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As soon as I saw her, I knew I had to have her. I thought this Vegas fundraiser was going to be boring-another obligation to keep the family business alive. Wrong. I don't remember a thing about the night we spent together, other than how good she felt against me, like she was made for me. We woke up the next morning with more than we bargained for-wedding rings. Too bad I don't believe in true love. I'd feel bad about it, but she's got a strong opinion of me too. I'm a perpetual bachelor from her perspective. Great. Crazy enough, this could work out for both of us. I need someone to keep my traditional Greek family from nagging me about settling down, and she could use some cash for reasons she doesn't want to share. I know a good deal when I see one. And if she wants to end up in my bed all over again, all the better...
Kristo
As I watched the glittering lights of Las Vegas whip by the window of my cab, I frowned and leaned back against the plush leather seat behind me. This was the last place in the whole world I wanted to be.
And my fucking trip had barely gotten started.
Any other week, I would have found some way to wriggle out of being there, come up with a date I couldn't get out of or a meeting that needed my presence to function, maybe. But with Dad flying out halfway across the world with wife number-what was he on, four?-I had no choice but to turn out to this stupid fucking gala. What a waste of a Friday night. I'd have to plaster a fake smile on my face in the hopes that we would land a few more investors to the company.
The company was everyone's focus, everyone's life. Including mine.
The flight over had been easy enough, but then again, I always made a point to fly with our private jet, so everything was just how I liked it. Considering that I had no choice but to be here, I made sure every little detail was perfect. Good scotch, comfortable seat, and no rush to bundle myself through security before I made my trip. It was long but easier with a glass of strong booze in my hand and the knowledge that I would earn a spot on my father's good side for my troubles.
But being in Vegas, I wanted nothing more than to climb back on that jet and head home, even if it meant flying through the night to get there. Maybe it was the time difference or maybe that I didn't get a choice in whether to come here, but I couldn't think of much worse in the world than pulling on that tuxedo I'd had laundered and sent ahead to the hotel and acting as the face of the company for a few hours. There was a reason my father usually stepped up to work these kinds of events, and that was because I preferred drinking hard and flirting with everything that moved over playing the pulled-together businessman.
Still. Wasn't like I had much of a choice. I had booked a room in the same hotel as the event to save myself having to make more trips than I had to, and I was looking forward to relaxing a little before I had to get ready to head out to this gala thing. My body felt all cramped up from being in the plane so long, and I was ready for a swim to work out some of the kinks in my muscles.
"Good trip, sir?" The cab driver eyed me in the mirror.
I shrugged and stretched. "Would have been better if I didn't have to make it at all," I replied.
He flashed me an understanding smile. "The hotel you're staying at, I think a lot of people would be jealous."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "Not if they had to do what I did to get there," I shot back, managing a polite smile.
My father had always taught me not to be an ass to anyone who crossed my path because you never knew where they might end up. I was pretty sure I was safe when it came to talking back to a random Vegas cab driver, but the reflex was there, and it had served me well over the years. Don't be a jerk was a good rule to live life by, especially when it came to working in business, where not being a major asshole seemed like an exception and not a rule.
He dropped me off at the hotel, and a bellboy appeared to help me with my bags. They must have recognized my name when I was making the booking because I got the royal treatment as soon as I walked through the door.
"Kristo Balaban?" A beautiful woman with a sexy smile approached me.
"The one and only." I nodded and offered her a smile back.
"We've upgraded your room to a suite," she announced smoothly, extending her hand and shaking mine before handing me a key with my room number on it. She had perfectly straightened blond hair and a suit that looked as though it was starched ten minutes before-far from my type but I was never going to say no to the attentions of a gorgeous woman like her.
"Thanks." I nodded. "And the suit?"
"The suit you sent has been laundered and prepared for you," she replied, coyly. "You'll find it in your room."
"Good. And your pool? I need a swim before I go along to the gala."
"The pool is on our ground floor, near the elevators. I do hope you enjoy your stay here, Mr. Balaban. And if there is anything at all we can do for you, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you," I replied and took my bag from the bellboy and headed upstairs at once. Cheeky thing.
After being papered a little more, I found myself over it. It never took me long. If only I could fly under the radar when on business. That would be a fucking miracle. It was a double edged sword, but one I'd been dealing with for what felt like a long-ass time.
See if you think that tonight when the women won't leave you alone once they find out who you are, I reminded myself as I arrived at my room to drop off my bag. I grinned. There might have been some upsides to this trip after all.
I wasn't going to do anything, but damn, it was going to be nice to enjoy some flirtation with a few new faces for a change. Best thing was, I could pass it off as networking when I took their numbers for next time I was in town. Now that I was running the company, it was easier than ever to get away with the most bachelor of bachelor behaviors. Which was a notable upside.
This guy could offer me the moon, and I’d hand it right back. Never in a million years did I expect to run into the biggest crush of my childhood. But, of course, I have. And I’m reporting to him at the new company I landed a big-time job at. Arrogant. Hot as hell. Total jackass. Why he’s still single is no mystery to me. He’s not willing to settle down. He’s always been that way, and as far as I’m concerned, he always will be. But, boy, is he beautiful to look at. Every part of me screams "run" as my insides turn to mush. No. Not me too… Not again. I should be immune by now. I know him far too well to fall into this hopeless pit of adoration again. But maybe there’s a way around it. It’s his power that drives me over the edge of insanity. If I were the boss instead of him, I’d hold all the cards. Good thing I’m always up for a challenge. Funnily enough, this guy thinks he’s going to score. He might have to redefine what getting lucky looks like after me. At least, that’s the plan.
Ethan Lewis has been in the bright lights for as long as he can remember. He’s just turned the cusp of celebrating his twenty-fourth birthday, and yet he feels more like eighty. Living the life of a celebrity isn’t all it is chalked up to be, and dealing with the unruly number of women who are more interested in his billions than who he is as a person is getting old. He has resigned himself to giving up on love and focusing on the only thing that truly gives back – his career. Riley Phillips has always dreamed of being on a big stage with the warmth of the spotlight baring down on her, but she just couldn’t seem to catch the right agent’s attention. After giving a quick commencement speech as Valedictorian of her graduating class at Billmore High, she’s offered something she can’t refuse... The chance to work in Hollywood. It’s not all it’s chalked up to be, but she works hard and finally gets her big break four years down the line. There is a new movie that her agent wants her to audition for, and her co-star? The dreamy Ethan Lewis. She scores the part, but soon regrets it due to his callous, overbearing persona. He’s nothing like the public touts, and she for one isn’t impressed. Funny enough, he is - immensely. This is book 1 in a continued series. All books are available
He said I couldn’t do it, but he was wrong. An old professor at UCLA promised me that I would make nothing of myself, so I made sure I did. To the tune of billions. I’m only a little cocky about it. Yachts, parties, and one-night events pretty much spell out my life. And all of it works well until I run into a beauty I can’t get out of my head. But we’re keeping it friendly and casual until we aren’t. There’s just one problem. Her old man hates me. And for good reason. He was my UCLA professor. He’s dead set against me becoming anything important to his little girl, but the old man’s got it all backward. I’m not looking to make an example out of our passion or prove a point. This isn’t about hit it and quit it. His daughter is mine, and he might kick me out, but she’s letting me all the way in.
My Needs. My Demands. Your Pleasure. You're Welcome. She had one year left of college when our parents got married. And thanks to being raised in poverty, she needed help with her expenses. My dad, being the benevolent billionaire, stepped up without question. But there was a catch. She had to intern at the firm for a year. With me. As her boss. Poor sweet little thing. She has no clue what she’s up against, but she’ll figure it out soon. I don’t play typical games, but the ones I do play, I always win. And regardless of how taboo our relationship might become, I’m all in. The reward is worth the risk. I just hope she can keep up with my many demands.
He’s going to make me break my number one rule. And possibly lose my job. How dare he? It’s pretty simple, though. Don’t date students. Which is normally easy to stick to. Who wants to date an eighteen-year-old boy? Not me. I much prefer an older man with rough hands that knows what he’s doing. Enter Mr. Evans. A single father billionaire with more time on his plate than he knows what to do with. And the man is brilliant and wickedly delicious. Much to my surprise, he’s quickly becoming my star pupil, which means he gets more of my time than necessary. But I can’t help myself. He’s exactly what I need in my life, in my bed, kissing me at the stroke of midnight… And the best is even though he’s older than me, he’s more than willing to let me teach him a few new tricks. Let's just hope we don't get caught.
I need a wife. Now. It doesn’t have to do with love and living the good life. This is all about getting the money my billionaire father left to me. And I’m running out of time. But who proposes to a stranger after the first date? Me. That’s who. As if I have another choice. Luck is on my side though, and a beautiful model shows up in my office. Single? Gorgeous? Funny? All of the above. Our first date goes so well that I feel unsure about my decision to do this thing with her—you know, fake it. I put it off and decide to do it later, to ask for her help after we get to know each other better. But I like her more and more each time we meet, and eventually, offering her a ring isn’t for my dad’s money—it’s because I want her more than anything else in the world. Besides, who’s going to know if it’s fake or real? And does it really matter? Yeah. It does.
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
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.
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."
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
Accused of murder, Sylvia Todd's mother was deemed a traitor by the entire pack, condeming Sylvia to live the rest of her life alone in humiliation as a lowly slave. All she wanted to do was to prove her mother's innocence somehow, but fate never seemed to be on the side of the traitor's daughter. Still, Sylvia never lost hope. As the future lycan king of all werewolves, Rufus Duncan possessed great power and status, but he had an inexplicable reputation for being cruel, bloodthirsty, and ruthless. Unbeknownst to everyone, he had been cursed long ago to transform into a killer monster on every full moon. Even though fate did not always look upon the two, it brought Sylvia and Rufus together as each other's destined mates. Will justice be served for Sylvia's mother? What about Rufus' secret? Can Sylvia and Rufus defy all societal norms and stay together? Will these two unlucky souls have their happy ending?
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."