Pen & Passion
"Please teach me to become a better writer!"
"Oh?"
Joaquin got his glass sipped his whiskey as he looked at me in a condescending manner.
"I need something in return," he teased as he put his glass down on the table, making me nod excitingly.
"Yes, yes! I would do anything you ask for!"
Hearing her feedback, he stood up from his chair then walked towards me, chuckling.
"Erm..."
I stepped away from him, now bumping my back on the wall behind me. Surprised, I gasped as he did a breathtakingly hot "kabe-don". He then spoke near my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
"What if I ask... for a collaboration?"
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Haven Thorne, a young woman who is eager to become a great writer, secretly attended a party that was hosted by a popular and rich top author, Joaquin Greyson. Wanting to learn from the great writer, Haven gathered her courage and visited his home for consecutive days even after the constant rejections.
Irritated, Joaquin entertained the persistent woman to stop her. Seeing her determination however, piqued his interest and had agreed to her request—even asking for a collaboration!
Will the top author really be willing to teach the newbie, or will he lose his patience? Will she able to meet the demands of her experienced mentor, or will she disappoint him?
With that in mind, what will their pen and passion teach them?
Love, hate… or something more?
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Chapter: If Only They KnewThe moment Joaquin’s hand closed around mine, I felt the guilt claw deeper. His touch was warm, grounding, steady—the exact opposite of the chaos swirling in my chest. And he didn’t even hesitate.He just looked at me like he could sense something was wrong, and instead of demanding answers, he simply tugged me gently toward the center of the ballroom.The orchestra swelled, violins carrying a melody soft and romantic, and before I could protest, Joaquin turned to face me, bowing slightly as he offered his hand.“Dance with me,” he murmured.I blinked at him, startled. “Here? Now?”“Now.” His lips curved in the faintest smile, his gray eyes glinting in the candlelight. “You look like you need it.”And God help me, he was right.I slipped my hand into his, and he pulled me closer, his other hand settling lightly at my waist. We moved with the music, slow and measured, and for a moment, the world hushed around us. The crowd faded, the laughter and chatter dulled. It was just him and me,
Last Updated: 2025-08-22
Chapter: My JaviThe second Javier’s lips left mine, reality crashed in.What had I done?My back was still pressed to the cold hedge wall of the maze, my body trembling, my lips tingling as if his mouth were still there. My hands hovered uselessly in the air, like they didn’t know whether to shove him harder away or cling to him.It wasn’t supposed to happen. I wasn’t supposed to kiss him back.And yet… I had.Even if it was for just one breath, one terrifying, electric heartbeat—I let myself give in. My lips had moved against his.The guilt bloomed in my chest like poison, choking, burning.Joaquin.I staggered a step back, nearly tripping over my gown, clutching the fabric as if I could hide the sin imprinted on my skin. My mind screamed that I loved Joaquin—that I wanted Joaquin—that I had been so sure. And now? Now my stomach twisted with shame, because no matter how much I wanted to deny it, part of me had wanted that kiss.Part of me had wanted him.Javier. My childhood best friend. Joaquin’s b
Last Updated: 2025-08-21
Chapter: Fear? Fury?The champagne in my hand had long since gone warm, but I hadn’t taken a sip. My eyes weren’t on Joaquin anymore—he was still surrounded by his father and a cluster of investors, commanding the room as he always did. No, my gaze had shifted.Toward the bar.Toward Javier.He stood there like he owned the place, shirt collar loose, his untied tie draped around his shoulders, a drink in hand like this was just another night at one of his “establishments.” The same mouth that used to grin at me over stolen cookies in childhood now curled lazily around the rim of a whiskey glass. And all I could hear in my head was Ethan’s hushed voice.Mafia boss. Leader. Dangerous.I wanted to laugh. I wanted to scream. Instead, I found myself moving—heels clicking against the marble—until I reached him. He noticed, smirked like he’d been waiting for me.“Haven,” he drawled. “You here to keep me company or drag me back to the circus?”I didn’t answer. My hand shot out, grabbing his wrist before I could t
Last Updated: 2025-08-20
Chapter: A Mafia BossMy lips still tingled.It had been just a brush, barely there, but the ghost of it haunted me like it was branded into my skin. Joaquin kissed me. My fiancé. My pretend fiancé. My heart was in freefall, and I couldn’t tell if I was terrified or elated.God help me.I slipped back into the ballroom, but I wasn’t really there. Not in my head, anyway. My body moved through the crowd, my hand gripping the edge of a champagne flute I didn’t remember picking up, but inside, everything was chaos.The way his thumb lingered against my hand. The heat in his gaze right before he leaned in. That kiss. That damn kiss.I tried to steady my breathing, but it was useless. He had kissed me, pulled away, and gone back into the ballroom like nothing happened. Like it was easy for him to slip the mask back on while mine had shattered.“Okay, whoa. You look like someone just walked over your grave.”I blinked and found Jessy at my side, her sharp eyes scanning my face. Ethan loomed just behind her, his u
Last Updated: 2025-08-19
Chapter: God Help MeThe warmth of the ballroom hit me like a wall the moment I stepped back inside. After the cool night air and the quiet murmur of Javier’s teasing voice, the sudden blast of chandeliers, music, and chatter felt almost overwhelming.I smoothed my dress down as though the fabric could iron out the mess in my chest. My cheeks were still warm, my pulse still uneven, and I hated that I couldn’t shake the phantom weight of Javier’s hand at my waist.It was fine. It meant nothing. Just a distraction.Still, the contrast nearly floored me.At the far side of the room, Joaquin stood in perfect control—dark mask, immaculate suit, voice low as he spoke with investors and his father. Crisp, composed, untouchable. A world away from Javier’s undone tie and faint-smelling smoke.My lips pressed together. I didn’t belong in either world, did I? Not the poised mask of Joaquin’s nor the reckless grin of Javier’s.“Where have you been?” Jessy’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. She appeared at my
Last Updated: 2025-08-18
Chapter: InfinitelyBy the time we made our third circuit of the ballroom, my cheeks felt frozen in a permanent polite smile. Joaquin had introduced me to half the city by now—CEOs, department heads, investors, spouses of investors, all of them offering congratulations and curious glances at the fiancée they didn’t know he had until tonight.It was exhausting. I didn’t think anyone would notice if I traded my champagne flute for a water bottle, but Joaquin’s hand was warm on my back every time I looked like I might drift off, steering me effortlessly through conversations.Eventually, the lights dimmed a little and the MC announced Joaquin for his speech. He took the stage, his tall frame commanding the room instantly.“I want to thank everyone here,” he began, voice smooth and confident. “This year has been one of our most successful, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our entire team.”People clapped, polite but expectant. Joaquin let the beat hang before delivering the kicker
Last Updated: 2025-08-15
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