A mafia boss,a kind girl with a smart mouth,and lots of tension.
Eva Williams was having a day. The kind of day that made her question every life decision that had led her to own a cafe in this particular part of the city. The espresso machine had broken down - again - and one of her regulars, a sweet old man named Mr. Higgins, had knocked over an entire jar of sugar. Her apron was dusted with it, sticking to her skin in the late afternoon heat.As she wiped down the counter with more force than necessary, she noticed a group of men lingering near the door. Big, burly types with leather jackets and an aura that practically screamed trouble.
Her heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm. This wasn't the first time she'd seen men like this. Not in this neighborhood.
"Great," she muttered under her breath. "Just what I needed.
"One of the men pushed the door open, setting off the tinkling bell above. He swaggered in, eyes scanning the nearly empty cafe before settling on her. He didn't bother with a polite greeting."We're here to talk about protection," he said, his voice gruff, dripping with implied threats.Eva set down the cloth, meeting his gaze with a steady look. "And I'm here to run a cafe. If you're not ordering, you can see yourself out."The man's eyes widened slightly at her defiance, but his mouth twisted into an amused grin. "Feisty. I like that.
"Before he could say more, the bell tinkled again, and a new figure stepped inside. Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a sharp black suit. His presence commanded attention, and the chatter of the few customers in the cafe dropped to a nervous murmur.
Luca Moretti.
Eva recognized him immediately. Everyone in the neighborhood knew who he was - the notorious mafia boss, ruler of the city's underworld, feared by all. She hadn't expected to see him here, not in her humble little cafe. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she kept her face neutral.Luca's dark eyes swept across the room, taking in the scene in an instant. "What's going on?" His voice was calm, almost lazy, but there was an edge to it that sent a shiver down Eva's spine.The man who'd been trying to intimidate Eva straightened up quickly. "Boss, I was just -""Talking to the lady?" Luca cut him off smoothly. "I could hear you from outside." He turned his gaze to Eva, and for a moment, his eyes softened with curiosity. "Is there a problem, Miss...?""Eva," she replied, a hint of challenge in her voice. "No problem. Your friend here was just about to order a coffee or leave. I run a respectable business, and I don't appreciate threats."Luca's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Is that so?" He stepped closer to the counter, his eyes never leaving hers. "You've got a lot of nerve, talking to him like that.""I have more than nerve," Eva shot back, her heart racing but her voice steady. "I have a business to run, and I don't have time for bullies."Luca chuckled, a deep, unexpected sound. The room seemed to relax, just a fraction. "You heard the lady," he said, turning to his man. "Buy a coffee or leave."His subordinate mumbled an apology, clearly embarrassed, and quickly ordered an espresso. Luca watched with amusement before turning back to Eva. "Looks like you've got things under control.""I try," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Anything else I can help you with?"He studied her for a moment, intrigued. "Not today. But I think I'll be back. I like your style."With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Eva staring after him, her heart pounding with a mix of relief and something else she couldn't quite name.
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
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.
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
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.