Aqua Smiles

When my wife, Sandra Lane, finally returns from her business trip, I pin her against the wall, my lust overwhelming my rationality. Halfway through our session, Sandra's phone starts ringing all of a sudden. She quickly pushes me off her body before grabbing her phone. "Sandie, I'm feeling a little uncomfortable. Can you check out what's wrong with me?" A racy video is soon sent to Sandra's private chat. Angered, I question Sandra, "Has William gone nuts? Why did he send you these videos? Is he going to keep badgering you just because he can't find himself a wife?" Sandra responds by slapping me instantly. "What the hell are you talking about, Steven? What's with that gutter mind of yours? I've just rescued William from another city! His parents are already dead, so I'm the only one left in his life! Naturally, I'm obligated to take good care of him! "You disgust me to no end, Steven! Hurry up and apologize to me right now, or else we're getting a divorce!" Sandra and I have been married for six years. During these years, she has used divorce as a threat against me multiple times. But when I'm with Sandra, I've already confessed 1001 times to her. Upon noticing my silence, Sandra just smiles smugly, thinking that there's no way I will ever leave her. But this time, she's wrong.

Blurb **She's promised to his brother... but branded by his touch. And now the past refuses to stay buried.** *** **SIENNA** I thought I buried that night. The night I gave myself to a stranger. Reckless and wild. No names. No rules. No future. Just heat. Desperation. A body that made me forget who I was supposed to be. Now I wear his brother's ring. Planning a future with the man I'm supposed to love. Then he walks into my engagement party and everything shatters. Landon Callahan. The black sheep. The rebel. The man who touched me before I knew his name. He acts like I never existed. Like that night was nothing. But I remember every breath. Every broken rule. Every moment I came alive. I should walk away. Should marry Noah and forget. But Landon has always been the fire I was never meant to touch twice. *** ** **LANDON** She was never supposed to be his. The night I had her, I didn't ask her name. Didn't want to know. I just knew I'd never forget the way she looked at me. Like I was the only thing she ever wanted. Then I walk into the engagement party I should have skipped. And see her standing beside my brother. Now I'm back in the world I swore I'd left behind. And she's the one thing I can't outrun. She wears his ring. Smiles like she hasn't been in my bed. Pretends I never made her come undone. But I remember. And so does she. One night should have been the end. Instead it was only the beginning. Because I don't let go of what's mine. Not even for my brother.

Letta Letishia finally found herself living in luxury and wealth. However, it wasn't all she had hoped for. She obtained it all at the cost of marrying a man who would become the father of the child conceived from their one-night stand. This relationship completely changed Letta's life. The man was Marco Jovanka, a CEO of the airline company JV Airlines, where Letta worked as a flight attendant. The forced marriage transformed Letta's life 180 degrees, bringing the ups and downs of life and the story with Marco. Although everything initially seemed normal to Letta, everything changed when Letta had to lose the fetus she carried on her own wedding day with Marco. The heaviest loss and pain had to be borne by Letta alone as Marco blamed everything on her. Marco considered Letta the cause of the potential loss of the child he had been anticipating. Marco promised to punish Letta for her wrongdoing, making Letta feel like a prisoner in the large house that felt like a prison. There were no more smiles, friendly gestures, or attention from Marco, However, an incident made Marco realize his fear of losing Letta. His body trembled when he saw Letta covered in blood, especially when Letta fell into a coma with their second fetus. Marco was afraid that Letta would never wake up again, or even worse, hate him. This dilemma made Marco feel incapable of facing it. However, fate sided with Marco again when Letta regained consciousness from the coma but lost all her memories. This allowed Marco to plan a happy marriage for both of them. This is the second season of Marco and Letta's story, titled "Trapped: I Can't Escape from the Billionaire." The first season can be read under the title "Trapped: Pregnant with a Billionaire's Child."

Loud music is playing, some students are dancing and other are chatting. The few one who are alone are dispersed observing the others. My eyes scan the room for Liam. Fortunately, I see him standing at the entrance with Lucas, Mateo, Levi and Mason. My legs drag me to their direction and he smiles as he sees me. His friends pushed him to me and he looks like he hesitates for a while before walking up to me. Without a word, he grabs my hand and pulled me away from the noise. Now we’re standing in the boys changing room. Before I speak, he gently cups my face. His forehead is touching mine as his eyes flash in the evening light. My heart races and I look away shyly but he lifts my chin up with his finger. I admire his beauty,drowning in the rush of love and awaiting a toe-curling kiss. I hear his words; “Don’t be silly. You’ll never be my type.” Followed by a chuckle. My blood runs cold as my brain draws a blank *************** Liam Hunter, the name that could make your knees turn jelly. He had it all the looks, money and everyone’s dream girl, Beatrice. He was the school’s basketball team captain. Every girl was dying to spend even a second with him, well except her. His charms didn’t work on her and she seemed oblivious to his existence. Everything changes for Liam when he is dared to date Zara for a month and then dump her. It all starts as game, a mind game for Liam. But what happens when the heart gets involved? What will Zara do after learning the truth? Will she get over her love for Liam and go back to herself?

Mara Quinn is used to walking into places she shouldn’t—because the truth never waits in well-lit rooms. One late-night meet behind a bar goes wrong, and she sees something no one is supposed to witness: a man’s eyes flashing gold, bones shifting, a wolf where a man stood. She runs. The pack’s Alpha doesn’t let her. Gage Blackwood catches her in the dark, tilts her chin up like she’s a problem he can’t ignore, and delivers a sentence that feels like a threat and a promise all at once: “You’re mine until I decide you’re safe.” Except “safe” doesn’t mean free. It means locked inside a packhouse full of wolves who watch her like prey… or leverage. It means rules she never agreed to and a rival who smiles too easily and whispers that Gage will cage her forever—unless she chooses the right side. Mara refuses to be bullied into silence. If they want to keep her contained, she’s going to make herself useful. She demands answers. She digs into the crime she witnessed, she discovers the ugly truth: the blood spilled that night wasn’t random—it was part of a pack purge that went wrong, and the traitor is still breathing. The worst part? Gage’s “protection” wasn’t supposed to bind them. But a single drop of his blood on her tongue snaps something ancient awake—something that shouldn’t exist. Something the council will kill for. Now the Alpha who tried to control her is fighting the bond he never wanted… and the hunger he can’t shut off. Because Mara isn’t just a witness. She’s a secret and the mark she carries might be the one thing that topples a pack—or crowns her in it.

The boy group shaking New York City to its core. The Three Golden Voices of New York. **GOLDEN ECHO** Jaxon (the magnetic leader with a voice that could melt steel), Kai (the playful rapper/vocalist who hides sharp pain behind his smiles), and Ryu (the quiet storm with deep, powerful vocals that anchor every harmony). Together, they’re unstoppable. Magnetic. Their blended voices could send shadows running and shatter stadiums. Fans scream their name like a religion. But everything fractures when *he* crashes into their world. Jaxon finds himself falling — hard, recklessly, maddeningly — for Kai’s boyfriend. The man who never asked for any of it. **Leonard Clifford**. Multi-billionaire. CEO of Clifford Enterprises. Cold as arctic steel, built an empire on ruthless control, and commands rooms without raising his voice. Respect follows him like a shadow. Desire does too — but he keeps everyone at arm’s length. He doesn’t chase. He doesn’t bend. Until Jaxon’s gaze locks on him at the wrong (or right) moment, and something cracks in that icy armor. Without trying, Leonard shatters the trio’s bond. Best friends become strangers. Secrets claw their way into the light. Jealousy burns hotter than spotlights. Lust and love tangle until no one knows what’s real anymore. One stolen glance at a mall perfume counter. One accidental rescue. One whispered “Shorty” that hits like a spark to gasoline. From sold-out arenas to penthouse secrets, the ride is messy, intense, forbidden. Friends to enemies. Enemies to something dangerous. And love that might destroy them all — or save them. This is gonna be filthy, heartbreaking, and fucking electric. Jump in if you're ready for angst, steam, betrayal, and two men who shouldn't want each other... but can't stop

Adrian Royce, once a commanding force in the business world, now hides in the shadows of his fears and a wheelchair. Cynical and broken, he’s forced into a marriage with Serena Cooper, a fiery young woman whose dreams are as big as the struggles she’s endured. A healer at heart, with her grandmother’s ancient remedies and an indomitable spirit, Serena has known heartbreak and betrayal—but never defeat. From their first meeting, sparks fly—not of passion, but of sharp words and clashing wills. “You think I want your money?” Serena snaps when Adrian accuses her of being a gold digger. “No, Mr. Royce. I want a college seat.” Reluctantly, Adrian lets her into his life, and Serena’s presence becomes more than just physical healing. Her selflessness and quiet resilience begin to chip away at his icy walls. Despite himself, Adrian starts waiting for her each evening, sharing meals he once ate in solitude, his heart unknowingly opening to her warmth. As their contract of necessity shifts into something deeper, Serena finds herself captivated by Adrian’s rare smiles and the vulnerability he hides behind his sharp tongue. Serena, who vowed never to trust again, feels her walls crumble under the weight of Adrian’s gaze. His touch sends shivers down her spine, his presence a constant reminder that she isn’t alone. And yet, she fears the same pain that has haunted her past. But as emotions rise, so do the challenges—old flames, family betrayals, and scars from their pasts. Can Serena overcome her fear of losing someone she loves again? Will Adrian be brave enough to fight for her? The Cure Is You, is a heart-stirring tale of resilience, betrayal, and the healing power of love that will leave you breathless until the very last page.

They say love at first sight is a fantasy. He turned it into an obsession…and then a contract. Drowning in debt and dodging loan sharks, Louis's only break is a one-time ad gig. He smiles for seven seconds, gets paid, and thinks that's the end of it. He's wrong. Across the world, reclusive billionaire Lorenzo Volterra sees the clip. A man who has spent his life never looking twice at another man suddenly cannot look away. In that fleeting glimpse, he finds his obsession. Within twenty-four hours, he's at Louis's door. His first words: "You are my husband now." Louis laughs. He's not for sale. But Lorenzo doesn't understand "no." Raised to believe money buys everything…including love…he's never been refused. Never been loved. He doesn't know the difference between possessing someone and caring for them. When he offers to erase Louis's debt, it isn't kindness. It's a transaction. The price? A year of Louis's life, pretending to be the husband of a man whose love language is ownership, and whose broken English hides something darker. Lorenzo has never wanted anyone like this. The gender should matter…but looking at Louis, it simply doesn't. The obsession doesn't care about labels. It only cares about him. Now Louis is swept into ruthless luxury, where every desire is anticipated and every move watched. Lorenzo surrounds him with everything money can buy…because that's the only way he knows to keep something precious. But is Louis a cherished partner, or a trophy the man on the screen simply took? Can someone never taught to love ever learn? And when Louis looks into those glacier-blue eyes…why does he feel like he's falling?

He stares into her eyes like a mirror. He tears his shirt and she bites down on her lip as his body seduces her. He puts an arm around her and draws her close to his body. Rachael’s heart pounds in her chest like a drum. She can feel his hot breath against her neck. “Rachael,” she hears a familiar and alluring voice. Rachael can hear Samuel’s voice but she cannot see him. “I want to hold your small hands and kiss them,”. She feels little kisses on her fingers. “I want to touch you,” his voice says and she closes her eyes. Rachael feels a soft hand press hard against her nipple and she lets out a moan. She raises her head to see Gabriel still looking at her. He bends and kisses her neck, he nibbles her neck and traces his way to her collar bone. Gabriel smiles as Rachael’s body grows weak against his. He says something but Rachael cannot hear his words. His mouth moves but he has no voice. “Rachael,” Samuel’s voice calls out to her, a voice without a body. Rachael is a girl trying to come to terms with her father’s death. Things seem normal until she meets the twin supernatural. Things change when the twins develop feelings towards her. Bonds are tested between them as they long for her all the while running from Dracula. Rachael learns about her family secrets. She endures pain and finds courage in her journey. The twins face Dracula in a grand finale and their love for Rachael will be tested with a heavy sacrifice. Secrets will be discovered. Bonds will be tested. Will Rachael survive her new chaotic world?

The things we want are so very rarely the things we need. Clifton Heights, a modest Adirondack town, offers many unique attractions. Arcane Delights sells both paperbacks and hard-to-find limited editions. The Skylark Diner serves the best home-cooked meals around, with friendly service and a smile. Every August, Mr. Jingo’s County Fair visits, to the delight of children and adults. In essence, Clifton Heights is the quintessential small American town. Everyone knows everyone else, and everyone is treated like family. It is quiet, simple, and peaceful. But shadows linger here. Flitting in dark corners, from the corner of the eye. If you walk down Main Street after dark, the slight scrape of shoes on asphalt whispers you're not alone, but when you look over your shoulder, no one is there. The moon shines high and bright in the night sky, but instead of throwing light, it only seems to make the shadows lengthen. Children disappear. Teens run away. Hunters get lost in the woods with frightening regularity. Husbands go mad, and wives vanish in the dead of night. And still, when the sun rises in the morning, you are greeted by townspeople with warm waves and friendly smiles, and the shivers pass as everything seems fresh and new... Until night falls once more. Handy's Pawn and Thrift sits several blocks down from Arcane Delights. Like any thrift store, its wares range from the mundane to the bizarre. By daylight, it seems just another slice of small town Americana. But in its window hangs a sign which reads: We Have Things You Need. And when a lonely traveling salesman comes looking for something he desperately wants, after normal visiting hours, after night has fallen, he will face a harsh truth among the shelves of Handy’s Pawn and Thrift: the things we want are rarely the things we need. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing