Novels by Tory

"I swear I wasn't trying to walk in on... whatever this is," she stammered, grabbing her phone from the desk like it was on fire. "I didn't even—ugh, I'm just... I'll be gone!"She shut the door behind her with a loud clack. For a few seconds, neither of us said anything until Adrian chuckled under his breath."Well, so much for subtle."I covered my face with both hands. "I think I just died.""You didn't," he said gently. "But that was... kind of amazing."I peeked at him between my fingers, cheeks burning. His smile was crooked, playful, but his eyes were still dark, still full of everything we hadn't had time to say."I should go," he murmured. "Before we really traumatize your roommate."I nodded, but part of me wanted to stop him. Wanted to pull him back because everything just got heated, and I wasn't sure I wanted simple anymore, but he did have to leave. I walked with Adrian quietly, my heart still hammering from what just happened.He shoved his hands into the pockets of his

First day of college. Well, not just any college. St. Bellamy’s, the ivy-drenched sanctuary of the elite. A place where old money met glossy futures and gossip spreads faster than grades. Gen had already survived her first year there, and Adrian was deep into his third. Then there’s me. I’m just beginning.The house smelled like espresso and citrus, Dad’s morning smoothie ritual. I padded into the kitchen, still in my robe, the weight of my nerves tucked under a smile.“Someone looks like she’s barely slept,” Dad said, seated at the island in his usual tailored loungewear, sipping his violently green concoction.“That’s because someone didn’t,” I murmured, grabbing a mug.He raised an eyebrow, “Excited?”“Terrified,” I admitted, sliding onto the stool beside him. “There’s something about starting from scratch. New classes. New people, new everything.”“You’ll be fine, baby,” he said, his tone softer now. “You’ve got your sister. And if anyone gives you trouble, you know where to find

What have I done?The question echoed in my mind louder than the music from the live artist's performance. My lips still tingled where Adrian’s had been, and yet my stomach twisted like I’d swallowed fire. I couldn’t help it when I ran. It was the only thing I could think of.I stopped, my feet coming to a sudden halt. I turned, and Adrian was still where we had just kissed. His face filled with shock as he looked at me, stunned. I walked back, slowly, my steps measured.Adrian’s dark brows were furrowed, his breath uneven like mine. He didn’t say anything, maybe he couldn’t, or he wouldn’t.I stepped closer. The weight of what happened crashed over me, drowning me in a wave of panic.“We shouldn’t have done that,” I whispered, backing away like the distance could erase it.His eyes searched mine, but I couldn’t meet them, and suddenly I was pulled, gently.“Kim—”“I’m sorry,” I said, more to myself than to him. “It was a mistake.”Adrian ran a hand through his hair, stepping toward m

It’s my grandparents' anniversary today, and the whole house is in a frenzy. The Ashfords have always been known for throwing the best parties. I’m sure we’re killing it again this time around, but my thoughts remained on Adrian.The house shimmered in the after sun with extended families, like my aunties, uncles, and cousins from London, New York, even Monaco, all gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Charles and Miriam Ashford, the patriarch and matriarch of the Ashford empire.Upstairs in the family sitting room, a quieter space away from the crowd, Gen and I lounged on the cream velvet couch, our heels off, and our hair curled to perfection. Mum and Dad stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, glasses of champagne in their hand.Dad, even in a casual moment, cut an imposing figure. Dressed in a charcoal grey suit, tie loosened. Mum looked effortlessly as usual, wearing a high-neck ivory dress, sleek chignon, diamond cuff earrings that caught every light.“Your grandmother’s a

My relationship with Gen hasn’t been one deemed sister goals worthy. I mean, on the internet, we look like we have the best relationship, but things are not what they look like. Gen has been nothing but nice to me, but I have always been excluded from her social life. So, when she asked me if I was interested in going to see a movie with her and Adrian, I was genuinely amazed.But of course, I said yes.“Well, okay. Get ready, we’ll be leaving in a few minutes. Adrian will meet us at the cinema,” Gen smiled.“Thanks, Gen,” I said, hugging her.“Save it for Adrian,” she said.“What do you mean?” I asked.“He was the one who requested you join us, and he sent me to ask if you would be interested in coming with us,” she answered.And of course. It wasn’t Gen’s idea, but it was nice to be included.“I guess I’ll thank him when I see him then,” I said as I turned to get changed.“Oh!” she exclaimed. “Please, look good.”I nodded but didn’t say anything. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to

My name is Kim. Well, it’s Kimberly, but I’ve always preferred to be called Kim. My Dad, Maxwell Ashford, is the CEO of Ashford Group, a large firm with boring business stuff, but it pays for all our expensive lifestyle. My mum, Vivienne Ashford, on the other hand, is the editor-in-chief for a world-famous fashion magazine, LUXÉ. I have just one sibling, and she’s the most beautiful and sweetest sister a girl could ask for. Her name is Genevieve, and she is twenty years old, just two years older than I am, but somehow, I still get treated like a baby.Genevieve is an extrovert, your typical outgoing, bubbly social butterfly. She is the type of girl that don’t have to do too much to get the attention of others. In fact, I admire my sister and have always wished to be like her.She has beautiful, healthy blonde hair. Tall, curvy, has the perfect body and skin. It’s no wonder that she got the attention of Adrian Thorne, a young, high-profile Formula One racer. Despite being from a wealth