feet

Zara James thought she had it all—a promising journalism career, a passion for uncovering the truth, and the guts to expose the powerful. But when her exposé on a corrupt politician backfires, her world comes crashing down. Blacklisted, penniless, and humiliated, Zara is desperate to rebuild her shattered life. Enter Adrian Cross, a tech billionaire with a reputation as ruthless as it is alluring. Adrian’s empire is on the verge of collapse, thanks to a scandal tied to his enigmatic and estranged brother, Nathaniel. Desperate to salvage his public image, Adrian offers Zara an irresistible deal: become his fake fiancée, and he’ll give her the exclusive story that could redeem her career. It’s a win-win—or so it seems. Thrown into a world of glittering galas, high-stakes boardrooms, and shadowy secrets, Zara quickly realizes Adrian is hiding more than just a tarnished reputation. Beneath his icy exterior lies a man haunted by betrayal, bound by dark ties to his family’s criminal empire. As their staged romance starts to feel dangerously real, Zara finds herself torn between her growing feelings for Adrian and the truth she’s determined to uncover. But Adrian isn’t the only one with secrets. Ethan Blackwood, a charming stranger who sweeps Zara off her feet, has his own hidden agenda—one that ties him to her worst enemy. Caught in a web of lies, power plays, and dangerous alliances, Zara must navigate the treacherous waters of love and ambition. When betrayal strikes from all sides, Zara faces an impossible choice: trust the man who’s kept her in the dark or risk everything for the one who might be playing her.

James got to his feet and slowly advanced towards Lucien. His eyes suddenly predatory. “How much did my parents offer you to spy on me?” He repeated. Lucien froze in utter shock and fear, his soul instantly abandoning his body. How… the fuck did James know? He wondered in absolute horror. Did he slip up somewhere? It can't be! He's always careful! James placed his hand on Lucien's neck and leaned forward. “Cat got your tongue?” James inquired, his mint breath fanning Lucien's face. “Why don't you answer me, Lucien? How much did my parents offer you to risk your life like this?” Lucien couldn't speak. He was too scared to. At this moment, his body, mind and soul instantly froze. He could literally see his life flashing before his eyes. Was he going to die? He had seen how James countlessly murdered people in cold blood… would he do the same to him? “I'm willing to forgive for your betrayal, Lucien, because…” James leaned in and pressed his lips on Lucien's neck. Lucien flinched. “... I have a thing for you. Well, that's if and only if… you're willing to become my… perfect toy.” James leaned backward and glared into Lucien's eyes, his thumb slowly grazing his trembling lips. James smirked, “So cute. Make a choice now, Lucien! Die right here in the middle of this room… or be my toy!” *** Money was the only reason Lucien agreed to spy on his billionaire boss, who was secretly an underground Mafia leader. But sadly, money couldn't save him when he discovered that his boss had always known he was hired to spy on him from the get-go He had two choices, die brutally for his sick betrayal… or become a perfect toy for the most ruthless and dangerous man in existence!

Bruises. That’s all Louis has ever known. At twenty-seven, you’d think he’d have escaped the violent grip of his abusive father—but breaking free from the man who raised you, no matter how monstrous, is never simple. Life has never gone easy on Louis, and now, he carries a secret that’ll finally get him killed by his father: his sexuality. He hides it, suffocates it, tries to erase it—but it never leaves him. All he needs is a savior. Someone to pull him from the dark hole he’s sinking in. But hope has never been more than a cruel fantasy—and he’s long since stopped believing in rescue. Then comes Elias Montgomery. The most feared and ruthless Don in the Midwest. Silent. Disciplined. Calculating. And utterly alone. No one dares cross Elias. He keeps his enemies close, and the traitors? Six feet under. Love has never been part of the equation, not after what happened the last time. So, what happens when, against all odds, Elias crosses paths with Louis? Will he bury the tension—and the dangerous spark between them—for the sake of his image and empire. Or will he risk it all for a boy who’s known nothing but pain?