Olivia Mason had everything perfectly in place for her summer vacation alongside her college boyfriend, Marcus. Her bags were meticulously packed, her passport was within reach, and her anticipation for a Hawaiian adventure was obvious. However, all her well-laid plans crumbled when Marcus abruptly ended their relationship just a day after their graduation. A heartbroken Olivia found herself unable to resist an invitation to spend the summer at her best friend Amelia's family beach house. Amelia, however, had one strict rule in place: absolutely no dating any of her brothers. Without hesitation, Olivia agreed to abide by the rule, as she had no intention of getting involved with another man anytime soon. That was until she crossed paths with Alex. Among Amelia's brothers, Alex had a reputation as a charming womanizer who could win over anyone. When his focus shifted towards Olivia, it ignited an unexpected and passionate connection between them. Caught up in a passionate affair filled with secret rendezvous and stolen kisses, Olivia found herself torn between two powerful emotions: the irresistible longing for Alex's touch and the fear of betraying her dearest friend. The question that lingers is, just how far will they be willing to go?
OLIVIA'S POV
"Olivia, are you in there?" I halted my packing to answer the door, where my boyfriend, Marcus, stood. In the rush following our college graduation just yesterday, we'd been tirelessly clearing out our dorm rooms. I hadn't realized how much I'd accumulated in this small space until the time came to bid it farewell. University had been a challenge, but it was an experience that had enriched me in countless ways. I'd made incredible friends, said goodbye to a few, found my boyfriend, and forged memories that I'd treasure for a lifetime.
With a brief hug, I greeted Marcus, even though I sensed a certain distance in his embrace, as though it was more of a friendly gesture than an intimate one. I might have been reading too much into it.
"Perfect timing. I need your input on what to pack for Hawaii before my mom comes to pick up my suitcases. So, make yourself at home," I exclaimed with genuine excitement. Marcus had won two tickets to Hawaii five months ago and promised to take me there for our first anniversary. We desperately needed this time together, given the challenges of maintaining a relationship while excelling in my studies. I had earned my degree in early childhood education, aspiring to become a teacher because of my deep love for children.
I held up a colorful floral bikini and posed. "I can't believe this day is finally here. I need a vacation so badly," I said, with a smile, looking into Marcus' espresso-colored eyes. We had been dating for a little over a year, and I couldn't wait to start a life with him outside of campus. We met at a party but spent the entire night talking until the following day. He was so interesting compared to my boring life, and I couldn't help but fall for him. People warned me about him, but they judged him and didn't take the time to get to know him. We all did it. Marcus was the guy that never missed a party or social event. Before I knew him, I saw the hot girls surrounding him like water on a hot day. However, I was with the most popular guy on campus. Me. Cliché, right?
But I wasn't shy or a cheerleader. I got along with almost everyone, except the jealous girls that wanted to get in my boyfriend's pants.
"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about," he said, sitting on my messy bed. He had on jeans paired with his varsity athlete jacket, and his hair buzzed low. He would usually let it grow out longer but wanted to look suitable for graduation. And he sure did.
I picked up a leopard bikini. "Can it wait a second? This?" I rotated the bathing suits. "Or this?"
Marcus didn't seem interested. What the hell did I have to do? Strip and try it on?
I patiently waited for an answer, checking the time, knowing my mom was on her way to Ohio State. It was only an hour's drive, but she could be fast or slow, depending on her mood. And I wanted to be done before she arrived. And I still had so much to do. There were clothes everywhere, boxes littering the floor, and so much trash. You couldn't even tell there was another bed in here.
Marcus sighed and cupped his freshly shaven jaw. "Olivia, it can't wait. I need to do this now," he growled, changing his tone. I snapped out of my excitement and saw how disoriented he was acting. He couldn't even look me in the eye when I gave him my attention.
"You're scaring me right now. Is everything okay, Marcus?" I asked, dropping my swimsuits on the bed and pacing in his direction. When I stood at his knees, I waited for him to explain what the hell had him looking at me like I killed his best friend. Maybe he was canceling our trip.
He looked up and then hung his head low. "I don't even know what to say," he mumbled under his breath. What the fuck does that mean?
"Well, you better say something. What the hell?"
I slicked a piece of my bronze-colored hair behind my ear and waited. "This was fun. We had fun times together. Do you really see us being together outside of college? We want different things, and I don't even know what I want in life. And I've been trying to tell you this for a while now, but you don't make it easy," he confessed, putting me in shock. I didn't even blink. I just stared at his stupid ass for saying that. Are you kidding me?
My heart almost raced from my chest. "Wait. Let's restart this entire conversation. Are you seriously trying to break up with me right now?" I roared, pointing my hand to my chest. So, I won't be sipping Mai Tai's on the beach in Hawaii.
"Come on, Olivia. Did you really see us in a long-distance relationship?" he snickered, standing up.
"Yeah?" I admitted, trying to believe this wasn't happening. We were just fucking happy. "I know it's difficult, but what relationship is? You're giving up on me after a year because of long-distance, Olivia?"
He stepped past me and had his back turned. "My priority right now is getting into the NBA. I can't focus if I have you blowing me up, wondering why I'm not answering my phone. Or why I'm not doing this or that. As I said, it was fun," he husked, like that was all I was to him. Fun. It was almost like everything that came from his mouth was in an unfamiliar language. A language I didn't want to understand. And I wanted to cry. I felt the tears building in my eyes, but I didn't want to show him that he hurt me. It wasn't affecting him.
"Was this relationship a joke to you?" I asked, unable to look him in the eye when he turned around. This can't be happening.
"Did you think we were going to get married?"
Fucking asshole. "Maybe, Marcus. Is that such a crime? If that were the case, I wouldn't have wasted my time with you. I wouldn't have let you meet my mom or did half of the shit I did with you. You let me talk about this time away with you for months, and you break up with me. That's so fucked up," I whined, feeling a warm tear slid down my cheek. Damn it.
Marcus adjusted his posture near the wooden door. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry, Olivia," Marcus said in a calmer tone, scrubbing his hands down his face.
"You're sorry?" I asked, cupping the back of my neck. "A year and five months." Is it crazy to laugh?
"I just don't want anything serious right now. I need to figure out my life."
"I hope you start with your basketball career because you fucking suck," I confessed, wanting to hurt him. It seemed like the only thing he cared about was that damn sport. He won't lose any sleep over me.
That struck deep within me. The rage in his eyes was unmistakable as he gazed at me, and there was no turning back. Marcus marked my first serious relationship, discounting the high school jerk. Raised solely by my mom after my father abandoned us, the idea of people easily walking away from me didn't sit well. I was diligently doing everything in my power, striving to be the perfect girlfriend. I kept up with him, perhaps blinding myself to the glaring signs of his toxicity. On what should have been the happiest day, I found myself far from it. I suppose it all boiled down to some unresolved daddy issues.
"You're going to wish you didn't say that," he snapped.
"No, I wish that I wasn't your fucking play toy for college. That I'm not good enough for the real world. Fuck you," I scoffed, my voice shaky and cracking. The tears build a layer over my eyes, making it hard to see. I knew he was standing by the door, but I didn't want to see his stupid face ever again. Fuck Marcus. And fuck Hawaii. I would get there soon.
Marcus acted as he was going to leave but stopped himself. "Olivia, can we just talk? Like two fucking adults?" he barked, swinging his broad arms. He's the one acting like a damn child. "Grow up?"
"You're right. How about this?" I muttered, pausing for a second. "Get the hell out of my room," I screamed so loud I think the entire hallway heard. Mr. Douche was single.
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He told her to call him Daddy. Not because he earned it, but because he fucking owned her. The moment she signed that contract, she stopped being a woman with dignity and became his filthy little plaything. His holes to use. His mess to ruin. He didn't just fuck her, he rewired her. Stripped her clean of boundaries and filled her with sin. Every punishment made her scream. Every game dragged her deeper into his twisted world. And the way he praised her... Good girl. She should've run the first time he said it. But Daddy doesn't let his toys leave. He breaks them until they beg to stay. ** Mia's life changed the night she let a stranger ruin her. One night. She never expected to see him again. Until she walked into her new job... and her boss turned around. Ace.Her one-night sin in a thousand-dollar suit. Only this time, he wasn't asking her to be his assistant. She was to be his wife.
She thought he was the villain. He was only trying to save his soul. Rena lives in a world of sunshine, sweets, and simple dreams. Until one reckless decision drops her into a dark realm of secrets, curses and werewolves. Kidnapped, heartbroken. She doesn't know who to trust anymore especially not Logan, the arrogant, cruel Alpha who's keeping her as a hostage. Until she discovers his dark secret. He's been hearing her thoughts all along. Now the walls between them are crumbling. And when feelings grow where hatred once lived, a curse demands that blood becomes a love that demands sacrifice. But how can she give her heart to the one who might need it to die?
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?
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!