Novels by Yoko Kim

Chapter 5: The Poisoned WellThe wood of the door groaned under Gregory Bellweather’s fist, a sound like a gavel striking a death sentence. Adrian’s heart was no longer just hammering; it was a frantic, trapped thing clawing at his ribs. He looked at Theodore, who stood in the center of the room with a terrifying, calm grace, casually buttoning his charcoal shirt as if the world wasn't ending outside the frame of the door."The dressing room," Adrian hissed, his voice a jagged whisper. "Go. Now."Theodore’s eyes flickered with a dark, amused spark. "You’re really going to hide me like a cheap affair, Adrian? After everything we just did?""Theo, if he sees you, the merger is the least of our problems. My father will literally kill us both. Move!"Theodore leaned in, his scent—now mixed with the salt and musk of their shared hours—filling Adrian’s head one last time. He stole a quick, bruising kiss that tasted of possession. "This is going to cost you, sweetheart. Remember that."With

Chapter 4: Shattered ComposureTheodore’s mouth was a bruising pressure, a chaotic blend of teeth and tongue that tasted of the expensive red wine they’d shared at dinner and a primal hunger that had been fermenting for five years. Adrian’s hands, which had intended to shove Theodore away, instead bunched into the fabric of the other man’s trousers, pulling him closer until there wasn’t a breath of air left between them.Theodore pulled back just an inch, his eyes dark and blown out. "Still want to tell me to get out?""I should," Adrian gasped, his lungs burning. "I should call the guards. I should tell my father you’re a predator.""But you won’t," Theodore whispered, his thumb catching Adrian’s lower lip and tugging it down. "Because you’re a predator too, Adrian. You’ve been hunting for this since the moment you saw me in the ballroom. Admit it.""I wasn’t hunting for you. I was trying to survive you.""Same thing in our world." Theodore’s hand moved from the door to Adrian’s thro

Chapter 3: The Guest WingAdrian felt the cold metal of the door handle bite into his palm as he turned it. He stepped out into the hallway, his father’s eyes narrowing as he took in Adrian’s slightly disheveled state."You took your time, Adrian. And your tie is crooked again," Lawrence said, his voice clipped with a familiar edge of disappointment. "Did you find what you were looking for in there?"Adrian smoothed his lapels, his heart still hammering a frantic rhythm against his ribs. "Just some peace and quiet, Dad. The gala is a bit much tonight.""It’s a celebration of our future, not a social club. Get your head in the game," Lawrence muttered, turning to lead the way back to the ballroom. Over his shoulder, he added, "The Wexfords are leaving early. We’re heading to their estate tonight for the weekend. The cars are already waiting."Adrian stiffened. "Tonight? I thought we were leaving tomorrow morning.""Theodore suggested it. Said it would be better to get a head start on t

Chapter 2: In the Shadow of the LibraryAdrian stood in the center of the VIP lounge for a full minute after the door clicked shut, the silence of the room pressing against his eardrums like deep water. His lungs felt too small for the amount of air he was trying to pull in. Theodore’s scent—that maddening mix of expensive sandalwood and something raw—still hung in the air, mocking him.He looked down at his hands. They were still shaking. With a frustrated hiss, he shoved them into his pockets and forced himself to move. He couldn't go back to the ballroom yet. He couldn't face the flashes of the cameras or his father’s expectant, shark-like grin.He slipped out of the side exit, moving through the dimly lit service corridor until he reached the heavy, iron-bound doors of the Hollingsworth library. It was the only room in the manor that felt like it belonged to him, not the 'legacy.'He swung the doors open and didn't bother turning on the main lights. The amber glow from the firepla

Chapter 1: The Glass MenagerieThe silk of the tuxedo felt like a noose, even if it was custom-tailored to fit every line of Adrian Hollingsworth’s frame. He stared into the vanity mirror, his fingers trembling slightly as he adjusted his onyx cufflinks. The reflection staring back was a masterpiece of old-money refinement, but behind the eyes, there was only a simmering, breathless dread."You’re overthinking the tie, Adrian. It’s perfect. You’re perfect. Now, let’s go before the press starts wondering if the groom’s son has cold feet on behalf of his father."Adrian didn't turn around. He could see Lawrence Redfield’s reflection leaning against the doorframe, checking his gold watch with a frown."It’s not my wedding, Dad. It’s a merger with a guest list," Adrian said, his voice flat."Same thing in our world, kid. You know that. Just keep that 'Hollingsworth charm' switched on for another three hours. Can you do that for me?"Adrian finally turned, his expression a mask of bored in