Novels by Lexi Pen

Lily touched Gerald’s arm lightly. “I need to use the restroom.”He looked down at her, eyes still dark from the earlier tension with Elliot. “Do not take long.”She gave a short nod and walked away from the main hall. The restroom was down a quiet corridor lined with soft lights and dark wood. She pushed the door open and stepped inside. The space was private and elegant, with marble counters and large mirrors. She had only been there a few seconds when the door opened again.Cleo walked in. Her black dress clung to her body and her face was tight with anger.“You just could not stay in your place, could you?” Cleo said. Her voice was low and sharp.Lily turned slowly and faced her. “What do you want now?”Cleo stepped closer. “I want you to understand something. You are a paid hole. Nothing more. Gerald will use you and throw you away like the others. Do not walk around here like you belong.”Lily’s eyes narrowed. “You sound scared. Is that what this is? You are scared he is keepin

Gerald kept his hand firm on the small of Lily’s back as they stepped into the grand hall. Crystal lights hung from the high ceiling and threw soft gold across the polished floor. Long tables covered in white cloth stretched through the room. Men in dark tailored suits and women in expensive dresses filled the space. The low music mixed with the sound of glasses and quiet conversation.Lily felt the air change the moment they entered. Heads turned. Conversations paused. Eyes moved over the short red dress that clung to her body and left her back bare. She kept her chin high even as her pulse quickened. She had been stared at before in clubs and on streets, but these stares carried more weight. These people had real power.Gerald felt every look. He saw the way the men’s eyes dropped to Lily’s legs and the deep cut of her dress. He saw the women studying her with envy and calculation. A dark satisfaction settled in his chest. They all wanted what was his. They could look. They could

The next afternoon came quietly. Lily had not seen Gerald since the night before when he told her about the birthday dinner. She sat in the large sitting room of the penthouse, legs crossed, staring out at the city. The place felt too big and too silent without him.The elevator doors opened with a soft chime. Several men and women stepped out carrying boxes, tall racks of clothes, and heavy makeup kits. One of the women, a sharp-eyed stylist with a tablet in her hand, walked straight toward Lily.“Miss Robinson? We are here to prepare you for the party tonight. Mr. Maldovo’s orders.”Lily stood up slowly. “Alright.”They got to work right away. The team moved around her like they had done this a hundred times. Racks of dresses were wheeled in. Shoes, jewelry, and bags of undergarments followed. Lily was guided into a chair. They started with her hair, washing and styling it into soft waves that fell down her back. Makeup came next. Soft but bold, dark lashes, a deep red lip that mad

Gerald returned to the penthouse later that evening. The elevator doors slid open with a soft sound and he stepped into the quiet space. The lights were low. Everything felt still after the long day. He walked down the hallway and stopped in front of Lily’s door. For a moment he just stood there with his hand on the handle, feeling the weight of what he had done that morning. Then he unlocked it and pushed the door open.Lily sat on the edge of the bed in silence. She still wore the same clothing from earlier. Her dark hair fell loose around her shoulders and her eyes lifted the second the door moved. She looked tired but not broken.Gerald felt a sharp anger at himself. He had locked her in all day as punishment even though part of him had been proud of the way she slapped Cleo back without fear. That fire in her still sat in his mind. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.“You alright?” he asked.“Fine,” she said.He waited a second longer. “Have you eaten anything?”“

Gerald sat behind his desk in his office and stared out at the city. The glass of whiskey in his hand stayed untouched. His mind kept going back to the morning in the penthouse. Cleo had shown up uninvited, started her usual nonsense, and slapped Lily. What stayed with him most was how fast Lily had hit her back. No tears. No fear. Just pure fire.He was still thinking about it when the door opened and Mako walked in.“You look like someone pissed in your drink,” Mako said, dropping into the chair across from him.Gerald let out a short breath. “Something like that. Give me update on the Lucianos.”Mako tossed a folder onto the desk. “Same shit as last week. They still will not meet. Their guy told me straight up they do not see you as man enough to do real business with.”Gerald’s fingers tightened around the glass. He finally took a drink and set it down. “Of course they said that.”He stood and walked over to the window. The city lights of Crimson Hollow spread out below him like t

Lily barely slept. She tossed and turned all night, her body still humming from Gerald’s rough treatment and the cruel way he left her unsatisfied. Frustration burned inside her chest. When the first light of morning crept through the windows, she gave up on rest. She slipped out of bed, still wearing the black silk nightdress, and headed straight for the bathroom.She turned the shower as hot as she could stand. Steam filled the space while scalding water pounded her skin.It helped wash away some of the tension, but not the anger. After drying off, she pulled on a simple robe and walked toward the living room. Coffee sounded good. She needed something strong.The moment she stepped into the open kitchen area, Lily froze. A stunning woman stood by the counter. Long red hair cascaded down her back. She wore a tight red dress that showed off her full breasts and long legs.The woman sipped red wine like it was morning coffee and looked Lily up and down with clear disgust.“Who the h