Asher Blackwood, a ruthless 35-year-old CEO, offers 22-year-old intern Emilia Gray a deal: become his exclusive companion for the summer, and he'll ensure her safety and a bright future. As Emilia navigates Asher's dark world, she's torn between her attraction to him and her need for freedom. Will she choose her path or succumb to his charms?
The sun had just begun to set over the bustling city, casting a warm orange glow over the towering skyscrapers. Emilia Gray, a 22-year-old intern at Blackwood Industries, stepped out of the elevator and onto the sleek, marble floor of the executive suite. She took a deep breath, smoothing out her dress and trying to calm her racing heart.
She had been summoned to the CEO's office, and she had no idea what to expect. Rumors about Asher Blackwood's ruthless business tactics and exacting standards had spread like wildfire throughout the company. Emilia had heard whispers about his imposing presence, his piercing gaze, and his razor-sharp mind.
As she approached the reception desk, the secretary, a poised woman with a crisp smile, looked up from her computer. "Ah, Emilia Gray. Mr. Blackwood is expecting you. Please, go right in."
Emilia nodded, her palms growing sweaty as she pushed open the heavy wooden door. The CEO's office was a sprawling space with a commanding view of the city. The walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the room was dominated by a massive, mahogany desk.
Asher Blackwood, the man himself, stood by the window, his back to her. He was a tall, imposing figure, with broad shoulders and a chiseled physique. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his tailored suit seemed to have been molded to his body.
As Emilia approached, he turned, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. She felt a jolt of electricity run through her body, and her heart skipped a beat. There was something unnerving about his gaze, something that made her feel like he could see right through her.
"Emilia Gray," he said, his deep, smooth voice sending shivers down her spine. "Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat."
Emilia nodded, her legs trembling slightly as she sat down in the chair opposite his desk. Asher Blackwood walked over to his desk, his movements fluid and confident. He sat down, steepling his fingers together as he regarded her.
"So, Emilia," he began, his voice dripping with authority. "I've been reviewing your work, and I must say, I'm impressed. You have a keen eye for detail and a natural talent for analysis."
Emilia felt a surge of pride at his words, but she was also wary. What did he want from her? Why had he summoned her to his office?
"Thank you, Mr. Blackwood," she replied, trying to sound confident. "I've worked hard to contribute to the team."
Asher Blackwood nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm sure you have. And that's exactly why I want to offer you a... proposition."
Emilia's heart skipped a beat as he leaned forward, his eyes glinting with intensity.
"I'm hosting a charity gala next weekend, and I need a companion. Someone who can represent Blackwood Industries and make a good impression. And I think you'd be perfect for the job."
Emilia's mind was racing. A charity gala? A companion? What did he mean?
"I'm flattered, Mr. Blackwood," she said, trying to sound calm. "But I'm not sure I'm the right person for the job. I'm just an intern..."
Asher Blackwood waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that. You'll be perfectly fine. And besides, this isn't just about the gala. I'm offering you a... opportunity. A chance to work closely with me and learn from the best."
Emilia felt a shiver run down her spine as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers.
"But there's a catch," he continued, his voice dripping with amusement. "You'll have to agree to be my exclusive companion for the summer. No dating, no socializing with anyone else. Just me."
Emilia's heart was racing now, her mind reeling with the implications. Exclusive companion? What did that even mean?
"I... I don't know, Mr. Blackwood," she stuttered, trying to process her thoughts.
Asher Blackwood leaned forward again, his eyes glinting with intensity.
"Let me make it clear, Emilia. This isn't a request. It's an offer. And if you refuse, I'm afraid you'll be... reassigned. To a less... desirable position."
Emilia felt a chill run down her spine as she realized the true nature of his proposition. He was offering her a choice: become his exclusive companion, or risk losing her job and her future.
She took a deep breath, trying to think clearly. What should she do?
In the picturesque streets of Paris, 17-year-old American expat Sophie Taylor is struggling to find her place in a new city. Her parents' divorce has left her feeling lost and uncertain about her future. Enter 18-year-old French artist Matthieu "Matt" Dupont, who is charming, passionate, and unapologetically himself. As they explore the city together, Sophie finds herself drawn to Matt's carefree spirit and creative energy. As they navigate the ups and downs of first love, Sophie and Matt must confront their own fears, insecurities, and family secrets. Will their love be strong enough to overcome the challenges of cultural differences, language barriers, and the pressures of growing up? "Love in the City of Lights" is a romantic, coming-of-age tale of first love, self-discovery, and the beauty of embracing life's uncertainties.
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.
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
Brenna lived with her adoptive parents for twenty years, enduring their exploitation. When their real daughter appeared, they sent Brenna back to her true parents, thinking they were broke. In reality, her birth parents belonged to a top circle that her adoptive family could never reach. Hoping Brenna would fail, they gasped at her status: a global finance expert, a gifted engineer, the fastest racer... Was there any end to the identities she kept hidden? After her fiancé ended their engagement, Brenna met his twin brother. Unexpectedly, her ex-fiancé showed up, confessing his love...
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."