Crackling Sound In Lungs

He pinned me against the wall. "You are nothing but trash from my past", he said. "Just a used toy from the past" a loud sound resonated in his office. Coming to my senses I understood that the devil was slapped. By me. I looked at him with tears in my eyes, afraid of his reaction. But his face was completely blank; he was touching the cheek I had slapped. I opened my mouth to apologize but nothing came out. Instead a pair of soft lips were roughly placed on mine like it was punishing me. Being the ex-wife of a billionaire is not fun. Especially when he promises you the world and in the end leaves you with nothing but just a suitcase of clothes. Claire White is the former Claire Knight, billionaire Adam Knight's ex-wife. Their marriage as well as the divorce was the most gossiped about and favorite topic of everyone in New York. During their marriage the headlines were: New York's most eligible bachelor marries the poor waitress within a week. Is she pregnant? Or just a gold digger who couldn't wait to get her hands on Knight's large fortune? And after divorce: Adam Knight finally confirms divorce with Claire White and states, she was just a gold digger. Now after 5 years Adam Knight is in California, both of them meet, sparks fly. But Claire is not alone now. She has a 5 year old daughter with her who looks nothing like Adam. Now Adam is one hundred percent sure she is a cheater who played with his feelings and his money too. So now he is hell bent on making her pay in every possible way. But secrets are revealed in the most unexpected ways. Is she really a gold digger? Or a victim of circumstance?

BOOK #1 MARINOS' MAYHEM SERIES "I said 'act like my boyfriend' for just five minutes, not 'act like my fucking husband' for the rest of your life!" Adrian Price half-yelled, his fingers curled into a tight fist as he glared at the terrifying, yet super gorgeous man in front of him. Giovanni Marino blinked slowly, taking his time to register every detail of Adrian's figure into his memory, not minding that he was disturbing his work at all. "I don't see a big difference between the two." "Oh, for fuck sake! You're a thug, but surely you're not dumb, are you? Do you not know when to stop?" Adrian scoffed, his anger growing thicker. "Sadly, I don't seem to know what 'stop' means. You made the idea of being someone's boyfriend sound so great now I don't think I wanna stop." Adrian Price knew asking a mobster to fake being his boyfriend would get a lot of unnecessary attention from lustful eyes off him, but what he never knew was that the man he had just picked was no different from the unwanted pests that lingered around him, wanting to have a taste of him. Giovanni Marino enjoyed clubbing as much as he enjoyed killing; however, despite this, he was extremely lonely. Now, the big bad man had found a toy he could play with, and he was having the best fun of his life. Would he ever stop and return to his lonely life? That, he wasn't sure he could do that. Not even when he realized Adrian was his enemy's son. He needed Adrian, either to break him or to make him.

" "You will bear my child, whether you like it or not. And if you refuse, I will make sure you suffer in ways you can't even imagine." In a blink of an eye, he had his hand around my neck. "Your silly little words won't stop me from punishing you," he sneered. "In fact, you've just given me another idea on what to do to you." He released his hold on me, and I coughed loudly, gasping for breath. "You should have just killed me, you devil." I managed to say. "You've tested my patience enough!" Seth barked. "I won't be needing this whip anymore, I guess." He threw the whip away, and the sound of it hitting the ground echoed in the room. “I know I said I will give you time to think about my proposal, but I think it's high time we get you to carry my child,” he said, his voice cold and devoid of compassion. ******************* In a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, Lotus is a human slave who has given up hope. Sold to the ruthless and feared vampire king, Seth, Lotus believes her fate is sealed. But when she discovers that Seth only wants one thing - a child - she realizes that her life might not be as hopeless as she thought. Forced to bear his offspring, Lotus finds herself torn between survival and rebellion. As their relationship grows and passion ignites between them, they must navigate the treacherous waters of a world where danger lurks around every corner. With challenges and threats at every turn, Lotus and Seth must fight for their love and their future, against all odds. This is a story of forbidden love, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit in a world on the brink of destruction.

“Maybe I'll come back later. I'm sorry,” I said, tension strangling my voice. “No, please. Stay!” He said in a calm tone. I looked at him hysterically, and, like he had just recognised his own nudity, he smiled confidently. “I'll just put on something if you're uncomfortable.” “Uncomfortable?” I scoffed, trying to sound assuring. “No, I'm not uncomfortable. I've seen a lot of naked boys.” He shot a glance at me, sending a thrill running down my chest. “Boys?” He asked, closing the distance between us. He grabbed my left hand and placed it on his hard breast, his heart beating steady, a stark contrast to mine, which raced like an antelope running from a predator in a jungle. “Well… I've seen a lot of naked boys, but not a naked man…” I whispered softly, gazing and feeling lost in his starry eyes. ******************* Reina Grayson, the wolf-less Alpha's daughter, harbours a dangerous secret: she possesses a silver wolf. If her Pack discovers, she’ll be killed. When Alpha Van Killian, whom she was forced to marry, rejects her for her step-sister, Reina is poisoned and dies. Gifted a second chance by the Moon Goddess, she is reborn as Narah Smith. On her eighteenth birthday, she uncovers her true identity, but she had lost her wolf. She returns to her hometown, now living among her enemies as a common maid. As she navigates her past, she forms a bond with Alpha Van, who believes she’s his second chance mate despite being married to her step-sister. But with a vengeful heart and a determination to uncover the mysteries of her death, Narah must choose: embrace her fated mate or accept Alpha Zander’s proposal? Can she seek revenge on those who wronged her, or will she remain forever in the shadows?

Crimson Bloomed: Ascend Post - Apocalyptic Horror | Action | Yuri Harem | Coming - of - Age | Rated R | Mature Content | Slow Burn The city looked like it had been devoured — chewed up by fire, time, and whatever came after — then spit back out in jagged pieces. Dead drones dangled from power lines like rusted ornaments. Neon signs flickered above fractured pavement, their broken scripts glitching into gibberish. Down the block, a half - melted smartcar burned slow, casting warped shadows across the skeletal remains of a coffee bar. Behind a crumpled tram car, someone crouched low, breath tight in her lungs. The shrieking hadn’t stopped. It came again — sharp, bone-deep, the kind of sound that latched onto your spine and refused to let go. She checked the signal jammer at her hip. Still blinking. Still active. Not for long. They were tracking her. She moved fast — boots silent over broken glass, slipping through the breach in an old laundromat’s wall. Her body moved from muscle memory now: slide through, duck left, over the washer, don’t look at the corpse slumped by the dryer. Out the back. Up the fire escape. On the rooftop, she halted. Not alone. Someone was already there — silhouetted against the bleeding sunset. Combat jacket. Short - cropped hair. Pulse rifle slung casually over one shoulder like it weighed nothing. Like this was just another rooftop, just another war. “Don’t move,” the voice snapped. She lifted her hands slowly. “I’m clean.” “Everyone says that.” “Scan me.” beat. Then the girl stepped forward, rifle still raised but gaze locked in. Dark eyes, sharp, searching — not just for weapons, but tells. Fear. Lies. She lowered the rifle half an inch. “You’re lucky you’re cute.” That wasn’t the line she expected.

I knock on the door, heart pounding like it always does when I’m about to see him. “Come in,” Justin’s voice calls—cool, smooth, and frustratingly calm. I take a deep breath and walk in, holding the folder tightly. “Here’s the report you requested, sir.” He doesn’t even glance at me. Just keeps typing, his expression unreadable. “You’re late,” he says without missing a beat. I clench my jaw. “There was a delay at the printer—” “No excuses, Joanna. Just do better next time.” Ouch. Professional and cold. As always. I nod, ignoring the sting in my chest. “Yes, sir.” I turn to leave, gripping the doorknob—just one more second and I’ll be out of this weird tension-filled office— “Wait.” I freeze. I turn around slowly. “Yes?” Justin stands now, walking toward me. In his hand, a familiar brown paper bag. He holds it out. “You didn’t have lunch.” I blink. “I’m fine.” “You skipped breakfast too. Eat.” I hesitate. “What is it?” “Chicken pesto. No onions.” My breath catches. He still remembers? “Why are you doing this?” I ask quietly. He shrugs, not meeting my eyes. “I just… remember things.” My fingers brush his as I take the bag. Warmth. Stupid warmth that shouldn’t still feel this familiar. Then, he looks at me—really looks at me. “You shouldn’t skip meals… wife.” Silence. My chest tightens. “Don’t call me that.” But my voice is too soft to sound convincing. I walk out before I say something I’ll regret. His words echo in my mind like a dangerous lullaby. Cold one second. Kilig the next. God… he’s still him. And that’s exactly the problem.

Mia Fernando, A 26 Year old Spanish Woman with Exquisite Beauty, Anywhere she Went, All eyes would turn, She was endowed with Exquisite Black Colored Eyes, Auburn Lush hair, Small and Pointed Nose, Cute Pouty Lips CARL GONZALEZ, a 30 Year Old Ruthless Business Man, He Owned an IT Company which was Responsible for Most Of The Modern Technology we have today Immediately He walks into The Company, Everywhere Goes Quiet and Chilly, Employees Shook and The Mention of Him Name, Peed their Pants at the Sound of His Voice "Why Spend Time Falling in Love when I can make Billions Of Dollars During that time?" These Were His Favorite Words He Hated The Sight of Women but only had a soft heart for..... HIMSELF, His Mom Died Immediately He was Born, His Father joined His Mom When he turned 8 and Ever since then, He had been fending for himself At Age 9, He would go about Each street giving Rich People Shines on their Shoes, He Built what he has today Carl Always thought Women were nothing but Weak, Gold digging Fellas until He Met Her Her Innocence Drew her to him, The way she would scrunch up her face when she was Disgusted, The Way her eyes brow would raise when she was Confused, The way her eyes twinkled when She smiles, He Knew He wasn't In Love with her but He Felt The Monsters within him fall at her foot He Claimed her as His the moment he heard her Voice and When He Saw her for the First Time, He Claimed her as His Bride One Day He Decided To Do Something Ruthless To Get Her, He did something Which got her Wanting to Run Away from Him, What did he do You Might ask He........

Find Him “Somebody has taken Eli.” … Olivia’s knees buckled. If not for Dean catching her, she would have hit the floor. Nothing was more torturous than the silence left behind by a missing child. Then the phone rang. Two weeks earlier… “Who is your mom?” Dean asked, wondering if he knew the woman. “Her name is Olivia Reed,” replied Eli. Dynamite just exploded in Dean’s head. The woman he once trusted, the woman who betrayed him, the woman he loved and the one he’d never been able to forget.  … Her betrayal had utterly broken him. *** Olivia - POV  She’d never believed until this moment that she could shoot and kill somebody, but she would have no hesitation if it meant saving her son’s life.  *** … he stood in her doorway, shafts of moonlight filling the room. His gaze found her sitting up in bed. “Olivia, what do you need?” he said softly. “Make love to me, just like you used to.” He’d been her only lover. She wanted to completely surrender to him and alleviate the pain and emptiness that threatened to drag her under. She needed… She wanted… Dean. She pulled her nightie over her head and tossed it across the room. In three long strides, he was next to her bed. Slipping between the sheets, leaving his boxers behind, he immediately drew her into his arms. She gasped at the fiery heat and exquisite joy of her naked skin against his. She nipped at his lips with her teeth. He groaned. Her hands explored and caressed the familiar contours of his muscled back. His sweet kisses kept coming. She murmured a low sound filled with desire, and he deepened the kiss, tasting her sweetness and passion as his tongue explored her mouth… ***

“Where have you been, Cosette Blanche Warren?” he whispered darkly. My throat went dry. I could feel his hands roaming down my thighs, his touch possessive. “Someone saw my wife with Franklyn Carrington today,” Yohan continued, his voice deceptively sweet. “Tell me, Mrs. Warren… is that true?” A chill ran through me. His tone wasn’t affectionate—it was laced with something far more dangerous. “Open your eyes.” I jolted at his sudden command and immediately obeyed. My body trembled under the weight of his stare. His fingers curled under my chin, tilting my face closer. Slowly, agonizingly, he licked the corner of my lips before whispering against them. “What did I tell you before, wife?” Tears welled up as I struggled to form words. “I-I’m not allowed to meet…other men,” I stammered. “Hmmm.” His fingers traced lazy circles on my waist before pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Then explain what happened earlier.” “Franklyn is just a friend, Yohan. I-I wasn’t doing anything wro—” “Liar!” he roared. I flinched as tears spilled down my cheeks. A scream tore from my throat when Yohan suddenly lifted me, throwing me onto the bed. My eyes widened in terror as he hovered over me, his expression twisted with something unrecognizable. “No one else can come near you, touch you, or even look at you because you belong to me alone, Cosette Blanche Warren!” His voice was a venomous snarl. “You will never escape me! You will never be happy! Because I won’t allow it!” Then, he laughed. A dark, menacing sound that sent a shiver down my spine. Tears streamed down my face as I squeezed my eyes shut. This was my life now.

"Yes, us. I don't want to marry you," Luna stated, her gaze fixed on Lucas's face, devoid of expression. "So, you're going to marry the pianist then?" Lucas guessed, causing Luna to become more certain that the man in front of her was already aware of everything. "Of course. I love him, so I will marry him," Luna replied, observing Lucas's reaction carefully. "But this time, I need this marriage," Luna continued, dismissing Lucas's scoffing smile. "And?" Lucas asked. "We'll make a prenuptial agreement," Luna declared. "Do you think I'll agree?" Lucas responded dismissively. "You have to agree. Whether you like it or not, we're going to make a prenuptial agreement," Luna insisted, prompting a threatening smile from Lucas. "Luna Estrada, you're too confident. Do you think I'd agree to this marriage? I even declined it," Lucas replied, belittling her. "We're not going to make a prenuptial agreement because we're never going to get married," Lucas added, causing Luna to clench her fists as if she had been rejected by the man before her. How could Luna Estrada face rejection? She couldn't allow it to happen. "Hahahahah." Luna forced a laugh, attempting to make it sound mocking to Lucas, although at this moment, she wished she could throw her heel at Lucas's head. "Then why did your grandfather force my grandfather to persuade me to accept this marriage, huh?" Luna said with traces of laughter in her voice, emphasizing each word. "Are you serious?" Lucas asked, his face showing mockery. "Didn't you ask your grandfather who would marry you? Weren't you suspicious? Who knows, maybe your grandfather was referring to my own grandfather, trying to match us," Luna's inner thoughts raced, attempting to calm herself.