A stranger to her own existence, Kayla moves to a small town with the hope of finding comfort in a fresh start. But as she steps inside the unfamiliar classroom on the first day, standing in front of the class is a mysteriously familiar face, one that rouses memories of a time she believed had gone by. With past baggage catching up in the most intrusive ways, she stumbles upon unexpected comfort of friendship, unconditional love of found family, and a beautiful yet complicated bond between two hesitant souls. "This book was like a warm hug, and I might believe in love again." "I would give everything, especially my soul, to have the opportunity to read this book for the first time again." ────── CW: Substance abuse, harsh language, sexual content, mention of self-harm and suicide. ────── Started in January 2018. Re-published in November 2022. First draft finished in April 2023. ────── Copyright 2018 © Renee Steinberg All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced, copied, translated, or republished in any form without the author's permission, except for brief quotations or reviews with proper credit.

"So if I say, you should bark like a dog, what are you gonna do, Stella." "Spit on your face." I lashed out. "You barked. Loud. Let's see how loudly that voice barks." She shifted the tiny screen of my hair to look into my eyes. The sly expression on her face belies her extreme lack of character. And how long will these days, months, and years be? "Bark!" She commanded. "Ugh...eugh!" I grunted. I then exhaled. If I didn't bark, I would have failed my father. Do I want to disappoint my father and have him declare bankruptcy, leaving me unable to live that life? No. So, with a timid slide of the dog, I bark. "Woof," I lowered my gaze to her charcoal gentleman shoes-nothing about her screamed gentleman or lady. "Bark louder than that, Stella." "I fucking hate you!" I swore under my breath. "Woof, woof!" "Again. Bark like a proud dog!" "Woof, woof!" "Good. Now, stick your tongue out." ************** Stella life was going haywire-with her father casino and hotel business on the fall. He did what any, father not wanting to be plunged in the wallow of being poor-sold his daughter-Arranged her to marriage, is better way to explained it. Stella, a free spirited and sassy girl, life is about to dragged up like a zip, when she was paired with none other than the high class, wealthy and jerk of a billionaire Mateo Allard.

"Kiss me," I whispered, the need dripping off of my soft voice a tangible weight in the air. Renata leaned closer, sending a jolt through my flushed body. But just before our lips could meet, she paused, her gaze holding mine captive, "You first," a challenge laced in her lowered voice. I drew in a deep breath when her hand pressed firmly against my back, curving my body closer to hers. "Me?" I echoed in surprised. A knowing smirk played on her lips, "If you want me to kiss you," she began, her voice a drawn-out whisper-tightening her grip around me and easily molding me to her body, "Then do it yourself." ♛ In a world of royal alliances and high-tech mergers, soon-to-be Queen Azura finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of sex scandals and murder when she forms an alliance with the headstrong Renata Rivera, the CEO of a powerful cyber security firm. As accusations fly and dark secrets emerge, Azura must navigate the endless waters of betrayal and deceit, unaware of what truths could lurk in the shadows. And with tensions rising and alliances shifting, Azura must quickly decide who to trust. But she quickly learns to never trust anyone, especially in a world built purely to destroy anyone who dares to enter it.

A vampire who has given up on love at last have a shot at happiness? Can a woman with secrets of her own embrace, accept, and love the mysterious woman? ______ "What the fuck do you want!? Why did you push him away!?" I yelled at her. Of course, she didn't answer. As always. But this time I was NOT going to back down. Even if I knew she could easily kill me. But a part of me knew she would never do that. "Answer me! Why didn't you let him kiss me!? Who do you think you are!?" No answer. Though I did notice her taking a long breath, as if not to get angry. "Since you won't answer me! LISTEN! I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT! I CAN KISS WHOEVER I WANT! I CAN FUCK-' I was slammed against a wall with her hand around my throat and her eyes deep red, glaring at me. She growled loudly and angrily. "You. Are. Mine. Never. EVER. Say. That. Again." She said squeezing my neck every time she said a word, making sure I heard everything. I wanted to say something back. But her red eyes ensured that being sassy would not help me at all! Plus, with her hand around my neck...I am sure the only reason I am standing right now is her grip on my neck. I am sure if I said something I would only stutter and embarrass myself. "Understand?" Her eyes were daring me to say something other than a yes. And I wasn't going to take that dare. I nodded my head as fast as I could with her grip on me. "Words." "Y-y-yes..." I said. She smirked and whispered near my ear. "Good girl." ¶¶¶•••¶¶¶

"Do you love me?" She asked with her devious smile. "I don't know." I answered quietly. She walked closer to me causing me to back up. When my back hit the wall, I looked away from her. Her hand lifted my chin, forcing me to look at her. "Then why do you look at me like you want more hm?" She whispered in my ear sending chills throughout my body. Seraphine is in an arranged marriage. Sure it upset her, but when she met the guy, she thought maybe she could be happy with him. At least that's what she thought before she met his sister. (Going through editing process)