Follow
Chapters
Share
Loyalty And Ashes  Novel Cover

Loyalty And Ashes

In the shadow of a ruthless criminal empire, Elara finds herself ensnared in a web of betrayal and forbidden passion. After her father’s sudden disappearance, she is forced into a strategic alliance with Silas, the cold-blooded heir to a rival family. As they navigate a world of lethal secrets, their mutual distrust transforms into a dangerous attraction. With enemies closing in, Elara must decide if love is a weakness or her only way to survive the fire.
Chapters
Share

Chapter 1

Elizabeth

I lost my job. I've lost everything I worked hard for and why? Because I was trying to please him. My parents don't care as long as I marry into a wealthy family.

It's always been me trying to please everyone.

I can't take it anymore.

I'm breaking up with him.

He was on his knees about proposing to me but I plan on ending it here and humiliating him in public because I'm done putting myself at a disadvantage.

I'm fed up with his whole existence.

I'm fed up with being used as a tool and looked down on.

I sipped on my drink trying to suppress the urge to throw up on his face.I hate him.

“Elizabeth, I don't know what I'll do without you.” He said.

I rolled my eyes internally.

He continued.“ You've improved my life, and without you, I would fall apart.” He reached for his suit pocket.

I looked around the restaurant; it was pretty crowded, and people were already peeking at us except for one man sitting at the far end of the building.

I don't know why he had caught my attention but I could feel his immense aura in my bones. Just the movement of his chest as he breathed gave me goosebumps.

He looked like a city thug, a gang leader or maybe a mafia lord, and I'm into that kind of man. He had tattoos peeking out from his button-up.

I trailed my eyes on those veins on his arm. He had long fingers and I couldn't help imagine how they would feel curled up inside me or maybe wrapped around my neck.

He has nails, too, not fingers but long nails, and I found them insanely sexy and attractive.

My breath caught in my throat as our eyes locked; the look he gave me was so nonchalant like I was but another irrelevant human. But it also held something deeper.

His eyes, they carried this flicker of danger in them.Like I was staring at something forbidden.

I watched as he sipped from his mug and ate the toast. He was insanely attractive but I did not like the aura fanning around him.

Still he was attractive.

I took in his facial features; I could only see half of his face, but that was enough for me.

I'll create the other half of the picture with my head later and then day dream about him sweeping me off my feet.

I sighed , why am I even having such thoughts? I've had enough heartbreaks so my thoughts should be less men ,more me.

“Will you be my wife ?” Felix snapped me out of my lust-filled reverie.

He was supposed to put the ring on my ring finger, but I beat him to it and picked up the ring. I brought it close to my eyes, scrutinizing it to see if the diamond on top was fake.

I've owned enough jewellery to differentiate fake diamonds from real ones, this here was fake.

He was as broke as shit!

I scoffed. “Eww … No!” Tossing the ring on the table, I walked out on him.

My heart beating loudly in my ears at what I just did. I walked out on Felix Sanchez.

No one walks out on him let alone refuse his proposal. I'll deal with the consequences later but for now ,I need to get out of this place.

The restaurant turned quiet and only the sound of my heels could be heard.

I threw one glance back before pushing the door open, but I didn't see the tattooed man.

That restaurant was the same restaurant where my high school friend got her heart broken and tell you what…he was the same guy.

I just returned the favour.

My phone rang and kept ringing even as I made my way outside. I bumped into someone while trying to put my phone on DND and I almost dropped my purse.

I looked up to find a set of irritated eyes, that of the man who had given me that nasty look inside the restaurant.

How did he get outside in such a short amount of time? Maybe he left when I wasn't looking.

For a few seconds, we just stood there with him glaring at me, his teeth grinding against each other.

The next second, he shoved me aside.

Yes, he placed his wide palm on my shoulder and shoved me roughly out of his way, then stepped past me like I was a pest.

I staggered, almost falling to my feet.

I groaned from the impact." What the hell !"

He didn't respond or even turn around but I knew he heard me.

What should I expect from men who have tattoos and are dressed in all black?

I huffed out an angry breath and proceeded to flag down a cab while my phone kept ringing.

My supposed boyfriend or rather ex was calling, I wasn't going to answer, not yet.

I stalled for like 15 minutes before finally answering.

“ Yes?”

“ Lizzy, please, where are you? Please let's talk, I can't lose you. Is there anything I did wrong ?”

I sighed. “ I was never yours to begin with, Felix. I just used you, and now you've been dumped just like you dumped Avery.”

His voice cracked.“ That was years ago! You can't do this to me, Liz.”

“You disgust me, Felix. You're a selfish asshole.” And then I ended the call.

The taxi driver gave me an amused look.“ You still haven't told me where you're going,”he said grumpily.

“To Luciano Hotel.”Cold wine and a nice bath would do me some good.

“ Are you married ?”

“Nope ”

“Engaged?”

“Nope?”

“Relationship?”

“Nope”

“Then what was that about? ”

The taxi driver was nosy, but I didn't mind; this might be the last time I would see him, so there was no big deal.

“I hate good men.”

He raised a brow glancing at me through the rearview mirror.“But surely, you would get married someday right?”

“Nah …. I just told you. I hate the male species.”

“Whatever your reasons are, I know you can't keep it up forever. My wife used to hate men, too, but look at us now. You'll find someone who will change your heart someday.”

I looked out the window, I didn't think any man would be able to break through the wall I had around my heart.

I had been hurt too bad to let it happen again. I'm the way I am now because of them.

Felix had gone on a different level and deep down I know he'll come for me. He doesn't take no for an answer let alone a humiliation from a nobody like me.

He continued. “ Not all men are trash, you know.”

I laughed.“I don't think so.”

“You just haven't come across the good ones yet.”

“ Well, the only good man I know is my dad.” I just lied after all , everyone thinks they have a good father until it finally hits.

He took a left turn, and the hotel came into view; I had arrived at my destination.

“Don't worry, you'll meet someone who'll change your view on the male species.”

I only smiled at him.

I intend to stay for a month at least because Felix would come looking for me at my house.

He would lose his mind and act rashly; he has anger issues, so for my safety, I'll be staying here.

Did I mention that this was a five-star hotel that belonged to my parents? Parents who cared too much about fame to look after me since I was a child.

Happily, I walked in and was directed to my room on the top floor. The first thing I did when I got in was quickly take off my clothes and hop into the jacuzzi.

A few minutes later, the sound of my phone ringing woke me up. Sloppily, I got out of the tub and grabbed my phone.

“Yes, Dad?”

“ Where the hell are you?” He yelled.

I contemplated for a moment then replied. “Umm…in my room?”

“What's this video I'm seeing all over the internet?…do you intend to ruin my reputation ?”

I furrowed my brows, what was he talking about?

“What video are you talking about ?”

He snapped.“I'm allowing you two days to resolve whatever dispute you have with Felix and find a way to get that video down!”

And he ended the call.

I sighed.

My best guess was that the proposal video was all over the net.

Wrapping a towel around my body, I sat on the bed and opened my Instagram account.

I scrolled down the page and saw the video of Felix proposing to me.

They didn't leave out how I threw the ring at him and walked out; it wasn't just one person who posted it.

Probably half the people who were at the restaurant did. Of course, there were negative comments; some were saying I was heartless, and some said I was a bitch.

As usual,I always receive hate.

This was Felix Sanchez, the city Prince that I turned down and humiliated publicly.

I scrolled further down and saw more negative comments.

- Why would she date him in the first place if she wouldn't marry him in the end?-

- it's obvious, she's a gold digger -

- I hate women like that, she's a bitch !-

- I heard she's the daughter of the owner of Luciano Hotel; she's a spoiled brat. No wonder she'll never settle down…. she'll die an old hag -

I know I'll get insults, but calling me an old hag?

I bit down on my lips as my chest tightened from hurt,the corner of my eyes stinging a little.

They thought Felix was the victim. Let's see what they'll say when I expose Felix.

I searched for the video and just as I was about to upload it ,I paused.

My fingers trembled slightly as they hovered over the screen.

If I do this ,I'll put myself in more trouble than I already am. No one goes against Sanchez let alone try to humiliate them but if I don't do this then no one will know the kind of person he is.

Closing my eyes ,I clicked on the button before I started having second thoughts and then back out from fear.

It was a video of Felix drinking, smoking, and lap dancing with countless whores in a bordello.

They all criticized me over some video; let's see what they'll think of their Golden City Prince now!

In the video description, I took my time to formulate a plausible storyline that would be in my favour.

Then my eyes caught a Silhouette in the video, and I scoffed. It's that arrogant Jerk that shoved me roughly.

I hope we meet again so I can put my fork through his eyeballs.

I crunched up my nose on my brazen thoughts. That was so unlike me.

Once again, don't judge me; I already choose pleasure over love.

It's safer.

But that tattooed man, why was he staring at me like that?

Like I was a prey.

You may also like

BOUND TO THE WRONG CALLAHAN Novel Cover
8.0
Blurb **She's promised to his brother... but branded by his touch. And now the past refuses to stay buried.** *** **SIENNA** I thought I buried that night. The night I gave myself to a stranger. Reckless and wild. No names. No rules. No future. Just heat. Desperation. A body that made me forget who I was supposed to be. Now I wear his brother's ring. Planning a future with the man I'm supposed to love. Then he walks into my engagement party and everything shatters. Landon Callahan. The black sheep. The rebel. The man who touched me before I knew his name. He acts like I never existed. Like that night was nothing. But I remember every breath. Every broken rule. Every moment I came alive. I should walk away. Should marry Noah and forget. But Landon has always been the fire I was never meant to touch twice. *** ** **LANDON** She was never supposed to be his. The night I had her, I didn't ask her name. Didn't want to know. I just knew I'd never forget the way she looked at me. Like I was the only thing she ever wanted. Then I walk into the engagement party I should have skipped. And see her standing beside my brother. Now I'm back in the world I swore I'd left behind. And she's the one thing I can't outrun. She wears his ring. Smiles like she hasn't been in my bed. Pretends I never made her come undone. But I remember. And so does she. One night should have been the end. Instead it was only the beginning. Because I don't let go of what's mine. Not even for my brother.
Don't Stop Daddy Novel Cover
8.3
Don't Stop, Daddy An addictive dark erotic romance of secrets, power, and forbidden desire. Sierra Blake was always the good girl. The obedient daughter. The quiet one who never crossed the line. But when she returns home from college, everything changes because her stepfather, Damien Steele, sees her differently now. And the worst part? She wants him to. Damien is powerful, dominant, and dangerously off limits. Married to her mother. Her protector. Her sin. He shouldn't look at her like that, speak to her like that, touch her like that. But when he does, Sierra can't bring herself to stop him. What begins as a game of stolen glances quickly spirals into nights of whispered commands, velvet ropes, and aching surrender. Every kiss is a betrayal. Every moan, a deeper fall. And the closer they get, the harder it becomes to hide. Because her mother sleeps down the hall. And secrets like these always find their way into the light. He's the man she should fear most. But all she can whisper is... don't stop.
Enemies At The Altar  Novel Cover
8.6
Mia Romano never wanted the mafia life. The daughter of a ruthless Don, she dreamed of freedom, of love beyond blood-soaked vows. But her world shatters when her father forces her into marriage with Mark DeLuca-his cold, calculating right-hand man. Handsome, loyal, and untouchable, Mark has secretly loved Mia for years, though she has always belonged to another. Trapped in a loveless arrangement, Mia despises him, clinging to her boyfriend, the one man who ever made her feel normal. But Mark's world is one of power, protection, and unshakable devotion. And when rivals close in, Mia discovers the dangerous fire that burns beneath Mark's calm surface. As they sleep in separate rooms, jealousy brews, especially when Mark's alluring ex moves into their lives. What begins as hatred slowly twists into longing, obsession, and passion. But in the mafia world, love comes with blood, betrayal, and deadly consequences. Will Mia surrender to the man she swore she would never love-or will her heart destroy them both? Read to find out.
From Mafia Wife to Rival's Queen Novel Cover
9.7
After fifteen years of marriage and a brutal battle with infertility, I finally saw two pink lines on a pregnancy test. This baby was my victory, the heir that would finally secure my place as the wife of mob capo Marco Vitiello. I planned to announce it at his mother's party, a triumph over the matriarch who saw me as nothing but a barren field. But before I could celebrate, my friend sent me a video. The headline read: "MOB CAPO MARCO VITIELLO'S PASSIONATE NIGHTCLUB KISS!" It was him, my husband, devouring a woman who looked like a younger, fresher version of me. Hours later, Marco stumbled home, drunk and reeking of another woman's perfume. He complained about his mother begging him for an heir, completely unaware of the secret I held. Then my phone lit up with a text from an unknown number. "Your husband slept with my girl. We need to talk." It was signed by Dante Moretti, the ruthless Don of our rival family. The meeting with Dante was a nightmare. He showed me another video. This time, I heard my husband's voice, telling the other woman, "I love you. Elara... that's just business." My fifteen years of loyalty, of building his empire, of taking a bullet for him—all dismissed as "just business." Dante didn't just reveal the affair; he showed me proof that Marco was already stealing our shared assets to build a new life with his mistress. Then, he made me an offer. "Divorce him," he said, his eyes cold and calculating. "Join me. We'll build an empire together and destroy him."
His biker girl, Her biker prince Novel Cover
9.1
He lifted his hand and brushed a strand of hair from my face, fingers grazing too gently. I snapped, "How many times do I have to tell you not to touch me?" His mouth curved, the faintest smirk. "You walked in here looking like a fucking temptation. And you think I'm not supposed to touch?" I tilted my chin, refusing to back down. "Funny. I thought you said I didn't look good." He leaned closer, voice low, eyes burning through me. "You don't look good. You look dangerous." My chest tightened, heat crawling under my skin. I rolled my eyes, masking the pull I refused to admit. "Get lost," I muttered, shoving against him. "You're mine, Tessa," ****** His Biker Girl | swore l'd never get tangled up with bikers. Then I met him. Jason "Viper" Kane, the ruthless prince of the Black Serpents. Arrogant. Untouchable. Dangerous. Every girl on campus wants him, but not me. He thought I'd be easy to break. He was wrong. Her Biker Prince She's fire wrapped in leather, and every time she rides, she tempts me closer to the edge. Tessa Monroe, bold, defiant, impossible to control. I wanted to crush her pride, ruin that ego, make her beg. But the more I chase her, the more I burn. She's the one thing I shouldn't want. And the only thing l'll never let go.
His Unwanted Wife, The Rival Don's Queen Novel Cover
7.6
The gunman pressed a Glock to my temple and gave my husband a choice. "One walks out. One stays. Choose, Mr. Underboss." I wasn't worried. I was Haven. I was his wife of ten years, his Consigliere, the woman who built his empire. Beside me sobbed Gemma, a fragile twenty-two-year-old he had known for six months. "Take Gemma! Leave Haven!" Connor screamed, his honor twisting into something unrecognizable. He walked out of the warehouse with another woman in his arms, leaving me to be butchered. I didn't wait for the bullet. I threw myself through a glass window into the freezing canal. I survived the fall, but the life inside me didn't. After five years of failed IVF, the miracle baby I hadn't even told Connor about was gone. While I lay in a cold hospital room, bleeding out the remains of our child, my husband was buying diamond earrings for the woman who had set me up to die. When the doctor tried to sedate me for the surgery, I grabbed his wrist. "No anesthesia," I commanded. "But the pain..." "I want to feel it," I said, staring at the ceiling. "I want to feel every scrap of him leaving my body." I burned that pain into my soul. Then, I went home, poured gasoline over our wedding bed, and lit a match. Two years later, I returned to the city. Connor thought I was dead. But when he saw me on the arm of his mortal enemy, wearing the crown of a rival Queen, he realized his mistake. He didn't just lose a wife. He started a war.