Novels by Joe Honey

The low hum of the drones grew louder, their menacing shapes cutting through the smoky night sky. Maya’s heart raced as she craned her neck to look out the window, her pistol still clenched in her trembling hands.“They’ve sent more,” she whispered, her voice edged with fear.Zane’s voice crackled through the radio. “Camilla, take the lead vehicle off the main road. We need to split up and confuse their tracking systems.”“Got it,” Camilla replied, yanking the wheel hard to the left. The SUV veered off the dirt road, bumping violently over uneven terrain as they entered the dense forest.---A Desperate ChaseBranches clawed at the sides of the vehicle, the headlights casting eerie shadows through the trees. Camilla gripped the wheel tightly, her knuckles white as she maneuvered through the rough terrain.“Are we even going the right way?” Maya asked, her voice shaky as she braced herself against the seat.“Anywhere away from those drones is the right way,” Camilla muttered.Alex lean

The room buzzed with tension as the group absorbed the weight of the kill order on Maya. Her green eyes stayed fixed on the laptop screen, the stark red letters screaming out her danger.“They won’t stop,” Maya whispered, her voice trembling. “They’ll come at me until I’m gone.”Zane stepped forward, placing a protective hand on her shoulder. His silver eyes were sharp, cold, and filled with determination. “They’ll have to go through me first.”“Then we need to prepare,” Lena said, her voice crisp as she began to pace. “They’ll send their best, and they’ll come fast. We can’t afford to be caught off guard.”“Why target Maya now?” Reese asked, her brow furrowed. “They’ve been after Zane this whole time. Why shift focus?”“They’ve realized she’s the key to breaking me,” Zane said, his tone low and lethal. “They think if they take her out, they’ll destabilize everything.”---A Tense Debate“We can’t stay here,” Alex said, his voice firm. “This cabin is compromised. We need to move her s

The aftermath of the drone assault was eerily quiet, the hum of rotors replaced by the crackle of fires and the faint groans of Syndicate operatives pinned beneath debris. Smoke hung in the air, a ghostly veil that blurred the chaotic battlefield.Maya leaned against Zane, her legs trembling as adrenaline drained from her body. She clutched the transmitter, her knuckles white, her green eyes wide with disbelief at what they had just accomplished.“We did it,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.Zane’s silver eyes scanned the clearing, his grip on her tightening. “For now.”---RegroupingReese emerged from the treeline, her rifle slung over her shoulder and her face smudged with dirt. “Well, that was a fun little war,” she quipped, though her tone was edged with exhaustion.“You call that fun?” Alex muttered, limping slightly as he joined her.Victor sauntered over, wiping soot from his jacket with exaggerated disdain. “I’d say we handled it rather well. Minimal casualties, maxim

The sound of whirring drone blades sliced through the air, growing louder as they descended into view. From the cabin, Maya peered out the window, her breath catching as the sleek, black machines hovered ominously above the treetops.“Armed drones?” Reese said sharply, taking cover behind a tree. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”“They’re not kidding,” Camilla called from inside, her voice tight with urgency. “And these aren’t just surveillance drones. They’re equipped with heat-seeking rounds.”Zane gritted his teeth, his silver eyes scanning the clearing. “Then we need to take them out before they lock on to us.”---A New PlanLena darted over to Zane, her expression grim but focused. “We can’t hold the cabin if those drones start firing. We need to split up—draw their fire and disable them.”“She’s right,” Alex agreed, wiping blood from a small cut on his forehead. “If we stay clustered, we’re sitting ducks.”Zane hesitated for a brief moment, his gaze flicking toward the cabin where

The rumble of approaching vehicles grew louder, reverberating through the forest like a storm on the horizon. Inside the cabin, the team scrambled into action, their exhaustion temporarily forgotten in the face of the imminent threat.Zane stood by the window, his silver eyes scanning the tree line. He turned back to the group, his voice calm but commanding. “They’re closing in fast. We don’t have much time to set up.”“We’re not going to make this easy for them,” Lena said, slinging her weapon over her shoulder. “Reese, Alex, take the west side. I’ll cover the east with Victor.”“And what about me?” Luca asked casually, leaning against the wall with a smirk.“You stay out of my way,” Zane said coldly.---A Dangerous SetupCamilla worked furiously at her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she set up a new firewall to block the Syndicate’s drone signals.“This will buy us some time,” she muttered, sweat beading on her brow.“Time for what?” Maya asked, standing beside h

The group stood frozen as Luca Moretti stepped into the clearing, his sly smile widening at the sight of Zane. His tailored suit was immaculate despite the chaos around them, his dark hair swept back in his signature effortless style.“Well, this is cozy,” Luca said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as his silver eyes—a mirror of Zane’s—swept over the group. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”Zane stepped forward, his posture rigid with barely contained fury. “What are you doing here, Luca?”Luca spread his arms, feigning innocence. “What, no warm welcome? I came all this way to see my dear brother and this is how you greet me?”“Cut the crap,” Lena snapped, her weapon raised. “Why are you here?”---A Dangerous OfferLuca smirked, lowering his arms as he turned his attention to Lena. “Ah, Lena. Always the loyal soldier. I’m not here to fight, if that’s what you’re worried about.”Zane’s jaw tightened. “Then what do you want?”“I’m here to help,” Luca said simply.The si

Adrian turned to him, his eyes narrowing slightly, like a curtain pulled against the light."Who are you and what are you talking about?" Adrian asked, his voice calm and peaceful, like some stream meandering its way across a tranquil countryside. The words seemed to fall like a question mark, while waiting for an answer.His mask of confidence fluttered; his face slipping open onto a glimpse of uncertainty underneath. "D-dude, I'm so sorry," he stammered, the words skipping from his tongue like a scratched record, hesitant and unsure. "I must have mistaken you for someone else," he finished saying, the sentence trailing off almost at a sigh over the acknowledgment of his mistake.Adrian's eyes, like a drill trying to pierce through steel, pierced into the soul of the man in search of answers. With a dismissive sigh, like a wave that washes over the shore, Adrian turned and walked out of the shop, leaving the man standing alone, like a statue, frozen in time.As Adrian drove back home

We then got into his car, with the sleek and black vehicle glowing in the bright sunlight, softly upholstered, inviting leather, like a cozy cocoon.As we started driving to the cafeteria, it was a pleasant feeling with wind whistling through my hair, a song of joy, a sense of abandon, something like a caged bird free at last to soar into an open sky with wings of pure exhilaration.We took snapshots inside the car; our laughs, our smiles froze in those momentary flickers of time, like amber-preserving memories."Let's go and eat, please, I'm famished," Mr. German said. There was such a lot of warmth in his voice as he held my hands, sparking electrical currents into my body-like those jolts of adrenaline received on a roller coaster.We gained entrance to the cafeteria, where the savory smell of freshly cooked food filled the air, teasing my taste buds like a savory mist and making me hungry.We sat at a table, and I called out to the waiter; my voice sounded across the room, ringing

Soon thereafter, I whined up the tires on approach to this company's parking lot in protest and brought it to a stop: the screeching just seemed to hang in the air for a moment or two there-a scream of tortured rubber with its shudder, lurch to a stop, and coughing, protesting motor dying out.I breathed deeply, and the tension began to seep from my body like air from a balloon that has been punctured; my shoulders sagged in relief as my heart, though still racing, drummed a slower, more measured beat in my chest.The instant I got out of the car, bright sunlight wrapped itself around me, its warm rays fondling my frayed nerves. A cool breeze ruffled my hair with scents of flowers in bloom and newly cut grass, some sweet fragrance which seemed to soothe the senses, the racing heart."Good morning," the voice of the receptionist greeted happily, a vivid contrast to turmoil that was churning within me, the warm and inviting smile spreading like a sunrise."Good morning, dear," I replied

I couldn't hold myself any longer and burst out laughing. My laughter filled the room, bounced off the walls, and resounded everywhere. Deep, rich, full-bodied, a sound that seemed to emanate right from the core of me.My body was racked with mirth: my shoulders shook, my chest heaved with it, while I stood, my eyes shining with tears, my face alight with the joy of being finally happy-happy as though a weight had been lifted from my shoulders and a burden from my heart.Smiles danced across my face as I felt unhindered, high, enjoying my victory and revenge. It sounded like the laughter had washed all my cares off me, washed off all the fears, leaving me light and free, high.Just then I turned toward leaving the room; Adrian was stopping me off with words to hang upon for a moment-challenge and more. He told me where I could possibly go, without shame, or remorse, stared enticingly through dilated nostrils.And in that glance, I shivered, I thrilled, feeling a rush down my spine, me

Sweet and tangy, it did a tango on my tongue, the flavor bursting inside my mouth as for one moment it made me forget the tension that was building.I closed my eyes, savoring the taste, and the coolness of the juice as it ran down my throat like balm.Having drunk the juice, I went to the room where Adrian lay asleep-my intentions pure, my heart set on just sleeping well for tomorrow, a day to report to a new job. I lay down on the bed and feigned sleep, my eyes closed, breathing slowly.It was as if the darkness just wrapped itself around me, in a soft, comforting blanket. It wrapped around me, shielding me from the world. I felt my eyelids growing heavy, body relaxing, letting all the weariness of the day wash over me.But it wasn't to last. I felt the touch of Adrian's hand on my lap, the tips of his fingers touching my skin as an electric jolt bolted through my body. My eyes snapped open, and I sat up in a fluster, my voice ringing out loud."Stop it, please!" I screamed at him,

Slowly, I started getting ready, undressing and cleaning off the makeup from my face. Tender strokes of the wipe were soothing onto my frazzled nerves as I did everything really slowly.I relished this transformation-taking place, akin to a caterpillar finally making its way out into the world from its cocoon, rebirthed, renewed. I changed into something sexy and hot-a tight gown, fitted at my curves to a T, cuddling me at just about all the right places like into a second skin.And then, looking into the mirror well, I couldn't help but feel this surge of pride in me, a surge of confidence-half a queen surveying her kingdom.My full, round breasts stood to attention, their tender peaks upward like delicate water droplets glistening with a subtle sheen, like the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon. The dress was tight, showcasing every bend and contour of my body, like a work of art on display. I felt like a different person altogether, one ready for the world to bring it on

Caila and I followed Clinton down the long, echoing hallways of the huge mansion. The butler walked with a dignified air, pointing out important locations as we passed them."This," Clinton said, gesturing to a large wooden door, "is the library. Mr. Sharpe has an extensive collection should you ever need it."I looked in curiously as we passed, noticing the high shelves of books lining the walls. Down the hall further, Clinton stopped in front of another door. "The kitchen is in here. If you want refreshments at any other time than mealtimes, you can ask for them.Finally, Clinton halted at another corridor leading to a quieter wing of the house. "This wing has been prepared for your arrivals. These are your rooms." He gestured to two doors across from each other.We looked down the hall and I pointed to a third door at the end. "And who does that belong to?" I asked the question I was sure Caila had in mind.Clinton followed my gaze. "That would be Mr. Sharpe's room."My lips thinne

I knew well that if Solomon Sleighman's first daughter, Aria, was handed a knife, she would not show any hesitation before stabbing me with it.But I had my reasons for marrying both sisters. Unconventional, yes. Weird, definitely. But I held all the power here, and they all knew it.The reception was a very low-key affair. We remained, for appearances' sake, but it was plain that the tension was going to break soon. My trophy wife, Caila, stood quietly beside me, polite but her hands clasped nervously in front of her. I looked at her every now and then; I almost felt sorry for the girl. She was fragile, as if she would shatter under all this.I couldn't help but feel a bit insulted, though. The way both sisters seemed abhorrent at the idea of marrying me bruised his my. I was Jace Sharpe, for fuck's sake. Women lined up to be with me. And yet here were these two, acting like I was some repulsive creature.Still, we endured an hour of mingling before I decided enough was enough."We'r

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Two weeks of wedding preparations, legal arrangements, and awkward silences had just blitzed by. The house was abuzz. Caila, Dad and I had all practically managed to ignore the absurdity of this whole situation.Dad had thrown himself into the planning of it all, proudly announcing each and every detail to anyone who would listen. "A grand affair," he kept calling it. "The perfect union for Soleil Vineyards' salvation."Caila, on the other hand, had been quiet. Too quiet.One night, I found my sister on the floor of her room, knees against her chest, head bent. "What's wrong?" I whispered, even though I knew the answer.Caila looked up; her eyes were red from crying. "I thought...I thought it was love, Aria, that a marriage was supposed to be about. Not this. I don't want this.”I knelt beside her, pulling her into a hug. "I know," I whispered. "I'm so sorry, Caila. If I could fix this-""We're stuck," Caila interrupted, her voic

Despite the grand feast before us, the dining room was heavy with tension. Glimmering silver candlesticks reflected warmly in the light of the chandelier, while the soft clinking of cutlery against plates sounded louder than it should have. Caila sat with her hands fidgeting in her lap, glancing at me for some kind of cue or assurance I just didn’t have to give.I sat without it fidgeting, outwardly composed. Years of practice made it easily possible to mask my emotions, but inside, my stomach churned. I didn’t let my awkwardness show, unlike poor Caila whose emotions were painted across her face. I wished she didn’t have to witness whatever shitshow was about to go down. The main courses consisted of pumpkin soup in its velvety feel, a crunchy salad, and finally roasted lamb. Dad swallowed hard, several times in an effort to be jovial and create light conversation."So, Jace," he began awkwardly. "How's life over at Sharpe Techs? I read about the expansion into Europe. Really great

I parked my sleek black sedan in the expansive garage of my family estate, the quiet hum of the engine dissipating as I stepped out. The late afternoon sun bathed the Sleighman property in warm, golden light, casting a nice, earthy scene that did little to lighten my mood. I'd spent hours at the office struggling with plenty challenges at Soliel Vineyards, and my frustration boiled inside me while I looked composed on the outside.Click-clack. The sharp rhythm of my red Louboutins echoed off the tiled floor as I entered through the massive oak front door, a load of paperwork tucked underneath my arm. An aroma of fresh lilies from a nearby vase wafted through the air, an R&B melody humming in the air, pulling my attention toward the parlour.Dad was a stout man, with streaks of silver in his dark hair, hunched over a pile of documents on the vintage mahogany coffee table. His brow was deeply furrowed, and he barely looked up when I entered.By the mini bar, my two-year-younger sister,