"I'm not afraid of you," I tried to say confidently. He smirked while placing his hands on my hips. My breathing stopped for a few seconds but then continued when I remembered my goal was to be courageous. He licked a spot on my neck, and I narrowed my eyebrows in confusion. He gently wrapped a hand around my neck. "You might sound confident, but I can taste the fear," he whispered into my ear. His voice was very intimidating and almost sent tingles down my spine. ALMOST. But I was done being afraid of this monster. I was done feeling inferior to him. "There's no doubt that you taste fear. Here's the real question: is it my fear that you taste, or is it yours?" I asked bravely. I gasped when he tightened his hold a little and pinned me to the wall. I stared into his cold eyes as he stared into mine. He smirked when our breathing came to a match. Then he did the last thing I would expect: he kissed me. Warning: This story has mature contents.

Tessa Young is an 18 year old college student with a simple life, excellent grades, and a sweet boyfriend. She always has things planned out ahead of time, until she meets a rude boy named Hardin, with too many tattoos and piercings who shatters her plans.

This is the sequel (continuation) of After. Hardin and Tessa's relationship will be tested in ways she never expected, but he knew of all along.

The passionate story of Tessa and Hardin continues as family secrets, deep betrayals, and career opportunities threaten to tear them apart.

After ten years, Finn Martins returns to Brazil to destroy his enemy, though he didn't count on facing the only woman he's ever loved - his enemy's daughter, Nina Peres. ***** After ten years, Finn Martins is returning to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as a different man. He's changed his name, his identity, and even his looks. Now Markos Petrakis, a Greek Ruthless Multi-Billionaire World shipping magnate, he's ruthless and feared. He can destroy anyone with just a snap of his fingers, and that's his plan: to destroy his sworn enemy. The man who ruined his life and tore apart his family. The only problem? Getting his revenge would also hurt the only woman he's ever loved - his enemy's daughter, Nina Peres. [[word count: 70,000-80,000 words]] Cover designed by Ashley Santoro