"But I thought you loved me, Rimmy," he taunted with exquisite cruelty and I lowered my eyelids, trying to mask the pain of his words. When I was sure I had my emotions under control, I once again lifted my eyes to his dark gaze. "Not anymore," I managed saying those words, hoping the lie sounded convincing. "Hmmm..." it sounded deceptively like the purr of a cat. "What happened to 'I'll love you forever, Dec'?" "Things change," I whispered. "What things?" He rolled onto his side and propped himself up onto his elbow, resting his head on his hand. He looked so much like a greek or Roman god in repose, that my throat went dry with desire. I swallowed painfully. "Fel...feelings change..." I stuttered haltingly. Again that husky purr of agreement but I wasn't fooled by his relaxed posture; he was as tense as a coiled snake. "I.I've changed..." "You look no different," he said looking at me from toe to head, his voice was still terrifyingly tender. "Still the same Rimmy I married. The one who claimed to love me so much, she couldn't live without me. The one who desperately destroyed my marriage at the alter and whose daddy made sure she got exactly what she wanted..." And that was when he struck me bluntly, without moving, without so much as changing his voice. "The same timid little Rimmy, who can't even give me the only thing I've ever wanted from this pathetic excuse for a marriage." I flinched but I refused to divert my eyes. "All the more reason for a divorce," I tried for blase but failed miserably. "Maybe for you," he shrugged elegantly. "But I told you from the very beginning, Rimmy, there would be no easy way out of this marriage. Not until I got what I wanted from you and that day looks to be a long way off! Unfortunately, cliche though it may seem, you've made this bed and we both have to lie in it!" "I can't live like this anymore," I buried my face in my knees and fought to keep the tears at bay. "Neither of us has much choice..."

Claimed Before Christmas Walking away from international fame was the right call. By thirty, I'd already lived louder than most people ever would. Now, taking a seasonal job managing a luxury Alpine resort for the Christmas holidays was supposed to be enjoyable. Predictable and Temporary. That plan shattered the moment I met him. He's the resort's junior archivist, he is super quiet with sharp eyes, he is always buried in old ledgers and holiday records. what caught my attention is how soft-spoken and awkward he can be when stared upon for long by someone. he's just so beautiful in a way that sneaks up on you. And worse? He's my best friend's son. I thought I understood desire. I didn't, not until I saw him. And now I don't just want him I need him. I want to claim him, bind our lives together so tightly there's no escape from what we could be. He belongs with me, even if admitting it ruins everything I've rebuilt. And once Christmas ends, nothing will ever be the same between us I'm sure. ... welcome. https://a.co/d/0eci36ij Warning: This book is outrageous, indulgent, wildly unrealistic, and unapologetically obsessive. If you're looking for restraint, logic, or subtlety turn back now.If you're here for intensity, fixation, and a holiday romance that burns ... welcome.