Novels by NOBLE PINK

AustinI don’t remember the exact moment grief stopped feeling sharp and started tasting like guilt. But it’s been stuck in my mouth for days now like a bitter, unshakable taste. I sat on the edge of my bed, head hanging low, my mom’s photo in my hand. She looked like I remembered in this one, smiling softly, a knowing glint in her eye. Her brown curls fell loosely around her face, her blue eyes looking so alive. God, I miss her.They said time heals. They didn’t say it would twist me into someone I barely recognize. I didn’t cry at her funeral. I didn’t scream. I just stood there like a statue, cold and unreachable. They called me unfeeling and said I was a psychopath for not shedding a tear. But the truth was, I was hurting. Just like my father.Speak of the devil. My phone buzzed with a message from him. "Dinner tonight. 7 PM. Governor Kalu will be there. Bring Reina. She’s family now."I blinked. Reina?We hadn’t spoken in over a week. Not really. We just shared sideways glances i

AustinI didn’t know how to feel. Scratch that—I knew, I just didn’t want to admit it.My dad marrying the mother of the dork I tease at school? That was low-key insane. Out of all the women in the city, heck, in the country, he had to choose her? Reina’s mom? The one who sells cheap flowers at the downtown street market in that dusty little kiosk that always smells like overripe lilies?It made no sense.Worse, now Reina was going to be part of my family. Family.Just thinking about it gave me a headache.Reina Grimes, the scholarship girl with oversized sweaters and those weird drawings in her notebook. The quiet, awkward, totally beneath the Reed name. But somehow, she managed to get under my skin.It wasn’t like I had a thing for her, hell no. But something about the way she reacts to me always made my day a little more interesting.The way her cheeks flush when I call her “charity case.” The way her lips tighten like she’s trying not to scream. And those icy blue, sharp eyes burn

ReinaWhen I got close, he seemed to be deeply engrossed in a conversation with one of his friends."Hey, Winnie," I called at his friend who sneered at me and walked away like I didn't exist.With a scowl, Austin turned and his expression only hardened. "What do you want?"I swallowed but before I could speak, he was stepping closer. Too close. "Listen to me, weirdo. I already told you to stay away from me. You and your thieving mom."My chest squeezed but I couldn't just let that slide, so I grabbed his arm with both hands and pushed him in the chest."No, you listen to me! You don't get to tell me what to do. Okay? And you don't you dare call my mom a thief!""Well, what is she? Less than two months into courting and she already wants a ring." The people around us seemed oblivious to our bickering and I was grateful for that. Especially since I could practically feel his weight crushed on mine, pressing me against the counter.My heart was racing, but it wasn't because I was scared

ReinaI had never seen him shirtless but seeing him like that made it seem like I had just walked into a dangerous zone. Yet, I couldn't look away. He smelled like a heavenly mix of mint and pine, which only added to my embarrassment.For what felt like an eternity, we stared at each other. His eyes widened slightly before narrowing into slits, taking in my bra and shorts. His jaw tightened and his hand clenched around the towel. The silence was deafening, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum."What the hell are you doing in my room?" he barked, breaking the spell."This isn't your room," I said, my voice shakier than I would have liked. "This is mine!" I insisted, pointing at my bag, my heart racing faster than a cheetah on the Serengeti.He took a step closer, his towel slipping slightly. "And what makes you think that?" His eyes narrowed, and I could feel the anger radiating off him."My bag," I murmured, pointing at it again. "It's right there."He strode over to it, his musc

ReinaAustin and I shared a hateful glare from across the table as Brock and my mom were too busy clinging to each other and laughing.I knew what that glare said. I could translate it anywhere. And it meant, "I don't trust you one bit."As if he could read my mind, he finally spoke, his gaze panning towards his dad."If I were you, I'd be more careful so I don’t become the exploited. I thought that was one lesson of becoming a successful politician."My face burned with anger and embarrassment mixed in one. I wanted to reach out and smack the shit out of his face. Yes. That same face that turned to me and had a smirk on it as he leaned back on his chair and continued to stare at me.It must have been a week since the devastating news of my mother getting married to the father of a guy who absolutely hates my guts. That morning, I had intentions of making it be as good a day as possible. Until my door creaked open and my mother walked in, still in her nightdress."Good morning, darlin

ReinaIt was day six of staying home but nothing remained the same. Mom was constantly receiving calls that she would receive away from me. On days she didn't receive these calls, she would rush out in the evening, leaving me with a note that read "Be back soon." It was unlike her.Then, she called me into her room. She was dressed in a red silk dress, looking stunning and nervous. "Reina, sweetie, I need you to put on something nice. We're going out for dinner tonight.""Okay, sure. Where to?" I asked, playing along with her sudden burst of energy."To this fancy place downtown. It's called 'Le Coeur'. You'll love it." Her eyes twinkled as she spoke, and for a second, she looked so young and happy.Le Coeur was indeed fancy. The chandeliers were so bright, they could outshine the sun. The walls were adorned with gold and velvet. The smell of gourmet food wafted through the air, making my stomach grumble. We were led to a private section of the restaurant, and I noticed a man sitting