's not pretty." She sighed.
"It's beautiful."?
"Are you sure?" Her face lit up.
"Yes, now, come on. We don't want to be late." I stood up and held out my hand. She took it, standing up. She placed her hands on my shoulders and kissed me on the lips. That caught me by surprise because she hadn't been affectionate with me for a while.
I missed this. I placed my hands on Mia's face and kissed her back. I missed her lips and being close to her - baby steps.
I let go of her, and she smiled. I took her hand and led her out as Michael followed us. I led her to the car and got her situated while Michael went to get Lyric.
I drove her to Grampa's and Nana's house. After I parked, we got out of the car, and I held her hand while we walked inside the house. I didn't want people to scare her.
As we entered, she clenched my arm as people saw us. The entire family was here. Uncle Jonas and Uncle Cayson came along with their wives and families.
"Lakin, I'm scared." She buried her head into my shoulder.
"Mia? Look at me."?
She lifted her head.?
"This is my family, which will also be your family one day. So, they won't hurt you, Hunny."
Everyone gave her a soft smile as a smile curled upon her lips. Then I heard a clunking sound against the floor. Oh, shit.
Mia gripped my arm, cutting off my circulation as Grammy crept towards us. Please be kind and gentle. I prayed to myself.
"Well, hello, Mia. You're wearing a lovely dress today." Grammy said. Wait. What?
Mia loosened her grip on my arm and moved her hands to her dress as she pushed the material between her fingers. "Do you think so?"
"Oh, sweetheart, I know so. How about you come with me, and we can have cake?" Grammy gave Mia a genuine smile.
Mia smiled and turned to me. "Lakin? Can I have cake?"
"How about some food, then you can have an enormous piece of cake?"
"Okay."?
"Okay, food, then cake," Grammy told her. "Get us some food, Nathaniel. I'm not getting any younger!"
"You can say that again," Cayson said under his breath.
Mia giggled. "He's funny."
Grammy didn't argue, and neither did the rest of us. We all smiled. That was a relief. As they made their way out, Dad and Ma walked over to me. "She seems like she's doing better," Dad said.
"We're taking it day by day," I said.
"Lakin, we're proud of you," Ma told me.
"She's my heart," I told them with a shrug. I walked by them and out to the backyard. Mia was everything to me. So much had happened that I was afraid she wouldn't wake up, but she did. She might be different, but to me, she was my Mia.
*****
The party got into full swing. The noise level increased tenfold. It caused Mia to go into a full-blown panic mode because the noise was an issue.
"Stop!" She placed her hands over her ears.?
I turned and walked over to her as everyone quieted down. I reached her.?
"Lakin, it's too loud."?
"Okay, baby girl. Let's go somewhere quieter." I guided her away from everyone.
Michael followed suit.
"Will she be okay?" Larkin asked Lyric.
"No, but over time noise won't be as bad. Michael said she's been having a challenging time adjusting to things. It's because of the brain damage," Lyric said.
"She didn't deserve that. I hope that the bastard rots in hell," Maverick said.
Once we calmed her down, I took her home. The party was too much for her. Over time, she would get better with noise, but it was still a battle. At least, she was here and alive. Oh, Mia, my baby, it'll be okay.
Carrington Carrington Jones grew up with seven brothers and sisters. He has a happy-go-lucky nature with a tender heart, which sets him apart from his siblings with their personalities. He meets a woman who captures his heart. The only problem is she has a husband. Carrington’s brothers advised him against pursuing it, especially Mason and Charles, understanding it’s a terrible idea. Carrington can’t stay away from the woman. What happens with romance blossoms? Will Carrington discover his happiness, or will his heart get broken? A forbidden romance is enticing but arises in tragedy. Carrington will discover that it’s not romance where his heart lies but what occurs from it. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Matthew Harper always does the right thing. He doesn’t drink or smoke and protects his family, but he lets his past rule him. After dealing with the loss of his girlfriend Sadie, he thought he could move on, but ghosts of the past resurface. It made him close off his heart to someone who could love him more profoundly than the ocean. What happens when a past love resurfaces, making him rethink his earlier decisions? Will he get a second chance at happiness he deserves or breaks another’s heart again? It takes help from some cousins and an unexpected situation to show Matthew that we can’t let the past rule our future. The heart wants what the heart wants. *The Gray Series spin-off series. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Oliver Harper is a unique person. He doesn’t care about frivolous ideas or someone in his life to complete him. He prefers a conversation that stimulates his mind. When Oliver starts college, his friends and cousins join him. The problem with this bunch is they’re crazy. Have you met the Gray/Harper family? They define bat shit crazy. Olivier will navigate his way through college with the help of his family and cousins. He’ll meet and fall in love with the most unexpected person who’ll stimulate his mind. College life is about to explode. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Growing up next to the Harper boys, Tori Williams learned to hold her own with them. Her brother Gabe is best friends with the boys, and Tori deals with the youngest Harper boy, Deacon. There’s a slight issue when Tori dates Bradley Wilson, whom the Harper boys can’t stand. Wanting to keep Tori from her idiot ex-boyfriend, Nate and Deacon develop a plan of their own. Elias Harper graduated college and returned home to work in construction. While Nate and Deacon scheme to keep Bradley from Tori, another issue arises when Elias takes an interest in a particular neighbor girl. What happens when four years change people? Will a love connection happen, or will someone get burned? With the Gray gene cemented in your DNA, all bets are off. Follow Elias as he discovers who held his heart while growing up. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Lex and Piper are ready to settle down and have a family of their own. After celebrating the wedding of Michael and Lyric, something significant happens to Lex and Piper, which turns the Gray family upside down. Will they be able to get through this, or will they falter? With the help of The Gray Brothers and The Gray Sisters, Lex and Piper will learn the meaning of what it is to be a Gray. Love and humor go a long way for this family. Follow Lex and Piper on their journey as we find out if they can find their way back to each other. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Nash and Maggie’s offspring are off to college, along with Kaiden and Kain. As they navigate life away from home, they must deal with what happened after graduation too. Will the quints help Lyric deal with the tragedy while they deal with college life? Sometimes, you need a little help and guidance from The Gray Brothers themselves. Get ready because The Gray Sisters are taking college by storm. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Lucia Balstone thought she had chosen the right man to spend the rest of her life with, but he was the one who ended her life. Their ten-year marriage seemed like a joke when her husband stabbed her with a dagger. Fortunately, God is never blind to people's tears. Lucia got a second chance. She was reborn at the age of 22, before all the terrible things had happened. This time, she was determined to avenge herself and let those who hurt her pay! She made an elaborate list of her goals, and the first thing on her list was to marry her ex-husband's enemy, Alonso Callen!
Olivia White replaced her sister to be engaged to Vincent Barton. She thought that the one she married would be a disabled man with notorious reputation, while to her surprise, Vincent is actually very handsome with great figure. What’s more, he treats her so well that he tends to satisfy all her requirements with no limits. In front of the public, he is the ruthless heir to the Emperor, while in front of her, he is her clingy husband who only belongs to her.
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
"You're pathetic!" Brenden sneered, each word cutting deep into Corinna's heart. Years of emotional wounds had drained every ounce of love she once held. "I've wasted enough time on you. If there's a next life, I hope we never meet again." Her words severed the bond between them like a blade. From that moment on, Brenden was haunted by her absence—unable to sleep, longing for the warmth he took for granted.
"Listen, Gadreel Ødegaar," she looked at him, not hesitating this time. "It's my anniversary present for you. Let's divorce." *** Ivory Remington had sacrificed five years to look after her husband Gadreel who was in a vegetative state after an accident and a few months ago, he finally awakened like a miracle. She thought it was the start of their happy life but Gadreel still had no heart for her. On their anniversary and her birthday, she received a cheating video of her dear husband and her stepsister. Heartbroken, Ivory chose to quit this stupid game. She decided to set him free but the reason she left on the divorce agreement pierced Gadreel's noble pride. *** "Impotent? Are you serious?" He gripped her wrist and a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. "I'm a woman, Gadreel. I'm tired of being in a sexless marriage. Let's end it once and for all." "Sexless, huh?" he chuckled lowly and without warning grabbed her chin in between his hands, pulling her face closer. "Turns out my wife was so eager to get a man between her legs? "