Swaby Nolan was born into a world of blood and loyalty, the daughter of one of New York's most feared mafia bosses. But when her family is betrayed and slaughtered in a ruthless coup, she is forced into hiding, presumed dead. For years, she has bided her time, sharpening her skills and building alliances in the shadows. Now, Swaby returns-not as a helpless heir, but as a cold-blooded strategist set on avenging her family. Her plan? Infiltrate the empire of the man responsible for her family's downfall-Matteo Costa, the new king of the underworld. Matteo is as ruthless as he is captivating, a man who trusts no one and sees betrayal at every turn. But when Swaby steps into his world under a new identity, sparks fly in a deadly game of cat and mouse. As the line between revenge and desire blurs, Swaby must decide-will she destroy Matteo and claim her vengeance, or will she lose herself in the dark allure of the man she swore to kill?
Swaby Nolan moved through the dimly lit bar with the confidence of a woman who belonged- because tonight, she did. The air was thick with smoke, the low hum of conversation mingling with the clink of glasses. Men in sharp suits sat in booths along the walls, their conversations hushed but loaded with the weight of business.
She slid onto a barstool, crossing one leg over the other as she waited. She wasn't here for the overpriced whiskey or the lingering scent of danger that came with being in a place like this. No, she was here for one reason-to get close to Matteo Costa, the man who had stolen everything from her.
Seven years had passed since the night her world had burned. The night her father, Alessandro Nolan, and the entire Valenti family had been gunned down in their own home like animals. She had been a teenager then, too young to stop it, but old enough to remember the screams. Old enough to remember the name of the man who had orchestrated it all.
Matteo Costa.
The man who now sat at the head of the empire that should have been hers.
She'd spent the years in exile sharpening her mind, training her body, and learning the underbelly of the world she was born into. Revenge had become her oxygen, and tonight was the first step in executing her plan.
"Drink?" the bartender asked, wiping his hands on a towel.
"Whiskey. Neat," she said, her voice smooth, practiced. She wasn't the same girl who had fled into the night, drenched in the blood of her family. That girl had died alongside them.
A glass slid toward her, but she barely touched it. Her focus was on the man sitting in the private booth at the back of the room.
Matteo Costa.
He was older now, mid-thirties, broad-shouldered with a face carved from stone. Dark hair, piercing eyes, and an aura of absolute authority. A man who had no equal in this city, feared and respected in the same breath.
He hadn't noticed her yet. He was speaking with someone, his fingers tapping lazily against the rim of his glass. The men flanking him were his inner circle-brutal, efficient, and utterly loyal.
Swaby had spent years planning this. Getting here. And yet, sitting this close to the man who had taken everything from her, she felt something unexpected coil in her stomach.
Rage... Grief.
A sick, unwanted attraction to the predator she had come to destroy.
She took a breath, calming herself. This wasn't the time to be reckless. She needed to get close to him, gain his trust, make him believe she was someone he could use. Then, when the moment was right, she would strike.
A shadow loomed beside her, and she turned to find one of Matteo's men watching her. He was tall, built like a bulldozer, and his expression was unreadable.
"Boss wants to see you," he said, jerking his head toward the booth.
Swaby feigned surprise, tilting her head. "And if I say no?"
The man smirked. "Then I carry you there."
She smiled, slow and easy. "Well, we wouldn't want that."
Taking a final sip of her untouched whiskey, she slid off the barstool and followed him. As she approached the booth, Matteo's gaze lifted, locking onto her like a hunter sizing up its prey.
"Sit," he said, his voice deep, commanding.
She did.
"You've been watching me," he noted, swirling the liquid in his glass.
"You noticed," she replied smoothly.
"I notice everything."
Their eyes met, the air between them charged. This was it- the first move in a deadly game. Swaby Nolan had returned... And Matteo Costa had no idea what was coming.
Swaby kept her expression neutral as she met Matteo's gaze. His dark eyes studied her, assessing, calculating. The air in the private booth was thick with the scent of expensive whiskey, cigar smoke, and the raw presence of power.
"You've been watching me," he repeated, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.
"I like to observe," she said smoothly, leaning back against the plush leather seat. She crossed her legs, deliberately slow, letting the slit of her dress reveal just enough to be a distraction. She needed him intrigued. Needed him to wonder. "It's how you learn about people."
Matteo tilted his head, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "And what have you learned about me?"
Swaby smiled, pretending to consider her words. "That you're the kind of man who likes control. That you don't tolerate disloyalty. That the people in this room would rather take a bullet than disappoint you." She paused, lowering her voice slightly. "And that you're used to being feared."
Silence stretched between them. Around the booth, Matteo's men tensed, waiting for his reaction.
Then, to her surprise, he chuckled- a deep, rich sound that sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.
"Smart girl," he mused, taking a sip of his drink. "Not many people have the guts to sit here and analyze me to my face."
Swaby shrugged. "Not many people interest me enough to analyze."
Matteo's smirk deepened. "And yet, here you are."
"Here I am," she echoed.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. The movement brought him closer, and for the first time, she could truly appreciate the intensity of his presence. The way his dark gaze felt like it could strip away any secrets.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice deceptively casual.
Swaby had prepared for this moment. She couldn't use her real name- he'd recognize it instantly. Instead, she had carefully built a new identity.
"Sophia Romano," she said smoothly. "Business consultant. Recently relocated from Milan."
Matteo raised a brow. "A consultant? That's a vague profession."
She smiled. "Vagueness keeps people interested."
His fingers tapped lightly against his glass. "And what does a woman like you want with me?"
Swaby leaned in slightly, lowering her voice just enough to force him to listen closely. "I've heard things about you, Mr. Costa. About your empire. About the way you handle business." She let her lips curve into a subtle smirk. "I'm always looking to align myself with powerful people."
Matteo studied her for a long moment, as if weighing her words, her presence, her very existence. Then, he leaned back and exchanged a glance with the man to his right-a broad-shouldered enforcer with sharp eyes and a scar across his jaw.
"Vincent," Matteo said without breaking eye contact with Swaby. "What do you think?"
Vincent took a slow sip of his drink before responding. "I think she's got balls." His gaze flickered over her before he turned back to Matteo. "Could be useful. Or could be trouble."
Matteo hummed in thought. "Trouble can be entertaining."
Swaby smiled. "Only if you can handle it."
A flicker of amusement crossed Matteo's face. "I like her," he admitted, finishing his drink. He turned his gaze back to her, sharp and unwavering. "Let's see if you're as useful as you claim to be, Sophia. Come to my club tomorrow night. Midnight. We'll talk business."
She nodded, hiding the satisfaction curling in her chest. "I'll be there."
Matteo lifted his glass in a mock toast. "Welcome to my world."
Hours Later
The moment Swaby stepped out of the bar, the cool night air did little to calm the storm inside her. She had done it. The first step. She was in.
She walked down the darkened street, her heels clicking against the pavement. The city pulsed around her-bright neon signs, the distant wail of sirens, the ever-present hum of danger.
Her mind was a battlefield of emotions. Hatred. Determination. The ghost of something she didn't want to name when she thought about Matteo Costa. He was supposed to be a monster, nothing more. But sitting across from him, feeling the heat of his gaze, she knew this wouldn't be simple. He wasn't just powerful. He was magnetic. That was dangerous.
She turned a corner, her hand instinctively slipping inside her coat, fingers brushing the cool metal of the knife strapped to her thigh. A shadow moved in the alley ahead, and Swaby tensed.
"Following me, Vincent?" she asked without turning around.
A deep chuckle confirmed her suspicion. "Smart girl."
Slowly, she turned to face him. Vincent leaned against the brick wall, arms crossed, eyes sharp with curiosity. "Boss might be interested in you, but I'm not so easily convinced."
She tilted her head. "Oh? And what is it you're so suspicious about?"
He pushed off the wall, stepping closer. "You don't belong here."
Swaby smiled, unfazed. "And yet, here I am."
Vincent studied her for another long moment before nodding. "Tomorrow night. Don't be late." Then, without another word, he disappeared back into the shadows. Swaby exhaled slowly. This was just the beginning. Tomorrow night, she would step even deeper into Matteo Costa's world... And when the time was right, she would burn it all to the ground.
In a world where time is not linear but a series of shifting echoes, Toby's life is anything but ordinary. Born with the unique ability to hear the echoes of the past and future, he lives in constant flux, his memories blending with the moments yet to come. When he discovers a forgotten city buried in the folds of time, Toby learns that the echoes he hears are not just of history-they are warnings of an impending catastrophe that threatens the very fabric of existence. As he uncovers the secrets of the ancient city, Toby meets Philip, a man who claims to be from a future he has not yet lived. Bound by a strange connection that transcends time, Toby and Philip must work together to unravel the mystery of the city's fall. But with each step forward, Toby's reality begins to fracture, and he must decide: Can he alter the course of time without destroying the very future he hopes to save?
When her mother marries a billionaire businessman, nineteen-year-old Lauren Parker is forced into a new life filled with private jets, penthouse rules, and one impossible housemate-Ronan Pitts, her cold and arrogant new stepbrother. He's everything she's not: rich, emotionally guarded, and painfully attractive. From the moment they meet, sparks fly-but not the good kind. Ronan wants nothing to do with her, and Lauren is determined to keep her distance. But the more they're thrown together, the harder it becomes to deny the tension simmering beneath the surface. Living under the same roof, desire turns dangerous, and boundaries blur. Secrets unravel and emotions spiral, Lauren finds herself torn between what's right... and what her heart wants most. She knows falling for him is wrong, but some temptations are too strong to resist.
Cursed by the Moon Goddess, Alpha Andy Parker has spent a century trapped between man and beast-his soul fractured, his fate sealed. The only way to break his torment is to find his true mate before the next blood moon. But time is running out. Barbara Hill never believed in fate. As a rogue, she has spent her life running from packs that would see her as nothing more than a pawn. But when she crosses into Nightfang territory, she finds herself face-to-face with a monstrous wolf-one whose golden eyes burn into her very soul. Andy knows Barbara is the key to breaking his curse, but the shadows of his past threaten to consume them both. As ancient enemies rise and betrayals unfold, they must decide-will they fight together, or will the curse claim them both under the light of the blood moon?
Elena Thorn had one destiny-to be the Luna of the Silverclaw Pack, bonded to her fated mate, Alpha Ryker. But on the night of their mating ceremony, Ryker rejects her in front of the entire pack, choosing another to stand by his side. Heartbroken and humiliated, Elena flees into the forbidden Shadowwood, a place whispered to be cursed. When she awakens, she is no longer the weak, forsaken Luna. She bears the mark of an ancient power, and her scent has changed-no longer tied to the Silverclaw Pack. A stranger finds her, a powerful and enigmatic Alpha named Cassian, ruler of the mysterious Nightshade Pack. He claims her as his mate, but Elena knows fate does not give second chances so easily. Torn between a past that shattered her and a future cloaked in secrets, Elena must uncover the truth of her new bond while resisting the lingering pull of the mate who cast her aside. But as war brews between packs and a dark force awakens, she realizes her heart may hold the key to saving them all-or destroying everything she once loved. Will Elena embrace the mate who rejected her or forge a new destiny under the blood moon?
Harper Quinn has always been a fighter. From working multiple jobs to support her younger sister to chasing her dream of becoming a top fashion designer, she's never let anything stand in her way. But when an unexpected opportunity arises- a high-profile contract with a luxury brand- she finds herself face-to-face with Holden Mercer, the man who shattered her heart six years ago. Holden, a self-made billionaire and CEO of Mercer Industries, never expected to see Harper again. Their love was intense but doomed by his family's interference. Now, with fate throwing them together in a high-stakes business deal, old wounds reopen, and unresolved emotions ignite. Harper is determined to keep things strictly professional, but Holden has other plans. He's willing to fight for the woman he never stopped loving. As past betrayals resurface and new challenges threaten their second chance, Harper must decide- will she let love in again, or is she better off walking away?
When struggling journalist Becky Lynchburg lands an exclusive interview with reclusive billionaire Damien Lancaster, she expects a routine exposé. Instead, she uncovers a world of secrets- one that ties him to a mysterious past and a vow that has dictated his entire life. Damien has spent years building an empire, keeping his heart locked away behind steel walls. But Becky's fiery determination and undeniable charm threaten to crack his carefully crafted facade. As she digs deeper, she finds herself caught in a dangerous web of lies, power, and an attraction neither of them can ignore. But Damien's past isn't just a shadow- it's a storm waiting to break. And when secrets are exposed, Becky must decide: walk away with the truth or risk everything for the man who was never meant to love?
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
Season 1: Vanessa Saxon was once married to Luca Kensington, the cold and distant CEO of K Group. But when she was seven months pregnant, her adopted sister, Beatriz Langley, falsely accused her of having an affair with her best friend, Daxton Radcliffe, and carrying his child. The worst part? Luca believed Beatriz. In a fit of rage, Luca demanded their baby be removed prematurely, leading to a tragic event where Vanessa nearly died from the ordeal. Saved by Daxton, Vanessa disappeared. Now, five years later, she returns-stronger and determined-alongside her daughter, Isla Saxon, to exact her revenge on those who wronged her. SEASON 2: Framed for a crime she didn't commit, Senna Thorne lost everything-her family, her freedom, and the man she once loved. Betrayed and abandoned, she was sentenced to a fate worse than death. Magnus Voss, the ruthless billionaire who once held her heart, now sees her as nothing more than a murderer, a woman unworthy of mercy. But when fate grants her a second chance, she returns under a new name, Zara Skye-no longer the broken woman he cast aside. Yet Magnus refuses to let go. He sees her, he feels her, and deep down, he knows-she is the ghost that haunts him, the love he once destroyed. But this time, Senna isn't here for love. She's here for vengeance. When their paths collide once more, will he uncover the truth before it's too late? Or will her revenge burn them both to ashes?
Trigger warning!!! Intended for mature readers who enjoy morally complex, slow-burn, poseesive, forbidden, dark romance that pushes boundaries. ***EXCERPT*** Blood everywhere. Trembling hands. "No!" My eyes blurred. His lifeless eyes stared back at me, his blood pooling at my feet. The man I loved-dead. Killed by the one person I could never escape - my stepbrother. *** Kasmine's life was never hers to begin with. Kester, her stepbrother, controlled and monitored her every move. At first, it was all sweet and brotherly until it began to turn into an obsession. Kester was the Alpha, and his word was law. No close friends. No boyfriends. No freedom. The only consolation Kasmine had was her twenty-first birthday, which was supposed to change everything. She dreamt of finding her mate, escaping the sickening control of Kester, and finally claiming her own life. But fate had other plans for her. On the night of her birthday, not only was she disappointed that she wasn't mated to the love of her life, but she found out that her mate was none other than him - Her tormentor. Her stepbrother. She'd rather die than be mated to a man whom she had known as her big brother all her life. A man who would do just anything to make sure she was his. But when love turns to obsession, and obsession turns to blood, how far can one girl run before she realizes there is nowhere else to run to?
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 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?"