Novel-novel oleh E L Simon

The guy in the suit leaned closer, the scent of expensive cologne clouding the space between them.Lukas forced a grin, shifting his glass to his good hand. Suit Guy wasn’t smooth. His laugh came too loud, his touches too clumsy, but Lukas had convinced himself he’d be better behind closed doors. Most men were.“What happened?” Suit Guy asked finally, his eyes flicking down to the black sling strapped across Lukas’s chest. “That looks painful.”“Dislocated,” Lukas said casually, rolling his shoulder just enough to make it seem like no big deal. He’d perfected that tone years ago, nonchalant, like nothing could slow him down.Suit Guy’s gaze sharpened with interest. His hand came up, running a finger along the edge of the sling, tracing the strap like it was something sensual instead of medical equipment. Lukas fought the urge to flinch.Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Aiden. Sitting across the room with Mac, posture perfect, jaw tight. His gaze was locked, unblinking, every inch

Six years ago.Mac’s patience had snapped.Lukas hadn’t shown up for practice again. It was the third time in a row. The team was buzzing with frustration, the coach livid, and Mac had run out of excuses for his best friend.There were NHL scouts circling, teams that were interested in Lukas Hanley, and Lukas knew it. He could go pro, Mac had no doubt about that, but not if he kept throwing his future away.And Mac knew exactly where he was.So after practice, still sweaty and irritated, Mac drove across town to the kind of accommodation only the richest students could afford. A sleek apartment complex on the edge of campus, all glass and steel, with its own concierge. The lobby gleamed like a showroom, all marble floors and expensive art. It was cold, impersonal, and Lukas had never looked comfortable here.Mac hammered on the door hard enough to make it rattle. “Hanley! Open the fucking door!”It took a long moment before it opened, Lukas blinking at him blearily, hair a mess, shirt

Aiden knew exactly what Lukas was plotting from the moment he’d smirked about the strip club.The choice had nothing to do with Lukas’s tastes, Lukas had chosen the club as a distraction. Aiden could already see it: the strippers buzzing around like flies, and Lukas slipping for the exit to chase the nearest easy hook-up.He wasn’t letting that happen.It wasn’t possession. It wasn’t attachment. He told himself that, over and over.That wasn’t possible for him, not now.But the idea of Lukas, broken and bruised, trusting some stranger who wouldn’t care enough to be careful, who might hurt him, made Aiden’s blood run cold.His responsibility was clear: Lukas wasn’t going to be alone with anyone tonight. Not on his watch.So when Lukas and Mac made their way toward the door, Aiden stayed close. Not obvious, not looming, but near enough to keep him in sight. And when they stepped into the night air, Aiden was right behind them, catching the flicker of surprise in Lukas’s expression when

Mac didn’t waste time once Aiden stepped back into the room. “Alright, cripple, you get to choose. Where we going?”Lukas smirked, stretching out like he was already king of the night. “Strip club.”Mac barked a laugh. “Of course. Should’ve guessed.”Lukas leaned back, smug.The plan was simple: there was no way a club full of strippers were going to let Aiden have a moment’s peace. Not with him being ridiculously attractive, clearly not short on money, and too polite to tell them to piss off.They’d be all over him, and once they were, Lukas would have the perfect chance to slip out unnoticed and head to the gay bar a few blocks away.Aiden disappeared into the bedroom to change before they headed out, and when he came back, Lukas nearly swallowed his tongue.The man had traded his buttoned-up routine for dark jeans that clung just right, a fitted black shirt that stretched over his chest, sleeves pushed up to reveal strong forearms, and a leather jacket slung casually over one arm.

Lukas decided not to push Aiden too much for the rest of the day. As much as he enjoyed riling him up, he didn’t think his body could handle the doctor’s restraint if it cracked open two days in a row.His body was still humming from last night, tender in places he didn’t want to think about too hard, and pushing Aiden again seemed like playing with fire when he was already burned raw.By lunchtime, he shuffled out to the couch and flopped down, careful with his bad arm. Aiden didn’t say much, just appeared with food like some ridiculously sexy househusband, setting down a plate and cutting everything into easy bites.Lukas let Aiden feed him without complaint this time, the quiet routine oddly soothing.The rest of the afternoon blurred together. Aiden stretched his arm out again, slow and steady, keeping the movements precise and just shy of painful. Lukas grumbled but let it happen, secretly enjoying the attention. Then he sprawled across the couch, channel-surfing until he landed

“Lukas Hanley!” Ellery’s voice cracked like a whip as she barged into the room, one hand on the curve of her belly. “Jesus Christ. Cover yourself up, no one wants to see your gut hanging out.”Lukas let out a startled laugh, tugging the sheet up half-heartedly but not before flashing her a grin. “It's called a washboard and everyone wants to see it. Morning, El. Nice timing.”Her glare could’ve melted steel. “Don’t ‘morning’ me. You didn’t even tell me you were home. I had to hear it from Mac, who said you’d lost a fight with a snowplow.”“Technically,” Lukas said, shifting lazily against the pillows, “I did lose a fight—with the Reapers’ defense.”“Don’t get smart with me.” She crossed her arms. “You’re injured and instead of resting like a normal person, you’re lying around here like that—” her eyes flicked over him, catching more than she wanted, “—what if that poor doctor had been the one walking in.”"Lucky guy?" Lukas laughed again, rolling onto his back and tugging the sheet lo

Despite how Caelia occasionally cringed at the overzealous affection between her mother and Karios, she couldn’t deny the quiet warmth it brought her. There was a time when she’d believed her mother might never smile again, let alone be loved so tenderly. But now, Karios treated both of his wives like they hung the stars, and Gelda and Caelia’s mother had become inseparable. For all the pain that had paved their past, joy now bloomed freely.Lately, however, Karios’s devotion had met some stiff competition.Caelia’s son, Raelan, had stolen the hearts of the entire household.It was hardly a surprise. He was perfection, at least to her. He looked exactly like Rhyzar, down to the bronze tint of his skin and the soft waves of his dark hair. But his eyes, green-gold like sunlit peridot, that was her influence. He was the most beautiful baby in the world, and Caelia dared anyone to disagree.Everyone doted on him, his fathers most of all. He’d spent the first six months of his life sleepin

Another three months passed.Caius had returned on Rhyzar’s orders, though he seemed reluctant to leave the capital—or more specifically, to leave the king. Caelia had suspected for some time that Caius and the young king had grown… close. More than once, she had caught the telltale flush on Caius’s face when the king’s name was mentioned. Now, standing before her, Caius delivered his report in his usual straightforward manner, but there was an unspoken weight in his eyes.“The Mariswyn sons have returned to their father’s estate,” he explained. “After some time… healing.”Caelia’s brows lifted. Healing. A word that felt too foreign for the legacy left behind by her father.“They’re running the estate alongside Lady Mariswyn,” Caius continued, his expression softening. “They seem to be… in a better place.”Caelia hesitated, considering the weight of his words.“They’d like to meet you,” Caius said. “When you’re ready.”The idea of reconnecting with her half-brothers stirred something

Her husband approached with slow, deliberate steps, his eyes roving over her exposed, helpless form with a ravenous gaze.Caelia’s body flushed a deep crimson as she suppressed a gasp, feeling the white dragon press deeper into her once more. Her frame trembled with ecstasy, clenching around her new mate even as a fresh wave of embarrassment washed over her.Rhyzar’s gaze only heightened her arousal, his eyes never leaving her.Her gaze flicked downwards as he stopped directly in front of her.She could almost feel the heat radiating from him, her awareness of his proximity grew excruciating as the dragon began to move more rhythmically.A strong, warm hand cupped her jaw, lifting her head to face him.Panting from the relentless pleasure, she opened her eyes to meet his golden gaze, his obvious arousal mere inches from her face.A low growl resonated from Rhyzar’s chest, similar to the sounds the dragon behind her was making."Are you enjoying my gift?" he murmured, a dangerous edge

Pleasure rippled through Caelia's body as the white dragon’s long finger traced the curve of her backside. Heat spread from his touch, a wave of ecstasy sinking deep into her muscles and bones in a way no human could ever hope to replicate. His magic infused every caress, lighting up her nerves with sensations that bordered on unbearable.Her back arched instinctively, her body begging for more as a ragged moan slipped past her lips."Good." The dragon’s voice was deep and resonant, vibrating through the bed beneath her. It melted through her core without the use of magic. Pure, ancient dominance wrapped in a deceptively calm tone.“That’s cheating,” Rhyzar’s smirking voice curled into her mind, the sound dark and amused.Caelia’s breath hitched. She could feel Rhyzar’s arousal as clearly as her own, thrumming through the bond between them. It only stoked the fire burning beneath her skin.“Please,” she whispered, her voice breathless and trembling.A low growl rolled through the room

Caelia’s breath hitched, her pulse racing as heat coiled low in her belly.“I-uh-I—” she fumbled, her face burning as desire flooded through her veins. Her body practically vibrated with need.“Do not worry, Little Mate.” The silver-eyed man took a slow, deliberate step forward. His molten gaze pinned her in place as if he could see straight through her. “I’m well aware of my lack of experience with your body.” His lips curved into a lazy smile. “But I assure you, I will put you in a state of constant pleasure.”He said it so mundanely, as if he were discussing the weather.Before Caelia could process the meaning of his words, a wave of pure, exquisite ecstasy ripped through her body.Her knees buckled. Her inner walls fluttered around nothing, clenching helplessly as pleasure surged through her veins. She gasped, clutching at his hands—his firm, warm hands. Heat poured from his skin, the same heat that always radiated from Rhyzar.Her legs trembled dangerously beneath her.“Little Ma

Caelia had grown accustomed to the quiet companionship of her two guards. Despite her insistence that she had no need for their protection, Daxan and Orin had refused to leave her service, claiming it was their honor to protect her. At first, she had found their persistence exasperating. But then, she had noticed the way their eyes lingered on Liora—the subtle glances, the hesitant smiles—and it all made sense.The truth had come out at last. Liora, in her quiet bravery, had confessed her feelings to Caelia, admitting that she shared an affection for both men. The revelation had filled Caelia with an unfamiliar warmth, the kind she had rarely associated with relationships. Love, in all its forms, could be unconventional, unpredictable—but if it made them happy, then who was she to judge?And perhaps it was fate, because their presence also ensured another loose end remained tightly bound.Selene had survived.Rhyzar had kept his word, shielding her just enough to ensure she lived, but

One year later. The ocean sparkled like glass under the late spring sun, the waves a soft hush in the distance. From the wide terrace of their coastal home, her favorite of the three places they now split their time between, Vivienne rocked gently in a cushioned chair, a mug of tea in one hand and a baby monitor in the other.She may not have wanted to recreate the beach wedding from Weston's fake photos, but she did love being married beside the ocean. The real thing, it turned out, was far better than the fiction ever could have been.Inside, laughter rang out.Knox’s deep voice and a tiny, gurgling squeal.Elodie was a tiny, perfect clone of her father. Same eyes, same expression, same ridiculous pout when she didn’t get her way. Not that she ever didn’t get her way. Not with Knox around.At only four months old, she had him wrapped around her tiny fingers. He read bedtime stories with full dramatic flair, vetoed every outfit that wasn’t soft enough, and insisted on carrying her

The orchard had transformed.Twinkling lights glowed between the blossoms, casting a golden shimmer across the petals floating gently to the grass below. The aisle of soft white carpet wound between the trees, lined with wildflowers and candles in tall glass lanterns. A gentle sea breeze stirred the air, carrying the faintest scent of salt and spring.Vivienne stood at the edge of it all, heart hammering.Earlier that afternoon, she’d walked into what could only be described as dress chaos, hundreds of gowns in every color and shape imaginable. Thankfully, the designers had taken mercy on her and narrowed it down to a short list, which she gratefully accepted.Tina had worked miracles, pulling her hair into soft, romantic waves, dusting her skin with a radiant glow, and somehow making her feel like a bride even before the veil went on.She wore a gown of soft ivory silk, draped delicately off her shoulders, fitted perfectly. Her hair was swept up in loose waves, blossoms pinned throug

Vivienne was still staring, mouth parted in stunned disbelief, when Knox slipped his fingers through hers.“How—” she breathed. “How did you set all this up? How could you have known I wouldn’t say the beach?”Knox gave her a crooked, sheepish smile. “I didn’t.”She blinked.“I actually had four venues prepped on this estate,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “The beach, a garden, a hilltop, and this.” He looked out toward the orchard, warm light filtering through the trees. “Zayne owns the place, so I had a little creative freedom. But… I had a really good feeling about the orchard. I like it here too.”He shifted, the smallest hint of nerves flitting through his usually impenetrable expression.“So what do you think?” he asked, voice softer now. “Would you like to marry me today?”He gave her a smile that made her stomach flip.“It would make me… unbelievably happy,” he said. “But if you’re not ready, I’ll turn the car around right now. I’ll understand. I’ll wait.”Vivienn

Vivienne was curled up in Knox’s hoodie. A new one, not the worn and torn piece of comfort she’d clung to for the past year. That one was still safe in her drawer, of course. No way was she letting him throw it out. But this hoodie was soft, still fluffy on the inside, and it smelled like him. Fresh and familiar. Perfect. And the fact that she now had access to an unlimited supply of these made her a little giddy.She tucked her legs under her on the chaise, phone in hand, and opened the news app.The headline hit her like a thunderclap.WESTON CARTER AND CELESTE LANGLEY ARRESTED IN EMBEZZLEMENT SCANDALHer thumb froze mid-scroll.She clicked the article.Photos. Weston being led into a police vehicle, looking pale and furious. Celeste in sunglasses, her jaw set tight. The charges were laid out in bold: financial fraud, misappropriation of company funds, falsified wire transfers. Multiple witnesses. Paper trails.Vivienne’s heart hammered.How?She’d kept her word. She hadn’t released

“No,” Knox said flatly. “And don’t ask me to use her again.”The words carried across the soundstage with a finality that made several crew members freeze mid-movement.Vivienne stood up.Heads turned. Some crew members looked wary, until they caught sight of Reid and Felix flanking her like silent shadows.She walked straight to Knox, eyes bright with exasperation and something else.“Knox,” she hissed under her breath. “You have to kiss her. She’s your love interest. You can’t just say no and walk off.”He raised a brow. “Actually, I can. I have a clause in my contract. Any intimate scene—including kissing—I can opt to use a double.”Her jaw dropped. “You wrote that into your contract?”He shrugged. “Didn’t used to. But things change.”She stared at him. “But I love your romantic scenes. You have to at least kiss the actress playing your lover. That’s not a big ask.”He looked her up and down, that maddening glint in his eye returning.“Nope,” he said. “Only you, sweetheart.”And th

Knox sat on the edge of the bed, still shirtless, brushing the backs of his fingers down Vivienne’s arm as she blinked awake.“You slept like a rock,” he murmured.Vivienne stretched under the sheets, her hair a warm mess around her face. “How long did I—”“Long enough,” he said, then pressed a kiss to her shoulder. “But I’ve got to go to work.”She frowned. “Right now?”“Unfortunately.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You have two choices: stay here, order food and anything else you want all day...”Her brow arched.“Or,” he added, “you can come with me to set.”Her eyes lit up instantly.Knox chuckled. “I’ll take that as a vote for set.”***By the time they arrived at the soundstage, Vivienne was practically glowing. Knox had set her up in his private trailer, his dressing room really, but it felt like a luxury suite. A plush sofa. Bottled water chilled to her preference. A blanket wrapped around her legs, and pillows propped up behind her like she was royalty on bed re