Novels by Black ink.

Elara’s pov. My eyes rolled to the back of my head as his grip tightened around my neck. I came to Paris to rebuild my life, not take a shortcut to the afterlife. I clawed at his hand, my nails digging into his skin, but remained still like nothing was happening, his cold glare piercing deeper into my soul like he was searching for the secret of the universe.“You've two seconds to convince me that you are not going to make a good fertilizer for my garden.” Those words almost made me wet my pants. He was joking... Right?His hand on my neck made it an impossible mission to talk. Or scream. I couldn't move. I couldn't risk it. His grip was so strong that I was convinced any slight movement would break my bones. So I forced myself to remain calm, even though every bone in me was screaming at me to fight for my life. “What the hell are you doing here?” He asked. “Who sent you?” He growled, voice low but filled with venom. “I—” That was the only word I could force out. His grip sl

Luc’s pov. “What the hell?” Antoine whispered besides me. I fought the urge to pull out his vocal cords. I stared at the woman in front of me, refusing to believe that she was the same woman I just shared with my step son. The expression on her face was as pale as the colour. What the hell was she doing here? And I refuse to believe this was some coincidence. I held her gaze, trying to figure out what she was up to, but I couldn't see anything past her shocked and scared teary eyes. Her eyes darted between Antoine and I. Her body visibly trembling. I stretched my hand to her for a shake, hoping to hide the tension before Amaya notice it. “Nice meeting you.” She swallowed hard, taking my hand gently and carefully, like I was fire. “Nice to — nice to meet you too, sir,” she replied, her voice unsteady. My fingers tightened around her tiny fragile hand. A bright smile playing on my lips as I crushed her bones. I do remember telling her never to show her face in front of me. But

ELARA'S POV. When I got back to the motel, I went straight into the bathroom, turned the shower on as hot as it would go, and stood under it for a long time, mentally cursing every choice I had made since landing in this city.I pulled myself together.I had a job interview.I was not going to let two arrogant French men ruin what I actually came here for. I dried off, got dressed, and gave myself one long look in the cracked mirror above the sink.Get it together, Elara. They are bastards who got lucky to have a test for you. I kept saying that but I could only think of the two beds making me beg for more like a slut. I quickly shook my head. Applied some make-up and walked out of the room. Some couples almost bumped into me on the way down. They were all up into each other's business that I almost threw up on them. Everything about them reminded me of how I shamelessly let two guys destroy my dignity. I quickly walked past them. I took a cab to the address I was given. As we

ELARA'S POV.The next morning, I woke up to the sound of low, tense voices. They were speaking in French. I didn’t understand a single word, but I didn’t need to. The tension in their voices made me know that there was something wrong. Terribly wrong. I kept my eyes closed, pretending to still be asleep. My brain was slowly telling me how stupid my decision was last night. How does a friendly conversation turn to a steamy sex episode? I don't even know them. I had truly outdone myself.I slowly pulled back the covers and reached down for my clothes, moving as quietly as I could. But they noticed. I quickly picked up my dress and covered the sensitive areas. Antoine looked at me first. His jaw was tight. His eyes moved over me once, filled with something I rather not name. And whatever he saw there seemed to confirm something he had already decided. He grabbed his jacket off the back of the chair without a word. “Antoine—” Luc started.Antoine said something in French. From his

ELARA'S POV We lay there, panting, my body still buzzing from the orgasm. My chest heaved up and down, sticky with Luc's cum. Antoine's load cooled on my stomach. I wiped a hand across my skin, feeling the mess. The air smelled like sex and sweat.Antoine grinned down at me, his cock still half-hard. “That was just the start, Elara,” he said, voice rough. “We're not done with you yet.” Luc nodded, his eyes hungry. He leaned in and kissed my neck, his tongue hot on my skin.I shivered. “Where to now?” I asked, my voice breathy. My pussy throbbed, wanting more.“The motel nearby,” Antoine replied. He pulled me up, my legs shaky. Luc grabbed my clothes from the floor, but I didn't bother dressing fully. I slipped on my skirt, no panties. My top hung loose, cum stains showing.We stumbled out to the car. The night air hit my wet thighs, making me gasp. Antoine drove fast, his hand on my knee, sliding up to tease my folds. Luc sat in the back with me, his fingers pinching my nipples throu

ELARA'S POV. “Get out! You were nothing but a sex toy! I never loved you. You’re weak and ugly!”Those were the last words my boyfriend of ten years ever said to me.Ten years all in vain. My boyfriend and I were homeless, orphaned people. We lived in a camp all through our lives but that didn't stop me from pursuing my dreams — to be the best chef in the world. My boyfriend and I struggled to get through high school. We worked two jobs — I worked two jobs. He only focused on football.Oh, I was such a big fool. Silas focused on football, while I focused on paying our tuition. He claimed that things will get better if he gets the football scholarship, and he got it. But that didn't make things get better. I couldn't afford the school he got into, so I went for a cheaper option. But that didn't stop our love story. I always made sure to visit him at least once in two weeks. And that continued till we were out of college.It didn't take long for Silas to become a star. Silas needed

RYDER'S POV. I had just finished my classes for the day and was about to go back to the dorm when my phone lit up. It was a message from Peter. I slowly stopped, reading the message over and over again as if that would make sense if I read a thousand times. He kissed Aiden? How did he do that?I quickly rushed back to the dorm. Aiden was sitting in the living room, focused on a book. He looked up when I closed the door. “How was class?” That question was enough to tell me the message wasn't a prank. And the worst part, Aiden enjoyed it. His stomach must be filled with butterflies. “Something happened?” I forced a smile, walking to him, my hands tucked into my pockets. “No,” he shook his head, slammed the book shut, and walked towards the room. “Did something happen?” Classic move. Not only was avoiding my eyes, but he was trying to change the subject. Smart move. But I play those games for a living. “No.” I followed him to the room, watching his every move. His face was

AIDEN'S POV. I rushed back home. I knew I wouldn't be able to stop myself from creating a scene if I had stayed a second longer. I couldn’t believe Peter could do this to me. How could he kiss a stranger? How could he move on so quickly? I marched into the room, slamming the door into someone's face. The person wanted to talk to me, but I was in no mood to talk. So I ignored him, walked into my room, and slammed the door into his face. I walked over to the table and with a single swipe, I threw everything off the table. Including my laptop but I really didn't care. The only thing I could think of was that guy's lips on Peter's lips. I turned to Ryder's side of the room. His things were scattered across. My fists clenched rage flowed through my veins. Somehow I knew Ryder was behind it. He must've set Peter up with that guy. He must've done it to get under my skin. And it worked. But I wasn't going to let it go. Minutes blurred into hours. I was an early bird, but this time I w

AIDEN'S POV. I couldn't contain my excitement. This fake relationship was an opportunity for me to completely destroy the chance of Peter ever getting back with Daniel. And it was also an opportunity to finally confess my feelings to him. “Feeling good about today,” Ryder teased. “You and your lover are going to spend some quality time together.” He paused as if remembering something serious. “Oh, I almost forgot, gay people are broken so you might try to fix him.”I walked over to him, my fists clenched so tightly that I could have sworn I heard my bones crack. “What's your problem?” I growled. God forbid I make one angry statement. But I really shouldn't have said that. Right? He closed the gap between us, staring deep into my soul. I wanted to move back but my legs were frozen to the ground. “You know exactly what my problem is,” he replied coldly. Peter walked out of the bathroom, but froze, seeing us standing so close together. “If Aiden was gay, I'd have sworn there is so

AUTHOR’S POV. Aiden’s living room was messy but warm.Empty soda cans were on the table. A big box of pizza sat open in the middle. The smell of cheese filled the air. The TV was on but no one was watching it.They were all sitting on the floor. Peter sat between Riss and Ava. Ava was almost glued to him. She had one arm around his shoulder like she was protecting him from the world.“You don’t deserve that idiot,” Ava muttered, biting into her pizza. “Daniel is trash.”Peter sighed. “Can you not?”“No, I cannot,” Ava snapped. “He cheated on you. I am allowed to curse him.”Peter rubbed his face. “Ava, please. I’m already tired.”Riss leaned back against the couch. “She’s been cursing him for the past hour. I’m surprised Daniel hasn’t felt it spiritually.”Ava glared at him. “This isn’t funny.”“I didn’t say it was funny,” Riss replied calmly. “I’m just saying Peter said he’s fine.”Peter nodded. “I am. I’m happy I’m here. With my friends. And my favourite cousin.” He bumped Ava ligh

RYDER’S POV. My phone started ringing the moment I stepped out of class.I checked the screen. It was my Mom.I sighed softly and answered. “Hello, Mom.”“Ryder!” she said happily. “How are you? How was your class?”“It was fine,” I said, walking down the hallway. “Boring as always. The professor talks too much.”She sighed. “Tell me about it.”I forced a smile, causally waving at a classmate. “Bye,” I whispered. “Good. Are you eating well?” she asked.“It’s only been a month,” I said. “I’m not dying.”“You sound thinner,” she said.“You can’t hear thinness through a phone.”“A mother can,” she replied.I smiled a little.“How is college?” she asked again.“It’s fine.”“And Aiden Miller?” she said, her voice filled with disdain. I rolled my eyes even though she couldn’t see me. “I’m going to survive him too.”“He's just like his father, isn't he? A dull asshole with a butt shaped head and a tiny prick,” she insulted. “Woah! Chill out, mum.”“I just hate the Millers.”Same here. T

AIDEN’S POV. “What are you doing here?” I asked, still holding the blanket tight to my chest.Ryder brows furrowed. “What do you mean?” he asked. “This is my room. And that is my bed.”I blinked.My brain felt slow, like it was still asleep.“Your bed?” I repeated.Oh, I was a dumb fuck. I slowly got up from the floor and wiped my forehead with my hand.“Don’t ever do that again,” I said.“Do what?” Ryder asked, still smiling.“Kiss my forehead.”He laughed louder this time. “Oh relax,” he said. “You looked cute. I couldn’t help it. You almost remind me of the time you slept on my bed at the club.”I glared at him. “Shut your cunt up,” I said through gritted teeth, my fists clenched. “The next time you do that, I swear I'll kill you.”“Okay, okay,” he said, raising his hands. “You’re so dramatic in the morning.”Right then, the door opened and Peter walked in.He looked fresh, like he had just washed his face. His hair was still a little messy.“Good morning,” he said softly.“Morni

JAXON’S POV. I was driving through the neighbourhood when I saw the butler’s car parked in front of the café, which was strange because he was too old to drive and usually left it in the garage.Out of curiosity, I parked behind the car, just in time to see Ariana and a woman step out. I stared at the woman for a while before realization hit me. It was her mother. A slow smile curved across my lips as a mischievous plan began to take shape in my mind.I waited patiently until they were already inside the café before following them.I did not go straight to their table. I stood near the counter, pretending to look at the menu while I watched them from a distance.Ariana was talking slowly like she was scared that the world would collapse if it heard what she had to say. When I was sure they had settled, I walked over.“Excuse me?” Both of them turned.Ariana’s face drained of color. Her mouth opened slightly, like she wanted to scream but no sound came out.The woman’s face lit up

Ariana’s POV. I left the house like someone was chasing me.My hands were shaking as I slammed the door behind me. I didn’t even tell the butler that I was going out. My mind went completely blank except for one panicked question — what was my mother doing here?I didn’t even know how to feel — happy, scared, angry, all mixed together.I took the butler's car without asking. Getting a taxi here was as good as looking for a needle in a haystack. So… I'm sure the butler wouldn't mind. I finally got to the bus station. The place was crowded and lousy. My eyes kept scanning the crowd, it wasn’t till i saw her, that i let out a sigh of relief. She stood near the entrance with her small brown bag, wearing the same blue sweater she always wore at home. When her eyes found mine, her face lit up like the sun.“Ariana!” she called.I ran into her arms before I could stop myself.“My baby,” she whispered, holding my face. “Look at you. You’ve lost weight.”“Lost weight?” I laughed, checking

Ariana’s POVFor the next few days, I became a ghost in that house. I cleaned his room before he woke up. I served his meals without looking at him. If he entered a room, I found a reason to leave it. I did everything fast, quiet, and invisible. But Jaxon… he was intentionally a pain in the ass. Every morning I felt his eyes on me, burning holes through my back. He never said much, he just watched me, and if I'm lucky, he ignores me. That day, I was in the hallway dusting the shelves when his voice cut through the silence.“Ariana.”My heart dropped into my stomach.I turned slowly. He stood near the stairs, holding a small box in his hand. It was black, expensive looking box. “Take this,” he said, holding it out.I walked closer and took it with shaking hands. It was heavier than I expected.“What… what do you want me to do with this?” I asked.His lips curled in that lazy, cruel way. “I want you to treat what’s inside very carefully,” he said. Then he added in a mocking tone, “Ma

Ariana’s POVI froze. My feet locked to the floor, my breath caught like a bird tangled in a net. Jaxon Devereaux stood at the bottom of the stairs, bare, careless, as if shame had no meaning in his vocabulary. I couldn’t look away— I swear I tried not to look down but it was almost impossible. Every instinct screamed at me to run, but something inside me whispered—if I moved or took my eyes off him for even a second he was going to kill me, he’d kill me before I reached the top step.His lips parted, his voice deep and cold. “What.”Just one word, and it was enough to make me remember how to run. My pulse spiked. I bolted, rushing up the stairs two at a time, heart pounding so violently it hurt. My hand slammed the door shut behind me. The sound echoed through the hall like a gunshot.I pressed my back to the door, my eyes squeezed tight as I muttered a silent but desperate prayer. God, please… Please keep me safe. Just this night.Then my gaze landed on my phone lying on the dress

Jaxon’s POVThe second I walked into the hall, the whole place shifted. I didn’t need to announce myself—my name did the work. Heads turned, voices hushed, and then like clockwork, they started closing in.“Mr. Devereaux, such an honor.”“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to meet you.”“You’re the reason tonight even matters.”Flattery. Empty, desperate flattery. These people wanted to be near me, to leech off my presence like it was currency. These fools think my gaze would somehow mint their worth— and it kinda does. I let them orbit me for a while, watching their fake smiles and greedy eyes. This was a situation I despised but this is a price you pay when you let someone like Tom Miller drag you to one of his parties.“When I heard that Tom managed to drag you to his party, I was shocked,” one said, raising his glass towards me. “You are the only reason I came here.”And I will be the only reason you never want to work with the Devereaux's if Tom screws up. Then Tom finally a

Ariana’s POV. “Rina?” I whispered into the phone, my voice breaking the silence that stretched too long.Nothing.My chest tightened. “Rina, are you still there? Please—say something.”Then, like a gunshot, her voice erupted through the line. “What the hell did you just say to me?”I winced, pulling the phone back slightly. “I—I told you. I slept with him.”“With Jaxon Devereaux?” she shouted. “Ariana, how the hell did you even meet him? People like him don’t just stroll into your life. They don’t walk into supermarkets or coffee shops. So explain it to me. How did you even cross paths with him, let alone—” her voice went sharper. “—end up in his bed?”I closed my eyes, trying not to raise my voice at her. We are not best of friends, in fact we stopped talking ever since we left high school, but I still expected better from her. I know people change but does she really think I have gone wide enough to sleep with anything that is within my reach. “Tell me,” she shouted again. “How t

Michelle's POV. I held the clothes on my chest, staring at myself in the mirror. I held the side up, trying to picture the outfit on me. Half of my wardrobe was on the bed. And I still haven't found the perfect dress. Every dress had something wrong. It was either it was too revealing, or it was too covered. Frustrated, I threw the dress in my hand, and fell on the bed, arms spread like someone tired of life. Which I was.“Michelle.” My mother poked her head inside the room. “Still haven't found the perfect dress?” I looked at her. “What do you think?” I forced myself to sit up, when she walked in. “I should just call him to cancel.” “Why the hell would you do that?” My brows furrowed, and I gestured to the clothes scattered on the bed. “If this isn't enough proof, I don't know what is.”“Stop looking for excuse to hide in your closet,” she laughed, checking out a dress. “This looks good.” I groaned, pushing all the clothes aside. “I'm not going anywhere.” She gave a stern loo

Kieran's POV. I pushed the door opened, and stepped into the boardroom. Immediately everyone stood up, and bowed their head in respect. Except Damien who still acts like he is the one in charge. I looked at Damien, locking eyes with the wannabe desperate brother I haven't seen in five months. He hadn't changed one bit. Still the same bigheaded idiot who thinks he has a valid face card. I walked closer, hands tucked in my pockets, each step calculated, and filled with menace, my gaze still on Damien like a predator surveying its prey. He remained calm, unfazed by my presence, which made my blood boil over. He really must think he is in power. “Welcome brother.” Damien smiled, and stood. “How was your holiday?” I didn't answer. He turned back to the board members, gesturing to them. “We have been working our butt closing deals and increasing profits.” He turned back to me, shaking his head. “While you were away on an island with a lot of girls.” I raised an eyebrow, and scoffed

Michelle's POV. I sat by the corner of the room, staring at the walls like it had all the answers I needed. I had just made fun of myself in from of Jonathan and Sarah. Fuck, Jonathan must think I'm some kind of pick me girl who throws a tantrum when someone touches her. “How are you feeling?” My mother asked, handing me a cup of hot tea. “Feeling better?” I took it from her with a hand, the other hand rubbing my temples. “Thank you,” I muttered, taking a sip. The hot liquid going down my throat was rust I needed right now. I exhaled deeply, relaxing a little. “C'mon Michelle, don't sweat it,” she said, taking her seat beside me. “It's not like it was intentional.” “Hmm, from where I see it, it is.” I frowned, setting the cup gently on the table. She sighed. “Look, Michelle,” she said, her voice soft. “I know you're still worried about what happened five months ago. But you need to let go. Nothing is going to happen to us.” “Nothing?” I raised an eyebrow. “Should I remind you

Michelle's POV. The party was beautiful. But I hated every second of it. Everything reminded me of the one person I didn't want to think about. Kieran. Where the hell was Kieran? Did I break him? Has Damien actually defeated him? Was Kieran just hiding in the shadows for now?Part of me wanted to call Mira and asked her about Kieran's whereabouts. But then I told myself that it clearly wasn't my business. I have moved on. I stood near the far end of the room with a glass of wine I had barely touched, watching people move and laugh and talk like it was the easiest thing in the world. Everyone had somewhere to be and someone to stand next to. I had a glass of wine and a headache.I smoothed the front of my gown and reminded myself to breathe.“You look remarkable.”I turned.It was Jonathan. “Thank you,” I said.He smiled like I had just said something worth smiling. . “Are you enjoying the evening, Michelle?”“Trying to,” I said, looking back at the party. “Are you?” He laughed

Kieran's pov. “Please, Kieran, please,” he cried, his voice chocked with tears. “Please let me go. I told you everything I know.” I laughed, dropping his severed finger in the tray. “The grace period is over. Now, it's time to do it in my favor.” He shook his head frantically, eyes wide in panic as he tried to move back, chair scraping the floor violently. “You're crazy!” I grabbed him by the hand, pinning him down. My jaw tightened. “Yes.” I smiled, my fingers piercing through his skin, till blood flowed out. “Yes, I'm crazy. How is this a new to you?” “Kieran,” he called, tears flowing down his cheeks. “Please, let me go. Please, just let me go. I have kids. A wife. I have a family.” “Ugh.” I threw my face in disgust. Nothing pisses me off than seeing a grown ass man crying in front of another man because of a little pain. I looked all over his face. His broken nose. Busted eye. A clean cut across his forehead. And busted lips, holding less than the amount of teeth a grown a

Michelle's POVThe car stopped outside the hotel and I took one breath before the door opened.The reporters were already there.I don't know how they always knew, because I specifically told the owners of the hotel that I didn't want this collaboration to be announced, and I certainly didn't want anyone to know that I was coming there. So how the hell do these people know? It was either they had that sixth sense ability or there was a leak in the company. And we all know which it is. Either way the moment I stepped out the lights started going off, and the questions started coming before I had both feet on the ground.The guards moved fast, forming a line on either side of me. I adjusted my glasses, kept my chin level, and walked into the hotel. I was breaking. I have never heard this much attention in my entire life. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, but somehow the flashes were enough to make the sun jealous. I could feel my knees shaking, but I kept them still, and walk