Novels by Zara Dusk

Scarlett's POVI clutch my chest, basically running down the empty corridors.I tap the elevator buttons, swearing as the damned doors refused to open.Breathe, Scarlett. It's not like your brother's best friend's fiance just caught you two pre smooch fest.I glanced backwards, praying to whatever supreme power existed that they wouldn't come out together, all power coupled up.Or worse, just Bianca would come out. In all her socialite glory.I shuddered, exhaling shakily.What the actual fuck was that?My hands subconsciously went up to my ear, I rubbed the part his hot breath had tickled moments before absentmindedly.I groaned loudly, resting my head against the cool steel doors.I lost my balance as the elevator dinged, the steel doors sliding open.I staggered, blushing a violent red as the employees inside shot me worried looks, mumbling something about absentminded interns as they walked away.I sighed, getting in as I tapped the button.I twiddled with my fingers, not even kno

Ares’ POVI swallow thickly, taking a sip from my vanilla caramel macchiato, wiping foam away from my upper lip.I sigh in contentment, letting the liquid heaven sit on my tongue for a while before I begrudgingly swallow.I sigh, the office was quiet save for the buzz of my mini refrigerator and the hum from the air conditioner.I swivel around in my chair, groaning as I get up. I walk over to the ceiling high glass windows, staring at the lush greenery in the yard.I exhale lowly, putting my head to the cool glass, the blaring of car horns in the distance and muffled chatter of my employees oddly soothing.I've lost my mind.I shrugged my suit jacket off, throwing it to the grey couch at the far end of the office.Sitting down, the files on my desk caught my attention, the manilla appearing cream under the white light.I thought back to the meeting with the board and Scarlett, her words ringing in my ears.Let's see what she was on about.Finishing off my coffee, I tossed it into the

Olivia’s POV“I step into the lobby of Blackwood & Co like I’ve got stock in the place. I don’t, but when your friend’s been losing sleep over the CEO, you earn the right to strut a little.”The receptionist smiles at me, but I wave it off. “Just picking her up,” I say, heels clicking across the polished marble.I expect to find Scarlett waiting by the elevators, scrolling through her phone and looking ten seconds from a nervous breakdown like she always does after a long day. But instead, I walk in on something… else.Scarlett’s standing there, lips pressed into a tight line, arms crossed, and Ares Blackwood is two feet in front of her, not giving her space. Not touching her, not inappropriate, but definitely not just "chatting with the intern."His jacket’s off, sleeves rolled, forearms flexing slightly as he gestures toward something she said. And Scarlett? She’s holding her ground like she’s got steel in her spine.I pause by the glass partition.He leans a fraction closer.“Your

Scarlett's POVLater, I find myself alone in the breakroom, rinsing out my coffee mug with more aggression than necessary. I sense him before I hear him, his cologne over powering my senses as his presence commands the spacious room.“Still mad?” he says, leaning against the counter lazily, he gestures at a scone, his fingers outstretched like a greedy child asking for candy.“Still arrogant?” I shoot back, drying off my hands as I pick up the scone, deciding if I should bite into it or hand it to him.He chuckles, and it does that thing to my chest I hate.“You’re good,” he says simply.I glance at him. “So are you. That’s the problem.”He collects the scone from my hand, chuckling, “You think I’m testing you…right?”I narrow my eyes, “Aren’t you?”“I’m challenging you,” he says. “There’s a difference. You don’t strike me as someone who wants to be handled softly.”I blink, stunned by the way his voice drops on the word “softly.”I mask it with a scoff. “Is that how you justify being

Scarlett’s POVI furrowed my brows in confusion, unconsciously rubbing the spot he had gripped me.The crisp navy blue of his suit disappeared as he rounded the corner, the air in the room suddenly becoming lighter.What exactly was his problem?I scratched my head absentmindedly, a fake cough breaking me out of my reverie.The guard awkwardly scratched his head, his other hand holding the steel doors open for me.I gasped softly, red creeping up my cheeks as I offered him a small smile.The elevator dinged again, the doors sliding open to reveal another floor.I craned my neck, admiring the architecture of this place.The floors were lined with polished hardwood, the floors so clear, the bulbs above reflected their light.The cream colored walls were lined with paintings and certificates, big redwood doors lining the winding corridor.The guard gestured for me to keep walking, his brown eyes sparkling under the passage lights.We rounded a corner, winding steps coming into view as he

Scarlett's POVI groan softly, turning in bed as streaks of gold tease my sleep ridden eyes, sneaking in through the blinds.I sit up slowly, staring at the neon green digits on my alarm clock which told me if I didn't get up now, I'd end up being late.Hopping out of bed, I ran my fingers through my tangled hair, stifling a yawn as I headed to the bathroom.I really was going to be working with my childhood crush.Against all better judgement, I let the butterflies in my stomach fester, let the crimson creep up my cheeks.Ares. My brother's best friend. My brother's best friend who was…engaged.Like water dousing a fire, platinum blonde locs flashed through my mind, her high pitched voice mocking me in my own mind, icy blue eyes staring at me menacingly. I shook my head, splashing my face with water as I rinsed my mouth, hurriedly getting into the tub.I stood at my closet, furrowing my brows as I struggled on deciding on an outfit to wear.Shooting a glance at my alarm clock, seven