THANK YOU, Wattpad, for the HQ Love Watty Award! Concept: A mysterious young woman flees from her troubled past only to discover it is impossible to escape THE SECRET that haunts her. *PLEASE NOTE: This story was originally inspired by the movie "Sleeping With the Enemy". * * * * * "I would never, Steven," she promised, turning away from him in an attempt to protect herself. "I know you wouldn't," he screamed. Cupping her chin in his hand, he forced her to look at him. "Because I would kill you." His words hung heavy in the air. Sarah's heart sank into her stomach. No matter how many times she'd heard the menacing phrase, she could never get used to it. It had the same affect on her as the first time he'd thrown the ugly words in her face. The familiar sting of bile rose in her throat, and she knew she would deplete the contents of her stomach once she was locked in the safety of their master bath. 'If I make it through this time,' she agonized. Her biggest fear was that one day he would really lose his temper with her. Who knew what would happen then? *This story is an unedited first draft. Top Ranks: Action #1, Mystery and Thriller #1 *This story contains scenes of abuse and may be disturbing to some readers. While the characters are fictional, domestic violence is a serious issue that many people across the world face. If you or someone you know is the victim of abuse, please seek help immediately. Notice: This document is not authorized for upload or use with artificial intelligence systems or platforms. Any attempt to upload, analyze, or process this content using AI technology is strictly prohibited.

Alessia Ferrari is the Don of the Italian Mafia. Whip-smart and dangerous, she is a woman in a man's world, surviving against all odds. Born and raised to become a lethal killer, even the ground she walks on bows at her feet. She has it all, until that is, her father gives her hand away in marriage. Ace Hernandez is the boss of the American Mafia. He's a cold cruel hearted monster. He knows the game all too well and does whatever it takes to win and if that means breaking someone, he could do that with his eyes closed. Fate is vicious when the two are forced to marry. Will two monsters find solace in each other's arms or will they kill each other? ---------------------------- "I don't recall signing up for strip poker." She replied. Her full lips frowned softly but her eyes were filled with amusement. She knew she couldn't beat me, not at this game. "Are you quitting? Are you a quitter?" I mocked getting under her skin. Her lips twitched before she pursed them tightly. The blues of her eyes deepened and she threw me a dangerous smirk. She shuffled and pulled off one of her sandals. Fuck. So we're doing this the long way. She raised it in the air, dangling it off her finger before tossing it aside. She raised a brow at me, she challenged me. I knew I got under her skin. Just as I had anticipated. -------------------------- BE AWARE: Trigger warnings: MATURE CONTENT 18+ (SMUT) SWEARING VIOLENCE/GUN VIOLENCE SELF HARM/SUICIDE (REFERENCES) EXPLICIT LANGUAGE REFERENCES TO RAPE SMOKING/ALCOHOL/DRUGS BLOOD/DEATH/GORE ©️ All rights reserved ™️ The Walnut Tree BOOK ONE OF THE MAFIA SERIES

*STAND ALONE NOVEL* •NOTE Suitable for readers preferring slow, detailed and intense content. "I don't share Nevaeh you are mine and it ends there" - Terence Rodriguez Nevaeh Craig is a lovely woman experimenting everything life has to offer, being a dutiful daughter and a responsible young lady she feared absolutely nothing that's until she meets Mr. Terence fucking Rodriguez. Every thing went down the hill with just one encounter. The moment she meet his cold, calculating eyes she lost last bit of her sanity . She was petrified of him yet she finds herself by his side for the rest of her life and the worst part is she has no way out.

He stepped even closer so close that our nose was touching and I could feel his minty breath on my face. Oh no wrong move. "I was just cleaning it" I said and gulped hard. "Um can you pl-pls mo-move back a little" I said stuttering. He smirked and moved even closer to me if that was even possible. "Why do I make you nervous" he said with his smirk widening. Yes. "Pls let me go" I pleaded. He just smirked and moved closer to me and....... Ethan Anderson is a waiter he works in a café. Taking care of his sick grandmother is the first thing Ethan will do. He's extremely shy. Due to his past he has some trust issues that doesn't allow him to trust people easily. But with someone entering his life again, ethans gonna have a hard time trusting that someone. Alexander knight is someone you don't wanna mess with.He too has a past which he doesn't share with anyone but when he meets Ethan all of a sudden he is someone alex wants to tell his past to. The leader has his eyes on Ethan and now he wants him and he will get him after all whatever the king wants he gets it. When love turns into a lovely obsession. Pls follow, vote and comment cause it matters.

Luna Whitman, Governor Whitman's daughter, unexpectedly becomes the target of a rebellious Mexican gang right on the night of her eighteenth birthday. With the upcoming election adding pressure, the CIA assembles a secret team led by Alec Stone, their most experienced agent, to rescue the governor's daughter back. Alec, known for his unmatched skills, takes charge of this crucial mission. Despite a recent suspension that cast a shadow on his career, Alec is determined to regain his status as the agency's top operative. As the operation unfolds, Alec realizes the stakes are higher than ever. Adding to the complexity is Luna herself, whose magnetic presence stirs emotions Alec believed he had under control throughout his seasoned career. Despite the ticking clock and shadows from his past, Alec is firm in overcoming not only external challenges but also internal ones, ensuring victory in both the mission and the battle within.

Nicholas Salvatore the heir to the Salvatore's throne. Born with a diamond spoon in his mouth, he basically had everything in the palm of his hand. A player with the body of a Greek God and face liked a model, the new Don changed women like they were his toys. His hands scarred from murders, dangers lingered wherever he went, his aura had everyone feared his presence. What happened when he met his match? The first woman he wanted but couldn't have. Anastasia Rayne was born to be a killing machine of her father. Trained to seduce and murder since before she even knew what lipstick was, she was a mafia princess after all. The goddess with a figure of an hour glass and eyes that bewitched every guys under her spell. She came to England for a mission under her father command with a perfect plan under her sleeves. A plan that crumbled the moment she met a pair of grey eyes. • book two of the Salvatore's series (can read as a stand-alone) • all images in the book don't belong to me, credit to the rightful owners • cover by @myyyraaa_

"So you're part of the Italian mafia?" I asked in shock. "I'm not only a part of it, I'm the Don. But Baby I promise you I would never hurt you." I got up and left the table, I couldn't believe it was actually true. I mean Gina literally admitted it but a part of me wanted her to be lying. He walked over to me, I backed away until I hit the wall. Our whole relationship has been based on lies. "Please look at me." He said caressing my cheek, I flinched at his touch. "I-I can't do this." I walked past him, he grabbed my arm. "After everything we've been through you're going to drop everything because of this?" He asked and let me go, but didn't respond to him. I could never look at him the same. Everything he owns is because of blood money, and I don't want to be associated with that. As I was about to walk out of his house he ran to me and covered my mouth and nose with a cloth. "Just breathe baby." He cooed. Within a few minutes I slowly became tired and fell into his arms. xXx He was the Italian mafia Don, she was just another tourist in Venice Italy. Nina Sharpe just graduated college. Who hates being the center of attention, her friends took her on a trip to Venice, Italy, more like forced her but she would never say that to their faces. She loves reading and playing her viola, and not to mention her addiction to coffee. Theodore Romano is the Italian mafia Don. He never liked relationships because he hates being tied down to one person. Not only is he the Don he's also a powerful business man around the world. He's an arrogant player who doesn't care about anybody except himself. ••• Mature content ••• Top rankings #3 Player 16/11/21 #7 Playboy 20/12/21 #16 Rich 30/3/22 #1 Mine 7/7/22

To the world he was a beast but for her he would do anything. He could have the world but all he wanted was her. They say the things we want most are the things we can't have. For she was so afraid of him that even the thought of him could have her running for the hills. Little did she know that she was the only one who didn't have to be afraid of him. Credits for the cover go to @Chatachino for the amazing cover.

WARNING!!! MATURE content for 18 years old and above!!! If you're an INNOCENT or NOT AN OPEN-MINDED reader, please refrain from reading this story! While HE was at the lowest point of his life, they met. Blake was a carefree high school girl who wanted to explore without her father dictating her what to do. She accepted Quen and gave him her love. But when her father learned about their relationship, she didn't have the courage to fight for their love. She left him. After 5 years, She met Enrique. While Quen was sweet and kind, Enrique is a handsome billionaire but very arrogant. He set his eyes on Blake and blackmailed her. She hates him but why does she keep on thinking about Quen while she's with Enrique? They have similarities she can't pinpoint even though they're completely opposite in almost everything. Will she ever learn that Quen and Enrique are the same person and Enrique is just back for revenge? Find out how Enrique takes back his angel eyes. Rankings before this story got reported: #128 in romance 30/06/17 #108 in romance 06/07/17 #94 in romance 08/07/17 #85 in romance 15/07/17 #81 in romance 21/07/17 #79 in romance 22/07/17 #66 in romance 29/07/17 #62 in romance 04/08/17 #57 in romance 05/08/17

Book Cover Credit- @badbitty10 Book one to the Romano's Crime Organization Series. (18+) In which a rookie detective, Diamond Lee, ends up in the wrong location at the wrong time and is captured by one of Don Romano, the most powerful and merciless don according to the other seven Sicilian-American criminal familia(s), associates. She is brought to Don Romano by his associate, but things swiftly devolve as he attempts to protect her from the men of several crime organizations who are seeking to harm her. For Detective Lee, the reason remains unsolved to why he spared her life. Their difficult bond begins to shift as Mister Romano desired more than just information from her, resulting in a tangled love affair. His regret intensifies as he learns she is beginning to affect his emotions and his way of working in crime. --- "I kill those who deserve to be killed, doll," ---