Professional Chef

I stared at Stefano lying on the floor. "Hey, this may hurt a little," I spoke, trying my best to adopt a professional tone. Stefano groaned softly, his lips curving into a faint, almost bitter smirk as he muttered, "Wouldn’t be the first time you’ve hurt me, Bella." ** Forced to clear her sick father's debt to the italian Mafia and pay her father hospital bills, the 23-year-old nurse is forced to accept risky jobs like treating criminals in the dead of the night. On the day Bella Smith learns of the shocking news that her bedridden boyfriend, Robin, has been transferred to another hospital outside the country, she is heartbroken and decides to go for a drink. But when Bella is asked to treat a handsome stranger at the hotel room, she finds out the stranger is her ex-boyfriend from high school and now he wouldn't let her go. Stefano Carlo gets everything he wants, now he wants to make Bella suffer from leaving him in the past, but as they navigate a contract marriage, they find themselves rekindling old feelings and threading through the dark underworld of the mafia.

Life was like a long thread, and the knot in it was a new beginning. Three lives. Three stories. But one shared fate. Ethan Lopez's life unraveled when he was accused of murdering Kaylee Anderson. On the day he was inaugurated as the CEO of Lopez Food Company, the murder occurred in Dylan Gabriel's penthouse, The Opulent Height. As the police continued their investigation, Ethan found himself targeted again, this time for kidnapping. This marked the beginning of the downfall of Lopez Food Company, benefiting their rival, Delish Delight Company. All evidence and leads pointed to Ethan until a new name emerged in the case: Blair Anderson, a seemingly ordinary baker at Lopez Food Company. Disclamer: R18+ This story may contain strong language, expletives, and mature content for adult readers, including themes of violence. It is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, businesses, places, or events is coincidental. This story is not intended to offend or defame any individual, entity, caste, community, race, religion, or to denigrate any institution or person, living or dead. Readers discretion is advised.

Emma Winters thought she had it all—a loving boyfriend, a promising future, and dreams of happily ever after. But everything shatters when she stumbles upon her boyfriend marrying another woman. Heartbroken and betrayed, Emma flees to her hometown of Zeden to start over, vowing to rebuild her life on her own terms. However, fate has other plans. On her first night back, a spontaneous decision leads to a passionate encounter with a mysterious stranger. What was supposed to be a fleeting escape from her pain becomes far more complicated when she starts her new job—and discovers her new boss is none other than Christopher Jacobs, the enigmatic man she spent the night with. As Emma struggles to keep her professional boundaries intact, Christopher is relentless in his pursuit, determined to prove that love at first sight exists. But with a scheming fiancée, a controlling mother, and a vengeful cousin pulling the strings, their love story is anything but simple. When the stakes escalate and Emma’s life is put in jeopardy, Christopher must make a choice: protect his family’s legacy or risk everything for the woman who holds his heart. Will Emma and Christopher overcome the odds, or will their love be another casualty of betrayal?

One kiss saved his life. Another might destroy them both. Camilla, a talented pastry chef with a troubled past, never imagined that a chance encounter at a costume party would entangle her with Alessandro, the city's most feared mafia boss. As their worlds collide over cupcakes and gunshots, they find themselves drawn into a dangerous dance of secrets and desire. But when Alessandro chooses love over family legacy, the delicate balance of power in the criminal underworld begins to crumble. Now, with enemies closing in from all sides, Camilla must decide: Will she betray the man she's grown to love, or risk everything to save him in a world where trust comes at a deadly price?

“As a financial forensic, I'm trained to uncover traces of fraud in numbers. But nothing prepared me for discovering my own husband's secret accounts... and the bodies buried beneath his transactions.” In the heart of glittering Amsterdam, where ancient canals hold modern secrets, Sofia Van Der Meer is a renowned relationship therapist who seems to have it all: a successful practice, a beautiful canal house, and a perfect marriage to hedge fund manager Marcus Dekker. But behind the glitter of their elite Dutch society life lies an intricate tangle of lies that threatens to destroy everything they've built. When Marcus' dangerous secret is revealed, Sofia is drawn into a dangerous game of passion and revenge with charismatic psychiatrist Dr. Julian Reeves. As the line between professional ethics and primal desire begins to blur, Sofia must confront a dark truth: sometimes those who heal others bear the deepest wounds.

Vivian Mercer, a professional and hardworking woman, falls for her charming and seductive boss, Damien Sullivan. Their relationship, initially marked by intense passion and mutual attraction, becomes physical. However, after their first night together, Vivian is left feeling conflicted and frustrated as their relationship shows no signs of evolving beyond just physical intimacy.As time passes, Vivian becomes more emotionally attached to Damien, hoping for a deeper connection. However, Damien, continued to treat their relationship casually. This left Vivian feeling used and uncertain about her place in his life. Her emotions were further complicated when Bruce, her ex-boyfriend, reappears in her life. His sudden return brings back unresolved feelings, adding to her inner turmoil. But unknown to her, both men have a dark secret and she's caught between a war in the underworld.

Lily, a vibrant 25-year-old woman, has spent years building a life with her charming but emotionally distant boyfriend, Mark. When Mark unexpectedly ends their relationship, revealing he has been seeing someone else, Lily is left heartbroken and betrayed. Reeling from the emotional devastation, Lily decides to focus on her career and personal growth, hoping to heal from the wounds of her past. In a twist of fate, Lily’s career path leads her to Richard, the powerful and charismatic CEO of the company where Mark works. Unlike Mark, Richard is everything Lily needs—intelligent, kind, and supportive. When Richard offers Lily a position to work closely with him, their professional relationship evolves into something much more personal. Drawn to his strength and empathy, Lily slowly begins to open her heart to the possibility of love again. But Mark, unable to let go of the woman he once controlled, becomes consumed by jealousy when he sees Lily with Richard. Determined to win her back, Mark’s obsession quickly turns dangerous. When Lily rejects his attempts to rekindle their toxic relationship, Mark's need for control spirals into violent rage. As his jealousy deepens, Mark’s once-charming demeanor morphs into something far darker—he becomes a villain determined to destroy everything Lily has built with Richard. As if Mark’s growing obsession weren’t enough, another threat arises from Richard’s past. Samantha, Richard’s vengeful ex-wife, resurfaces, determined to sabotage Richard’s happiness and reclaim the life she lost. Caught between the malevolent forces of both Mark and Samantha, Lily’s life becomes a battle for survival, love, and self-worth. With Mark’s dangerous obsession escalating and Samantha’s manipulative tactics threatening her career and reputation,

Dans l’ombre de la ville, Gabriel Moretti règne sur l’un des cartels les plus puissants d’Europe. Impitoyable, calculateur, il ne laisse aucune place à l’erreur… jusqu’à ce qu’il croise le chemin d’Alba, une femme au regard de braise et au passé trouble. Ancienne chirurgienne reconvertie en médecin clandestin pour les criminels, Alba cache un secret : elle fuit un autre empire de la pègre, celui de son père, un chef mafieux qui la destinait à un mariage stratégique. Mais lorsqu’elle soigne Gabriel après une attaque ennemie, elle devient bien plus qu’une simple médecin : elle devient sa faiblesse. Entre eux, c’est une lutte de pouvoir et de désir. Gabriel veut la posséder, Alba refuse de plier. Leur attraction est aussi violente que les guerres de territoire qui les entourent. Mais tandis que les ennemis se multiplient, les trahisons se nouent et le sang coule, une vérité éclate : ils sont liés par un passé plus sombre qu’ils ne l’imaginaient. Dans un monde où l’amour est une faiblesse et où la mort guette à chaque instant, Gabriel et Alba devront choisir : s’anéantir mutuellement… ou faire plier le destin pour réécrire leurs règles. Mais dans la mafia, toute passion a un prix…

With a shift, I let my dress slip from my shoulders and fall to the floor, revealing the lingerie beneath. Nathan's eyes darkened, as closing the small distance between us, his lips claimed mine in a possessive kiss. His tongue tangled with mine, both hungry and tender. Then, slowly, oh so tantalizingly slowly, he backed me toward the bed, his kisses travelling down my neck, across my collarbone, before they moved lower still… ~~~ FBI Agent Brianna Hart had always wanted Nathan Pierce, her stepbrother, and for several years they had been lovers, but circumstances forced them apart. When Brianna returns to her former job within the FBI, she finds Nathan married. When he once again becomes her team leader, Brianna tries to maintain a professional relationship with Nathan. But after a tragic accident takes the life of Nathan’s wife and unborn child, Nathan seeks solace within Brianna’s arms. Old feelings flare to life between them, and both struggle with the undeniable sexual attraction between them. Brianna's heart is torn over her love and need for the newly widowed Nathan, while he grapples with the loss of his family and his re-awakened feelings for a woman he never quite let go of.

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.