All Chapters of A Deal With Desire: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

The smell of death suffocated her. Adele stood in the white room and looked down at her mother. The IV tubes ran through her like a puppeteer’s strings. Her head burned with heat, and her chest throbbed under the weight of it all. She clutched the metal bedframe and groaned softly, tears stinging her eyes. The doctor’s voice echoed in her ears again, distant but sharp. “Unfortunately, your mother’s health insurance can no longer cover her treatments. We suggest you seek alternatives before her next chemotherapy rounds. We are very sorry…” Vomit surged up her throat, and she bolted for the toilet, palms pressed to the cold porcelain as she retched. She hated hospitals, but this one had become her second home. She rinsed her mouth and stared into the mirror, her insides still churning. Her once-supple skin had gone pale and ashy, and the bags under her eyes told stories of sleepless nights. She tore her gaze away from her reflection and looked down at her knuckles, wh

JULIAN'S POV She wasn’t supposed to be there. But Adele Rivers always had a knack for crashing into places she didn’t belong—and leaving wreckage behind. Now, even after two scorching showers, I can still taste her on my lips. Her laugh is stitched into my memory like a curse. Her perfume clings to my skin like guilt. I need to end this. I crank the water hotter, willing it to burn away the memory of her. The curve of her mouth. The fire in her eyes when she said my name. But she’s everywhere. That damn red dress. That sharp tongue. That kiss. I press my palms to the tiled wall and breathe, but calm doesn’t come. Only her. And then— A shift in the air. Cologne. A presence. I don’t need to turn around to know who it is. I feel his stare before he speaks, intrusive and amused. “Have you checked Tiff’s blog?” Towel in hand, I turn around to face my best friend and confidante, Elliot. Elliot and I go way back. From partner in crime to partner in business to platonic l

She told herself it was just a contract, but her hands were shaking like it was love. Adele stood still, almost like the world around her was holding in a breath, waiting for the big exhale. Or maybe it was just her–laced into a corset so tight she couldn't even pretend to exhale.She told Ronnie that she wanted to be snatched, not on the brink of turning purple. Adele clutched her bouquet tighter and stared glassy-eyed into the full-length mirror wheeled into the big living room.The woman in white stared back—elegant, composed, and nothing like her.The off-shoulder satin gown clung to her like a second skin—elegant, poised, untouchable. Lace sleeves kissed her arms, soft and deceiving, while the train pooled around her feet like a secret she couldn’t outrun. She looked like a bride. But she felt like a lie.Her makeup was flawless. It highlighted her cheekbones. Her veil and ball gown gave her an ethereal princess-like look. Her bouquet was a quiet rebellion—white calla lilies

The smoke curled around her feet, stinging her eyes and burning her lungs.She ran barefoot to the red door and flung it open. Flames burst through, licking her wrist.She had to save them. Her brother's scream echoed through her lungs.Adele turned and ran to her brother’s room. She grabbed the handle—and slipped. Her legs wouldn’t move fast enough. Her chest was tight. Burning.I can’t let them die again.Her brain screamed it.She heard her father’s voice—warped and distant.She opened her mouth to scream but choked. The smell of burning flesh filled her throat.You’re too late again. This is all on you.That cruel, taunting voice inside her head.Adele woke up coughing.The smoke was still there. But it wasn’t from the fire.It was coming from the kitchen.She threw the sheets off. Tripped on her dress.“Shit—”She wrestled it off, grabbed a loose blue shirt, shoved it over her head, and ran out of the room—heart racing, throat raw.Julian was pacing in the kitchen, phone pressed

Celeste pulled her hoodie tighter around her head as she counted the floors in the elevator. She stopped at her floor and looked around furtively before sprinting down the hall into her room. The lights were off. She could have sworn she left them on. Something wasn't right. She flicked the light on and froze. Fear shot up her spine in wicked waves. “Hello Celeste. It's been a long time” The first man in the suit greeted her with a mirthless smile. Her throat felt dry. “How did you find me?” She squawked, backing up against the door. “Running isn't an option, Celeste. You of all people should know that by now” the second man in suit chipped in. He was bigger and more intimidating than the first man. “But…I did everything you asked! My debt has been repaid” Both men chuckled and shook their heads. The first man spoke, the smile on his face gone. “You'll always be indebted to us, Celeste.” She shook her head in disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes. “Please–” “Sit