Targeted by superpowered terrorists, an actress is protected by the government's strongest guardian--the same woman who broke her heart two years ago. ☆ Elsie Bates won't deny that she's made a few enemies during her fifteen-year acting career, but she never thought her actions would warrant her death at the hands of meta-human terrorists. As if that wasn't bad enough, her federally appointed bodyguard is the famous Camilla Wyatt, the most powerful guardian in the country and Elsie's sworn enemy. Because behind Camilla's sunny personality is a cold and heartless young woman, and no one but Elsie knows the truth. At least, that's what Elsie initially thinks. As it happens, being forced into a protective lockdown with someone can change perspectives, and Elsie slowly uncovers the secret behind Camilla's complicated character. In turn, Camilla begins to realize that maybe "trust issues" shouldn't be in her superpower repertoire, and self-preservation doesn't necessarily require self-isolation. But as the women grow closer, so do the forces that attempt to split them apart. And when the worlds of superpowered militaries, propaganda movies, and hidden conspiracies begin to collide, Elsie and Camilla must rely on each other to survive. ☆ INCLUDES: ✓ Militarized superheroes ✓ LGBTQ+ romance ✓ Diverse characters ✓ Subtle sociopolitical commentary ✓ "Science" FEATURED: ★ 2023 Amby Awards Top Pick (Sci-Fi) ★ @lgbtq Pride Awards 2023 Category Winner (Sci-Fi) ★ @FreeTheLGBT Pride Awards - Third Place ★ @TripleACommunity Aro Ace Awards - Shortlist ★ @superhero, @FreeTheLGBT, @WattpadUrbanFantasy, @StoriesUndiscovered Mature rating is for violence, grotesque descriptions, and swearing. Applicable warnings will precede the most notable chapters. Word count: +300k Genres: Science Fiction, New Adult, Action, Superhero, Romance Written: 18 MAR 2020 - 28 MAR 2021 Published: JUL 2021 - SEP 2021 This story is only available on Wattpad by @laurendoubleu

When Lyn falls for a girl who is out of the world, she did not expect her to literally not be from this world. *** Lyn Bronte is a talented lightning mage and an up-and-coming quester--someone who takes up quests against magical monsters and beings for money. When a cute waitress at a cafe, Cydney Yen, reveals her hidden ability to perform magic on very specific items, Lyn recruits her into her questing team. Little does she know, Cydney harbors a dangerous secret that will threaten to wreck both their lives. It turns out that Cydney is not from Lyn's world--she is from ours, the world of iPhones, Wattpad, and Harry Styles. As she attempts to get back home, she finds herself in a dilemma: how much is she willing to sacrifice to get home? And how much is Lyn willing to sacrifice for her? Perfect for fans of Naruto, Fairy Tail, and Isekai stories. *** 💫 WINNER of the 2022 Ambys Award, Fantasy category 💫 HONORABLE MENTION of the 2023 Pride Award hosted by @lgbtq 💫 FEATURED on @WattpadExplorer - Community Curator list, 5/13/2022 *** First written date: 31 October 2020 First published date: 3 January 2021 Completed date: 6 November 2021 Edited date: 27 March 2022 Word Count: ~130,000-140,000 Also posted on Tapas, ScribbleHub, and Royal Road Cover art done by @soltei and cover done by @lavendareyes

Someone stole the Weeping Widow. The priceless artwork is gone, ripped from its place on the wall and leaving only broken glass behind. The pride of Whitehill Museum and Art Gallery fell victim to heists in the night, and the museum is determined to find the painting and nail the culprit. She's been labelled the main suspect after being found at the scene of the crime. He's been hired to protect Whitehill and keep the rest of the art safe. Both with a job to do at the museum, and both determined to fix broken reputations. But the biggest question of all haunts the exhibits they roam: who stole the Weeping Widow? They painted her the villain. He's learning art is open for interpretation. -------------------------- "Art is to be seen, not touched." His breath curled next to my ear. "But I'd do anything to touch you." "Are you saying I'm art?" My heart knew no limit as it pulsed in my throat, right where his lips began to hover. "As beautiful as what hangs in the Louvre, and just as forbidden to touch." Disclaimer: all works depicted above the chapters are real works, and some real works are mentioned throughout. However, some works and artists described within the story are fictional. Additionally, this story has light language use. *A stand-alone spinoff of "In Love and Diplomacy"* ~ Featured on Wattpad's Crime profile "Crimes of Passion" Reading List (November 2022) ~ Featured on Wattpad's StoriesUndiscovered profile "Thrills N Spills" Reading List (December 2022) ~ Featured on Wattpad's Romance profile "Dangerous Love" Reading List (May 2023) ~ Winner of the 2023 Winter Zodiac Awards ~ Featured on Wattpad's StoriesUndiscovered profile "Light Up the Dark | Horror/Mystery/Thriller" Reading List (June 2023) ~ Featured on Wattpad's Romance profile "Romantic Suspense" Reading List (May 2024)