Isabella Starling – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read

Isabella Starling – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:50:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 http://www.ilovenovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png Isabella Starling – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com 32 32 Daddy Sees Snakes – Dark Christmas Romance Read Online Isabella Starling http://www.ilovenovels.com/daddy-sees-snakes-dark-christmas-romance-read-online-isabella-starling Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:50:38 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/daddy-sees-snakes-dark-christmas-romance-read-online-isabella-starling Genre: Alpha Male, Dark, Erotic, Forbidden, New Adult, Suspense Authors: Isabella Starling Advertisement

Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >80

Tis the season to bang your best friend’s Dad!

Ever since I met my best friend’s handsome Dad Viper Beckett, things have been weird between us. He avoids me, snaps at me, and takes any opportunity to tell me off.

Now it’s December, and both of us are alone for the holidays. When Viper reluctantly agrees to let me stay with him, I see the full extent of his darkness.

He’s not just a recovering addict and ex-con. He’s still doing bad things, and he says no one will stop him.

Until I run into him at a strip club.

I’m looking for a job, and he’s looking to forget.

Viper has no idea he just slept with his daughter’s best friend. He’d kill me if he knew.

So how the heck am I supposed to tell him one wild night turned into two positive lines on a pregnancy test?

Daddy Sees Snakes is a standalone dark Christmas romance written by USA Today Bestselling Authors, Elizabeth Knox and Isabella Starling. This is intended for mature audiences only.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

PROLOGUE

Viper

6 months ago…

My life was never a bed of roses.

It was a life built on the blood and bones of others. I was born in the slums, and I'd never known a home.

My mother was an addict who sold her body for cash. She was always so high that she never even bothered to get to know me. When I was nine, she overdosed and died right in front of me.

The only person who took care of me after that was my best friend. We grew up together. At the time, she was the daughter of the only good guy I ever met.

When her father got caught up in a gang, I had no choice but to join them. I was young, angry, and had no hope.

He was my father, too, and I was a fool for trusting him. After his only daughter died in a shootout, the bastard had it pinned on me.

I was a good guy, but I was framed, and it ruined my life.

I had a daughter and a wife, and because I was a wanted man, I could never go home.

That's what broke me.

That's what made me the monster I am.

But now, I'm a free man. Fifteen years behind bars, and I came back home to a daughter I'd never even met. Allegra hates my guts, I can tell.

I'm trying my best to win her over, but she's her mother's daughter.

Iris, though, she's another story.

Allegra's best friend, and the girl who makes me question all the vows I've ever taken.

I can't have her, but God knows how badly I want her.

I stare at Iris across the dining table, barely holding back my anger as she speaks.

"Can't you even pretend to care?" Allegra asks, crossing her arms.

"About what?"

"My future."

I roll my eyes. "You're eighteen, Allegra. You've got a whole life ahead of you. You got accepted into college, and you're going. You don't need my permission."

"Yes, but..."

"No, no 'buts,'" I say. "Your grandfather paid for college, and you're going."

"Iris isn't," she says, glancing at her best friend. "Why is it that she can stay with you, and I can't?"

I glance at Iris, showing her how displeased I am that she's here.

My daughter is eighteen, and her friend is a few years older.

She's got the kind of body I want to sink my teeth into.

Her curvy thighs are thick, and her waist is impossibly small.

The way she's sitting now, her skirt has ridden up her thighs.

Her hair is up in a ponytail, and she looks so innocent.

But I know better.

I can see her, the real her.

She's got a dirty little mind.

She wants me to bend her over and take her like a whore.

Her eyes are begging me to do it.

I look away, focusing back on Allegra. "None of my concern. And she doesn't live here, Allegra, she's staying for a few days."

"Yeah, and then she'll move out, and I'll be gone to college. That's a long time, Dad."

"It is, and it'll fly by before you know it. Now, eat your breakfast."

Iris's eyes find mine, and I see the mischief in them. She's got something up her sleeve, and I have a feeling I won't like it. I finish eating and get up, going straight to my office.

"Viper," Iris calls, following me.

"What do you want?"

"You could try and be nicer to your daughter. You're being an ass."

"And you should mind your own business," I growl. She closes the door behind her, and I see her shiver. I bet her panties are wet right now. She loves being close to me.

She loves seeing the monster, and I bet she'd love it if I took her right here, right now.

"I know you don't want me here, but Allegra asked me, and I can't say no to her."

"You should have said no," I tell her.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >80

Advertisement
The Vicious Defender (Kingpin’s Property #5) Read Online Isabella Starling http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-vicious-defender-kingpins-property-5-read-online-isabella-starling Mon, 21 Oct 2024 11:27:13 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/the-vicious-defender-kingpins-property-5-read-online-isabella-starling Genre: Alpha Male, Dark, Mafia Authors: Isabella Starling Series: Kingpin's Property Series by Isabella Starling
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33804 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >35

To stop my parents from killing my godfather, I have to marry him.
Older and dominant. Cruel and sadistic. Xavier Gunn proudly leads his cartel against my father. The only thing he’s more ruthless about than messing with Dad is making me his property.
Problem is, I don’t hate him anymore. Despite all my preparations, I can’t help but fall in love with the monster.
My husband says he’ll do anything to keep us tethered.
My father says it’s an eye for an eye…
All I know is, I never planned for any of this.
Least of all suspecting I’m pregnant with Xavier’s child.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Prologue

Tallulah

Istare at the ruined fabric with tears in my eyes. How is it possible a dream could be ruined in one fell swoop? It's over. It's really over.

I'm not pregnant. My dreams have been officially crushed this morning. My panties are soaked in blood and it's all over.

A single tear rolls down my cheek.

This was my one chance.

A loud, racking sob escapes my throat. I throw the tattered remains of my lingerie at the garbage and sink onto my bed, covering my face with my hands and letting the tears fall.

My shoulders shake and my breaths come in short bursts. I feel like my entire life is falling apart. And all I can do is cry.

It's not like me to wallow in self-pity, but today I need it.

I know Xavier's going to come looking for me soon. My husband doesn't even know I was convinced I was pregnant. I was waiting until I was sure, so there wouldn't be any false hope.

I was so fucking sure.

How is it possible to have missed the signs so badly? I know the answer, and it makes me feel worse. I was ignoring the signs because I was sure, just fucking sure, I was carrying Xavier's child.

It was too good to be true, apparently.

He was so excited about the prospect of fatherhood, too. We both wanted a child of our own so desperately. And now that dream has died. I can't tell him. Not right now. Not today. It would ruin him.

I sit up and wipe the tears off my face. I sniffle, taking a few deep breaths to try to compose myself. I need to breathe, like he taught me. The good news is, he never knew.

I change into a navy dress and take special care to ensure Xavier won't notice. But having such a dominant, controlling husband, I'm well-aware he'll notice the signs of my predicament soon enough.

Tonight was supposed to be about us. I was going to tell him tonight, during the romantic date he'd planned for us. Now I was going to undoubtedly ruin it all.

Wiping the tears from my eyes with trembling fingers, I compose myself in front of the mirror. He'd notice, though. My husband notices everything.

The door swings open and he walks into the room.

"Angel, where are you?" he calls.

"I'm in the bedroom," I call back.

He strides toward me with his usual confidence, stopping when he reaches me. His palm comes to rest on my shoulder proprietorially and I fight a sigh of relief. I'm grateful to have him, I just wish I could tell him about this without freaking out.

"You look gorgeous," he says. "What are you wearing? "

I shrug. "The new collection from Prada. Just thought it was pretty," I say, smoothing my hands over the silky fabric. It's tight and curve-hugging, an attempt to distract my husband from the grief written all over my face.

"Stunning," he smirks. "We should get going now, angel. I have a special night planned for you. I'm glad you're wearing something tight."

"You're always glad I'm wearing something tight," I giggle despite the despair bubbling in my stomach.

"Tonight, you'll need it," he grins and helps me get up, spinning me in front of him to get a full look. He whistles, the sound low and full of admiration and lust. "As always, my wife will outshine everyone else."

"You're so dramatic, Xavier," I sigh, a smile on my lips.

"You deserve the best, angel," he says and leans in for a soft, gentle kiss. I melt into him, letting his kiss consume me and his touch heal me. He's the best thing that ever happened to me. And yet I have to break his heart.

When we pull away, he stares into my eyes and his grin is replaced with a worried expression.

"Angel, is everything alright?"

"Yes," I reply quickly, forcing a painful but beaming smile on my lips. "Let's go. Please."

He hesitates before nodding and leading me out of the room.

The helicopter landed on Xavier's property, and in less than twenty minutes, we are up in the sky, admiring the view of the city beneath us.

"See that right there? It's that art gallery I took you to," Xavier points out, squeezing my thigh. I tense up and he pretends not to notice. "There are so many places I want to take you in the city, Tallulah... And I will, I swear. When it's safe."

"When it's safe," I repeat softly, risking a look into his eyes. "Will it ever be safe for us?"

Now it's his turn to tense up. "I don't know. I'm trying my best to make it safe for us. Trust me."

"I do," I breathe and lean in for a kiss. "I trust you more than anything."

His lips crash against mine, and he pushes his tongue into my mouth, exploring and claiming, reminding me who owns me. Every time we kiss, he makes me forget everything around me. All I can feel is him, all I can taste is him, and all I can smell is his masculine scent, taking over me in a cloud of dominance I'm always grateful for.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >35

Advertisement
The Heartless Guard (Kingpin’s Property #4) Read Online Isabella Starling http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-heartless-guard-kingpins-property-4-read-online-isabella-starling Sat, 15 Oct 2022 22:39:15 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/the-heartless-guard-kingpins-property-4-read-online-isabella-starling Genre: Alpha Male, Dark, Mafia Authors: Isabella Starling Series: Kingpin's Property Series by Isabella Starling
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 32429 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 130(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >37

His ring on my finger is a cage I can’t escape.
I betrayed my best friend for my ruthless captor.
This is my punishment.
Now I live my life in darkness. Perpetually blindfolded and bound, I am at the mercy of Xavier’s brother.
He wants to take away the one thing Xavier wants most.
He wants to steal the thing most sacred to Xavier – my womb.
But I’m not going to break.
Not unless it’s for my dark protector.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter 1

TALLULAH

The woods stretch around me as far as I can see.

I'm terrified, my heart pounding in my chest and reminding me just how mortal I am every second I spend in the woods. I'm still naked, running around like a lost doe, trying to find my way out of this place. The shadowy fingers of the forest extend towards me, inviting me into their dark embrace.

It would be so easy to keep running, if only I weren't so tired. So damn tired of trying to search for my freedom, trying to get free of Xavier's cruel grasp over me. I could keep running as far as I can, and as long as I can, even though my lungs threaten to give out by the time twenty minutes are up.

I'm afraid. I'm afraid he's going to find me and drag me back to his lair where he'll do whatever cruel things he has planned for me, excruciatingly slowly, just to torture me further.

I don't know whether or not I'm imagining the footsteps falling into step behind me. Maybe it's all a dream. Maybe it's all an illusion that Xavier gave me, and I'm still stuck in solitary confinement in that prison cell where I nearly lost my mind. I don't know whether this is all some figment of my imagination, designed to make me feel even more trapped than I am. I keep imagining Xavier calling out after me. My name, my nickname, every name under the sun to get me to crawl back to him like I wanted to do from the first second he came back into my life. There is no denying the feelings I have for my guardian anymore, as hard as I try to fight them.

All my emotions are back in full force now, reminding me I've always been in love with him. And that is a stark and terrible realization because it's the last thing I want. I don't want to be submissive to a man who has treated me so poorly. A man who has ruined my family and has been making my parents lives hell for decades.

I need to escape one last time to fulfill my duty to my family. After all, when I was born, Xavier was promised to be given ownership of me once I turned eighteen, and I'm that age now. A ripe age for taking.

I stumble to a stop in front of a large tree. My heart is pounding and I feel bile rising in my throat. I don't know if it's because I ran too fast or because of the panic that's overwhelmingly filling my body, to the point of escaping through gasps and groans that rip themselves from my lips as I lean against the thick tree trunk of the tree and try to catch my breath. I'm beyond lost. Now I have no idea where we came from, or which direction I'm supposed to be running away from.

I'm also hungry. Those five meals that I declined in Xavier's private prison cell are really coming out to haunt me. I remember the taste of food in my mouth, craving even that small slice of buttered bread.

My mouth salivates at the thought. I'm thirsty too, longing for a simple drink of water. A tall glass of something cold and fizzy. But I know it's not going to come anytime soon. The fear gets worse from minute to minute. And as those turn into hours, I realize I've never been more alone. Now that Xavier has given up on me, I truly have nobody.

It's too dangerous for me to seek out my parents because Xavier could find them through me and hurt them just for their involvement in my relationship with them.

My mind keeps circling around the men in my life who've shaped me into the person I am today.

First I think of Xavier, of course. My dark protector, the man who stood by my side and promised to guide me through life and give me every opportunity I've ever dreamed of. I betrayed him in the worst possible way and deep down I know I have this punishment coming. After all, I don't deserve his love. Not after I tried to kill him.

And then there's my father. He's a dark figure himself, and he's the one who trained me to be an assassin so I could finally plunge the knife into Xavier's heart like he never could. I don't know if I'm ready to forgive him for training me to be this person. I don't want to be this person.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >37

Advertisement
The Savage Keeper (Kingpin’s Property #3) Read Online Isabella Starling http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-savage-keeper-kingpins-property-3-read-online-isabella-starling Sat, 01 Oct 2022 08:39:04 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/the-savage-keeper-kingpins-property-3-read-online-isabella-starling Genre: Alpha Male, Dark, Mafia, Romance, Suspense Authors: Isabella Starling Series: Kingpin's Property Series by Isabella Starling
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 35602 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 178(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >40

His ring on my finger is a cage I can’t escape. But maybe I don’t want to run anymore…

They warned me about Xavier Gunn.

My parents told me he was a monster, a twisted cartel leader who will stop at nothing to get his way.

I chose not to believe them.

Instead, I followed him to the depths of hell.

Now, I have a decision to make.

A decision that will change my life forever.

But perhaps it’s not my choice at all.

Because if I choose wrong, Xavier will decide for me.

And by now, I know he will stop at nothing to get what he wants most.

The Savage Keeper is the third and final book of the Kingpin's Property trilogy. It is not a standalone book.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter 1

XAVIER

I’m ripped out of my sleep by the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

My first instinct is to get up, but I quickly realize it’s not possible because I’m wired to a fuckload of machines. My shoulder aches like hell and I feel like shit. It takes a couple of minutes for my memories to come back. I relish the moment when I momentarily forgot about what happened. But as soon as it hits me, rage fills me to the brim, making me yell Saul’s name. No response comes.

With a groan, I rip the oxygen tube off as well as everything else that’s keeping me tethered to the bed. I don’t even notice the overwhelming pain, too distracted by my anger, which takes up all of my mental capacity.

Tallulah’s betrayal is the first thing on my mind. How she played me, took me for a goddamn fool. I need to know where she is, how long I’ve been fucking constrained to this bed, and how soon I can get my hands on my former ward to choke the life out of her slender, pale neck.

I grit my teeth when the pain hits me in overwhelming bursts. My shoulder wound is throbbing and I feel nauseous, but it will not distract me. Now that I’m finally awake, I have one goal in mind, and that’s putting Tallulah Gunn in her place once and for all.

I can’t believe I allowed this to happen. That I didn’t notice the warning signs. There was a glimpse of Tallulah’s true identity when Antonio died. I should have known then she was acting all along, playing the perfect role for my benefit. Instead, I fucking fell for her lies and killed an innocent man.

The desire to scream makes guttural groans escape my lips as I storm down the hallway, naked from the chest down. My hands are fisted, and the guards standing in front of my room are too scared to say a word as I race past them. I need to find Saul. I need to find out what happened and how long it’s been.

I storm into the room at the end of the hallway. Saul and Phoenix, one of my men, are sitting at my goddamn desk, like they fucking own the place.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I roar when I see them. They seem surprised by my appearance, both quickly standing up and leaving their seats to come stand closer to me. Saul places a hand on my uninjured shoulder.

“Padron,” he says respectfully. “I’m glad to see you’re up. But you shouldn’t be walking around. We can walk you back to your bed.”

“My bed?” I hiss. “I’ve been lying around for long enough. I need you to fill me in on what happened. Tell me everything right now. How long have I been in that hospital bed?”

Saul and Phoenix exchange an uncomfortable glance. My right-hand man doesn’t seem to find the words to explain what happened, but Phoenix speaks up, looking me in the eye. I fucking hate his pitying face.

“It’s been a while, don Xavier,” he says with regret.

“Don’t fucking patronize me,” I grunt, grabbing him by his shirt and snarling in his face. “How long, you fucker?”

“It’s been three weeks, padron,” Phoenix admits. He doesn’t recoil from me, which speaks in his favor. He’s not a fucking pussy, that’s for sure. “I’m sorry.”

I let go of him. Three weeks. Twenty-one days of my life that I’ll never get back, because Tallulah stole them from me.

“How could you let me fucking lie there for so long?” I demand.

“Padron, you were in a medically induced coma,” Saul says. “We didn’t even know if you were going to make it. The doctors only woke you up a few days ago, but you still didn’t regain your consciousness. We thought…”

“You thought what?” I narrow my eyes at him.

“We thought you were a goner,” Phoenix finishes for my friend. “We thought you weren’t coming back.”

“I don’t give a shit what you thought,” I snarl. “I’m here now, aren’t I?”

“You should really be in bed,” Saul pipes up again with his useless advice. “The doctors said-”

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >40

Advertisement
The Brutal Captor (Kingpin’s Property #2) Read Online Isabella Starling http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-brutal-captor-kingpins-property-2-read-online-isabella-starling Wed, 10 Aug 2022 01:10:02 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/the-brutal-captor-kingpins-property-2-read-online-isabella-starling Genre: Alpha Male, Mafia, Romance, Suspense Authors: Isabella Starling Series: Kingpin's Property Series by Isabella Starling
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34380 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 172(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >36

Read Online Books/Novels:	The Brutal Captor (Kingpin's Property #2)
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Isabella Starling
Language:	English
ISBN/ ASIN:	B09H3G3YLQ
Book Information:
You've met your match, Xavier Gunn. My captor thought he defeated me. He underestimated me, seeing me as just a pretty, scared young girl. But I'm the one who's been secretly holding on to my power. And now I'm ready to take over. Xavier's rule is over. It's time for my reign. ***The Brutal Captor is the second book of the Kingpin's Property trilogy. It is not a standalone book.
Books in Series:	Kingpin's Property Series by Isabella Starling
Books by Author:	Isabella Starling

Chapter 1

TALLULAH

Every single nightmare I’ve had over the past few months has included Xavier. And yet last night when he came to my bedroom was the first time he attempted to help me. Before then, he always left it up to Antonio.

I drifted off in the middle of Xavier’s story, but I remember how easy it was to fall asleep to the sound of his voice. I’m so keen for more of it, and deeply embarrassed, I dare crave him after everything he’s done to me.

As if reading my thoughts, I hear Antonio asking me something and only when I transport myself back to reality do I realize what it was.

“Are you not ashamed of loving such a monster?”

“Who says I love him?” I snarl at him after a moment’s pause.

“Unfortunately, it’s fucking obvious,” Antonio throws back, shaking his head. “I know he has a certain charm, but it disappoints me how much you love him.”

“You don’t get to judge me,” I grind out at him. “I can make my own decisions.”

He shuts up as I sit back to ponder the answer to his question in my mind. I use my hairbrush to glide through my hair, stroke after stroke, until my locks shine with vitality.

Xavier was never a monster to me, despite everything he’s done. I can’t bring myself to see him as an evil beast. He’s done a lot to keep me safe, gone to every extreme to ensure my safety. Despite what Antonio had told me recently, I didn’t see him protecting anybody else. I’m sure he’s hunting down the sender of those cruel threats against me. I’m sure he’ll take care of me. He won’t let anybody hurt me.

“I need to get you away from him before it’s too late,” Antonio mutters.

“You don’t need to do anything but listen to your boss unless you want to die,” I inform him coolly. “I’ll let you know if I want to take you up on that offer, but for now, you don’t need to help me.”

“How can you stand another day in this house?” Antonio demands. “How can you give into his abuses? This is madness. I could get you to safety.”

“Yeah, and I’d never see Xavier again,” I hiss. “Or my family, lest he kill us all. Are you forgetting about that?”

He finally shuts up, clearly realizing I’m right.

“I don’t want to argue. Just leave me alone.”

“I can’t, boss’s orders,” he mutters.

I pick myself up on the bed and throw a stuffed toy against his head. “Get out!”

He shakes his head and throws the toy back at me. “You really are a fucking brat, Tallulah Gunn.”

He finally leaves the room. I make sure I’m alone before facing the camera for the very first time since Xavier had them installed.

I’m not stupid. I know he’s been setting Antonio up. The thing about being locked in my bedroom is that I spot every little change inside these rooms the moment it happens. And when those cameras went up, I noticed them on the first day. I just have said nothing about it because I don’t want Xavier to know I’ve seen them yet. He is watching those feeds. I can already imagine his eyes glued to the screen, watching what he can’t have for a little while longer.

A smirk plays on my lips as I strip naked. The dress leaves my body, and now I’m only wearing a bra and panties that leave little to the imagination with how little they cover. My eyes zero in right on the camera lens, leaving no doubt that I know about Xavier’s spying methods.

“Are you looking at me?” I ask softly, fingertips gently tracing my hardening nipples over the bra. It’s sheer, the fabric revealing the rosy pink of my areolas that are desperate to push through the mesh fabric. “Do you wish you were touching me?”

I don’t know why I’m doing this. Why I’m so intent on pushing Xavier to his very limit, even though I’m not sure myself whether I want this. If he actually touched me, I don’t know how gentle he’d be. I have a feeling Xavier will not hold back with me. I think he’s going to hurt me, and what’s worse, I think he’s going to enjoy it.

And yet I don’t stop, my lips parting to let out a lascivious moan. Deep down, I want Xavier here with me, not just to watch me strip, but to give me everything I’ve dreamed of my whole life. His hands on my skin, his lips on mine, and his thick, bulging cock pushing inside me for the very first time, stretching me to the very limits my body possesses.

“Come find me,” I whisper for Xavier’s pleasure as my fingers slip beneath the fabric of my panties. “Come stop this. Come take what’s yours. Don’t make me break this for you...”

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >36

Advertisement
Cillian’s War (Mafia Heirs #5) Read Online Isabella Starling http://www.ilovenovels.com/cillians-war-mafia-heirs-5-read-online-isabella-starling Tue, 15 Feb 2022 09:43:49 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/cillians-war-mafia-heirs-5-read-online-isabella-starling Genre: Alpha Male, Crime, Mafia, Romance Authors: Isabella Starling Series: Mafia Heirs Series by Isabella Starling
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16787 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 >18

Read Online Books/Novels:	Cillian's War (Mafia Heirs #5)
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Isabella Starling
Language:	English
Book Information:
I should keep her out of my life, but is life worth living without her? Cillian: I went away to visit my half-brother, Keenan, and when I came back I saw her. She was walking down the street, her hair blowing in the wind like when we were teenagers. She was my everything, and then she became nothing. I walked out of her life because mine would destroy her . . . but her memory haunts me with every corner I turn. All I see is her, and now I’m at war with my mind. I shouldn’t want her. I shouldn’t want her to be in danger, but she’s the only woman I’ve ever loved. Mia: I was in love once, but the man who held it shattered my heart. Imagine my surprise when I move to a new city and see him standing across the street. I turned around and walked off as quickly as I could, but I felt Cillian’s eyes on me. Cillian broke me in a way I could never fully explain. He destroyed my idea of love, and took part of me with him when he broke up with me. Sure, we were kids, but that didn’t matter. He was the only person who never let me down–until he did. Now here I am. I just signed a new work contract and I’ll be in this city for three years. I figure I can escape Cillian. Only, I can’t. He’s everywhere, and when he wants something he doesn’t stop until he gets it.
Books in Series:	Mafia Heirs Series by Isabella Starling
Books by Author:	Isabella Starling

PROLOGUE

BRUNO

30 Years Ago . . .

When I met her, I had no idea she was at the bottom of the food chain. I suppose that’s my own fault for not doing proper research. I didn’t know she knew about her bloodline but chose to stay away from them. Part of me being with Aisling was because of her royal blood. I’ve put myself in situations with mafia women for a reason, to create an empire that no one will want to fuck with.

What I never expected was for a woman with mafia blood to fall into something tragic, something that could’ve killed our unborn child if medical professionals didn’t intervene. She was careless, and the only reason I even know is that for some unknown reason, Aisling put me as her emergency contact. It’s the very reason the hospital called me. She must’ve told them I was the father of her child, but I won’t know a damn thing until I’m there.

I sit in the back of a town car I chartered when I landed in Belfast. It’s already driven through the center of the city and is heading toward a lower-class area. I narrow my eyes as I scan through the windows, unsure if this is where we’re supposed to be going.

“Are you sure this is the way?” I ask the man driving me.

“Yes, sir, it is,” he tells me as he focuses on the road ahead.

Hmm, odd. I settle back against the leather seat and pass the time by taking in the scenery. Even so, all I can think about is what the physician told me over the phone. How my son was born six weeks early, how they didn’t know if he was going to make it through the night. I took the first flight from Italy to be here, praying to God that he doesn’t take my child.

I blame myself for this. I’ve been gallivanting around the world, handling my family’s business, building a better name for myself in the process, and for what? He could’ve died. If I would’ve been here, keeping an eye on Aisling, would he even be in this situation? Would he be in the NICU? I won’t ever know the answer, but I’ll do what I must to ensure my son makes it through the night and every night thereafter.

The giant ‘H’ is lit up in the front of the hospital. “Here we are, sir. I’ll be parked in the garage across the street. Give me a ring when you’re coming down, and I’ll meet you here,” the driver tells me as he pulls into the ‘c’ shaped drop-off area. He exits and opens the door for me.

“Perfect. Do you have a card?” I question him, and he hands me a business card with his number. I head for the mechanical doors, and heaviness washes over my shoulders. My gut begins to coin in my stomach, and I dread what news I’m going to walk into.

There’s a desk in front of me, and a woman with long, blonde hair sits behind it. “Good evening, can I be of service?” She blinks her eyes a few times, likely uncertain why I’m here at this hour.

“Good evening. Dr. McGonigal called me a couple hours ago. He informed me I should come to the hospital as soon as I could.”

“Okay, I’ll get everything done as quickly as I can for you. What’s your name? Let me ring him, and I’ll be with you in just a moment. All right?” Kindness comes over her eyes, and I’m certain she knows what this means. I imagine parents being called into the NICU is never a good thing.

“I’m Bruno Bernardi, and my ex-girlfriend, Aisling, is upstairs with our son.”

“All right, thank you.”

I do as the woman requests and take a seat, but I’m only there a moment before she calls me back over. “I have your pass ready for you, Mr. Bernardi.”

I walk back over to her desk, and she hands me a sticker to put on my suit. I’d hate to ruin it by putting this on it, but if it’s how I get to see my son, I’ll have to suck it up. “For what it’s worth, I’m sending my well wishes to your son, Mr. Bernardi.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“Of course. Now, you’ll head down the hall here and make a sharp right. You keep going until you get to the lift. The NICU is on the 5th floor, so once you’re up there, you’ll speak to the charge nurse, and she’ll fetch the good doctor for you.”

“Perfect. Thank you.” I begin to follow her advice, walking down the hallway until I make a sharp right. Then I walk until I think I’m going the wrong way because the hallway doesn’t seem to end until it does. I get to the elevators and press the arrow that goes up. Fortunately for me, it takes but a moment for the doors to open. I walk inside, tap the number five, and then wait for the elevator to take me up.

<<<<1 2 3 11 >18

Advertisement
The Dark Protector (Kingpin’s Property #1) Read Online Isabella Starling http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-dark-protector-kingpins-property-1-read-online-isabella-starling Thu, 03 Feb 2022 17:36:45 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/the-dark-protector-kingpins-property-1-read-online-isabella-starling Genre: Alpha Male, Dark, Romance Authors: Isabella Starling Series: Kingpin's Property Series by Isabella Starling
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34588 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >37

Read Online Books/Novels:	(Kingpin's Property #1) The Dark Protector
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Isabella Starling
Language:	English
ISBN/ ASIN:	B09H3GKRMC
Book Information:
To be his bride, I must endure a year without his cruel touch. The man I trusted most has taken advantage of me in the worst way. He used my innocence against me. He stole me from my loving parents to make me a pawn in his games. And the worst part is… He hasn’t touched me once. While my body burns for his punishing embrace, he’s denied me the thing I want most. But I have ways of making him do what I want, too. After all, I’m not just his hostage. I’m the daughter of the only woman who escaped him. The Dark Protector is the first book of the Kingpin's Property trilogy. It is not a standalone book.
Books in Series:	Kingpin's Property Series by Isabella Starling
Books by Author:	Isabella Starling

Chapter 1

XAVIER

It’s been three weeks since my most prized possession became a part of my everyday life.

Tallulah may have only been here a couple of weeks, but she’s already leaving a mark on the house. The maids love her, and she’s quickly charmed the guards, too. Her sweet nature coupled with the slightly protective side she wakes up in everyone means she’s become everybody’s favorite. And I’d be lying if I didn’t admit it makes me fucking jealous as hell.

Every time I catch a guard glance at her, I fight the urge to rip out their eyes out of their sockets just for daring to look at her. My jealousy is making me distracted. I’m slacking on work, not seeing things straight in business. But I already can’t imagine a life without Tallulah in it. I should’ve taken her from her parents a long time ago.

I never think about Rain anymore. The woman who used to have permanent residence in my mind has been long forgotten, replaced by Tallulah’s innocent beauty and naivete. I’m becoming addicted, more and more so by the second. Every flutter of her lashes, every time she purses her lips, the way she tucks her hair behind her ear when she’s nervous... It’s all enough to make my knees weak.

“Don Xavier, do you have anything to add?”

I look up from the glass of amber liquid I’ve been inspecting as if the answer to all my problems lies at the bottom of the expensive crystal. My business partners are waiting, their eyes following my every move in anticipation of my answer. And yet I don’t even know what we’re talking about.

“Distracted there, Don Xavier?” Saul asks me, his lips curling up into a sly smirk. “Must be that ward of yours.”

“Watch your fucking mouth, pendejo,” I hiss, throwing him a warning glare that shuts his insolent mouth instantly. “Don’t talk about her.”

“Well, the fact of the matter is,” Saul carries on. “She certainly seems to distract you.”

“Then pick up some of the slack yourself,” I hiss at my right-hand man. “I’m not here to do all the small shit. I’m here to run this cartel the best way I know how. By teaching the other motherfuckers in this business not to mess with us.”

“Speaking of which,” Saul mutters, running a hand through his dark hair. “These death threats concerning Tallulah...”

“Get her name out of your mouth.” The words leave my lips in an over-exaggerated growl. I feel pissed at the mere thought of someone else thinking or mentioning my ward. My possessive nature is coming out to play yet again. “Or I’ll cut out your fucking tongue.”

“Regardless of that,” Saul hisses, with a disappointed look at me. “An actual threat came in. We received it this morning.”

He tosses a black envelope at me and my eyes narrow as I inspect the writing on an equally morbid card. It’s written on a typewriter, with white ink. I inspect the envelope and the card itself. The message itself is simple - Tallulah’s name with her birth year and this year, like an epitaph. I crumple the card between my fingers.

“We hadn’t checked it for fingerprints yet,” Neo mutters apologetically.

“You don’t need to,” I grind out.

“You know who it’s from?” Cristiano stares me down, hard. “Care to share with the rest of the class?”

“No,” I mutter. “It’s enough that one of us knows. And speaking of which, this meeting is over.”

Ignoring the muttered protests of the men who work with me, I motion the guard who accompanied to signal we’re leaving. The man walks me downstairs where my car is waiting, opening the door for me. I ask him to sit in the back with me. If he’s surprised by it, he doesn’t show it, just nods politely and climbs into the backseat where my dark gaze penetrates his.

“Can I trust you?”

The man, Julio, nods silently.

“I need you to find someone young and very capable,” I continue. “I have a very specific person in mind. He needs to be strong to handle a weapon. I don’t want him to be associated with any of the other cartels.”

“Of course, Don Xavier,” Julio mutters politely. “Is there a particular job you’re recruiting for?”

“Yes,” I hiss. “He’s going to be Tallulah’s bodyguard. I never want his eyes off her, and I don’t want to risk the guy falling in love with her, either. Can you find someone?”

“Of course,” Julio smiles shakily. “I might have someone in mind already.”

“Good,” I reply. “Bring him to the house tonight, and I’ll see if he matches the brief. Good job, Julio.”

I affix my gaze at the landscape changing outside the window of my vehicle, signaling that the conversation is over. I’m too busy, my mind swimming with thoughts of this mystery person making death threats against the person I want to protect most in this world. I’ll let nobody harm a hair on Tallulah’s head. And not just because her father would slit my throat if I did... Because I feel more for my ward than I’m willing to admit.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >37

Advertisement
Julian’s Torment (Mafia Heirs #3) Read Online Isabella Starling http://www.ilovenovels.com/julians-torment-mafia-heirs-3-read-online-isabella-starling Thu, 03 Feb 2022 17:36:45 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/julians-torment-mafia-heirs-3-read-online-isabella-starling Genre: Alpha Male, Crime, Dark, Romance Authors: Isabella Starling Series: Mafia Heirs Series by Isabella Starling
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57085 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >59

Read Online Books/Novels:	Julian's Torment (Mafia Heirs #3)
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Isabella Starling
Language:	English
ISBN/ ASIN:	B091QC6YRV
Book Information:
She's going to pay for the ultimate sin... Defying me. JULIAN My hate for the Esposito family goes back a decade. When I was eight years old, Francesca snubbed me. Back then, I was a nobody. But then Bruno Bernardi adopted me into his famiglia. Now I have money. Power. And my debtors pay for their sins... in blood. Francesca will experience the full extent of my wrath. We're classmates now, but the school won't protect her. At The University, money rules over all. And Francesca's got nothing but her name now... that, and a target between her pretty little legs. FRANCESCA When I was a little girl, I made a fatal mistake. I offended Julian, now one of the Bernardi heirs. I was a bratty little girl then, but now, I have nothing. Watching my family fall apart and our riches being taken away from us has broken me. I thought I could deal with it all. Until Julian. He wants to degrade and humiliate me. He wants to destroy me. He wants to play wicked little games to bring me to my knees and pledge my allegiance. But I will not kneel for him. I'd rather take his torment than admit he's my Master. He can't break me. Or can he? ****Julian's Torment is the third book of the Mafia Heirs series. All books can be read as standalones. This is a dark mafia romance.
Books in Series:	Mafia Heirs Series by Isabella Starling
Books by Author:	Isabella Starling

PROLOGUE

JULIAN

After Aurora's return to the Bernardi mansion, things calm down for a while, and we're all grateful for it.

Father seems pleased two of his sons are now married and the house is lulled into a false sense of security. But I should have known it wasn't going to last long. And the next bombshell that drops on the Bernardi famiglia concerns me, embroiling me into a scandal Father will kill to prevent from happening.

I'm fucking hungover from being out most of the previous night. It ended with me and three girls in my bed, and my guard escorted them off the premises before Father could see them. I'm sure he wouldn't take lightly to more of my womanizing – he's already reprimanded me for it several times.

That day, Father calls me into his office. I saunter in confidently and take a seat on the opposite side of Father's desk, reaching for one of his cigars displayed on the polished wood.

"Are you even going to ask if you can have one?" Father raises his brows at me.

I smirk in response, not giving him an answer. Instead, I clip the end and ignore Father's watchful gaze as I start to smoke it. I can tell he doesn't approve, but my rebellious nature pushes me to keep going, maybe just to get a rise out of him.

"We need to talk, Julian." Father heaves a sigh and waves his hand in front of his face to get rid of the smoke.

"What about?"

"You." Father's piercing gaze would make anyone nervous, but not me. I know I can sweet-talk him out of anything that's coming. Even though Father would never admit it, I know I'm his favorite of all his sons. He has a soft spot for me, and I fully intend on milking the fact to the best of my abilities.

"What about me?"

"You're becoming a problem," Father grunts.

"In what way?"

"Let's see." He taps his finger against his chin. "You've fucked half the maids in the house. You keep getting into fights and getting yourself embroiled in scandals. I'm this close to punishing you accordingly."

I smirk, knowing full well this is just talk. It's not like Father would do anything that wouldn't benefit me. He cares about me too much – he always saw me as his little pet project, and that's not about to change now, no matter the amount of merda I get myself into.

"You're not taking this seriously at all," Father says next. "What do I have to do to earn some respect from you, Julian?"

"You have my respect," I reply firmly, and it's true. I've always admired Father. But that doesn't mean I'm going to change my ways just to suit his agenda.

"You have a funny way of showing it." Father glares with contempt at the cigar in my hand. Finally, I put it out and give him a look as if to say, are you happy now? He nods and leans back in his chair, another sigh ripping itself from his lips. He looks weary and tired. "Julian, I don't want to punish you. But you're not giving me much of a choice."

I don't know what my punishment would entail, but I'm sure I wouldn't like it. It would also be the first time Father would discipline me. I know he's been lenient with me, especially compared to the rest of my brothers. But I can't help arguing further, digging myself into an even deeper hole.

"Father, I won't let you down. Give me another chance."

"You're on very fucking thin ice," Father grunts. "If you disappoint me again, I will have no other choice but send you to The University."

"The University?" I furrow my brows, unsure of what he means. "That’s nothing but a myth."

"It’s not myth, son. It’s a special training place for mafia heirs," Father says, piercing me with his gaze. "It's where mafia children get sent to be whipped into shape."

"Like a boarding school?"

Father nods. "It's a three-year program."

"But I already finished high school."

"Not that it's done you any good," Father barks. "You're terribly behaved, you fuck anything that moves, and you don't have any family values."

I want to be offended by his words, but he's right.

My heart has withered over the years. A lifetime of disappointments and unfairness will do that to you, I suppose. For most of my life, Bruno Bernardi has been the one bright spot in my life. The man who saved me from almost certain death now sits before me, deeply disappointed in my actions.

A part of me wants to apologize, but it's outweighed by the fiercely independent side of me that wants to fight anyone who goes up against me. I remain silent, my lips firmly pressed together as I study Father with my gaze.

"Aren't you going to say something?" Father grunts. "You could at least defend yourself."

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >59

Advertisement
The Cruel Guardian (Kingpin’s Property #0.5) Read Online Isabella Starling http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-cruel-guardian-kingpins-property-0-5-read-online-isabella-starling Fri, 21 Jan 2022 21:28:29 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/the-cruel-guardian-kingpins-property-0-5-read-online-isabella-starling Genre: Dark, Mafia, Novella, Romance Authors: Isabella Starling Series: Kingpin's Property Series by Isabella Starling
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 13
Estimated words: 12395 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 62(@200wpm)___ 50(@250wpm)___ 41(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 >13

Read Online Books/Novels:	(Kingpin's Property #0.5) The Cruel Guardian
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Isabella Starling
Language:	English
ISBN/ ASIN:	B09JN572KG
Book Information:
The FREE sneak peek into a brand new arranged marriage, dark cartel romance. Are you ready for the darkness? My dark guardian lavishes me with expensive gifts... but now he wants so much more. I've lived my life in seclusion, sheltered, hidden and taught to be obedient. Every year on my birthday, my guardian comes to visit. My parents say he's cruel, vicious and unforgiving, but all I see is a man who wants to give me everything. But on the night of my seventeenth birthday, everything changes... He says I'm no longer a little girl, and the time has come for him to collect his debts. And this debt is one only I can pay for. The Cruel Guardian is the short prequel to the Kingpin's Property trilogy. It is not a standalone book.
Books in Series:	Kingpin's Property Series by Isabella Starling
Books by Author:	Isabella Starling

Prologue

TALLULAH

When I was a child, my father used to perform magic tricks for me.

I would sit on his lap and clap excitedly as he performed one after another. Looking back, they weren’t complicated or that hard to figure out, but as a little girl, I loved them. I would put my chubby little arms up with delight and clap my small hands.

Mom always looked at us with affection. But sometimes, I saw that look on her face change. She’d clear her throat, look away. She’d wipe away the smile from her face and we’d carry on as if nothing had ever happened.

Since my younger sister was born, I’ve known I’m not my parents’ favorite child.

But until my fifteenth birthday, I did not know why.

That one birthday changed everything and my life as I knew it was over in a split second the moment the truth came out. Everything made sense after that - my parents keeping their distance, keeping my baby sister away from me. I finally understood it all.

On the morning of my fifteenth birthday, I wake up with a bright smile on my face.

Nothing will stop me from feeling happy today, not even my parents, who congratulate me in quiet voices and hand me their gift. Tearing into the wrapping paper, I light up as I pull out a beautiful necklace. It’s a silver cross pendant on a rope chain.

“I love it,” I tell my parents with a delighted smile, and they nod to acknowledge my words. “Thank you so much!”

Just then, my little sister comes through the door. She’s a sulky eleven-year-old right now, and she’s obsessed with me.

Perhaps it’s because my parents don’t pay me much attention and she feels sorry for me. Perhaps it’s because I’m her older sister and a built-in role model for Mathilda. Either way, she loves me, and I’m grateful to have at least one person who seems to enjoy my company.

Mathilda runs up to me and wraps her arms around me, giving me a sloppy kiss on the cheek as she says, “Happy birthday, big sister!”

“Thanks, baby,” I say with a bright smile. “It means a lot.”

All of us call Mathilda baby since she’s the youngest of our little family, but I think she only really likes it when I do it.

She sits next to me and we eat breakfast together. Nobody offers to put my necklace on, so I do it myself, admiring the way the cross falls against my skin. My heart is beating into overdrive with anticipation as I prepare myself to ask what I know my parents are already dreading. Finally, I gather enough courage to ask.

“When is Xavier coming?”

Instantly, my parents share a troubled look.

“He’ll be here soon enough, I’m sure,” my father says in a clipped tone. “Finish your breakfast, girls.”

Unsatisfied with the answer, I know I won’t get much more out of my parents. They’re strangely annoyed by Xavier, which is why I don’t understand why they allowed him to be my godfather. Surely, if they hate him that much, they’d try to keep him out of my life. And yet, without fail, every year on my birthday, Xavier shows up bearing luxurious gifts my parents begrudgingly allow me to accept. And every year, I get more and more excited about seeing my guardian.

I’ve always been in awe of Xavier. He’s older than me by quite a lot, with jet-black hair that has a few silver streaks. He’s tall, towering over me, and so muscular I sometimes watch his muscles stretch his shirt with wonder. I know he’s my father’s adoptive uncle, so we’re not a blood relation. I’m grateful for that, otherwise my little crush would be even more inappropriate.

I shake my head, reminding myself Xavier would never look at me twice. He’s so much older, he has no interest in a stupid young girl like me. Besides, Mom and Dad say he’s quite the womanizer.

The doorbell rings and I’m instantly off my seat and running toward it as my parents call out after me to slow down. But I’m too excited to listen to their warnings.

I take a deep breath, standing in front of the door. I can hear giggling and laughter on the other side, and I know I’m about to finally see Xavier after a year of being separated. I live for my birthday, not for the gifts, but because I get to see him and be in his presence. Something about Xavier is so damn electric, making me want to be near him at all times.

With another deep breath, I open the door.

On the doorstep, there’s a scantily dressed woman in a barely there dress that shows more than it covers. She has dark red hair and her arms are all over my guardian. Xavier stands beside her, his eyes darkening as they meet mine. He smirks at me.

<<<<1 2 3 11 >13

Advertisement
The Widow Maker (Dark Vows Duet #2) Read Online Isabella Starling http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-widow-maker-dark-vows-duet-2-read-online-isabella-starling Wed, 03 Nov 2021 09:28:49 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/the-widow-maker-dark-vows-duet-2-read-online-isabella-starling Genre: BDSM, Dark, Erotic, Mafia, Romance, Taboo Authors: Isabella Starling Series: Dark Vows Duet Series by Isabella Starling
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56317 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 282(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >59

Read Online Books/Novels:	The Widow Maker (Dark Vows Duet #2)
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Isabella Starling
Language:	English
ISBN/ ASIN:	B0994RYKM8
Book Information:
He took everything from me, and he isn’t done yet. Heath used me for his own dark agenda. Now, I’m back with the man who wants to destroy me, with no chance of breaking free. Abused, beaten and destroyed, I’m done running. But I’ll be damned before I accept my fate. Because I’m a Ferrell, and I’ll never stop fighting. Even if it means destroying the man who once meant everything to me. The Widow Maker is the second and final book of the Dark Vows duet. It is not a standalone book.
Books in Series:	Dark Vows Duet Series by Isabella Starling
Books by Author:	Isabella Starling

Chapter 1

RAIN

In every fairytale, there’s a moment of despair right before the resolution.

As I’m pulled away screaming for Heath, I know this is mine.

But I don’t know if my story comes with a happy ending.

My body is slammed into the boat and the man who looks exactly like my husband sneers in my face, saying, “What a pleasant surprise.”

My heart beats faster than ever and I stare up into his dark eyes that look just like Xavier’s. But he isn’t my husband. He can’t be. If this were Xavier, he’d already be choking the life out of me. The same trace of darkness is there, though. Heath, Xavier and this man… they all have the same gaze, darkened by twisted thoughts.

“When we ransacked the home of the Serpent cartel’s leader, we certainly didn’t expect to find a prisoner like you. Did you know there’s not a person out there who knew you existed? Heath never told a soul about you.”

“I...” I struggle not to launch myself at him and claw his face. “I want to go back to Heath. Now.”

“Ah,” he smiles, as if something’s just been cleared up for him. “So you are his little captive, then, just like I thought. This will be fun.”

My eyes narrow at him and I spit out, “I’ll make sure it’s not fun at all for you. You shot Heath, you fucking bastard.”

“Relax,” he laughs. “That kid’s got nine lives. He’s like a goddamn cat.”

“What the fuck do you want?”

“Well, first, I want to know your name.”

My mind races. I still haven’t gotten over the likeness between this man and my husband. And yet he doesn’t seem to know who I am. As far as he’s concerned, I’m Heath’s secret lover. This gives me a chance, and I accept it with open arms.

“Adelina,” I mutter, using the name of my maid at Xavier’s Casa. “My name is Adelina.”

“Adelina,” he repeats, letting the name roll off his tongue. “Good, Adelina. I’ll be taking care of you until further notice.”

The boat speeds up, sending me to double over the edge and puke into the open sea. The two other men on the boat with us recoil at the sight, but the man who kidnapped me merely laughs.

I collapse on the bench in the boat and snarl, “Who the fuck are you?”

“I’m Xander,” he smirks. “And that’s all you need to know for now.”

Even his name is like Xavier’s. It can’t be a coincidence. They could be twins.

I don’t get to think about my kidnapper’s identity more. The boat is speeding so fast I’m dizzy, and my nausea knocks me back, making me groan as I try to survive the journey to wherever the fuck we’re going.

The image of Heath being shot is stuck in my head, replaying on a loop. I bite my lips nervously, knowing he’s been hurt because of me.

“Can you slow down this fucking boat?” I scream at Xander over the roar of the engine. “I’m going to be sick again!”

“No,” he smirks. “I love speed. And you, Adelina... I think it’s time you said goodnight.”

“What?” I hiss, but I don’t get to finish my thought.

One guard slams his fist into my cheek, rendering me unconscious in a split second. The darkness swallows me whole.

“Wakey, wakey.”

My eyes open slowly. The first thing I notice is the intense pain on my face. I groan, touching my palm to my burning cheek. I remember how I passed out. A bruise must be forming already where the guard hit me.

Slowly, I take in my surroundings. I’m in a spacious room with bars on the windows. Once again, I am a prisoner.

I’m lying on a plush white bed, and next to me, the man who kidnapped me is smirking at me.

“Finally,” he says with gusto. “You’re awake. I’ve been waiting for you to open those pretty eyes.”

I recoil when he reaches out for me, making me laugh.

“Relax,” he laughs. “Just a little precautionary measure.”

He clips a handcuff on my wrist and attaches the other one to the metal railing of the bed. I struggle uselessly against it, giving up soon after. There’s no use—I’m trapped, at least for now.

“Don’t want you running off. Need to keep you alive for your darling lover,” he winks at me.

There’s something about Xander that is really unnerving. Perhaps it’s the cruel look in his eyes coupled with his easy-going, comical nature. They don’t go together, and they make me feel terrified.

“Why are you attacking Heath?” I demand. “Why did you bring me here? I want answers, now.”

“And you’ll get them,” he nods with a jovial smile while my gaze roves over him. “Let’s start with Heath. I’m sure you know Heath Gunn runs the Serpent cartel. It was news to me, however, that he was the leader. I’d heard of a certain Liberato, but nothing about his silent partner in the cartel. Imagine my surprise when I realized who it was.”

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >59

Read Online Books/Novels:

The Brutal Captor (Kingpin's Property #2)

Author/Writer of Book/Novel:

English

B09H3G3YLQ

Read Online Books/Novels:

Cillian's War (Mafia Heirs #5)

Author/Writer of Book/Novel:

English

Read Online Books/Novels:

(Kingpin's Property #1) The Dark Protector

Author/Writer of Book/Novel:

English

B09H3GKRMC

Read Online Books/Novels:

Julian's Torment (Mafia Heirs #3)

Author/Writer of Book/Novel:

English

B091QC6YRV

Read Online Books/Novels:

(Kingpin's Property #0.5) The Cruel Guardian

Author/Writer of Book/Novel:

English

B09JN572KG

Read Online Books/Novels:

The Widow Maker (Dark Vows Duet #2)

Author/Writer of Book/Novel:

English

B0994RYKM8