Between Secrets In The Dark
18+ CONTENTS
"You thought you could just disappear, Selene? Run away and leave me behind? You really thought I'd never find you?" Lorenzo asked, his voice deep.
"I had to," I choked out. "I couldn't breathe,"
"And now? Can you breathe now? Knowing I'm here and you're in my grasp?" He asked, tracing my jawline with his fingers. "You can't escape me. I'll always find you."
And he was right.
Lorenzo will always find me.
And the most sickening part of it all? I desired him as much as he desired me.
But at the sametime. I loathed him with every fibre of my being.
-
Selene ran away from Lorenzo. Her mafia boyfriend, six years ago, pregnant and terrified. Now, her son is dying, and she's forced back to the stripping club where she hopes to earn enough for his life saving surgery.
Now, Lorenzo is back, more dangerous, more possessive, and offering her a deal she can't refuse: be his mistress for six months, and he'll give her three million dollars.
The price? Her freedom, soul and body all to him. But the secret she guards more fiercely than her life or freedom was their children- twins- a boy and a girl. Children he would likely kill without a second thought, confirmed by his own chilling words:
"Children are weaknesses, Selene. I don't tolerate weaknesses, no matter how precious, I'll get rid of it...unless it's you."
But as the stakes rises, another ghost from her past emerges. Robert, her abuser, the man whose death was the beginning of her hatred for Lorenzo. He's back, fueled by vengeance, ready to claim what he believes is rightfully his.
Will Selene survive the crossfire of two dangerous men vying for control, or will the past consume her?
Copyright©Avalone Wilde2025.
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Chapter: Chapter Fifteen He knew. The bastard knew my kids were Lorenzo's, and that was a huge problem, a life-threatening problem.I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat felt like a jagged stone, as I stood before Lorenzo's ostentatious mansion.Cael had freed me from that hellhole under one sickening impossible condition: I betray Lorenzo.The thought alone tasted like bile.I hated Lorenzo. That was what I was supposed to feel, right? Justification for all what he had done. But fuck, that was a lie. I did love him, all those years even though I hid away from him, I still loved him and sometimes- I even yearned for him. I loved him in a twisted, complicated way one could love a beautiful, dangerous storm meant to destroy.But I was terrified of him too. That cold, calculating look he had that could freeze hell over, his threats, his damn will to always keep to his words! More than that, he was the father of my children, those innocent little souls I swore to protect. How could I possibly harm him? He was
Last Updated: 2025-11-10
Chapter: Chapter FourteenDarkness.That was the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes. A suffocating, inky blackness that pressed in on me from all sides. The air was stale, laced with metallic tang of old blood and something acrid, like cheap disinfectant.Panic began to claw it's way up my throat. I tried to move, but couldn't, my hands were painfully bound behind the back of the chair I was trapped to. My mouth was clasped shut with a tape, making it almost impossible to even utter out a word, my legs were bound just like my hands.Where was I?How did I get here?The kids!Then hospital! I struggled, pulling against the restraints, the rough material digging into my wrists until they burned. But it was useless. The chair felt anchored to the floor, and the binds were impossibly strong.I was trapped."Help! Someone help me! Please!" I tried to scream, but my words were muffled by the tape that was around my mouth. I tried to use my tongue to wet it, but it wasn't of no use, the tape was bound tightly a
Last Updated: 2025-11-09
Chapter: Chapter ThirteenThe next one week passed in the most dreadful manner. Lorenzo kept his distance, which, ironically. I appreciated. I needed him far away from me as possible. But what I didn't appreciate was him preventing me from seeing my kids and Clara.It was a cruel form of torture, a silent punishment."Lorenzo, it's been almost two weeks! I need to see them!" I yelled, storming into his office like a possessed woman. He was leaning back in his chair, a glass of wine in his hand, looking infuriatingly calm."I fucking told you, Selene. You aren't allowed to leave this mansion! Not until I say so!" He yelled, slamming the glass down onto the table with a loud crash, I watched as blood dripped from shattered shards, pooling onto the wood. I sucked in a deep breath and shook my head, I clenched my hands into fists by my sides and stormed towards him."Lorenzo-" my voice cracked. "Please..""No!" He roughly cuts me off."How the fuck am I supposed to sleep peacefully at night when I haven't laid ey
Last Updated: 2025-11-08
Chapter: Chapter TwelveEx-girlfriend? For some reason, the word twisted in my gut. Why was I feeling like this? Was it fear? Fear of being entangled in a deadly history, or was it something else, something far more unsettling? Perhaps jealously? The thought made my stomach churn, a toxic mix of confusion and indignation. No. Absolutely not. "Se-Keira," Lorenzo said, standing up from his desk. His voice sharper then usual. "That's not important. And you need to leave. Seth and I have something important to discuss." I looked up at Seth, who seemed to have a thousand words on the tip of his tongue but swallowed them all. There was a flicker of genuine concern in his eyes, a silent apology that I strangely appreciated. I nodded slowly and turned to leave, as I left the office, I stumbled, bumping into someone. I looked up to see Ice staring down at me. He immediately moved away from me, as if making contact with me might contaminate him. "I'm sorry," I blurted out before I could stop myself. "Sorry?" He l
Last Updated: 2025-11-07
Chapter: Chapter ElevenKeira's Point Of ViewMy eyes fluttered open, a kaleidoscope of blurry colors resolving into the familiar opulence of...wait, where the hell was I? Oh right. Back at Lorenzo's mansion.I stretched, groaning at the lingering ache in my muscles, memories of yesterday came back flooding in hot. Chased.Shot at by Lorenzo's mad uncle."Oh God, what have I gotten myself into?" I murmured as I rubbled my temple. My whole body ached, my head felt heavy and my brain seemed way to slow to even process a single thing. I stretched again, hoping to soothe my muscles on more time but I was confused when my fingers grazed against a warm, solid body.Wait what?I turned my head only to see Lorenzo sleeping beside me. I hate how to admit he looked like an angel- or a devil rather. All dark lashes, scupkted cheekbone..What am I thinking?As I attempted to wriggle free, his arm snaked around my waist, tightening with a possessive force, dragging me closer until I was against his chest. I swear, even
Last Updated: 2025-11-06
Chapter: Chapter Ten- The Devil's Due.Lorenzo's POV'Because I'm not a monster like you.'Her words rang deep in my head, a discordant melody against the hum of the car engine as we sped back to my mansion.Fortunately, Ice was able to track us through my watch. By the time he arrived. Selene had fallen asleep on my lap, breathing softly. She did the best she could for my arm, which I was grateful for. Ice, however, came with a nurse who brought a first aid kit. She efficiently cleaned and bandaged the graze on my arm, it wasn't that severe, but it burned like a son of a bitch. My thoughts were shattered when Selene stirred on my lap, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She was sleeping peacefully, her face utterly serene despite the near-death experience we'd just clawed out way out of.Damn, she looked like a fallen angel, her hair fanned out across my chest, a stark contrast to the grime and terror of moments before. A delicate blush still dusted her cheeks, and her eyelashes, impossibly long, cast tiny shadows on her skin
Last Updated: 2025-11-04
Chapter: Chapitre dixSloane. J'ai suivi Orson dans le couloir recouvert de moquette et j'ai regardé directement dans son bureau. Il n'a même pas attendu que je ferme la porte avant de se laisser tomber dans son fauteuil à haut dossier, posant ses mains épaisses sur son ventre. "Asseyez-vous, Eva", dit-il en désignant les sièges en cuir en face de son bureau. "Quel est le problème ?" Je suis resté debout, refusant de me lever. "Raul Blackridge." Orson roula des yeux, prenant un verre d'eau sur son bureau et en buvant une lente gorgée. "Je le savais." "Nous ne savons rien de cet homme, M. Orson," dis-je en gardant ma voix ferme et posée. "Son offre est trop claire. Douze millions de capitaux liquides sans conditions ? Un accès direct aux maisons européennes du jour au lendemain ? C'est suspect. Personne ne donne une telle somme d'argent sans piège." Orson m'a regardé en silence pendant quelques secondes. Puis ses épaules ont commencé à trembler et il a laissé échapper un rire fort et retentissan
Last Updated: 2026-09-11
Chapter: Chapitre neufSloane. Je me raclai la gorge, fixant fermement mon regard sur les numéros d'étage qui s'allumaient au-dessus de la porte. Julian, de son côté, s'avança avec un sourire enthousiaste et lui tendit la main. "M. Blackridge. Nous ne nous attendions pas à ce que vous nous rejoigniez dans l'ascenseur." "J'aime que tu sois ponctuel", dit Raul d'une voix douce et basse. Il prit la main de Julian, la secoua fermement, puis déplaça son poids, appuyant sa large épaule contre la paroi en acier inoxydable de l'ascenseur. Ses yeux n'ont jamais quitté mon visage. La porte se ferma et l'ascenseur commença sa montée tranquille. Le silence à l’intérieur de l’ascenseur s’étirait, rempli d’une charge statique qui me faisait picoter la peau des bras. Julian ajusta sa cravate, semblant soudain très intéressé par sa tasse de café. "Tu dois vraiment me détester", murmura Raul, son ton si décontracté qu'il ressemblait presque à une conversation. J'ai tourné la tête et j'ai regardé directement dans
Last Updated: 2026-09-11
Chapter: Chapitre huitSloane. L'appartement était calme lorsque j'ai déverrouillé la porte d'entrée. J'ai enlevé mes talons à l'entrée et j'ai marché dans le couloir. Dans la cuisine, Sarah se tenait près de la cuisinière et remuait une petite casserole. "Il s'est endormi il y a environ une heure", murmura Sarah en se retournant. "J'ai préparé une soupe aux tomates et au basilic si tu as faim." "Je ne t'ai pas demandé de rester éveillée et de cuisiner, Sarah," dis-je, ma voix étant plus aiguë que prévu. Sarah tressaillit en posant la cuillère en bois. "Je suis désolé, Eva. Je pensais juste-" Je laisse échapper une lente inspiration en me pinçant l'arête du nez. "Non, je suis désolé. La nuit a été longue. Merci d'avoir préparé la soupe", j'ai regardé l'horloge numérique du four. Il était onze heures passées. "Il est tard. Ne rentre pas à ton appartement ce soir. Prends la chambre d'amis." Sarah hocha la tête, son visage se relaxant. "Merci, Eva. Bonne nuit. Dors bien." "Ouais, toi aussi." Av
Last Updated: 2026-09-07
Chapter: Chapitre septSloane. "Je ne suis pas Sloane." Le mensonge a quitté ma bouche avant que je puisse l'arrêter. La bouche de Raul se contracta. Un son bref et doux s'échappa de lui, un rire sourd qui fit dresser les poils de mes bras. Il n'a pas discuté. Il n’a pas élevé la voix ni fait de scène. Il a simplement sorti la chaise vide juste en face de moi et s'est assis, lissant le devant de sa veste de costume sombre. Julian, complètement inconscient de l'air qui se transformait en glace, rapprocha sa propre chaise de la table, pratiquement brillant. "M. Blackridge, nous sommes ravis que vous ayez pu consacrer du temps à cela. Eva avait hâte de discuter de l'agrandissement de l'agence." « Vraiment ? Raul se pencha en arrière, sa large silhouette occupant la moitié de l'espace de la table. Il posa ses mains sur le bois poli, ses yeux vert forêt fixés sur les miens. "J'ai eu l'impression qu'elle préférerait être ailleurs." "C'est absurde," intervint Julian en agitant la main avec dédain. "
Last Updated: 2026-09-07
Chapter: Chapitre sixSLOANE. Cinq ans plus tard. Cinq ans dans le royaume humain, et j'avais construit une forteresse avec des lumières vives, une musique endiablée et un nom qui n'était pas le mien. Pour le monde, j'étais Eva – le modèle éditorial le plus réservé de Los Angeles, le visage de trois campagnes mondiales de luxe et un fantôme qui n'existait pas avant vingt ans. Je vivais dans un penthouse fermé dans les collines d'Hollywood, je gardais mon cercle restreint et je n'ai jamais, jamais regardé en arrière vers les montagnes sombres du royaume des loups-garous. "Maman ! Regarde, j'ai dessiné un dragon !" Je me suis détourné du miroir de courtoisie, mon cœur s'adouci instantanément. Mon fils de quatre ans, Zane, s'est précipité sur le tapis moelleux, brandissant une feuille de papier recouverte de gribouillages sauvages aux crayons noirs. Il était le centre de mon univers. Il avait mes cheveux noirs, mais ses yeux étaient d'un vert forêt vif et saisissant, un rappel quotidien et t
Last Updated: 2026-09-05
Chapter: Chapitre cinq.SLOANE. Ils ont tué ma mère il y a deux semaines. Ils ont utilisé une lame en argent à l'aube, juste à la limite où la terre rencontrait les pins. Je n'avais pas le droit de regarder mais j'ai entendu la foule rugir depuis la fenêtre de ma chambre. Par la suite, Raul ne m'a pas mis dehors malgré les nombreux débats. Il m'a enfermé dans l'aile est à la place. Chaque jour était une guerre. Il entrait dans ma chambre et je lui lançais tout ce que je pouvais atteindre à la tête. Une lampe en laiton, mes chaussures, un tabouret. Il encaissait chaque coup sans broncher, jusqu'à ce que je sois trop épuisé pour me battre. Je pensais que les vertiges constants et la sueur froide qui coulait dans mon dos n'étaient que du chagrin. Mais quand les nausées matinales sont arrivées il y a trois jours, j’ai su que quelque chose n’allait pas. Mon corps à moitié humain ne pouvait pas gérer les maladies de sang pur, mais c'était différent. C'était profond et lourd. Je n'ai pas appelé le méd
Last Updated: 2026-09-05
Chapter: - CHAPTER EIGHTEEN -Sloane.I walk down Fourth Street holding Zane's hand. The afternoon heat reflecting off the glass storefronts, buy tucked between a dry cleaner and a boutique sits an old fashioned bakery. It looks out of place, it's wooden sign painted in faded lettering.Zane tugs my wrist, pointing his shoe toward the display window."Mommy,""No,""You don't even know what I'm going to ask,""Yes, I do,""Cake.""Exactly."A low chuckle comes from behind the counter as I push the glass door open. The shop smells of yeast, cinnamon, tea and sugar.An elderly man stands behind the display case, wiping his hands on a white apron. He has dark hair streaked with grey, soft grey eyes and a gentle smile that reaches his eyes."For the young man who's the first customer of the day," The baker says, reaching into a glass jar and slides a small cinnamon across the counter toward Zane.I step foward, placing my hand in Zane's shoulder. "He doesn't need sugar."Zane looks up at me with wide eyes, looking com
Last Updated: 2026-09-11
Chapter: - CHAPTER SEVENTEEN -Sloane.Friday morning arrives with bright, clear skies over Malibu.The location is a private cliffside villa overlooking the ocean. The midday sun beats down on the stone patio and infinity pool. Stylists applied bronze oil to my shoulders while I stand near the edge of the water wearing an olive green string bikini.Roan walks out of the changing cabana wearing dark navy swim trunks. He is ta, his bare chest broad and sculpted, the dark ink of his tattoos running down his left arm.'Well, he's smoking hot, isn't he?' Ivara purrs making me scoff.'Shut up.' I snapped.'Yeah yeah.' She sniggered."Alright!" The photographer yells, crounching near the water, adjusting his lens. "Let's get close! Lean into him, Eva!"Roan steps up behind me on the warm stone tiles. His large, warm palm settles around my bare waist.My skins flares instantly. My heart spikes, a rapid beat hitting my ribs.He leaned down, his breath brushing the side of my neck. "You okay?""Fine," I lied, keeping my eye
Last Updated: 2026-09-11
Chapter: - CHAPTER SIXTEEN -Sloane."Drive faster, Hector!"I press my hand against the leather interior of the door, my pulse beating fast. Hector steps on the accelerator, cutting through the LA traffic. Ten minutes later, the sedan pulls up to my building.I don't wait for Hector to open my door. I jump out, sprinting up the lobby stairs, and throw my front door open."Sarah!" I yelled, dropping my bag on the floorboards.I race down the hallway into Zane's bedroom. He lay flat on his back in bed, a damp cloth resting on his forehead. He turns his head slowly, his lower lip sticking out."Mommy!" He says, his voice small and pathetic. "I'm dying."I sit on the mattress beside him, placing my palm against his skin. His forehead is warm, but he isn't burning. It seems like a mild, ordinary fever."You're absolutely not dying," I say, letting out a long breath of relief.'He deserves to be punished.' Ivara growls in my head, making me roll my eyes.'He's a kid.''The adrenaline rush he caused was enough to kill
Last Updated: 2026-09-09
Chapter: - CHAPTER FIFTEEN -Sloane.I got back to my apartment building at eight thirty.The lobby is empty. I take the elevator up to the fourth floor, my keys out, ready to see Sarah and put Zane to bed.I reached my door and looked down.Something white sits on the floor mat. A plain envelope slid down the hallway under the door.There is no stamp. No name. No return address.My hands shook as I picked it up and unlocked the door, stepped inside the dark foyer, and locked the deadbolt behind me. Sarah is in the living room reading a book, and Zane's bedroom door is shut. He is already asleep.I walked to the kitchen counter and tore the edge of the envelope open.A small photograph drops onto the granite. I picked it up.My breath locked in my throat as I stared at the photograph. It was a photo of me when I was six years old. I was wearing a yellow summer dress, standing in the grass by the garden wall. My mother, Anya, stood right beside me with her hand on my shoulder. She's smiling at the camera, her hai
Last Updated: 2026-09-08
Chapter: - CHAPTER FOURTEEN -Sloane.The news hit the industry feeds at eight in the morning.'ROAN RHYS PARTNER'S WITH EVA WEST'S AGENCY''WHAT A SURPRISE LAUNCH.'Every phone on the fourth floor rang at the same time. Assistants rushed past the glass partitions with a stack of revised schedules, and Julian spent two hours on the phone with our European distributors, locking in the fall runaway slots.Roan's fifteen million dollars is in the escrow account. The contracts are signed and filed with the state board. For the first time since I left Blackridge, I have legal protection against a corporate takeover.I stood near the water cooler in the break room, holding a paper cup of hot chocolate. I should feel relieved, and also call Sarah, tell her to buy something nice for Zane.Instead, I watched the glass doors of the lobby.I knew how Raul operates. A man like him does not lose fifteen million dollars and walk away. He waits for an opening, and when he finds one, he takes everything.At noon, I head out to th
Last Updated: 2026-09-08
Chapter: - CHAPTER THIRTEEN -Sloane.An hour later, the studio is empty.I sit alone on the leather sofa in my private dressing room. The bright lights are turned off, leaving only the dim ambient glow from the street lamps outside the window.I stare down at my hands resting on my lap. They are completely steady.I raised my right hand, my finger brushing the side of my neck, tracing the small, faded scar where Raul bit me years ago.Deep inside my mind, my wolf whisperers.'One awakens us.'I closed my eyes, my breath catching in my throat as I tried to push her voice down.'The other calms the storm.'I didn't want to hear the rest. I pressed my palms over my ears, but her voice rang clear through my head anyway'Both belong to us.'_Roan drives me home after the photoshoot - well, after the mess I made.Streetlights cut through the dark cabin of his car as he steers onto the highway. He doesn't interrogate me..he doesn't ask why I collapsed or why an international investor was standing near me in a studio ha
Last Updated: 2026-09-07
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