"He stabbed me with a box cutter... almost."

- - -
Y/N is not scared of Suga, at least that's what she shows. Basically lying down at her death bed or should we say death dental chair in a middle of an unfamiliar dark room with the spotlight directly above her body.

But she shows no fear at the intimidating 'Doctor' Suga. That interests him and she jumps on him in hopes of freedom, instead he didn't want to let her go.

He's in love or is he? 
He's Suga, a psychopath (and he loves me).

"our love is that of toxicity and death"

suga x reader

gee_mean, 2018

In this elite school… locked high away in the Colorado mountains … it’s boys only. He’s a loner. Sebastian “Bash” Lowell is used to not fitting in or going with the flow. They call him a punk in the press, so he does his best to live up to the title. All Bash wants is to graduate and get on with his life outside the limelight. No attachments, school only, so he can focus on getting into his dream college.
Nothing prepared him for Rutledge Darby. He’s a legacy. Rutledge “Edge” Alexander Darby IV has had everything in his life handed to him on a silver platter. They call him the preppy-billionaire-heir in the press, although he resists his title at every possible opportunity. Castle Pines is all he’s ever known—a kingdom he’s ruled since birth.
Edge longs for something to surprise him. He's desperate for the unexpected. He’s ready for something real. Nothing prepared him for Bash Lowell.
The Prep and The Punk is created by Imogene Kash, an eGlobal Creative Publishing Signed Author

He lives without a name, a home or anything else.

The first time he killed, he killed the girl he loved. He killed again like a cigarette addict. Again. Again. He forgot who he was and abandoned himself. His face, his dental records, his fingerprints he erased all of them becoming a nobody.

When his first three victims are found by the police, yet he is not even given the glory he deserves he returns to Chicago to run amok and bring himself the recognition he is obsessed with.

Yet on his first day he comes across a girl - a girl who looks identical to his first love.

Watch as this man with no name and identity finds himself stuck to this girl.

In front of her stands the man of the hour, Lowell Sebastian. Wednesday quickly recognized him from the articles she had read online. 

Dressed in a slightly loose bathrobe, with bare chest exposed and hair still slightly dampened by water. She finds it amazing that he looked almost the same as the pictures she'd seen. 

Their first meeting was in bad taste, but when their paths crossed again - it ended with a drunk kiss - or at least that's how far she remembered.

Bonds are precious. They are weak and light as a thread but strong and sharp as a sword. Sometimes, they don't last and sometimes, they last forever. Once they are severed, they can never be mend. Once they are tied, they can never be restored. The spring of life keeps performing a harmonic motion forming a full circle. We return to the same page and we go back to the same end. But fortunately, we are so unconditionally bonded in this game of dreams that we are no longer sane and no longer humans to recall our emotions anymore-we are just so damn unconditionally bonded.
The straps of the corset tighten and loosens slowly and me breathe flows gradually. The curly rugged strips of hair fall on the shoulders.  The mirror throws the reflection of those red lilies sprouting somewhere. There is a banquet in the Lowell's house. Hector is waiting outside the room.
A knock at my door. Hector says, "So, you are ready? Sweet Isa."
"Yeah. I am, "Isabella replies.
I opened the door. My gaze falls upon him. Hector stands there with hands cuffed against the chest in his black coat.  Hector says, "You look splendid, Isa".
I smiled. We walk through the stairs as kings and queens. I thought that I had figured it out. I am going to meet Celestia and she is going to know the truth about her precious love bee. Suddenly, the air so cold drew me in. A sound of a warning as if. Emily and Suzanna were ready too.
I was in a pink dress with my long dark curls falling aside my shoulders. Emily and Suzanna were giggling with Rosaline. We were ready to go to the banquet. I and Hector boarded the carriage while Rosa accompanied the other two beauties.
Hector said, "Here's the plan ".
"What kind of plan? ", I said.
"You are going to mislead Damien into a conversation and Emily and Suzanna are going to tell Celestia the truth."
"Fine, I will do so".
I am kind of nervous. I gulped the air down my throat. We were there in no time. It was a beautiful evening. It was a splendid banquet. An amazing chandelier hung over the mid part of the hall. A spiral staircase which leads to an upper floor in the middle of the hall caught my eye. Hector leaves to talk to the other members. Damien is standing right there in front of me. He is smiling at me. God knows why. He walks up to me. The atmosphere slows down and darkness along with light pulls in together.
"Buona sera, Isa looks great", Damien said.
I smiled and replied, "Thank you. It been a pleasure to you see."
"I want you to meet someone special, Isa".
"Special? Who? Damien."
"Yes, someone. Just wait a bit. It won't take too long."
"I feel patience to see the person you are talking about, dear Damien."
"Wait, let me bring her to you. Don't be impatient, Sweet Isa".
Damien walks up the spiral stairs. I see him go. Hector coughs. I am bit startled.
"You kind of scared me right now."
"Really, I didn't mean too. I want you to introduce my cousin lord Joseph Savoy".
"Buona sera, Madame ", said Joseph.
He looks just the same as someone I have met before.
I stumbled, "Have we met before, Sir? ".
He looks strangely at me.
He says, "I don't hope so, Madame. It was a pleasure indeed."
Then, they started talking in Italian. I don't understand a thing. So, basically, I pretend. I smiled and looked at them and at times, I nodded.
I was looking at the stairs. Where have you been? I mean, Damien, where are you? And who is the special? Maybe Celestia?
The place-In a room.
There's a bed covered in red sheets. There are curtains hung over the long and big windows. There's a scent of lilies everywhere. There's a vase full of them kept on a dressing table. There is a huge mirror hung aside the wall. There is beautiful redheaded belle standing in front of it. Those waves flowing away with the wind blowing in through the window. She looks into the mirror and removes the strands of hair falling over her face and looks up to see her dark reddish brown eyes gloom into the thought unknown of the flames that soon are going to burn down the house she is going to build. Suddenly, I see someone standing behind her. It's Damien. Celestia sighs.
"Do I look fine, Damien? ".
"Yes, you do definitely".
"Let me accompany you to the banquet, Celestia".
"Yeah".
"Isabella, you don't seem to enjoying our conversation", said Hector.
I saw someone climbing down the stairs. It's Damien with a lady with red hair.
"Isabella!"
'Huh? Yes, Hector. Were you been saying something?"
"You seem to be lost"
"No, I am fine".
Damien walks up to me. "Buona sera, so let me introduce you to Belle Celestia Lowell".
"She looks like Sam. I mean she looks beautiful".
"Buona sera", said Hector and Joseph one by one.
"Nice to meet you all ", said Celestia in a subtle voice.
"Damien, she is the special someone. I hope so ".
"Indeed, Isa".
Suddenly, Mr. Lowell comes in.
"Buona sera everyone", says Mr. Lowell.
"Buona sera, Sir", repeats everyone except me.
Celestia looks at me rudely. I look at her with an innocent smile.
"Can I borrow Celestia for moment, Mr. Lowell?"
"Yes, you can, dear Isabella."
Damien whispers into my ears, "Don't get mad. Be a bit polite with her, Isa"
"Excuse me, I am not jealous or something. Fine".
I took her outside- the Lowell's family garden. It was full of colorful flowers and mostly lilies.
"Listen, carefully Celestia".
"Yes, I am listening to you, Isabella".
I told her everything about Damien being an evil person and the time we spent together. everything means everything. She seemed to be in disbelief. She seemed to be not able to understand anything.
She said to me, "you have gone mad. We are in a dream world and we are time travelling."
"Yes, we are."
"You mean my future. You are just jealous of me and Damien being together, Isabella. Don't worry, it won't affect your friendship with him or it is something else. Maybe you are secretly in love with him. You think that I am stealing him away from you. So, you are trying to convince me of this.
Isn't it, Isa? "
"No, I am not. Trust me."
"Trust you? No way. Leave me alone, Isabella de Sardinia."
"I mean to say that you shouldn't be involved with him anymore. Believe me. It's dangerous".
"So that you can get involve with him. Just be quiet for a moment. don't worry, I won't embarrass you in front of Damien."
"Yes, you shouldn't even dare ".
"What do you mean by dare?"
"He will kill you if you did".
"No, he won't, Isabella. I am done with this conversation."
She leaves.
 I am left alone on my own.  I follow her. What if she mumbles up something to Damien then?
Damien looks at confused and tensed Celestia. 
"What happened Celestia? You look a bit worried."
"I mean Damien I don't like to say but Isabella have gone ".
I interrupted her, "It was a joke. Fine. I was just proof reading you, Celestia. Nothing else. "
"Isabella", calls hector. I saw Emily and Suzanna conjoined in a conversation with joseph. I turned around my eyeball to reply to Celestia.
"It was a just joke, Celestia. Isabella is humorous you know", said Damien. 
I relaxed.
"Yes, Hector". Hector and I move aside to talk.
"It was going to be Emily and Suzanna and not you, you fool".
"Yeah"
"What do you mean by 'yeah'? Now what if she tells everything to him, then?"
Suddenly, there announcement done by Mr. Lowell. The announcement is even more deadly to my ears.
"Here by I announce the engagement of Duke Damien Declan and my daughter Lady Celestia Lowell."
Everyone claps and there is a sound of crinkling of wine glasses. Everyone is happy and congratulates the couple except me. There's horror in my heart and on my face. This is terribly bad. Hector holds my hand and says, "Its fine. Don't react so strangely."
I could only say," Yeah, I know ".

They say, “When you are young, you fall in love".
And those memories of the lost come chasing after you.
They say, ‘Dreams come true’.
But it always sounds more like a warning, maybe this could be a grave mistake or a mystery solved? 
………
Here, this is a Story of Samantha & Jennifer, two best Friends trying to decode Samantha's recurrent dream. In her dreamscape, she is visited by a Stranger who plays piano to her every night and telling her, “Celestia, my love come be with me.” He disappears every time, she tries to get close enough to demask him.  It's been like for years when she saw him first since she turned sixteen.  A symphony so mesmerizing, alluring rendition of his presence and that piano work piece never heard before and a place that never exists, calls her every night to come and join the music of endearment .A Stranger who asks her to stay a little longer in his dreamscape with him.
So, who is this Stranger, so known but still unknown? Is this a hallucination or do really soulmates exists through the eternal plane of time and cosmic universe? 
Embark on this wonderful Journey of Friendship, Love, Betrayal and A whole new universe of dreams waiting for you to find your soulmate. Would you cross the Bridge of Destiny and Faith, just to find your soulmate? Would take that risk?
Samantha did.  Would You?
An Important Note- All Copyrights Reserved @2020 - author

Born into a world of supernatural as a human was a mistake her parents never once regretted. Their only mistake was not turning her into a Vampire when they had the chance.

Naomi Chambers has always been the apple of her parents, she brought so much joy and happiness to the castle.

When her parents first met, they were both from different worlds, her mother Silver Morgan was born in a human world the kingdom of Russelia. They had always known about the supernatural community that has always been hidden from the world. This Kingdom, every generation they provide a bride for the vampire prince...


Lowell Chambers was her father, the ruthless vampire prince who has no remorse and makes his community his first and top priority. He was adored by his people in the kingdom of Knight-well. He was the firstborn son of his parents, his mother had never been turned just like how it has always been for several years. His wife has been chosen and he couldn't care or bother to know who she was but at their first meeting, he became intrigued. 


She was the only one he could see that day, she haunted his dreams with her captivating Blue eyes that could make any man surrender and do her bidding. Her slender figure was a different story, she opened his eyes to a different world that didn't require death. 


At first, he didn't want to be deceived by such a goddess so he did the only thing he could think of and that was giving her the cold shoulder. But she never paid him any mind instead she began to know the people and get closer to them. She had formed her own set of allies in the vampire world and they were ready to follow her anywhere she went. 


Lowell was angered by this he didn't want any man noticing his woman, he wanted her to himself but he knew he couldn't have her after all he was the one who had chased her away and ruined every chance he had. 

After his mother insulted him for his childish behavior, she spoke sense into him and for the first time, he listened. 

Silver had always wished that her story won't be like that of a cliche novel but it seems like it was and she couldn't be more disappointed. She wanted her soon to be husband to notice her but instead, he barely looks her way. Is she not good enough she had thought but her thoughts soon changed when he told her to meet him in his private dining room. 


At first, she thought he wanted to insult her although he had never insulted or criticized her before but without him giving her a chance to know who he was she didn't know what to expect. 

Opening the door what she saw left her speechless and every thought of him not interested in her left her like it wasn't there, to begin with. Right before her eyes, the dining was set up and it was beautiful.

It was a very romantic setup and she fell in love with the whole decor. Right at the center of it all was Lowell who stood so stiff like he was expecting a different reaction. But the beautiful smile on his Goddess's lips chased every doubt away from him. 

They both enjoyed each other's company and started to know more about themselves. Although some fights and disagreements they still made their marriage a long-lasting one. 

One day the Vampire council came to visit and their visit wasn't a surprise because of how much they had been disturbing them on this same issue. 

The couple hasn't borne a child after ten years of marriage, this was the first time this will be happening in the vampire world. There has been no history whatsoever of any complications when it comes to childbearing in their lifetime. 

They wanted an heir and they have been pestering the couples for years now even going as far as bringing him girls that would be able to bear him children. It became insulting to Silver and her husband hated seeing his wife in such an uncomfortable situation. 

If it wasn't for his wife, he would have killed them all. 

°How dare they downgrade my wife!? What gave them the right! Council or not, show up at my doorstep again and I'll have your heads!°

Lowell was furious, he would never want any other woman that isn't his wife. Not only has he made a vow, but he had also lost interest in any woman. 

Silver was devastated, she didn't know what to do to help her husband, she also wanted a child to call her own she wanted to bring joy to her people for fulfilling her duties as not only a wife but a Queen. 

News has traveled fast about the kingdom without an heir, now their enemies were ready to strike because without an heir, and if the king or Queen dies there would be no one to inherit the throne. 

The Werewolf kingdom, Human Kingdom, Dragon Kingdom were their only allies against the other kingdoms. 

After hearing of the war that would take place soon they went to protect the homes of their allies just as they have always protected theirs. 

The battle was a tough one, but what surprised the people was how the vampire Queen fought, Silver was never a warrior but she had learned the necessary skills she needed to survive and protect her family. 

Silver was fighting with all of the anger buried deep within, she was fighting for her family, friends, and community. With her husband who stood by her side never once taking his eyes off her. 

 That day came as a shock to everyone because no one took notice that it was that time of the month, the month of the Blood Moon.

This day was a day that heightened all of their power to the fullest and that was when the enemy attacked thinking they would be at a great advantage. What a shame they didn't live to see another day. 

Silver fell to her knees crying and begging the gods to grant her a child, even though they won no one felt happy because if the Queen doesn't end up giving them an heir the enemies will continue to attack. 

The gods finally smiled at them and gave them a child on the Blood moon A beautiful baby girl but she was human. 

Always been a fan of the supernatural world, she had always wanted to know how it feels to acquire such power. 

Seeing a post on YouTube on how to become a vampire. She decided to give it a try on the full moon. 

Standing in front of her room window facing the moon she began the chant. 
_____________________________________________________

Born into a world of supernatural as a halfling was a mistake her parents never once regretted. Their only mistake was not training her into a Vampire when they had the chance.

Naomi Chambers has always been the apple of her parents, she brought so much joy and happiness to the castle.

When her parents first met, they were both from different worlds, her mother Silver Morgan was born in a human world the kingdom of Russelia. They had always known about the supernatural community that has always been hidden from the world. This Kingdom, every generation they provide a bride for the vampire prince...


Lowell Chambers was her father, the ruthless vampire prince who has no remorse and makes his community his first and top priority. He was adored by his people in the kingdom of Knight-well. He was the firstborn son of his parents, his mother had never been turned just like how it has always been for several years. His wife has been chosen and he couldn't care or bother to know who she was but at their first meeting, he became intrigued.


She was the only one he could see that day, she haunted his dreams with her captivating Blue eyes that could make any man surrender and do her bidding. Her slender figure was a different story, she opened his eyes to a different world that didn't require death.


At first, he didn't want to be deceived by such a goddess so he did the only thing he could think of and that was giving her the cold shoulder. But she never paid him any mind instead she began to know the people and get closer to them. She had formed her own set of allies in the vampire world and they were ready to follow her anywhere she went.


Lowell was angered by this he didn't want any man noticing his woman, he wanted her to himself but he knew he couldn't have her after all he was the one who had chased her away and ruined every chance he had.

After his mother insulted him for his childish behavior, she spoke sense into him and for the first time, he listened.

Silver had always wished that her story won't be like that of a cliche novel but it seems like it was and she couldn't be more disappointed. She wanted her soon to be husband to notice her but instead, he barely looks her way. Is she not good enough she had thought but her thoughts soon changed when he told her to meet him in his private dining room.


At first, she thought he wanted to insult her although he had never insulted or criticized her before but without him giving her a chance to know who he was she didn't know what to expect.

Opening the door what she saw left her speechless and every thought of him not interested in her left her like it wasn't there, to begin with. Right before her eyes, the dining was set up and it was beautiful.

It was a very romantic setup and she fell in love with the whole decor. Right at the center of it all was Lowell who stood so stiff like he was expecting a different reaction. But the beautiful smile on his Goddess's lips chased every doubt away from him.

They both enjoyed each other's company and started to know more about themselves. Although some fights and disagreements they still made their marriage a long-lasting one.

One day the Vampire council came to visit and their visit wasn't a surprise because of how much they had been disturbing them on this same issue.

The couple hasn't borne a child after ten years of marriage, this was the first time this will be happening in the vampire world. There has been no history whatsoever of any complications when it comes to childbearing in their lifetime.

They wanted an heir and they have been pestering the couples for years now even going as far as bringing him girls that would be able to bear him children. It became insulting to Silver and her husband hated seeing his wife in such an uncomfortable situation.

If it wasn't for his wife, he would have killed them all.

°How dare they downgrade my wife!? What gave them the right! Council or not, show up at my doorstep again and I'll have your heads!°

Lowell was furious, he would never want any other woman that isn't his wife. Not only has he made a vow, but he had also lost interest in any woman.

Silver was devastated, she didn't know what to do to help her husband, she also wanted a child to call her own she wanted to bring joy to her people for fulfilling her duties as not only a wife but a Queen.

News has traveled fast about the kingdom without an heir, now their enemies were ready to strike because without an heir, and if the king or Queen dies there would be no one to inherit the throne.

The Werewolf kingdom, Human Kingdom, Dragon Kingdom were their only allies against the other kingdoms.

After hearing of the war that would take place soon they went to protect the homes of their allies just as they have always protected theirs.

The battle was a tough one, but what surprised the people was how the vampire Queen fought, Silver was never a warrior but she had learned the necessary skills she needed to survive and protect her family.

Silver was fighting with all of the anger buried deep within, she was fighting for her family, friends, and community. With her husband who stood by her side never once taking his eyes off her.

That day came as a shock to everyone because no one took notice that it was that time of the month, the month of the Blood Moon.

This day was a day that heightened all of their power to the fullest and that was when the enemy attacked thinking they would be at a great advantage. What a shame they didn't live to see another day.

Silver fell to her knees crying and begging the gods to grant her a child, even though they won no one felt happy because if the Queen doesn't end up giving them an heir the enemies will continue to attack.

The gods finally smiled at them and gave them a child on the Blood moon A beautiful baby girl but she was an Halfling.

For over Ten thousand years it hasn't been heard, neither rumored of a woman ruling the Vampire kingdom, but without a male heir there is no other choice but to let the only child rule.

No one in the Vampire Community will ever agree to this. Not to talk of the child who has been given this role. The naive, reckless, stubborn, clumsy, and Bipolar child who can't seem to take care of herself, how would she take care of a whole community!?

Wanting to make her prove that she's able to defend her country, she is sent to the front line of a war between Vampires and Witches. This two have never liked each other, their war was never ending.

What happens when She makes a grave mistake by saving a witch who was pregnant and wasn't meant to be in the battle grounds?
What happens when the Vampire community sees her as a traitor?
What happens when she's been sentenced to death by her people due to her traitorous acts?.


Rosalind had the most peculiar dream.
She was lying in bed with a man, held close against his long, lean muscled body, his warm breath stirring her hair as he breathed deep and slow. It was a strange and wondrous feeling to lie so close to a man she'd been battling in business for months and feel so protected.
Her husband had always kept a separate chamber for sleeping and only visited her bed once a week; then after a sweet kiss goodnight, he'd leave her to sleep alone. It was an older custom, one more suited to noble classes, but she understood that Henry wished to let her have her privacy when they weren't together. It had been sweet, but then again, Henry had been a wonderful man. A safe harbor from the storms of her past.
But thisthis was a lovely dream. She'd heard Emily and her friends speak about the joys of sleeping so close to a man for the entire night.
I mustn't let such stories fill my mind before sleep.
Sure enough, when she opened her eyes, there was no man beside her. Morning light cut through the half-closed curtains. Just beyond the windowpanes she caught a glimpse of flowering trees with white blooms. She smiled. Springtime was always full of magic with the warm sun, the heady scent of flowers and green everywhere. It was as though the world could go on forever, with days that never ended and dreams that seemed tangible enough to touch.
Birds chattered in the leafy branches, wild and excited the way birds usually did following a harsh storm. Storm The memory of the previous night jolted her awake, her heart pounding.
"Good heavens!"
This was not her bed. This was not her room. 
She fell back against the pillows as she recalled the wild series of events that had left her in Ashton's bed wearing a borrowed nightgown.
The door to the dressing room opened a moment later, and Ashton strode in, fully dressed and looking far too pleased with himself. His valet trailed behind, carrying a recently pressed cravat.
"Save that for this evening, Lowell. I'll be out in the fields today." He shot a look her way. "Good, you're awake. I shall be working to clear away some burned farmhouses if you wish to join me."
"You want me to go with you?" That surprised her. She assumed that he wouldn't want to be near her. Not after last night. A wet, bedraggled creature who'd shared her weaknesses? It was not her finest moment and certainly not her most attractive one.
The smile that curved his lips pricked her pride. "What else would you do all day? Mope about? Rosalind, you aren't the sort of woman to remain idle during the day. So what's it to be?"
The idea of spending a day indoors with nothing to do wasn't at all appealing. But did she want to spend time with Ashton? She supposed she ought to given the ruse they'd agreed to play. And she supposed it would be interesting to see what he did most of the day.
Rosalind blinked. When had she become interested in Ashton's daily life? Yet she wasand far more than idly curious. It wouldn't hurt to indulge that curiosity while she played the part of a courted lady.
"I suppose I could accompany youfor appearances' sake."
The damnable man was still smiling. "Excellent. Your maid Claire just arrived with your coach. She's eaten and is ready to assist you. Have a quick breakfast, and then we shall ride out." He took the coat Lowell held out and strode to the door.
She called after him, "I'm still not agreeing to anything else beyond our arrangement!"
Ashton paused in the doorway. "And I'm still giving you a week to change your mind." Before she could reply, he was gone.
Lowell cleared his throat. "Do you wish me to leave, Your Ladyship? I usually tidy up now, but if you need to" His face turned a ruddy color.
"Oh, I'm sorryMr. Lowell, is it? If you could bring Claire to me, I shall be out of your way shortly."
"Yes, Your Ladyship." Lowell hastily departed, and Rosalind climbed out of bed, wincing as a number of muscles twinged in protest. Her feet were still blistered and her back still sore from the grain sacks. Her arms ached from an evening of carrying dishes. Walking through the pain, she rushed to the dressing room to see to her needs before Lowell returned with her maid.
When she returned to the bedchamber, Claire had already placed Rosalind's valise on the bed and was muttering to herself as she shuffled through the clothes.
"Your Ladyship!" She rushed over to embrace Rosalind. The intimate gesture was not at all appropriate, but after what they'd been through, it came as a relief.
"Are you well? What happened? Why did you leave me at the inn?" The flurry of questions made Rosalind's head throb.
"I'm fine, Claire, truly. I'll explain everything."
As her maid ran a bath and began sorting through her travel case, Rosalind narrated the entirety of the night's events, though she left out the more intimate moments with Ashton. There was no need to have Claire thinking she was actually going to marry the man.
"So you are to remain here then? In His Lordship's chambers?" Claire's keen eyes took in the understated elegance of the room. Noting something off, she pointed suddenly. "What are those for?"
"What?" Rosalind looked to where her maid was gesturing, over the bed. They came closer. Over the headboard hung a rather curious drapery. Rosalind climbed onto the bed, giving the curtain a little tug. The fabric fell away to reveal a large, ornate gilt mirror. It hung out from the wall at an odd angle.
"That's strange. What do you suppose?"
She covered it up, not wanting to pry, but still curious about what such a mirror could be used for. Then again, Ashton was full of mysteries. She'd have to add this to an ever growing list of things she wanted to know about him. But that would have to wait. She took a hasty bath, mindful that at any moment Ashton could return.
Her maid beckoned to a chair. "Come and sit. I'll see what I can manage with your hair."
Claire was putting on the finishing touches when Ashton returned. He halted mid-step, and she watched him in the reflection of the tall mirror. For a moment she swore there had been warmth in those eyes.
Perhaps I'm only imagining what I wish to see.
"Rose is a fetching color on you." He came over, walking a half circle around her, his eyes sweeping over her from head to toe. "Yes, that color is magnificent."
Rosalind frowned. She didn't like how he behaved, as though her appearance required his approval. As though he owned her.
"Claire, find my green gown," Rosalind said. "I shall change"
"No!" Ashton cut her off, not sharply, but firmly. "Don't be silly, Rosalind. Claire has better things to do than change your clothes simply because you wish to be contrary to me."
She arched a brow. "It is not my goal to please you. If I wish to change, I may change."
His eyes twinkled. "I agree. You have every right to change clothes. However, a woman of your intellect has far better uses for her time than figuring out how to rebel against me with petty wardrobe changes. I'd much rather put your mind to a better task. I have architectural plans for my new tenant farmhouses, and I should like to consult you on them."
"Consult with me?"
Ashton tugged on his waistcoat. "Shipbuilding is a bit like house building, and we've both had a fair amount of experience with that. I'd like your opinion on whether the proposed layouts are suitable. Besides, Mother would be delighted to see us interacting on something like this. It would help convince her I'm serious about you."
"What's wrong with the houses?" she asked, eager to divert her attention to something else.
"They were burned to the ground two days ago. I am eager to rebuild them because the families who lived there are out of house and home."
"Oh no. Where are they staying?"
"They are currently in my spare servants' quarters until I can see to the new houses."
"The families are here?" She couldn't picture Ashton opening his home to simple farm folk. It was tookind of him, and in her dealings with him she knew Ashton was not a kind man. Cunning, calculating, respectful of his obligations, perhaps, but not kind.
"Of course. They are my responsibility."
She bit her lip. "Both houses burned down the same night? Were they next to each other?"
"Different properties, but nearby."
"That sounds like it was not a coincidence."
His eyes narrowed, and his gaze turned distant. "Yes, I suspect someone orchestrated the event."
"Does this have anything to do with what led to you being shot last Christmas?"
That was something she would not soon forget. When she'd first met him, one of his arms had been in a sling. She'd gotten him to admit that he'd been shot at a brothel. To her surprise it had not been while sampling the pleasures of the ladies, but rather investigating rumors of an assassination attempt on his friend's life.
"I'm not sure, but I shan't let my guard down. So, will you consult with me on the house plans?"
She bit her bottom lip as she thought it over. "I suppose I could."
"Excellent. Are you ready for breakfast? I'm famished after last night." He gave her a roguish wink. Before she could stop herself, she was smiling, but she hastily forced her lips into a scowl.
"You're trying to embarrass me in front of Claire," she hissed in accusation as she joined him at the door.
He was still grinning as he offered her his arm. "I do admit to a sense of exhilaration in the art of provoking you."
This side of him caught her off guard. Never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined the cool, collected man to be soplayful.
She let him escort her downstairs to the dining room. Just because he wasn't always acting the gentleman did not mean she would stop acting like a lady.
The dining room was a lovely space with walnut-paneled walls and a host of family portraits. Two long sets of windows overlooked a garden full of roses, forsythia and a dozen other colorful plants. The sunlight bathed the room in a cheery haze of soft light that made Rosalind feel at home. The castle she'd grown up in did not have such luxuries. It was dank and dreary by comparison, a holdover of long-forgotten glories.
"Do you like it?" Ashton asked.
"Yes, very much. I was thinking of how different this is from my childhood home. My late husband's townhouse is lovely, but I've always preferred the country. It reminds me of Scotland."
Ashton escorted her to a chair and seated her, then began to prepare her a plate without even asking. Rather than be upset, she enjoyed the thought of him doing something so polite. It should have seemed out of character for him, given her experiences with him, but it didn't.
He'd only just set his plate down when two other men burst into the room, laughing and talking. She recognized the golden-haired, rakish and handsome Earl of Lonsdale immediately. The Quizzing Glass Gazette had once claimed that he'd bedded thirty women in one night during a lavish party in Covent Garden. It had to be a rumor because she'd heard that men tended to fall asleep after just one encounter. There was no way he could have survived thirty.
She eyed Charles as he flashed a winning smile. He had a muscled physique much like Ashton's. Perhaps some men could go all night
"Good morning, Lady Melbourne. I don't believe we've been properly introduced. Ash, come over and see to the introductions." Charles nudged the second man as he beamed at Rosalind.
Ashton came to stand beside her. "Rosalind, this is Charles Humphrey, the Earl of Lonsdale, and this," he said as he nodded at the second man, "is Jonathan St. Laurent, brother to the Duke of Essex."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Jonathan bent in a courtly manner over her hand and kissed it. Charles did the same, but with a glint in his eyes that made Rosalind nervous.
"I have heard of you both," she said, challenging Charles with a smirk of her own.
"Only wicked things, I hope," Charles said with a chuckle. "Sadly, only half the stories I hear about myself of late are true. Except the one about the swansthat's most definitely true."
Rosalind had no idea what he was talking about. "Swans?"
Ashton cut Charles off with a cough.
"Right," Jonathan covered smoothly. "How are you feeling, Lady Melbourne? You suffered a great ordeal last night. I trust you have had some rest?"
"Yes, thank you, Mr. St. Laurent."
"Please, call me Jonathan or Jon." His smile was more warm and friendly than Rosalind had expected of someone who was friends with Ashton. He was so calm and cool, and she expected his friends to be equally so.
"I am well, thank you, Jonathan. I believe I'm mostly recovered from my adventure." She would not admit her feet still hurt or that her body ached.
"I imagine so, walking so far in a soaked dress. You must have been carrying your own weight in rain and mud." Charles took a seat.
"She's a strong lady," Ashton informed Charles. A frown twisted his lips.
"Erindeed," Charles agreed, and then he stared at Jonathan's plate. "For God's sake, man, eat some fruit. You can't survive on eggs and biscuits alone."
Rosalind nearly missed it, but she saw Ashton's lips twitch as he watched Charles order the younger man about. There was something about this moment that held significance. She was glimpsing a moment of Ashton's private life, a time when his guard was down and his heart was open.
He'd hinted last night at how he was bonded to his friends, but seeing it was another thing entirely. Something about these men made her feel homesick for Scotland and her brothers. Brock, Brodie and Aiden had taken care of her and each other just like these men did. It was what family was for, to love and care for one another. The League was Ashton's family.
When she'd sat down for tea with Emily, Horatia and Anne, she'd sensed a similar connection. Those women were friends just as their husbands were. Loyal, true, honest. Thinking of them reminded her how she wished she could share some of that closeness. She felt even more alone here watching Ashton with his friends.
Would it be that way if she ever remarried? Would she find herself in a circle of friendship such as this, or were the League of Rogues and their wives an anomaly in the city of London?
"Here." Ashton refilled Rosalind's plate and poured more tea for her.
"Thank you," she said, feeling strangely shy. It still shocked her that this was all happening. Two days ago they were ready to kill each other, and now it was feigned courtship and real kisses?
"Will you be joining us to assess the tenant farms?" Jonathan asked.
She looked in Ashton's direction, expecting him to answer for her, but when he didn't, she almost sighed in relief.
"I believe I shall."
"Excellent." Jonathan smiled, and they enjoyed the remainder of their breakfast. Jonathan and Charles insisted on sharing a number of stories about Ashton, and she could tell by the rising color on his face that these were stories he didn't wish for her to hear.
"Did you know he was the only one among the League to get top marks at university?" Jonathan told her.
"The only one who did it without charming any of the professors' daughters," Ashton corrected.
"Oh?" She laughed at the disgruntled expression on Charles's face.
"What's wrong with bedding a lady simply because her father is a professor? Doesn't mean a man cheats, you know."
"It is when you forget to hide the parchment with the examination answers." Ashton chortled.
Charles threw his head back as though searching the heavens for an intervention. "Take Pepper Plumsby to bed one time"
"Pepper?" Rosalind giggled. "Oh dear, was that really her name? Did she a have a sister named Salt?"
Ashton's rich laugh startled her, but then the other two men started laughing too.
Jonathan smacked his thigh. "She has a point, Charles. You ought to pick bed partners with better names."
"You of all people should know appearances can be deceiving," Charles cut in. "Pepper was a lovely little chit and quite good in the blankets. She had this way of using her"
"Charles," Ashton warned, nodding towards Rosalind.
"Oh, right. Well, should we go? The tenants will be anxious to get started on clearing away the debris, see if there is anything worth salvaging. I know you don't mind hosting them here, but pride can sting, and they'll be wanting to be settled in their new houses soon."
Ashton and the others rose from the table, and Rosalind followed. They saw Lady Lennox in the hall as she was rounding up a group of children with Joanna.
"Mother, there you are. Do you wish to look over the designs for the new houses with Rosalind and me?"
Regina shook her head. "No, thank you, Ashton. I'm quite busy with the children. We're taking them in one of the wagons to play in the fields. I'm sure Rosalind will have many wonderful ideas for you. Won't you, Rosalind?" Regina sent her a knowing look, and Rosalind smiled back in understanding. It was a both a cue and a blessing to begin her seduction.
This merry game she was playing with mother and son was more amusing than she'd thought. Neither one had a clue what the other did or did not know.
Ashton nodded to Charles and Jonathan. "Why don't you two head out? Rosalind is going to look over the new designs in my study, and then we shall join you."
Rosalind shivered as they left, but not from fear. Pretending to be attracted to someone was entirely different when one actually was attracted to the person, even if she wished she wasn't. Whenever she and Ashton were alone, things between them intensified, and she was worried about where things would lead if he continued to stare at her the way he was right now. As though he wished to take a bite out of her, then kiss her.




USA Today Bestselling Author Lauren Smith is an Oklahoma attorney by day, author by night who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, and a Semi-Finalist award for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. She was a 2018 RITA ® Finalist in the Romance Writers of America Contest. To connect with Lauren, visit her at www.laurensmithbooks.com

The League of Rogues takes what they want—but have they taken on too much?
For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple—find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books.It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes.
Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, spends countless nights at the club with his four best friends, and relishes the rakish reputation society has branded him with. He has no plans to marry anytime soon—if ever. But when he kidnaps an embezzler’s niece, the difficult debutante’s blend of sweetness and sharp tongue make him desperate for the one thing he swears he never wanted: love.
Yet as they surrender to passion, danger lurks in Godric’s shadowed past, waiting for him to drop his guard—and rob him of the woman he can’t live without.
Warning: This novel includes a lady who refuses to stay kidnapped, a devilish duke with a dark past, and an assortment of charming rogues who have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into.


In Oregon City, things are back to normal. Liz Allan is out of witness protection, and back at home with her black mother.
She and Lowell sit on a back porch, caressing each other. They seem happy. She still doesn't know he's a berserker. She still doesn't know he can turn into a blond-furred horse-tall lobo when he loses his temper.
From a Daily Bugle, they read the story (as the public knows it) of how the Sacrilegious Six fell trying to transform Mormon-populated Deseret into a Jannah on Earth in the names of their ex-husbands, whose blood they needed to do so. (The Bugle version of the story, of course, is without the Reality Stone. The less life on Earth knows about the six most powerful objects in the universe, the better.) Liz seems to find the story amusing.
This edition of the Daily Bugle was edited by some broad named Betty Brant. Jonah Jameson, it seems, has moved on to other things-or died, just as likely...
(What are the odds, though, that he won't be reincarnated as Buffalo Bill Cody, in a fictional biography about Frank Hopkins's epic race in the Ocean of Fire across the Arabian Desert? Just speculating...
(But he won't get reincarnated as that in THIS story, of course. Buffalo Bill is only twenty-three years old now...)
Alas, as much as Liz loves the story, she sighs, and looks off in the sky opposite the sunset. She could swear while she was in witness protection, she had at least a few-maybe more-sex fantasies of Peter.
Lowell caresses her bare skin, and encourages her to forget about it. People have a lot of scary dreams while in witness protection.
Alas, she doesn't embrace Lowell's advances much more. She just keeps staring into the shadowy opposite of the sunset, towards Queens, where she left her heart...
Technically of course, her mother left her heart in Queens for her. But in 1869 Oregon City society, who can blame her?
Across the continent, Queens is back to normal. May Reilly is out of witness protection, and back in her Queens flat, living the cheap-yet-comfy life of a white peasant.
After a long and hopeless search, Lt. Stacy's men have found Peter, and returned him to his ex-aunt. Peter's missing person's case is over...and yet, Lt. Stacy sure is coming over to the Reilly flat a lot more often that Peter, at least, would have him. Peter can see he's not the only human male in Queens who's got a thing for Ms. Reilly's rack...
O, how Peter would love to defend his ex-aunt. But then, it's not like she'd ever prefer him over the relatively experienced, and uniformed, and badged, police lieutenant...
In Spider-Man's void, a new youth has risen from oblivion, and is now protecting the streets of the Big Apple in a costume alarmingly reminiscent of Parker's. No one knows that's not Peter in the suit; they're just glad their friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is alive, and still on the neighborhood streets, keeping peace in the Big Apple wherever Lt. Stacy and his coworkers cannot.
In a black Latino neighborhood, a youth named Miles is always shirking commitments every time a local disaster unravels. And the local Morales family both enjoys and is plagued by a strained relationship with one of their youngest male relatives...
As much as Peter knows he shouldn't, he pays the old Stark estate a visit. It's still just as well-accommodated for as Peter remembers it. And yet, everything looks smaller, for some reason. The security is as intimidating as hell. And yet, for some reason, Peter's less scared of it than he was. He happily rushes up the front steps, and knocks on the front door.
He meets Morgan, for the first time since before his own missing person's report. They embrace. She tells him she's missed him. Peter doesn't verbally respond, but tries to keep up the illusion of love by embracing her better.
They lie on a float in her mother's pool. Peter keeps forgetting how happy he always is with Morgan.
Ms. Potts sneaks out onto the patio, with a pair of iced drinks. She's still in her work clothes. Peter cracks his eyes, and "eye-stalks" Morgan's mom. As much as he loves Morgan, her mom has STILL got it going on. She's all he wants, and he's waited for so long...
"Peter? Are you thirsty?"
They abandon the float, and sit on the top step of the pool steps. They drink their fruit drinks, and take turns suckling one another with them.
Every now and then, Peter steals a sneaky glance at Morgan's mom/Mr. Stark's widow, when she's changing, or otherwise closer to her will-be son-in-law that she probably should be. But even if Ms. Potts is elegant, Morgan is practically an exact clone of her mother. She's less physically mature, of course...but still basically the same exact person as Ms. Potts.
Seriously, it's as if she's not even Mr. Stark's daughter at all...

First installment in the planned "Amorous Spider-Man" trilogy

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