Nikki Ash – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read

Nikki Ash – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:23:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 http://www.ilovenovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png Nikki Ash – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com 32 32 Deadliest Desire (Tempting Love #2) Read Online Nikki Ash http://www.ilovenovels.com/deadliest-desire-tempting-love-2-read-online-nikki-ash Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:23:40 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/deadliest-desire-tempting-love-2-read-online-nikki-ash Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Dark, Mafia, Suspense Authors: Nikki Ash Series: Tempting Love Series by Nikki Ash
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Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 102833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 514(@200wpm)___ 411(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)

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Matteo

Daniella is my best friend’s younger sister—sweet, innocent Little Russo—and the one woman I should stay away from.
But when she unknowingly marries a man who’s out to destroy her family, she lands herself in danger she can’t escape, and I’m the only one who can protect her.
My first mistake? Insisting she move in with me.
Because the more time I spend with Daniella, the more the light threatens to break through my darkness, making me want things I’ve rejected for most of my life.
I should reject her too. Keep her away from me as much as from him.
That’s the problem with our arrangement though …
Her husband is bad.
Me? I’m worse.
I’m rough, ruthless, and nothing close to what she deserves. I can’t give her the white picket fence she desires.
But she doesn’t see the blood on my hands, or that I’m not husband or father material.
All she sees is the man who’ll burn down the world to save her

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

PLAYLIST

We Found Love – Rihanna

Let Me Go – Three Doors Down

All of Me – John Legend

My Tears Ricochet – Taylor Swift

Please Please Please – Sabrina Carpenter

Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift

Fight for You – Jason Derulo

Fearless – Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version)

Listen to the Deadliest Desire playlist

PROLOGUE

Matteo

Fifteen Years Old

“Have you considered having Matteo tested?” Mrs. Klein, my freshman English teacher, smiles warmly at my parents.

She’s only trying to help, but she has no idea what her help is going to cause me.

“Tested for what?” my mom asks, like she hasn’t been told the same shit a million times.

Tested for a learning disability because I can’t read properly.

Tested for ADHD because I can’t focus or sit still.

Tested for anything that will prove why I am the way I am.

“There’s no reason to have him tested,” my dad says before Mrs. Klein can answer. “He’s lazy, and we’ll take care of it at home.”

Mrs. Klein frowns. “I don’t think⁠—”

“We don’t pay you to think.” My dad glares at Mrs. Klein, and since he’s Andrey Antonov, known for being one of the most dangerous men in Harbor Point—hell, in all of South Florida—with a reputation of killing anyone who stands in his way, she flinches and closes her mouth. “We pay you to teach our children. So, how about you do your job, and we’ll do ours?”

“Mr. Antonov,” the guidance counselor starts.

Because I’m struggling across the board, the meeting isn’t just with one teacher. It’s with all of them and the guidance counselor. Normally, my mom would attend, but when Andrey heard about it, he insisted on coming along.

Andrey stands, damn near knocking the chair back. “We’ll handle it,” he repeats. “When my son comes to school tomorrow, he’ll be on his best behavior.”

“It’s not about his behavior,” Mrs. Paulino, my science teacher, adds. “Matteo is such a⁠—”

“No?” Andrey leans over, getting in her face. “You’re telling me he’s failing all his classes besides PE, yet this isn’t about his behavior? Then, what is it about?”

I’m broken.

I can’t read.

I can’t focus.

I get frustrated.

I get angry.

But Andrey won’t accept any of those answers because that would mean one of his sons has a weakness, and the Antonovs are a powerful family with a reputation to uphold, so we couldn’t possibly have a weakness.

“I’ll do better,” I mutter, knowing nothing I say will make a difference but hoping maybe it will stop him from what I know is coming.

“You should’ve already been doing better,” Andrey says, his voice low, but his threat clear. “Let’s go.”

He grabs my arm, and I don’t bother trying to pull away. The last thing I want is to brawl with him in front of everyone. I wouldn’t put it past him to pull out his 9mm and put a bullet into my head, effectively curing my weakness.

With Mom following, Andrey drags me out of the conference room and outside. Since I’m only fifteen, my older brother, Dominick, usually drives me to school, but he left to go do some business for Andrey since I told him I had to stay after.

“When we get home, we’re going to have a conversation about embarrassing this family,” Andrey hisses.

“Andrey,” Mom murmurs, “he’s not bad. He’s just …”

Broken.

Stupid.

“Enough!” he barks, his hand flying up and backhanding my mom hard enough that she stumbles back.

I quickly move to catch her before she falls. Him laying his hand on her is my breaking point. It always is. I try to do as Dominick says and behave so Andrey will leave us alone. But the moment he hits our mom or sister, I lose it.

“Don’t fucking touch her!” I yell, flying forward and shoving him back. “You want to be pissed? Be pissed at me. I’m the fuckup. I’m the idiot. The weakest fucking link! But don’t fucking touch her!”

Mom sniffles from somewhere behind me, and it spurs me on.

“Instead of taking it out on a woman who doesn’t stand a chance against you, hit me, motherfucker!”

I get in his face, and he takes one look at me and swings. His fist connects with my cheek, knocking me back, and my backpack flies off my shoulder and onto the ground.

“Andrey, Matteo, stop!” Mom begs. “People are going to see.”

Before I can get myself together, he lays another hit and then another. My ass hits the ground, and Andrey towers over me.

“You’re a fucking disgrace to this family,” he hisses. “I’m done paying for an education you refuse to take advantage of. Your brother gets straight A’s, and so does your sister. But you … I wouldn’t even be surprised if you weren’t my son.”

He glances at Mom. “Who did you cheat on me with? A dumbass?” He pulls out his gun and points it at my forehead. “Either you get your shit together or I’m putting you on the streets, where you belong.”

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Finding Our Tomorrow (Imperfect Love #5) Read Online Nikki Ash http://www.ilovenovels.com/finding-our-tomorrow-imperfect-love-5-read-online-nikki-ash Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:11:37 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/finding-our-tomorrow-imperfect-love-5-read-online-nikki-ash Genre: Alpha Male, Chick Lit, Sports Authors: Nikki Ash Series: Imperfect Love Series by Nikki Ash
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Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 14597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 73(@200wpm)___ 58(@250wpm)___ 49(@300wpm)

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Jax

I wasn’t looking for love. I was too busy running my tattoo shop, Forbidden Ink. But then one day, I was invited out by Willow—the younger tattoo artist who works for me—and the chemistry between us was undeniable. That night, after we parted ways, I found her sleeping on the streets, so I insisted she come home with me. The more time I spend with her, getting to know her, the more I fall for her The only problem is that Willow has been through hell and back, losing everyone close to her, and the only chance I have at making her mine is to prove that I’m in this forever

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

CHAPTER ONE

JAX

Present Day

“What’s all this for?” I step into the condo I share with my longtime girlfriend, Willow, and find rose petals and candles scattered all over the place. When I glance at our coffee table, two champagne flutes are sitting on top with a bucket of ice and a bottle of champagne next to it. I was only gone for a couple hours, having a beer with my brother, Jase.

Willow steps forward, and her lips curl into a shy smile, a look I rarely see on her face. My girlfriend isn’t shy by any means. With her midnight black hair that has different colors running through it—this month it’s blue, that same blue that matches her eyes—tattoos covering most of her arms, perky tits, and tanned, toned legs for days, she’s sexy as fuck. And with her I don’t give a fuck attitude, she’s sassy as hell. With her heart that beats outside of her chest, she’s giving and loving and selfless. But she isn’t shy. So when she hits me with that rare smile, I know something is up.

“Today is our ten-year anniversary,” she tells me, her shy smile splitting into a wide grin. I give her a shocked look. Not because I don’t know what today is, but because Willow Montgomery doesn’t celebrate anniversaries. So the fact that she’s standing before me, suddenly celebrating our anniversary, definitely has my interest piqued.

“It is,” I agree. “An entire decade of getting to spend every day with you.”

Willow’s eyes fill with tears, and my thoughts jump to a worst-case scenario. “Baby, what’s wrong?” Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it together. My girlfriend may live for today, but she knows I’m always going to be right by her side, living for today with her.

“Nothing is wrong,” she says, taking another step forward. “I’m just…I’m kind of nervous.”

Pulling her into my arms, I plant a kiss on her forehead. She smells like the lotion she puts on every morning after she gets out of the shower. Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana. It’s sweet and feminine and I could recognize the scent anywhere. “You’re going to have to help me out here,” I murmur. “You were just smiling and now you’re in tears.”

Willow pulls back and wipes the tears from her eyes. “Jax, you are everything to me. You aren’t just my boyfriend, you’re my best friend, my other half.”

My heart pounds against my ribcage with every word she speaks. “I feel the same way.”

She pulls something out of the front pocket of her jeans. A ring… No, not a ring. Two rings. “I’m ready, Jax,” she says through her watery smile. “I’m ready to marry you. To spend the rest of my life as your wife. Jaxson Crawford, will you marry me?”

My gaze flits between Willow’s hope-filled eyes and the two rings she’s holding. The one I bought for her ten years ago, and a simple silver band that I’m assuming is meant for me. I want so badly to say yes, but before I do, I need to know one thing. “What’s changed your mind?”

Smiling, Willow places the rings on the coffee table and grabs a small, square black book. “This.”

She hands it to me, and I turn to the first page and then the second and then the third. Each page is filled with pictures of us, of our life, starting with the first night she took pity on me and took me out with her.

CHAPTER TWO

JAX

Ten Years Ago

“I’m out, bro,” Jase, my younger brother, says, popping his head into my workstation. While I’m waiting for my last appointment of the day to arrive, I’m working on a sketch for another client.

“Already?” I glance over at the clock and see it’s only six o’clock.

“Promised Celeste and Sky I would pick up dinner and bring it to them. They’re getting ready for that fashion show coming up. You want to come over for dinner?”

He asks the same question every day, and every day I tell him the same thing. “I’m good, bro. Go be with your family.”

For as far back as I can remember, Jase, our sister Quinn, and I have lived together. Whether it was in North Carolina where we grew up, or here in New York, where we’ve been living for the last several years. We’ve always stuck together. Until recently, when both my siblings moved out and in with their significant others. It’s weird living on my own. I’m almost forty years old and I’ve never had a place to myself. I imagined the townhouse would become a bachelor pad. I would throw parties every night and have women over without having to worry about the innocent ears of my niece hearing anything. But after a couple months, the partying got old, and the mindless sex got even older.

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Sweetest Sin (Tempting Love #1) Read Online Nikki Ash http://www.ilovenovels.com/sweetest-sin-tempting-love-1-read-online-nikki-ash Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:05:02 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/sweetest-sin-tempting-love-1-read-online-nikki-ash Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Dark, Mafia, Suspense Authors: Nikki Ash Series: Tempting Love Series by Nikki Ash
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Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98469 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)

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From USA Today bestselling author Nikki Ash comes a dark, secret baby romance …

Dominick

Flying commercial is the bane of my existence.
Until the fiery redheaded flight attendant with emerald eyes falls into my lap.
The spark between us is instant. And from the moment her body crashes into mine, I know I need more than just a few hours in the sky with her.
The next time our paths cross, she tells me she’s headed out of the country, and I don’t hesitate to make sure I’m on her flight.
Our time together is filled with a passion I didn’t know existed. And for a moment, I allow myself to imagine what it would be like if our temporary arrangement turned into forever.
Until a call in the middle of the night pulls me back to reality, reminding me that with the enemies I have, letting her get too close would make her my greatest weakness—one I can’t afford.
Four years later, fate intervenes. Because she’s back, serving drinks on my private flight, and she’s apparently been keeping secrets.
With one phone call, I learn she’s been raising my son while pretending I don’t exist.
Now, with my enemies closing in and our secret out, they’re both in danger, and I’m done playing this game her way.
She might not trust me, but I’ll stop at nothing to keep them safe—even if I have to drag her kicking and screaming into my world

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

1

Dominick

“What did he do now?” I ask over the speakerphone as I wipe the blood splatter off my hands, checking to make sure I didn’t get any on my suit while I wait for my younger brother to tell me what our father did this time.

There are only two reasons Matteo sends a 911 text when I don’t answer his call—he’s in trouble, or our dad fucked something up. And since Matteo can handle himself better than anyone I know, it’s usually the latter.

“He took a meeting with Rothschild behind our backs.”

That gets my attention. Joseph Rothschild and our father haven’t been anything more than business associates in many years, and everyone knows if it’s business-related, I’m the person they should contact. It’s been that way for the past year, since our father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s—information only our immediate family is aware of—and he had no choice but to go into an early retirement, despite refusing to officially hand the title over to me until I either meet his absurd requirements or he dies. I’m banking on his death.

So, the fact that they’re meeting only means one thing …

The body on the floor groans, reminding me that I’m in the middle of something.

“Hey, Matteo, let me call you right back.”

He hangs up, and I pull my gun out of its holster, aiming it at the man who betrayed me … betrayed my family. His face is mangled, to the point that I can’t tell if he’s looking at me. But it doesn’t matter because, in a moment, he won’t be looking at anyone.

I glance at the gentlemen standing around the room—some with terrified expressions, others neutral.

“Take this as a warning,” I tell them. “When you steal from my family’s casino, you’re stealing from me, and there’s only one way it will end.” The bullet goes straight into the thief’s chest, and I look at the other employees. “Any questions?”

They all shake their heads.

“Good. Now, get back to work.”

They scurry back to wherever they belong, and I glance at Franco, who runs our underground casino. It’s invite-only, and only the most wealthy and influential are considered.

“You did good,” I tell him, reaching out to shake his hand. “Expect a bonus for your loyalty.”

When he contacted me to let me know he believed someone in the accounting department was stealing from the casino, I told him to handle it. It took a couple of weeks, but he figured out who it was and called me with proof.

Unfortunately, shit like this happens all too often.

And then Matteo or I have to step in.

People get greedy and try to get away with skimming off the top. They think because we have our hands in so many pots, we’re not watching. But you don’t get to where we are by being stupid.

“Thank you, sir.” Franco nods and then scurries out while I text my cleanup crew to let them know where they need to pick up the trash.

Once that’s handled, I head back to my office in downtown North Harbor Point, calling my brother back once I’m situated.

“Sorry about that,” I say when he answers. “Issue at the casino, but I handled it. Now, where were we?”

“Andrey meeting with Joseph.”

Ah, yes. I lean back in my seat. Our father took a meeting with Joseph Rothschild behind our backs.

“Let me guess. Joseph was asking when our sister would be ready for marriage.”

“Worse,” Matteo says, his tone laced with venom. “Anthony doesn’t want to wait. He wants to marry her now.”

“How do you know that?”

“I ran into him at Pasquale’s,” Matteo growls through the phone. “He was bragging about how it won’t be long until we’re family. That Dad agreed Brielle would marry him this spring. Not fucking summer, Dominick. Spring! I think they know Dad’s health is declining, and they want it to happen before he dies.”

I clench my fist around my phone, trying to tamp down my anger. “I’ll talk to Joseph when I get back. He agreed to wait. I don’t give a shit what deal our father made with his friends thirty-five fucking years ago. It’s not supposed to happen until after she has graduated, and she still has five months to go.”

Hopefully, by then, Dad will be dead, and I can renegotiate so our little sister isn’t forced to marry that dumbass Anthony. He wouldn’t know the first thing about keeping my sister safe, and the last thing I want is our family name tied to him.

“All right,” Matteo concedes. “But don’t prolong it. That asshole sounded like it was a sure thing.”

Of course Anthony did. Because he’s been counting down the days until he can claim our sister as his own. The Rothschilds are practically champing at the bit to secure ties to the Antonov name. He would’ve tried to make it happen sooner, but with the twelve-year age difference between them, Dad told him he had to wait until Brielle turned eighteen.

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Exposed Ink Read Online Nikki Ash http://www.ilovenovels.com/exposed-ink-read-online-nikki-ash Thu, 01 May 2025 18:18:38 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/exposed-ink-read-online-nikki-ash Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary Authors: Nikki Ash Advertisement

Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)

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From USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Ash comes Exposed Ink: a new standalone, small town romance between a firefighter-medic single dad and a tattoo artist. .

Kinsley
Exposed Ink is my sanctuary, where I can hide behind the needles and ink, shielding my shattered heart from further pain and loss.
Until Shane, a firefighter and single dad, threatens to unravel the carefully constructed walls I’ve built to survive.
First, he saves my life—literally—and then he turns it upside down by making me long for things I can’t have.
He says he wants to get some ink done, but I know he wants something more … something I can’t give him—me.

Shane
As a firefighter medic, I’m used to fixing physical wounds, but Kinsley’s scars run deeper.
To some, her brokenness might be perceived as a weakness, but I can see the strength buried deep.
With each passing day—and mark to my skin—I find myself falling harder for the striking beauty with the sad eyes.
She’s quickly tattooed herself on my heart, and I’m determined to be the one who shows her that love can heal even the deepest wounds

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

Little by little, we let go of loss, but never of love.

—Unknown

EXPOSED INK PLAYLIST

24/7, 365 – elijah woods

Tie Me Down – Gryffin & Elley Duhé

Cold Water (feat. Justin Bieber & MØ) – Major Lazer

10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber

Anyone – Justin Bieber

Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift

H.O.L.Y. – Florida Georgia Line

Speechless – Dan + Shay

Stay With Me – Sam Smith

What Ifs (feat. Lauren Alaina) – Kane Brown

To a T – Ryan Hurd

Take Your Time – Sam Hunt

Something Just Like This – The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift

Check out all Nikki’s playlists

ONE

Kinsley

The Present

“Girl, this looks amazing,” my cousin Natalia says as she stands in front of the floor-length mirror, admiring her new tattoo.

She’s twenty-eight, the same age as me, but unlike me, it’s her first time getting inked. She’s tried over the years to get me to ink her, but I have a rule—the tattoo must be meaningful. If it’s not, I’m not permanently putting it on your body.

I don’t give a shit if that means I lose business. If you want me to do the work, you’d better be prepared to explain why you want the design you’re getting, or you won’t be getting it from me.

Because Natalia’s a fashion designer, following in her mom’s and older sister’s footsteps, I designed a custom piece for her—a hanger that loops into a needle and thread and then morphs into a tape measure that connects to a pair of scissors. It’s chaotic and beautiful, just like my best friend, and it’s on her hip, where no one can see it unless she wants them to.

“Seriously, Kins, I love it.”

She turns around, her shiny black hair whooshing around her heart-shaped face, and cuts across the room with her mile-long legs that many are envious of.

“Thank you!” She dramatically throws her arms around my neck while I stand in my spot, not wanting to touch anything with my gloves since I still need to do her aftercare.

When she hugs me tighter, I can’t help but stiffen under her touch. It’s not often I allow people to get this close to me, so when they do, it hits me hard. Years of avoiding affection will do that to a person.

“You’re welcome,” I choke out, stepping out of her embrace. “Make sure you take care of it, so it stays looking good.”

She gives me a duh look while she quickly snaps a picture, no doubt to post on her social media, which is fine with me since she has, like, a gazillion followers, and she’ll tag me, which will ultimately lead to new business—something every business can use.

I grab the ointment, apply a thin layer over the tattoo, then cover it with a bandage.

“Here are your aftercare instructions,” I say, handing her the printout we provide at Exposed Ink, not needing to go into detail since her dad—my uncle Jase—is a retired tattoo artist, who co-owns Forbidden Ink, one of the biggest tattoo shops in New York City.

“How’d it go?” Scott, the front-end manager, asks when we walk up to the desk.

When he’s not answering the phones or handling the schedule, he’s apprenticing with my dad, who works here part-time.

My dad retired from tattooing several years ago when our family moved to Brookside, a small town just outside of New York City. But a couple of years ago, when I was struggling, he decided to open a new tattoo shop in town, insisting that we do it together.

“So good.” Natalia thrusts her phone into his face. “Kinsley is the best.”

“Damn right she is,” Dad says, walking to the front. “She learned from her old man.”

While my dad has red hair and green eyes, looking every bit like the Irish heritage he comes from—the same hair and eye color my younger sister and brother inherited—I have brown hair and blue eyes. We look nothing alike, which makes sense since Lachlan Bryson isn’t my biological dad, but he’s the only man I’d ever consider calling Dad, genetics be damned.

“Looks great,” Dad says when he leans over Scott and looks at the picture Natalia is holding up.

“Thanks.” She grins, putting her phone away and taking her card out to pay.

“You’re not paying me,” I scoff.

“Of course I am,” she insists, handing the card to Scott. “If you keep doing everyone’s ink for free, you’ll never make a profit.”

My dad nods in agreement even though he knows damn well that we don’t need the money. Exposed Ink brings in plenty of revenue, and on top of that, I own it free and clear, thanks to my dad, who covered all the expenses to get it up and running and refused to let me pay him back. He claims we’re partners, yet he never takes a dime the shop brings in.

“So, what are you girls up to tonight?” Dad asks, snapping me from my thoughts.

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Waiting on You (Love & Whiskey #3) Read Online Nikki Ash http://www.ilovenovels.com/waiting-on-you-love-whiskey-3-read-online-nikki-ash Sun, 02 Feb 2025 19:14:41 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/waiting-on-you-love-whiskey-3-read-online-nikki-ash Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Insta-Love Authors: Nikki Ash Series: Love & Whiskey Series by Nikki Ash
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Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >91

From USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Ash comes a secret pregnancy, office romance ...

Nate
One minute, I’m minding my own business, and the next, I’m rescuing a beautiful woman in front of my family’s hotel.
I’m not prepared for the instant attraction I feel for her, but the chemistry is undeniable.
Paige warns me all she can give me is London, and I agree, but when our time is up, I’m desperate for more.
I slip my card into her purse, hoping she will call, but after two months of silence, it’s clear she’s not going to.
So, I do what any man in my position would do …
I go after her.

Paige
What started as a grand gesture for the man I thought was the one ends with me fleeing after catching him with my best friend.
With tears in my eyes and my heart in my hand, I stumble on the cobblestone. One second, I’m closing my eyes and praying I don’t die, and the next, I’m being swept off my feet by a handsome stranger—literally.
Nate shows me passion like I’ve never known, and it only takes five unforgettable days to fall head over heels for him.
Faced with the harsh reality of long-distance love, I make a heart-wrenching decision to throw away his number—a choice I believe will spare us both from inevitable heartbreak.
But after returning home, I realize what a colossal mistake I made. Because what had happened in London didn’t stay in London …

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

prologue

PAIGE

Fourteen Years Old

“You can’t give up,” Dad yells on the other side of their bedroom door.

It’s closed, so they don’t know I’m here. I wasn’t supposed to be home for another two hours, but Mrs. Simmons got food poisoning and had to cancel math club.

“What the hell am I supposed to do without you?” he asks.

“I’ve tried,” my mom cries, her voice raspy and weak. “But I can’t do it anymore. I need you to not fight me on this. My time is limited, and I want to spend it with you and Paige.”

“You’re asking me to sit back and just let you die!” Dad argues. “You can’t ask me to do that! That’s not fair.”

Ever since Mom found out that she has cancer, Dad has been extra nice to her. He’s even stopped moving us all over, choosing to stay in London because Mom said this city makes her happy.

She’s been fighting the cancer for a long time now, but from what they’re saying, it sounds like it isn’t getting any better and Mom is going to stop her treatments. I don’t know a lot about cancer, but I know that the treatments make her sick and miserable, but without them, she’ll die, which is apparently what she wants to do.

“No,” Mom says. “I’m asking you to understand that I’m choosing to enjoy the time I have left with the people I love.”

“Paige is going to be devastated,” Dad says, his tone filled with emotion. “She needs you.”

He’s not lying. My mom is my best friend, and I can’t imagine my life without her. She gets along with my friends and boyfriend, and everyone loves her. She’s the person I go to when I’m having a bad day. She listens and never goes all mom on me the way a lot of my friends’ moms do.

Every weekend, holiday break, and even many afternoons after school, we explore together. I hate moving, but she’s always made it a fun adventure, and because of her, I have already experienced so much that the world has to offer. She can take the simplest of things and turn it into something magical.

“She’ll be okay,” Mom chokes out. “She has you. And when I’m gone, you will have each other.”

No, I won’t be okay, I think, but don’t voice out loud. I need you to fight. I need you to want to live for me. Don’t you want to keep making new memories with me? Our latest scrapbook isn’t finished yet. There are so many pages that need to be filled. I need you, Mom!

“Damn it, Finley!” Dad barks, making me jump. I’ve never heard him raise his voice to my mom, let alone yell at her like that. “This isn’t what I wanted! What the hell am I supposed to do with a teenage girl? You need to fight!” he says, as if plucking the words straight from my head. “She needs you!”

“She will have you!” Mom sobs.

“I didn’t ask for this,” Dad hisses, and even though I should be focused on my mom choosing to die, his confession has me taking in his words.

“You wanted this,” he continues. “The family, the baby. I told you that I was scared that I wasn’t cut out for that type of life, but you told me you would be by my side. That we would do this together. You wanted her. And now, you’re going to abandon her instead of fighting for your life…for her. You’re going to leave me, and I’ll have to raise her on my own. That’s not what was supposed to happen!”

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Hooked on You (Love & Whiskey #2) Read Online Nikki Ash http://www.ilovenovels.com/hooked-on-you-love-whiskey-2-read-online-nikki-ash Sat, 05 Oct 2024 02:32:29 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/hooked-on-you-love-whiskey-2-read-online-nikki-ash Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary, Insta-Love, Suspense Authors: Nikki Ash Series: Love & Whiskey Series by Nikki Ash
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Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >93

Kira
Raising my daughter as a single mom wasn’t the life I dreamed of, and neither was being homeless. But thanks to my abusive ex and a broken system, that’s our reality.
Until Ryder Du Ponte finds us sleeping in our SUV in the company parking garage and brings us home with him.
The handsome single dad convinces me to work for him as a live-in nanny. And against my better judgment, I accept.
With each passing day, Ryder becomes more than my boss. My heart is invested, but falling for him means risking everything.
The problem is, I can’t ignore how safe I feel in his arms, and that’s what scares me the most.

Ryder
Money can buy a lot of things, but it can’t buy love. A valuable lesson I learned the hard way—first with my parents and then when my ex chose to take a payoff and walk away.
One day, I’m a single dad, doing my thing, and the next, I have a beautiful nanny and her adorable daughter living under my roof.
Kira Adams is everything I never thought I’d find. She’s not only sweet and selfless, but she’s also a damn good mom to her daughter … and mine.
The longer she’s in our lives, the harder it’ll be to let her go. What started out as friendship has grown into something neither of us expected.
I know I should cut her loose before this thing goes any further, but I can’t. I’m already hooked on her.

*Hooked on You is book two in the Love & Whiskey series but can be read as a standalone*

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

hooked on you playlist

Treat You Better – Shaw Mendes

What Ifs – Kane Brown

Little Do You Know – Alex & Sierra

Fight Song – Rachel Platten

Roar – Katy Perry

I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston

The Comeback – Danny Gokey

Rain On Me – Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande

Stand By You – Rachel Platten

She’s So High – Tal Bachman

This Love (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift

prologue

RYDER

“Ryder, your wife is on line one. She said it’s an emergency.”

“Thank you, Julie,” I say to my assistant.

I quickly press the line and bring the phone to my ear. “Nora, is everything okay?”

“No,” my wife shouts through the phone over the sound of a screaming baby. “Everything is not okay. I need you to come home now.”

I’m already standing, worst-case scenarios flitting through my head. Did our daughter fall and hit her head? Did she choke on something? Was there some kind of accident? Addie is only four months old, but anything is possible.

“Let me call you on my cell.”

I hang up and grab my phone, seeing a dozen missed calls and texts from Nora. Shit. I had it on silent because I was in a meeting earlier and forgot to turn the ringer back on.

“Hello,” she breathes, the screaming in the background still going strong.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, snagging my keys and running out the door.

“I don’t know! The nanny isn’t here, thanks to you giving her the time off, and I have no idea what the hell is wrong with her.”

I step into the elevator and press the button for the parking garage.

“Did something happen?” I ask in confusion.

“How the hell am I supposed to know? I tried to feed her, but she threw up all over me. I was supposed to be meeting my mother for brunch, but I can’t go now because I’m going to have to shower, and the formula stained my dress, and I have no one to watch Adeline.”

“Forget your fucking brunch for a second,” I bark. “Why is our daughter screaming like she’s in pain?”

“Because the nanny and you have turned her into a spoiled brat, and neither of you are here, so I’m left to deal with it.”

“She’s four months old,” I remind her as I get into my car. “She has needs, and the only reason she’d be crying, unless there was something wrong with her, is if they weren’t being met.”

“Well, I don’t know how to meet her needs. Maybe we need to hire another nanny. She literally gave us zero notice.”

“Her mother passed away,” I say dryly, wondering how this has become my life. “You can’t exactly give notice when you don’t know your mother is going to have a heart attack and die.”

She called Friday night and told me her mom was in the hospital and she wasn’t sure what was going to happen. Nora was on a girls’ trip with her mother and friends, so I spent the weekend with Addie.

Last night, the nanny called and said her mom didn’t make it, and of course, I told her to take off as much time as she needed. Because I had to go to work today, Nora was left to take care of Addie. It’s only been about two hours since I left.

“Can you please just get home?” Nora huffs over the line. “I don’t know how to fix this.”

“I’ll be there soon.”

I click End, and the car immediately goes silent, giving me a few minutes to calm myself so I don’t lose it on my wife. For a woman who wanted a baby as badly as she did, it’s insane, the way she wants nothing to do with caring for our daughter.

The nanny mentioned that Nora has gotten worse, relying on her to do everything, but I didn’t fully grasp the severity of the situation until now, as I walk inside and hear my daughter screaming at the top of her lungs.

“Jesus fucking Christ! What do you want from me?” Nora yells, sending chills up my spine.

It brings me back to when I was little and my parents would fight. And then my dad would leave, and my mom would take it out on me. Nothing I did was right. I was too messy, too noisy, too much work. I tried to be cleaner, to keep my mouth shut, to make it to where she wouldn’t be upset. All I wanted was for her to love me … and instead, she left.

I follow the cries, and they lead me to the nursery, where I find Nora standing over our daughter in her crib. Addie’s face is bright red and blotchy from crying, and when her hazel eyes—identical to my own—meet mine, my heart shatters into a million pieces.

I shouldn’t have left Nora with Addie. This morning, when I told her the nanny wouldn’t be coming in, she threw a fit over having to care for our daughter herself. I called her a selfish bitch and told her she could handle one damn day of taking care of Addie. But I should’ve listened because based on Addie’s face, she’s been crying for a while.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >93

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Drunk on You (Love & Whiskey #1) Read Online Nikki Ash http://www.ilovenovels.com/drunk-on-you-love-whiskey-1-read-online-nikki-ash Mon, 27 May 2024 20:58:16 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/drunk-on-you-love-whiskey-1-read-online-nikki-ash Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Erotic, Insta-Love Authors: Nikki Ash Series: Love & Whiskey Series by Nikki Ash
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Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >83

Anastasia

If I want to prove to my dad that I can take his place as CEO of our family’s liquor company, I need to show him I won’t let work consume my life the way it did his.

He wants me to be a family woman? I can fake it till I make it.

A fake fiancé is the perfect solution, and the man I’ve found is the ideal candidate.

He’s smart and successful, and he’ll look great on paper as well as on my arm …

Until I realize he’s also my stiff competition.

Julian

She’s supposed to be a trophy wife. The missing ingredient I needed to toast my success.

I was hoping the ten million reasons I offered in exchange would be enough to get her to agree. But it turns out, she’s got her own reasons for using me.

From the boardroom to the bedroom, this woman has turned my world upside down.

She might be good at faking it, but her beauty and brains have me falling for real.

I’m just getting started, and I’m already drunk on her.

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

chapter one

ANASTASIA

“Thank you, Annabella. That will be all,” Victoria says, closing the file folder we were just going over and sitting back in her seat.

With her half-black, half-silver hair, she reminds me of Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians, and I briefly wonder if she has a stash of puppies she’s holding hostage somewhere.

“It’s Anastasia,” I correct, not for the first time, as I pick up the reports off the table. “If there’s anything else you⁠—”

“Nope. I think we have everything we need.” She plasters on a fake smile, silently indicating I’ve been dismissed.

I stuff the files into my Bottega Veneta briefcase that my father sent me for my birthday last year and then stand, feeling completely rejected. I spent hours upon hours working on those reports and projections, only for Cruella to barely give them a glance. When I’d brought up the idea at a meeting last month and she said I was welcome to pitch it, I should’ve known she was full of shit.

When I get back to my office, Paige—my best friend and colleague—is waiting for me. Between her slim figure, stunning looks, and the fact that, with heels on, she towers over most men, she looks more like a runway model than a marketing executive for Benson Liquor. The second she sees my facial expression, her pouty lips turn down.

“Such a damn waste,” I hiss once my door is closed.

I fish the files out of my bag and toss them into the garbage can, annoyed that I wasted so much of my time working on them when I knew Victoria didn’t care about anyone’s opinions or ideas but her own. I round my desk and slump back into my seat while Paige takes a seat in the visitor chair across from me.

“It’s not you,” she says, blowing wisps of her blonde hair out of her eyes. “Victoria is a controlling know-it-all, and if she keeps it up, she’s going to run this company straight into the ground.”

She’s not lying. The numbers are down thirty percent for the quarter—an all-time low for the company. Victoria is blaming it on the economy, but when you compare our numbers to our competitors’, theirs have gone up. The economy might be on shaky ground right now, but that isn’t stopping people from drinking.

“And the last thing I want is to be here when it happens.” I clasp my hands over my stomach and cross my legs. “I’ll never understand why her father thought it was a good idea to let his socialite daughter, who knows nothing about the liquor industry, take over the company when he retired.”

“Because she’s a daddy’s girl,” Paige mocks and then gags, making me choke out a laugh despite not being in a laughing mood.

“Must be nice,” I mutter just as my phone rings with Dad on my screen. “And speak of the devil …”

I turn my phone so Paige can see, and she flinches.

“You sure you want to answer that? You’ve already had a bad enough morning.”

“Better to get the conversation over with.”

She nods in understanding and stands. “Lunch?”

“You’re not meeting John?” Since Paige and her boyfriend work near each other, they usually meet for lunch.

“Nope, he has a lunch meeting.”

“Okay, then let’s do lunch.”

“Sounds good.”

Since I missed my dad’s call, I call him back once Paige has closed the door behind her.

“Anastasia, have I caught you at a bad time?” he asks when he answers.

“I’m at work, but I have a few minutes.”

Dad sighs at my curtness, and I close my eyes, hating what’s become of us.

I would give anything to have a relationship with the only parent I have left, but it’s hard to do when that parent is partially responsible for the death of my other parent.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >83

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A Risk Worth Taking (Falling in Love #2) Read Online Nikki Ash http://www.ilovenovels.com/a-risk-worth-taking-falling-in-love-2-read-online-nikki-ash Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:24:26 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/a-risk-worth-taking-falling-in-love-2-read-online-nikki-ash Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary, Forbidden, Mafia Authors: Nikki Ash Series: Falling in Love Series by Nikki Ash
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Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 85274 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >90

Ellie

Lincoln Alexander might think he’s too old for me, but he’s wrong. A fourteen-year age gap is nothing when you’re desperate to feel alive again.

The wealthy business owner has only ever seen me as off limits, but he has the power to put me back together—to chase away my demons with just his touch.

So, for one intense night, without him knowing who I am, I put my trust and pleasure in his hands.

My plan is to walk away, ready to move forward with my life, but when the doctor tells me that I’m pregnant, I find myself taking two steps back.

Lincoln

One night isn’t enough with the masked, green-eyed woman who walked into my club and turned my world upside down.

After I gave her what she wanted, again and again, she walked away without a trace.

When I finally discover the identity of the mysterious beauty who stole my heart on Valentine’s Day—and the secret she’s been keeping—my heart stops.

Ellie Bardot is all grown up, but I remember the innocent girl she was, even if she doesn’t. I hate that she lied to me, almost as much as I hate that I still want her.

Now I’m torn between being the man she needs me to be and doing the right thing.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: this story contains subjects that may be sensitive for some readers. Content warnings (which contain major spoilers) can be found on Nikki’s website.

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

A RISK WORTH TAKING PLAYLIST

2Step – Ed Sheeran

Numb – Marshmello & Khalid

Crush – David Archuleta

The Heart Wants What It Wants – Selena Gomez

Over My Head – The Fray

Numb Little Bug – Em Beihold

There’s No Way – Lauv

When You’re Gone – Shawn Mendez

Beautiful Mistakes – Maroon 5 & Megan Thee Stallion

Thank God – Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown

Listen to all my playlists here: Nikki Ash’s Playlists

I don’t think anyone is ever ready, but when someone makes you feel alive again, it’s kind of worth the risk.

– Nikki Rowe

CHAPTER ONE

ELLIE

The Present

“Stop! Please...Please don’t do this...” I kick my feet out, aiming for his dick, but as I’m about to connect, I’m flipped onto my stomach like a rag doll, my elbows barely catching me before my chin hits the concrete.

He shoves my shorts down my legs, my underwear next.

I squirm, trying to get away, but a pair of hands hold me down while another pushes my thighs apart.

“Please,” I beg, refusing to lie here and take it. “Please don’t⁠—”

“Ellie, what the fuck? Ellie!”

The sound of my name, combined with the shaking of my shoulders, has my eyes snapping open and scanning the room as I gasp for air.

“You okay?” Tim asks.

I glance around and remember where I am: in my condo, on my bed, half naked with my boyfriend of two months. We were working our way toward having sex, until...

“Ellie,” Tim says again. “Are you⁠—?”

“No,” I choke out, shoving him off me. He momentarily loses his balance but quickly catches himself before he falls backward onto the floor.

While tucking my breasts back into my bra, I scramble off the bed and snag my shirt off the ground, throwing it over my head, all while feeling Tim’s eyes on me. Following me. Trying to figure me out.

He won’t, though. None of them ever do. Because I never let them get close enough.

“El,” he finally says, the pity in his tone making me flinch. He hasn’t the first clue what I’ve been through, but it doesn’t take a genius to realize I’m a broken mess that no one can piece back together.

“Please leave,” I tell him, my tone flat even to my own ears.

“What?” he asks, confused as to where this is going—or not going.

“I want you to leave. We’re done,” I say, having yet to meet his gaze. It’s easier this way. I don’t have to see the hurt or confusion in his eyes.

When the heat of his body wraps around mine from behind, his hands seeking to comfort me, I recoil, not wanting any part of him touching me.

It’s clear he’s not going to leave without putting up a fight. Most women probably love a man who will fight for their relationship. I probably would too if I wanted him to fight for us...But I don’t.

“I said we’re done. Please leave.” I turn to face him, my gaze meeting his, so he understands I’m serious.

He stares at me for a long moment and then shakes his head. “I should’ve known better. Mark said you were a coldhearted bitch, but I didn’t listen.” I cringe slightly at his harsh words but don’t argue, because while calling me a bitch is rude, he isn’t wrong, and I did waste two months of his life.

With a huff, he swipes his shirt off the floor, yanks it on, and walks out the door.

I wait until the front door slams before I slide to the floor. My tears are barely halfway down my face when my best friend is barging through my door and on the floor next to me, holding me tightly in her arms.

“Another flashback,” she says with a sigh—not asking, because she already knows the answer. We’ve been roommates for the past three and a half years, and she knows more about me than anyone.

“I tried,” I rasp, knowing that’s not exactly true and hoping she won’t call me out on my white lie.

Of course, Raelyn isn’t having it. “No, you didn’t. You had a flashback and kicked him out.”

“I’m not ready,” I repeat the same three words I say every time I’m looking to end things with a guy right before we have sex.

“You’re never going to be ready if you don’t stay with anyone long enough to let them in. Trust takes time, El.”

“I gave him two months,” I remind her. “There’s no sense in wasting any more of his time if I know I’ll never be able to trust him.” This isn’t the first instance where Tim tried to round second base and I pushed him away. However, today, when the flashback hit hard, I knew it was a lost cause. And since Tim is a twenty-one-year-old red-blooded college student who thinks with his dick, I didn’t see any reason to delay the inevitable. By this weekend he’ll be balls deep in another woman, and next weekend he won’t even remember my name.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >90

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Wrapped Up in You Read Online Nikki Ash http://www.ilovenovels.com/wrapped-up-in-you-read-online-nikki-ash Sat, 25 Nov 2023 22:13:04 +0000 https://www.booksnovels.com/wrapped-up-in-you-read-online-nikki-ash Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Insta-Love Authors: Nikki Ash Advertisement

Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >80

A standalone holiday romance about a single mom starting over in a new town and finding love when she isn't looking for it ...

Kelsie

Handsome firefighter swoops in and saves the day for a struggling single mom…
It sounds like something straight out of a romance novel, but that’s exactly what happens the first time I meet Pierce in our small-town grocery store.
His kind gesture helps thaw my icy exterior, but I can’t afford to get involved with someone who risks his life on a daily basis.
After a tragic fire left me to raise my daughter alone, my heart is frozen solid and closed for business.
It may be too late, though, because despite my better judgment, I’m already wrapped up in him.
This man has ignited a flame that seems resistant to logic. And his love is a gift I never expected to receive.

Pierce
Rescuing people is what I do.
And the moment I see the sexy single mom standing flustered in the checkout lane, I can’t stop myself from stepping in to help.
Sparks fly when she pops into the fire station to say thank you.
Even though she tries to deny it, I know I’m not the only one who feels the chemistry between us.
For the first time, there’s a fire I don’t want to extinguish.
Not when I know I can stoke the flames and burn down those walls around her heart.

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

PROLOGUE

KELSIE

“Mommy, owie.”

My precious baby girl stares up at me, tears in her eyes, because her ear infection is causing her pain. She’s on antibiotics and has already taken a pain reliever, though it takes time to work.

“I know, Ladybug.”

I hold her close and run my fingers through her soft, red curls that are identical to mine. She’s sweating a bit from crying, and I kiss her damp forehead, wishing I could make the pain go away.

Nobody warns you when you become a parent about how helpless you’ll feel most of the time. I’m her mom. I should be able to fix what’s wrong, yet there’s nothing I can do to make her feel better. Aside from comforting her the best I can and giving her the medication the doctor prescribed, my hands are tied.

“Daddy,” Jordan whines, wanting her dad.

Normally, I’d bring her to our room, since our bed is bigger and more comfortable, but he has exams coming up. He has been studying like crazy the last few weeks. If we’re in bed with him, he’ll feel obligated to be awake, and he needs his rest. Trent’s in his senior year of college, majoring in architecture, and it’s by far his hardest semester. Since I stay home with Jordan, I’ll nap tomorrow when she does, but Trent doesn’t have that same luxury.

I continue to stroke Jordan’s hair and run my fingers gently along her soft cheek, until her green eyes—which are identical to my own—flutter closed, and she falls into a fitted sleep. I consider laying her in her crib and going back downstairs to bed, but I’m too tired. I know she’ll be awake again soon, needing more pain relievers. So, instead, with my two-year-old snuggled into my chest, I fall asleep on the futon in her room.

It’s hard to breathe.

I try to suck in a sharp breath, but my lungs burn, causing my eyes to water.

It’s stiflingly hot.

Did Trent turn the heat on too high?

Jordan is crying.

She must’ve woken up in pain.

What’s that smell? Why does it smell like…?

I blink several times before taking in the foggy room. It only takes a few seconds for my sleepy brain to stumble awake. The house is on fire. And the alarm never went off. I glance up and remember a few weeks ago when the smoke detector was beeping, indicating the battery was dying. Trent took it out to stop the incessant beeping, but he must not have replaced it.

“Mommy!” Jordan cries through her coughing fit as I bundle her up in the blankets so I can get us out of here. I have no idea how bad the fire is, or where it started—where Trent is—but thanks to being on the second floor, I have no choice but to get us down the stairs in order to get us outside to safety.

When I open the door, the first thing I hear is an alarm going off. Hopefully this means Trent has called the fire department. Unless he went out… Sometimes when he’s stressed, he’ll go for walks or head to the local bar to have a drink and unwind.

When I step into the smoke-filled hall, I look over the railing and see a glow from downstairs that must be the fire. I release a choked sob, unsure how I’m going to get us out. The house is made of wood. Are the steps safe? Will we fall through? The last thing I want to do is try to run through the flames and risk Jordan getting burned.

I race back into the bedroom and close the door behind us. I’m prepared to jump out the second story window if it means we’ll get out, but when I lift the curtains, my heart sinks.

Bars are on the windows. This home is old, one of the reasons we were able to rent it for cheap in Boston. I remember thinking how the bars gave the home a charming feel, and Trent mentioned it made it safer. He worried about Jordan and me being home alone for hours every day. At the time, I thought it was sweet of him. But now, as Jordan’s screams increase and I stand stuck in place with no way to get us out, I wish we had the foresight to have the bars removed. But nobody thinks about their home catching fire…until it does.

“It’s okay, Ladybug,” I coo, trying to keep my voice calm for my daughter. The truth is, I’m freaking the hell out. The smoke is starting to cloud the room to the point where it’s hard to see, and I’m having trouble breathing. Jordan is choking on her cough, and I don’t know what to do to save us.

Please, God, let the fire department be on their way.

I open the window, needing the fresh air so I can think. My cell phone is downstairs. I have no idea where Trent is.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >80

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The Risk of Falling (Falling in Love #1) Read Online Nikki Ash http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-risk-of-falling-falling-in-love-1-read-online-nikki-ash Sat, 23 Sep 2023 20:10:31 +0000 https://www.booksnovels.com/the-risk-of-falling-falling-in-love-1-read-online-nikki-ash Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Dark, Erotic, Suspense Authors: Nikki Ash Series: Falling in Love Series by Nikki Ash
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Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >89

Micah

From the first time I saw Sienna Bardot dancing on my stage, I was mesmerized. But after booking a private room and buying her time, I want more than just one night.

She thinks by telling me that she’s waiting for love and marriage it’ll scare me away, but what she doesn’t understand is that I plan to make her mine in every way.

When her life is threatened, I would do anything to keep her safe—even if that means forcing her to take my last name.

Sienna

Micah Alexander is a man used to getting what he wants, and I’m a woman used to having my choices taken away.

The sexy club owner thinks he can charm me, but it’s never going to happen. I’m dancing my way to a better life—one that doesn’t include making the same mistakes my mom did.

But when her sins come back to haunt me yet again, I have no choice but to turn to the only man who can save me—and hope letting him in doesn’t put my heart in further danger.

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

Don’t let the risk of falling keep you from flying.

-Unknown

CHAPTER ONE

SIENNA

“Eliza Bardot, we need to go now!” I yell from the doorway, checking my phone, again. When I don’t hear anything back, I shout in annoyance, “I’m going to be late for my shift. We need—”

“I’m right here.” My sister huffs. “No need to use my government name. I was trying to find something to eat. I’m starved and today was pizza day at school.” She mock gags. “There’s nothing in the fridge,” she whines, her sad eyes meeting mine. Guilt wraps around my heart and chokes it because she’s right—the fridge is empty. It’s been rough the past couple of months, ever since I lost my job. The place I was working at shut down, but thankfully, I’ve found another one that pays much better. I just need to get caught up and then we’ll be okay again.

“I know,” I tell her, softening my voice, since none of this is her fault. “But if we’re late, I’m going to get fired, and then we won’t have any money to eat. I’ll get Ricco to make you something in the kitchen once we get to the club.”

She grabs her backpack so she can do her homework while I perform, and we take off in my old beater of a car. It’s not worth the insurance I’m required to pay on it, but it’s a necessity since we live on the west side of Tesoro, in Booker Park, and I work on the east side, where the buses don’t run.

“You’re late!” Lincoln—my boss and the owner of Wanderlust—yells as I fly down the hallway past his office.

“I’m sorry,” I shout back, not bothering to say it won’t happen again. In the world I live in, it’s better not to make promises I can’t keep.

When I open the door to the dressing room, I’m hit with various smells, from flowery perfume to hair spray, to the burning of hair, as more than two dozen scantily clad women bustle around half-naked, getting ready for tonight.

“Sienna, you’re on in five,” Marina says, handing me my outfit for my performance.

“Can you do me a huge favor and order Ellie something to eat from the kitchen?” I pull out a twenty and try to hand it to her, but she waves me off.

“Go change. I’ll get her fed.”

“Thank you.” I kiss her wrinkled cheek, grateful to have people in our life who care. Marina has been working in the entertainment industry since before I was even born. It’s been years since she’s been on stage, but she loves her job as house mom, and during the day, she teaches pole dance classes. She never had any children of her own, but she treats all of us like we’re hers, including my little sister.

After changing into my outfit, I double check my makeup, and then go in search of Ellie.

She’s where she always is—on the couch with her books spread out across the table in front of her.

“I gotta get on stage. Behave,” I tell her, leaning down and giving her a kiss on the top of her head.

I pull back in time to see her dramatically roll her eyes. “I always behave, Mom.” She glances up at me, her innocent green eyes meeting my blue, and my heart surges with love and protectiveness for my fourteen-year-old sister, wishing she were born into a different world, to a different mom, one who was capable of loving her. Then she wouldn’t have to hang out at a gentleman’s club all night while her older sister strips and gives strange men private shows and dances.

“I know you do,” I tell her, trying not to choke up at the fact that my sister deserves better than this life, better than the hand she’s been dealt. Despite the odds against her—geography and circumstance—my sister is well behaved. She gets straight A’s, spends her free time at the dance studio, and never gets into any trouble. Most would use their crappy upbringing as an excuse to lash out and seek attention, but instead, it only makes Ellie that much more determined to succeed.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails starts, and I saunter onto the stage, mentally preparing for what I have to do. The second my hands land on the pole, I’m transported out of the club and into Lola’s Dance Studio, where Ellie and I have studied dance our entire lives.

Instead of being dressed in black leather and lace with fuck me stilettos, I imagine I’m wearing a pretty pink leotard with a fluffy tutu and pointe shoes, my hair up in a tight bun.

Instead of dancing for men who are imagining all the ways they would fuck me if I let them, I pretend I’m at a dance recital or auditioning for a spot in a ballet company, performing for an audience who values my moves and grace.

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