Novels by Na'ima Yusuf

Elliot I sat across from my mother in the grand dining hall of the Prescott estate, the tension so thick it felt like the walls were closing in. The candlelight flickered between us, casting sharp shadows over her cold, unreadable expression. I had been summoned...no, commanded...for this private dinner, and I already knew what it was about. “Susan Hart,” she said, swirling her wine glass as if savoring the taste of my impending obedience. “She’s still lingering around you. why?” I took a deep breath, keeping my jaw tight. “She’s not lingering, Mother. She’s my fiancée.” my mother’s grip tightened around the glass, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the crystal. “Then break it off,” she said smoothly, as if she were canceling a bad investment. “You’ve had your fun, but this needs to end. Now.” I let out a dry chuckle, shaking my head. “You really don’t get it, do you? I love her.” “Love?” she scoffed. “You call it love when a woman accepts money to walk away from you

ElliotHer confession shattered every restraint I had left.She didn’t want to leave me.And I was damn sure she was going to remember that.I didn’t give her a chance to overthink, didn’t let her retreat back into her walls. Instead, I crashed my lips against hers, pouring every bit of frustration, longing, and raw need into that kiss.Susan gasped into my mouth, and I took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, my tongue sweeping in to claim hers. She melted into me, her fingers gripping the fabric of my shirt like she was afraid I’d disappear.Not a damn chance.I pressed her back against the mattress, my body settling between her legs. She moaned as my hand slid under the hem of her dress, tracing up the smooth expanse of her thigh.“Elliot...”“Shh,” I murmured against her lips. “No more running.”I kissed her harder, biting down on her lower lip before soothing it with my tongue. Her hands tugged at my shirt, and I sat up just long enough to yank it over my head, tossing it aside.

SusanWarmth. That’s what I felt first. Not just physical warmth but something deeper, something safe. My head was heavy, my body sluggish, but I knew I wasn’t alone. A familiar scent wrapped around me...clean, musky, undeniably him.I blinked, trying to orient myself. Dim lighting, soft sheets, a quiet hum of the city beyond the windows, this wasn’t my apartment.It was Elliot’s.Panic jolted through me, but before I could sit up, a deep voice cut through the haze.“You’re awake.”I turned my head, and there he was, sitting at the edge of the bed, his elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped. He looked… exhausted. Like he hadn’t slept. Like I was the reason he hadn’t.Memories from earlier flooded back. The restaurant, Manuel, the alcohol, my stupid, pathetic breakdown. I closed my eyes briefly, humiliation creeping up my spine.“Why am I here?” I croaked.“You got drunk,” he said simply. “Manuel called me.”I winced, Manuel. He had seen me unravel, spilling my sorrows like a despe

Susan The wine burned as it slid down my throat, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my chest. I stared at the half-empty glass in my hand, swirling the deep red liquid mindlessly. The restaurant was dimly lit, filled with soft laughter and the clinking of glasses. But to me, it was just noise...a dull hum in the background of the storm raging inside me. I had told myself not to drink too much tonight. That I needed to keep my composure, to stay strong. But strength had abandoned me weeks ago. Across the table, Manuel sat, watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. “You don’t have to keep drinking,” he said gently. I let out a humorless laugh, setting the glass down. “Oh, Manuel. That’s where you’re wrong.” His brow furrowed. “Susan...” “I don’t want to think anymore,” I cut in, my voice raw. “I don’t want to feel.” I leaned back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling. My vision blurred slightly, and I blinked rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall. “I ha

Susan I barely had a moment to breathe after Manuel’s cryptic words before my phone buzzed.Elliot: Come outside. Now.My stomach twisted. I could already imagine his expression...dark, possessive, barely holding his temper in check.Sighing, I grabbed my coat and stepped out of the building. The moment I stepped out of the building, I spotted Elliot leaning against his car, arms crossed, his entire posture radiating controlled fury. The city lights reflected in his sharp eyes, and as I walked toward him, I braced myself for the storm that was about to come.“Are you out of your goddamn mind?” His voice was low, but the anger in it was unmistakable.I exhaled, already exhausted. “Not tonight, Elliot.”He pushed off the car, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming. “Not tonight? Are you serious? You think I’m just going to stand by and watch while Fernandez treats you like some prize he’s about to claim?”I let out a bitter laugh. “So that’s what this is about? Jealousy?”His jaw

Susan The air in the office had become suffocating, thick with tension I couldn’t shake off. Every time I glanced up from my desk, I felt Elliot’s eyes on me, watching, scrutinizing, like he was waiting for me to slip up. It was like walking a tightrope, trying to balance my work with Manuel while keeping Elliot from spiraling into another jealous fit. But the worst part? I understood where Elliot was coming from. Because even I wasn’t sure what the hell was going on with Manuel Fernandez. We had our first one-on-one session scheduled for the afternoon. I tried to convince myself it was just business—nothing more, nothing less. But the moment Manuel walked into the room, I felt that familiar pull, the nagging memory I’d tried to bury. “Susan,” he greeted me with that smooth, accented voice, his dark eyes gleaming with something I couldn’t quite place. “It’s good to see you again.” I forced a polite smile. “You too, Mr. Fernandez.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Still formal,