Atlas Shrugged Book Reviews Novels & Stories

he asked, taking a seat beside me. I almost started coughing as I choked down the food in my mouth. I forced back a shiver of disgust and gave Atlas a strained smile. “It’s not too… bad,” I struggled to say. Atlas’ face creased into a pleased smile as he nodded. “Of course,” he said smugly. “I made it after all.” Then he put his head down and started shovelling his food into his mouth. I huffed and it was on the tip of my tongue to tell him that the eggs were the next thing to poisonous darts that can be used in interrogating criminals. But I held back my words and settled for a small smirk.

As Atlas turned to leave, I couldn't help but speak up, "You know, Alpha Atlas, you're not as irresistible as you think you are." He turned back to me with a smirk, "And yet you crawled to me just moments ago." I rolled my eyes, "That was a moment of weakness. Don't get too cocky." Atlas chuckled, "I'm not the one who crawled to someone they claim to despise." "I was desperate," I retorted, feeling a pang of humiliation. Atlas raised an eyebrow, "Desperate enough to crawl to someone you claim to despise." I glared at him, "You're enjoying this too much."

Lawson’s small office feel even more claustrophobic. I couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and anxiety. Atlas, drenched and brooding, was a powerful presence that I found both captivating and infuriating. His black shirt clung to his muscular frame, water droplets trailing down his face, highlighting his strong jawline and intense eyes. Every time I looked at him, my heart fluttered despite the awkwardness of the situation. Atlas stood by the window, looking out at the storm. He shook his head, “We could have made it home before it got bad, Harper,” he reminded me.

I couldn't help but wonder if Valen lurked in the shadows, immersed in some urgent task or contemplation. Reaching the end of a shelf, my gaze fell upon a stack of books, their titles a tantalizing invitation to exploration. Yet, it was the bold letters of "Atlas" that beckoned to me like a siren's call. With a swift motion, I plucked the tome from its resting place, cradling it in my arms like a precious treasure. Making my way to a nearby table, I carefully laid the book down, anticipation bubbling within me like a dormant volcano ready to erupt.

My breath came in heavy pants, yet my eyes sparkled with the satisfaction of our adventure. “That was a good run!” Atlas responded, his typical boyish enthusiasm evident as he raised his fists in victory. “It felt like forever since I felt that kind of wind!” His grin was infectious as he looked up at me, clearly still caught up in the moment. But when his gaze shifted to me, a slight flush colored his cheeks, and he took a sideways glance. “I guess I owe you a thanks,” he mumbled sheepishly.

“That’s where we come in.” “So our partners are just here to take us out if we go crazy?” I snort. “That’s reassuring.” “You know,” Atlas says, his green eyes flashing, “that attitude is only going to make me enjoy your ending.” “Right,” I fire back, “because your opinion on my attitude is something I care about.” He shrugs his broad shoulders, putting up his hands in preparation. “No wonder you were rejected by all the males in your pack. That mouth of yours would scare anyone off.”

I regret it a little. I picked up my book and moved closer to Atlas, resting my head on his shoulder. "Then I will be very hopeful today." The blowing wind brought Atlas' body fragrance and swirled around. I liked the scent that was thinly drifting up to my nostrils. I don't know what Atlas' face looks like right now, but I feel his touch on my head warmly. I enjoyed my time in that position for quite a while until I finished my book. Then Atlas takes turns leaning against me as the clouds begin to darken.

Rufus rushed in, eyes wide. “Take the trash out,” he growled. “Now.” Several guards escorted them out and we were alone with Mr. York “Do you want me to—“ “I’ll handle this one, Rufus.” Atlas grinned. “He has to learn and live to spread what happens when someone touches my wife.” Atlas was saying all of this, with a smile. With a smile? He went from lovely dubby, hypnotized to big bad protective monster and despite the situation, I was impressed.

It’s the sound of doors locked from the inside. Instead, he asks, "What are you drawing?" Nova tilts the notebook to show him. It’s a sketch of the graveyard—but different. The trees are more twisted, the gravestones cracked and half-buried. In the background, shadows with hollow eyes watch from behind the trunks. "That’s... pretty grim," Atlas says. "It’s honest. This place feels like that to me. Like there’s more dead than living, even outside the graveyard." He can’t argue with that.

I needed a shark to protect me from a bottom-feeder, and Atlas was the biggest shark in the ocean. After spending the whole afternoon pretending to organize my bags and prep for classes, I was bored out of my mind. I decided to head to his office. I kept on the tiny jersey shorts but threw an oversized hoodie over them, making it look like I had nothing else on underneath. I knocked once. He didn't answer, but I knew he heard me. I didn't wait. I turned the handle and walked in anyway. Atlas was sitting behind his desk, looking like a literal Greek god in nothing but grey joggers and a plain white t-shirt that hugged his chest in all the right places. He didn't even look up from his laptop a