Novels by Billie Summer

“Sometimes, the only person you can trust with your demons is the one who’s danced with them before.” By Unknown.April didn’t move for a long time after the door closed behind Gail.She just sat there, staring at the city skyline like it might offer answers she didn’t have. The weight on her chest was different now. Less grief, more fury.She wanted to scream. Or cry. Or throw something.Instead, she reached for her mobile phone.There were maybe five people in her life who she trusted without question. None of them had the resources or connections she needed right now. And the one person who did?She hated that it was him.Still, her fingers moved before her brain could stop them. The line rang twice.“Look who finally remembered my number,” Noah’s voice came through, low and amused.April immediately rolled her eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. This isn’t a booty call.” Remembering his hands on her this morning outside her place.“Shame. I was hoping you were calling for another... per

“One of the biggest lies ever told is that blood makes you family. Blood makes you related. Loyalty, love, and trust make you family.” By Unknown.When Neil had first said someone was waiting in her office, April had half-assumed it was Noah. A last-minute booty call, maybe. The man had a habit of showing up without notice and lighting her world on fire, only to leave her hot and bothered after like this morning.But it wasn’t Noah. It was her mother.She stared at Neil, unmoving. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it was trying to claw its way out of her chest. “I’m sorry… what?” She needed him to repeat it, just in case the universe was pulling a sick joke.Neil didn’t flinch. “She’s waiting in your office.”April blinked. “You’re sure? My mother?”“She said her name’s Gail Harrington.” His expression was concerned, maybe even a little sympathetic, though there was something close to apology in the way he said it. “I can have her removed, if you’d prefer.”“No,” April muttered. “

“Some people can’t take a hint. Others turn the hint into a weapon.” By Unknown.Noah stepped into the lobby of Crawford HQ and immediately regretted not taking the service entrance.There she was… Kayla.Fuck.Perched behind the front desk like she owned the damn building, she flashed him that same too-sweet smile she always wore when she thought he might finally cave.Her blouse was tighter today, her hair styled just a little more than usual. It didn’t take a genius to figure out she was trying again. Maybe he could get HR to fire her for sexual harassment.“Noah,” she said brightly, as if they hadn’t already had this conversation before.“Morning.” He didn’t break stride, heading straight for the elevator bay.“I didn’t see you come in yesterday,” she called after him, standing now, like she might follow.Wow, no kidding. He wasn’t always in the office, sometimes he worked remotely. “That’s because I wasn’t here,” he replied, pressing the elevator button. He didn’t turn around.The

“Sometimes the biggest step toward a future is simply choosing where to begin.” By Unknown.The smell of fresh coffee drifting in from the next room stirred April. She sat up fast… shit, what time was it? She needed to get to the office. Throwing off the covers, she was halfway to the door where the coffee smell was coming from, before remembering she still needed a shower.Yes, he had used a condom this morning... but last night? Not so much. Bareback sex was pretty messy. Hot, but still messy.She grabbed her phone on the way to the bathroom. 7:27 a.m. Thank God.She moved fast, taking the quickest shower known to mankind, still managing to wash her hair. There was a hairbrush and a new toothbrush sitting on the vanity. Of course there was. Noah had thought of everything.She wasn’t about to throw on yesterday’s clothes just yet, though. Instead, she slipped into Noah’s robe. It drowned her and washed her underwear out in the sink. She’d wear her dress home, but the wet underwear? Ab

“Love is war. You have to be willing to fight for it… or surrender completely.” By Unknown.April’s eyes narrowed, her body tense beneath the sheet she had wrapped tightly around herself. “What condition?”His jaw flexed, like he was bracing for her reaction. “Give our marriage a three-month trial.”April blinked, sure she’d misheard him. “Excuse me?” He couldn’t be serious.“You heard me.” He sat up fully, the sheet falling to his waist, revealing far too much golden skin and muscle for April’s brain to compute properly. “Three months. We live as husband and wife. No lawyers, no threats, no running. We talk and work on our marriage.”April stared at him, stunned into silence. Then she laughed a sharp, bitter, and humorless laugh. “You’re insane.”“Maybe.” He didn’t flinch. “But I’m serious. Three months. If at the end of it you still want out, I’ll sign the papers. No argument. I’ll make it quick and painless.”She gaped at him. “You’re blackmailing me into staying married to you?

“You want to date my friend? Great. But know this… if you hurt her, I will become your worst nightmare.” by UnknownApril slid out of the booth, grabbing her clutch as she stood. “I need the bathroom.” They had been here for over thirty minutes and Noah had just sat there, watching her and her friends.Sophie stood up immediately. “I’ll come too.”April didn’t argue. She needed a moment away, and anyone understood the importance of a good bathroom escape. As they weaved through the crowded tables and headed down the narrow hallway past the bar, April could still feel Noah’s eyes on her back. It made her skin itch and her blood heat. No matter how much she said she didn’t want him in her life, she knew she was lying to herself. She had strong feelings for Noah, but not all of them were good.Once they were out of sight of their table, Sophie gave her a sideways glance. “You okay?”April hesitated before answering. “Honestly? No. But I will be.” She paused, pushing the bathroom door open

Tally looked up from the textbook she was reading when Ryan came through the front door.“Hello lover.” Tally knew the time was just after 1pm. She had only just eaten lunch, so it was early for Ryan to be home.Ryan stopped, raised an eyebrow in her direction. “Lover?”“Well, yes, are you hoping to get lucky before my husband gets home? You could be in luck.” Tally grinned at him, looking down at her bare wrist as if she was checking the time. “He doesn’t normally get home for hours.” This reminded her of teasing him at the office after they had had made love in an underground parking lot on the way to work.Ryan smirked, his eyes filled with a mischievous glint. “Well, if luck is on my side, then who am I to resist?” he replied, inching closer to Tally. Their playful banter had always added an exciting element to their relationship.As Tally playfully tapped her chin, pretending to consider the proposition. “Hmm, I’m not sure I should. My husband is so good in bed and well… out of it

Tally nodded, her heart swelling with love for this man who loved her just how she was. Never wanting to change her. He had fallen in love with her twice. She couldn’t imagine her life without him and the baby they were eagerly expecting. “I’m so grateful that everything is OK,” she said.Ryan’s eyes locked with hers, his gaze filled with an intensity that made her breath catch. “I love you, Tally. I can’t imagine a world where we’re not together. We have so much to look forward to, and I promise to protect you and our baby with everything I have,” he vowed, his voice filled with emotion.Tears streamed down Tally’s cheeks as she reached for Ryan’s hand, squeezing it tightly. “I love you too. I really didn’t know what I had until you lost your memory. It was like my world had ended.” She whispered.Ryan climbed onto the bed beside Tally, careful to not jostle her at all. Ryan laid down, pulling her back in his arms as they both settled into a warm embrace. The rhythmic beeping of the h

Tally, Ethan, and Holly left the building at noon to go grab some lunch later that day. Ryan was having a workout with Marty during lunch.When she told him she was leaving, Tally promised to bring something back for him. Tally was finding it hard to work with her husband, often wanting to strip his clothes off at work and beg him to take her. But they had made a deal. The workplace was not the ideal location.“Damn hormones.” Tally said under her breath.“What.” Holly asked.Tally shook her head. “I’ll tell you after we order.”They looked over the menu before placing their orders. Once the server left. Tally said to her friends. “My hormones are all over the place with this pregnancy. Sometimes I want to shout at Ryan and call him an asshole for no reason or a want to rip his clothes off at the office.” Tally felt safe telling her friends how she was feeling. They had never gossiped behind her back.Holly grinned while Ethan laughed, saying. “Oh, honey, I can see the attraction. If h

“Beautiful,” he whispered, his voice filled with ore. Before he leaned in with his tongue, flicking out to taste her. Tally’s entire body jerked in response, her nails digging into the mattress as she struggled to stay still.Ryan’s tongue explored her folds, mapping out every sensitive spot with meticulous care. He teased her clit with gentle flicks, earning a choked cry from Tally. Her hips writhed beneath him, her breathing growing ragged as he continued his relentless assault.“Ryan,” she panted, her voice strained with desperation. “Please, I need...” Tally felt all her nerve ending zero in on every little movement Ryan made.Ryan lifted his head, a predatory smile curling his lips. “You need what, Tally?” he asked, his voice dripping with wickedness.“I need you,” she admitted, her cheeks flushing with excitement. “I need to feel you, Ryan. Please.” Ryan stripped the teddy from her body quickly.Ryan’s eyes darkened with desire, his cock twitching as he positioned himself at her

Three weeks later Tally and Ryan, with their entourage, burst into the boardroom of Benson Developments, their presence commanding immediate attention. The room fell silent as every eye turned to them. Tally’s face was a blank mask. She was wearing a scarlet red skirt suit, which contrasts with the cold, sterile room. Ryan stood beside her, his tailored suit exuding authority, his jaw set in determination.Barry Benson, the current CEO, looked up from his seat at the head of the table, his face paling at the sight of them. John, who sat to her father’s right side, narrowed his eyes, clearly sensing the impending storm.“Barry,” Ryan begins, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife, “you’re fired.”Barry’s mouth opens and closes, but no sound comes out. His hands grip the edge of the table, knuckles turning white as he struggles to process the words. Beside him, John leaps to his feet, his face twisted in outrage.“You can’t do this!” John shouts, pointing an accusing finger a

During that week, they had invited a select few to come to their home on the weekend. Ryan’s parents, Paul and Brenda, were among those included in the guest list. They were overjoyed to see Tally and showered her with hugs and kisses upon their arrival. They were relieved that Ryan had regained his memories.Brenda also shared with Tally that Ashley’s parents were not handling their daughter’s actions well. It was apparent to everyone that they found it distasteful. As a result, Ashley was no longer welcome in their circle. Holly and Ethan were the next to arrive, closely followed by April.When Tally invited April, she gave her the heads-up that Noah had also been invited. Tally assured April that she would understand if she didn’t want to come because her husband would be there, but she secretly hoped that she would. April had devoted the last five years of her life to take care of her ailing father, leaving little time for herself.Noah was the last to arrive, and Tally wasn’t sure

Cat let out a soft giggle as Eric playfully pushed her down onto the bed, gently pulling off her camisole as he hovered over her. “You are so sexy. I love you more every day,” he whispered, his love for her evident in his voice.Cat groaned with desire as he slid her underwear down her legs, leaving her completely naked. They knew they only had an hour at most.With the assistance of their live-in nanny, Katie. Allison had taken their four-year-old twin boys, Jack and Michael, to the beach. Eric had insisted that Cat have a nanny to help with the boys, but only when she needed it. Katie’s room was conveniently located right next to the boys’ room. Cat adored being a mother, but twin boys could definitely be a handful.As Eric moved away from the bed to remove his shirt and pants, Cat stretched out on the bed, eagerly watching her stunning husband undress. A delicious warmth spread through her body, causing her skin to tingle with anticipation. He made it a point to tell her he loved he

They didn’t stick around for the police to arrive; it wasn’t as if they were fleeing the scene of a crime; the perpetrator was still there. Eric informed her that when the police wanted a statement, they could find them at the hospital and get statements after the babies had arrived. Claudia wasn’t going anywhere but a jail cell or another mental hospital.Getting Cat to the hospital was their top priority. She agreed with him, especially as another wave of pain hit her. Evan took the wheel so that Eric could sit in the back with Cat. She leaned into him, squeezing his hand each time the pain intensified. Cat noticed him wince a few times. It was a small comfort that he only felt a fraction of the pain she was going through.“Breathe,” Eric instructed, employing the breathing techniques they had learnt together. Cat stared at him for a moment, wondering if he was joking. How could she focus on her breathing when they were racing through traffic, desperately trying to reach the hospital

“How did you get in?” Cat asked as her mind raced. What was she going to do? Did she have time to wait for someone to save her, or did she need to save herself?“It was incredibly simple. After you left yesterday, did you even take a moment to check if anyone was trying to sneak under the garage roller door? I simply waited until you all drove away and swiftly ducked under the door.”“So you have been here since yesterday?” The sick feeling was back in her stomach, the thought of Claudia having free rein in the house last night and lying in wait for this morning. Picking the best time to come out of her hiding spot.“Yes, it was easy, like I said. I bought provisions with me, of course, and fresh water was available.” Claudia pointed to the tap on the kitchen island.Cat didn’t look towards where she was pointing, unable to take her eyes off the madwoman in front of her and the gun in her hand.“Unbelievable,” thought Cat. She couldn’t fathom how Claudia had managed to reach her so eas

After four weeks had passed, there was still no word from Eva. Everyone had collectively reached the conclusion that her sudden disappearance resulted from Eric and Alex’s conversation with Cat’s birth mother. It seemed that their discussion had the intended effect, causing Eva to flee the town.Cat was pleased because, even though she had nothing to be ashamed of, she still didn’t want to air her dirty laundry in public.It was bad enough with stories about Cat being Alex’s daughter, which she didn’t find so embarrassing, although there was a lot of speculation about how that came about. Who was Cat’s mother? It wouldn’t be long before they found out she had gone into foster care. Hopefully, the trail ended there and a new story would distract the media away from her life story.They have been coming out to the new house every weekend, since Cat had moved back in with Eric. Their purpose is to oversee the many changes being made to the place, as well as to meet with the painters and d

Later that night, Eric left the apartment to meet with Alex so both of them could deal with Eva. She didn’t ask to come and honestly didn’t want to.Eric said in parting. “Might be an idea to call Mum and Jo while I’m gone, so they don’t hate me so much.” Before kissing her on the mouth hungrily. Then he was gone. Cat thought about what he had said and realised maybe he was right and it would help her take her mind off her birth mother.Cat still hurt from the fact Eva wanted to make money off her in this disgraceful manner. But like the old saying went, you could pick your friends, but you can’t choose your family.For Cat, it just reinforced why she didn’t have Eva in her life to start with.Cat picked up the phone and called Dawn first. The first thing they talked about was the fact that Eric and she had sorted out their differences.Dawn was over the moon. Reminding Cat that marriage was about working on the relationship that just didn’t stop because you had a piece of paper. Cat f

When they pulled into the driveway of their new home. Cat saw that Alex’s car was already in the driveway. When they got out, Cat walked over to the car, seeing it was empty.Looking around, she couldn’t spot them. They might have headed around the house towards the beach. Eric took her hand in his as the guards fanned out. Evan walking closest to them. As they neared the house, Alex and Rebecca rounded the side of the house, heading back their way. When Rebecca and Cat saw each other, Cat let go of Eric's hand and Rebecca did the same with Alex. They walked faster to meet each other halfway. The women embraced as if they hadn’t seen each other in months.“I’m so happy for you.” Rebecca whispered in her ear. Just before the men reached them.Alex leaned in to kiss Cat on the cheek. They had found it harder to have a normal father daughter closeness. Cat knew it was new for them both and she would be uncomfortable if he swept her into his arms to hug and kiss her like Rebecca had done.

Ella lifted the earrings Nick had given her for their third wedding anniversary just last week. They matched her engagement ring and the necklace Nick had given her on their 2nd anniversary.They had a state dinner tonight. Nick was currently in the shower. Having arrived late from state affairs. Anthony had stepped down at the beginning of last year. So, he could spend more time with his beloved grandchildren. Anthony had been over the moon when she had fallen pregnant straight after their wedding.The wedding had been an emotional rollercoaster. Considering the state of her family, it hadn’t been surprising to Ella. She was just glad her sister hadn’t sold her story to the media. Ella had half expected her to. The UK had already experienced a similar drama with their royal family, and it didn’t end well for anyone. Perhaps that’s why Ava decided not to go down that path.Nick had helped her through it all. When Ava refused to come, so had Ella’s mother. But her father had gone agains

Nick found her on the terrace one morning. Sitting down, he looked at Ella, studying her.She knew he wanted to say something. “What?”“How do you feel about a visit from Stephen and Ava? They are currently in Greece for their honeymoon. Stephen called to say their wanted to finish their honeymoon off with a few days here.”Ella wondered if it was truly Stephen’s idea or Ava’s. She knew she couldn’t very well say no. Stephen was Nick’s friend and it would seem unforgiving to never see Stephen or her sister again. With a sense of dread she said, “Ok.”“Are you sure? I have no issue saying, no, we don’t have the time right now.”“I think it needs to be dealt with, don’t you? At some point, we will see them again. Our wedding. It’s better that all the awkwardness is out of the way before then.” Taking a deep breath, she asked, “So, when do they plan to be here?”“This afternoon.” Nick said simply.“So soon?” she could do this. “Ok.”Later that day, the family limo pulled into the circula

Ella moaned, stretching in bed. Her bones protested in a way that reminded her she had been well loved last night and into the morning.Sun streamed through the bedroom windows. It was the sunlight that had woken her up. Looking at the empty space beside her, she realised Nick must have left soon after she had fallen asleep that last time, in the pre-dawn hour. Picking up her phone on the bedside table, she saw it wasn’t as late as she had thought it might have been. 7:47am.She was going to be truly tired today, but she took comfort in the fact that if she was, then so was Nick. Grinning, Ella sat up in bed, stretching her arms above her head. She needed a shower, and what she really needed more than anything was something to eat. The energy used last night had really increased her need for food. Slipping from the bed, Ella headed for the shower.Twenty minutes later, she was dressed in a yellow and white flowery sundress and tan sandals, hair pinned back at the side and makeup free.

Ella got into her nightgown and was brushing her hair, then she heard the door click closed behind her. Nick was leaning against the door with his arms folded over his broad chest, silently watching her. “Don’t you have your own room?” Ella said in a cheeky manner, laying her hairbrush on the dressing table and facing Nick. He grinned at her. “Yes! You’re mistaken if you think I’ll sleep there by myself. So it’s here or there? But I didn’t think you would enjoy sneaking back here in the morning.” “Oh, the dreaded walk of shame.” Teasing still. Nick laughed. “I hope leaving my bed isn’t a walk of shame.” Ella blushed, thinking of the things he did to her. It wasn’t shame she felt in his arms. Nick stepped away from the door, stalked her across the room. But she didn’t wait for him. Ella met him halfway, sliding her arms around his neck and reaching up on tiptoes to cover his mouth with hers and effectively moulding her body against his hard, desirable body. He was so deliciously w

They wouldn’t be sharing a room, which left Ella disappointed. On seeing her downcast face, Nick pulled her into her assigned room, closing the door. “It’s only for appearance’s sake. I will still be in here with you at night, Bella.” Taking her into his arms.“Are you reading my mind?” She demanded, slightly worried.Nick laughed. “No, your face is an opened book though.”“I will have to learn how to hide my expressions better.”“I enjoy that you don’t hide anything. It’s so you. Now I better go and get ready.” Nick said before slipping from the room to find his own.They had little time to get dressed and Nick told her she didn’t need to dress up for dinner. But she still changed into one of the dresses Em had sent with her. A beautiful green dress that hugged her upper body but fell into a full skirt to her knees. With some light makeup. She was just putting on her shoes when Nick knocked on the door before pushing it opened. “Ready?”“As I’ll ever be.”Smiling, he held out his hand

The next day was a hive of activity. Their flight to Cristonia was to depart from Heathrow Airport at 1pm that afternoon. Ella had already packed for her move to London. Nick had arranged for someone to come in and move the rest of her stuff to her new homeland.She was just taking two suitcases for now. This would be more than enough to see her through until the rest of her stuff arrived.To say she was nervous was an understatement. She felt petrified! Today she would meet his father, but not only that, the man was a king. Holy shit, was she ready to marry into this family? She had lived her life in the shadows, then all of a sudden, she was taking centre stage with Nick. It was a world stage at that, not just with her family.Their plane left Heathrow on time. She was glad their flight wasn’t too long. Because any longer and she would have brooded. Nick never left her side, held her hand during the flight.Ella hoped that her outfit, a simple white pantsuit with a royal blue shell