Arya's POV.The hum of the jet engines had been nothing but background noise to the tumor simmering in my mind. I stared blankly out the window, watching the dark clouds swirl outside as the aircraft sliced through the sky. The whole trip had been a whirlwind.. Lucas’s dangerous family, his cockiness, Martin’s obsession, and that ridiculous fight that had me holding my breath the entire time. But now, something far more pressing weighed on me.The contract. My payment.The realization settled in like a heavy stone in my stomach.Lucas had hired me for a week, but we didn’t even stay a complete 24 hours at his family’s estate. Would he use that as an excuse not to pay me? Would he claim that since the trip was cut short, my contract was null and void?My heart hammered in my chest at the thought. I needed that money. Desperately.I stole a glance at Lucas, who was seated across from me, his fingers lazily drumming against the armrest. His sharp blue-green eyes were fixed on the file i
Arya's POV.A loud knock sounded through the room, dragging me out of the deep sleep I had been lost in. I groaned, turning to my side, burying my face into the pillow as I tried to ignore it. But the knocking continued... Whoever was behind the knocking had no intentions of stopping. But, I myself had no intentions of standing up from the bed either. I needed to sleep some more. I was having such good time of my life. "Miss Arya," a soft voice called from the other side. "Sir Lucas wants you to join him for breakfast."Lucas.The sound of his name sent a sudden rush of awareness through my body, and I instantly sat up, blinking against the deep wave of sleep that was still washing over me.Breakfast?I glanced at the clock on the wall and realized just how late it was. I had been so exhausted from yesterday’s trip back that I must have slept through the entire morning. The fatigue still clung to my muscles."Tell him I'll be there in a moment!" I called back, rubbing the sleep from
Arya's POV.I barely made it back to my room before I let out the breath I never knew I was holding. My heart pounded against my ribs, and my fingers trembled as I locked the door behind me.I could still feel the weight of Lucas’s gaze on me, the way his piercing eyes had followed my every movement at breakfast. Every time I looked up, he was watching me... his expression unreadable, his lips curled slightly in amusement, as if he was playing some secret game that only he knew the rules to.I had lost my appetite the moment I realized I was the object of his entertainment.This was a mistake.I never should’ve taken this job.I flopped onto the massive bed, gripping the sheets as if they could ground me. I have only been here for less than twenty four hours, and already, I felt trapped.Lucas Griffin is dangerous.Not in the obvious way... though his attitude alone was enough to make anyone’s blood run cold. But the true danger wasn’t in his power, his wealth, or even the violence h
Arya's POV.I stood at the edge of the pool, arms crossed over my chest as I watched Lucas dive into the water with effortlessly. He swam up moments later, his dark hair slicked back, water streaming down his sculpted shoulders. My throat went dry.Why does he have to look like sin itself?He ran a hand over his face, shaking off the excess water before resting his piercing gaze on me. "Come on in," he called, his voice deep, smooth... almost coaxing.I hesitated, my arms tightening around myself. “Turn around.”He suddenly smirked. "What?" “I said turn around. I need to take my clothes off.”His smirk grew into a full blown grin. “Now, why would I do that when I have every right to watch?”I quickly shot him a hard glare. "Lucas..." “Relax, babydoll. It’s just a swimsuit. Nothing I haven’t seen before.”I couldn't hold back my gasp. "You have not seen me in a swimsuit before!”“Not yet.” He winked.God, he is so cornily annoying. And why the hell does my stupid body find it intrig
Arya's POV.I walked out of the bathroom, my towel secured tightly around my chest. It was my second day living with Lucas and I had woken up feeling a bit disoriented, I opted for a quick shower and now I'm glad I did, seeing how relieved I am.A soft knock suddenly came on the door as I approached the wardrobe. I exhaled deeply, tightening the towel over my chest before heading towards the door. Pulling the door open, he was there. Lucas Griffin... standing before me, wearing nothing but gray sweatpants that hung dangerously low on his hips. His chest was bare, a sinful display of sculpted muscle and smooth, tanned skin, a faint trace of water still glistening along his collarbone as if he had just stepped out of the shower himself.His signature smirk curled at the corner of his lips, those dreamy eyes raking down my barely covered body with no shame whatsoever."Damn, babydoll," he murmured, leaning against the doorframe, his voice like liquid sin. "You should answer the door l
Arya’s POV.I placed the last dish on the dining table and took a step back, exhaling softly. I had quickly rushed the meal immediately Lucas left the kitchen, with the fear of him returning and continuing his torture. I really hope this turns out well. Lucas sat there, watching me like a predator observing its prey. His eyes held that usual spark of amusement, mischief dancing in their glory. I wiped my hands on a napkin before turning to leave.“Arya,” his deep voice called, stopping me in my tracks.I turned reluctantly, my heart already picking up speed. “Yes?”“Sit.”I frowned slightly. “I thought I was just supposed to cook for you?”His lips curled into that lazy smirk, yet again. “And now, you’ll eat with me.”I hesitated, but then again, what choice did I have? If Lucas Griffin wanted something, he got it. He had made that very clear. So, I quietly pulled out the chair across from him and sat down.The moment he took his first bite, his expression changed. His smirk faded,
Arya's POV.I strolled down the stairs, thinking of sneaking into the kitchen for a cup of coffee, when I nearly bumped into a wall... no, not a wall, it was Lucas. His broad, muscular frame stood right in front of me, and the smirk he wore told me he had been waiting for me."Perfect timing, babydoll. I was just about to come get you," he smiled. "Get me? Why?" I arched my brows at him."I have a golf game with a friend, and I want you to come with me," he said nonchalantly, slipping his hands into his pockets.I folded my arms. "And what if I don’t want to go?"He took a step closer, his eyes holding mine hostage. "Then I’ll remind you that you’re at my service for the next few days, and it would be in your best interest to obey," he teased, a knowing glint in his gaze.I heaved out a deep breath.Lucas is a handful."Whatever, Fine. But I don’t even know how to play golf." I tried to protest."You don’t need to, sweetheart. I’ll teach you," he said, flashing me a knowing smile b
Arya’s POVLucas held tightly to my hand as he led me up the stairs, toward my room. His warmth seeped into my skin, making it impossible to ignore how insanely right... his hand felt in mine.The hallway was dimly lit as we approached my room. The only sound was the faint echo of our footsteps against the floors. Neither of us spoke, but I could feel the tension hanging thick in the air, unspoken words crackling between us.I stole a glance at him. His sharp jawline, the way his blue-green eyes flickered with something unreadable in the low light… He looked lost in thought, but his fingers stayed wrapped around mine like he had no intention of letting go.Why did he always do this?Why did he insist on holding my hand whenever we walked together?It was a simple act, yet it made my heart hammer every time.I told myself it was nothing. That it meant nothing.But I knew I was lying to myself.We reached my door, and I halted. Lucas stopped too, but his hands still holding mine. I dre
Kiara's POV."I have an idea, let's do something different, how about truth or dare?""Okay? Sounds interesting, you go first.""Fine. I dreamt you sat on my face. Pinned me down. Wouldn't let me breathe till you came all over my face. Woke up leaking like a pathetic mess. Couldn't even move." My thighs clenched. The image of him, whatever face I made him out to be, buried between my legs, tongue desperate and greedy, fists clenched fuck. That hit hard."Okay... You won that round. Second, truth or dare?" I sent. "Truth. But you better make it hurt." "What's your biggest kink?"Mental control. Getting someone to cum with just my voice. Just words. No hands. No touching. I love being inside their head. Watching them squirm. Making them beg just by telling them what to feel, exactly what I'm doing with you." My lips parted. My nipples were stiff beneath my shirt already.I was already squirming under my sheets. My panties clung damp between my legs."You... That's fucked up. And so
Hailey's POV. The drive back home felt longer than usual. My head was in a state of chaos and it was all because of him.I couldn’t get his face out of my head.I had only seen him for a second, maybe two, before Mom dragged me out. There was something... familiar about him, even though I’d never seen him before.Maybe it was the way his hair fell over his forehead, just a little too long, or how his eyes, those brief, shadowed eyes, looked calm.Maybe he looked like someone I knew back in California but I really doubt that. I couldn't stop replaying that fleeting moment over and over.Who was he?I didn’t even catch his name. I had been too caught up in my own anxiety. I really wanted to know who he was.I wanted to know why seeing him made my heart stutter like it had forgotten how to beat.I leaned against the car seat, pressing my back against it and letting out a slow breath.What was it about him?Maybe it was the way the world seemed to tilt just slightly when our eyes coll
Hailey’s POV.A week.Seven whole days since we moved.You’d think that might be enough time for me to at least unpack or open the blinds or look around the neighborhood. But no. I stayed in my room like it was a bunker and the rest of the world was at war. The most I did was drag myself to the kitchen for water or snacks, and even that felt like crossing enemy lines.I didn’t care about the house fridge or the stupid backyard with trimmed hedges that looked like they belonged in a brochure.I don't want any of that."Wakey wakeey, sunshine." Aiden's text was the first to wake me up. "Hey." I simply texted him. "Are you still pissed about moving?""Very much so.""C'mon, try to let it go, and enjoy the city." "But I won't be able to see you again." "What made you so sure that I lived in California and you could find me there?" That seemed to strike a bell. "I don't know, I just had a feeling." A knock suddenly came on the door before I could get his next message. “Hailey,” mom
Hailey's POV.The plane had barely landed before I was itching to disappear. Not into a new place or new beginning like everyone kept saying... but to dissolve. Just vanish. Because arriving didn’t feel like an arrival at all.I clutched the strap of my backpack tighter, head down, ignoring everything, my parents. Everything . It all made me sick.The drive from the airport took another eternity. I didn’t care about the clean streets or the fact that the weather here was “nicer.” My chest ached like a balloon filled too tightly, ready to burst with the slightest jab.When we finally pulled up to the new house... big, modern, ugly in its perfection... I didn’t wait for anyone. I grabbed my duffel bag, ignored Dad’s attempt at a half smile, and walked straight in without a word.I stomped up the stairs, turning corners I wasn't used to, passing empty rooms and unfamiliar walls. I picked the room at the end of the hall just because it was farthest away from everyone. It didn’t matter
Hailey’s POV.The rain had started just as we left the house, the kind of rain that blurred everything... buildings, streets, even emotions. It matched the heaviness pressing against my chest as I sat in the back seat of the car, silent, still, and aching in ways I couldn’t yet explain. I didn’t say a word. I couldn’t.Outside, the familiar streets greeted me. Trees I used to race past on my bike stood tall and wet, their leaves seemed to be whispering silent goodbyes. Mr. Howard’s bookstore with the bell that never worked right, the little coffee shop where Marissa , Liam and I used to cram for tests and gossip over muffins too dry and coffee too bitter. Everything looked softer in the rain, like the city was crying with me.Mom glanced at me through the rearview mirror. She didn’t say anything either. Maybe she saw the tears that had started to slide down my cheeks. Maybe she didn’t. I didn’t bother to wipe them away.This was it. We were really leaving.Dad’s transfer came three w
Third book alert!SEXT PARTNER.Hailey's parents moved to a new city due to job promotion and she transfers to a new school, only to discover that her secret sext partner was the hottest boy in school, and he was dating the hottest girl in school as well. She stood no chance of having him, but what if she was underestimating the intense hold she had over him. Chapter one."You know I'd really love to see you!" His text popped up on my phone just as I plopped down on the bed. "Well, I am not what you call the perfect lady!" I texted immediately. "I highly doubt that." His reply came and I chuckled to myself. Aiden and I bumped into each other in a weird app, exchanged numbers and have been keeping each other's company intimately, since then. We haven't met, neither have we seen each other. Our interaction was strictly over text and I think we are both okay with that. We are both 18 and in 12th grade."We will eventually see each other someday you know." He texted. "Yeah?" "Yes
Chloe's POV. The moment I stepped out of the elevator and into the wide, glass paneled lobby of Hayes’s firm, I felt like I was trespassing on a dangerous ground.I continued to feverishly put one feet after another, my footsteps thumping in sync with the unease curling in my stomach. I hadn't seen Hayes in days. Not since... the party. Not since the bathroom. Not since he found out. My heart clenched at the thought.The receptionist looked up with a warm smile that faltered the second she recognized me.“Um... Miss Chloe. I’m not sure if Mr. Hayes is available”“Please.” My voice cracked, and I cleared my throat quickly. “Just let him know I’m here. I won’t stay long. I promise.”She hesitated, clearly torn between professional courtesy and the pitiful look on my face. Eventually, she picked up the phone and dialed.A moment passed. Then two.Finally, she looked up at me with an apologetic glance. “He said… he’s busy.”“I’ll wait,” I said stubbornly and sat on the plush leather couc
Hayes's POV.I slowly opened my eyes trying to take in the environment but it posed a big threat, my eyelids were heavy and my head too.I squeezed my eyes back shut and relaxed, I didn't care about my environment anymore, it felt safe and conducive, not even the problems I was dealing with popped up in my head, I felt at peace.I suddenly felt a presence beside me, I assumed it was Chloe, she stirred and laid her head on my chest, snuggling deeper into me, and in turn, I wrapped my arms around her, in the process, I inhaled the scent of her hair and it sent an unexplainable calmness down my spine.It suddenly occurred to me that this is in no way Chloe's scent. And Chloe and I aren't even in a good place right now for her to be sleeping beside me. My nose suddenly caught her scent again, this time, my eyes popped open in shock.And to more shock, it was an unknown lady lying on my chest, looking closely, I suddenly realized that it was the lady from the club last night.What is she
Hayes's POV.I dragged my feet frustratedly into the club and went straight to the bar section."A shot please," I said to the waiter.This will make it the second time that I will be in a buzzing underground club ready to soak myself with some really hot liquor, all for the sake of heartbreak.When am I ever going to learn huh?First it was Elisha, and now Chloe. What exactly have I done to deserve this? Have I not been loving enough? Is there something that I am not doing right? It hurts because I truly loved Chloe more than I have ever loved another woman. She really held a place in my heart. Why did she have to hurt me like this when all I have ever done was to love her unconditionally. It hurts more because despite how hard I was trying to shut her out, somehow, I just couldn't and it was infuriating the hell out of me.I should hate her, I should shut her out and cast her away from my life for hurting me so bad, but somehow, all I could think of was her wellbeing, I couldn't s