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“You’re right.” Natalya lays her head back on my shoulder. “When it’s time, though, I hope we have a boy and a girl. And I hope he’s older, so he can protect her and look out for her. I always wanted an older brother. My best friend Lucy has one and I was always envious of how close they are. I’m glad Lydia has Luka.”
She yawns and snuggles closer. I vow to give her as many children as she wants. Aleksei had always been like an older brother to me, so it never felt like I’d been an only child. Yes, I’d been lonely before then, but it was so long ago, it’s only a faint memory. When Natalya is ready, I also want her to be my wife. My gaze shifts to the closet where I’ve already stashed the ring.
“Sleep, solnishko.”
I close my eyes as well and a peace like nothing else washes over me. My little sunshine was always meant for me and I’ll never let her go.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
LK Shaw is the bestselling author of sexy, sinful suspense. She resides in South Carolina. She is a dog mom and self proclaimed chocolate lover, world traveler, and perpetual procrastinator. An avid reader since childhood, she became hooked on historical romance novels in high school. She now reads, and loves, all romance sub-genres. Her books feature sexy, protective heroes and the strong women they love.
Rachel Everly likes eating tacos, running marathons, and hiding out from corporate America behind a screen of naughty words. She also likes alpha-holes, car chases, exotic vacations, and waving red flags. Rachel’s motto is write what you love, but don’t date what you write.
www.racheleverly.com
DARKEST DESIRES
KRISTEN LUCIANI & LONDYN QUINN
Darkest Desire © 2023 by Kristen Luciani and Londyn Quinn
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.
Except for the original material written by the author, all songs, song titles, and lyrics mentioned in this novel are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.
All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, scanned, distributed, or used in any manner whatsoever, via the Internet, electronic, or print, without the express written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
For more information, or information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact Kristen Luciani at [email protected].
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1
HELLIE
“So it’s marriage or death?”
My voice doesn’t quiver as I push out the words.
The man standing with his back to me in my father’s study doesn’t turn.
He’s tall with dark, almost black hair, dressed in black jeans and a light black sweater. It’s an unusual look since most of the men in my world wear suits to hide their guns.
But he rejects what is expected. That makes him intriguing. And damn compelling.
“If these are the options, then I choose death.” I fold my arms, tapping short nails against my bare skin. Of course, no one’s mentioned death. It’s not an option for a mafia princess, only the marriage is. “Do I get to choose the way, because—”
“Hellena. Be quiet.”
Three words in a low voice of gravel and darkness, one that sends shivers down my spine.
It’s a voice of deadly intent, one that doesn’t have to rise to show power.
I don’t know this man, but I know why he’s here.
The mafia world is one I was born into, one I hate, one I understand, no matter how complicated the men who populate it make it seem.
It’s all about power, money, and property.
