Claire Contreras

Claire Contreras – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.wownovels.com Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:17:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 http://www.wownovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png Claire Contreras – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.wownovels.com 32 32 Crowns and Courtships Read Online Claire Contreras, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Lexi Blake http://www.wownovels.com/crowns-and-courtships-read-online-claire-contreras-jennifer-l-armentrout-lexi-blake Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:17:21 +0000 http://www.wownovels.com/crowns-and-courtships-read-online-claire-contreras-jennifer-l-armentrout-lexi-blake Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary Authors: Claire Contreras, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Lexi Blake Advertisement

Total pages in book: 230
Estimated words: 217798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1089(@200wpm)___ 871(@250wpm)___ 726(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >230

In the world of royalty, love is the ultimate game of power. Crowns and Courtships invites you into a world of princes, princesses, and royal intrigue, where love must navigate the pressures of the crown. From scandalous courtships to forbidden romances, these captivating stories will show that even in the glittering world of royalty, the heart’s desire reigns supreme

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

THE NAUGHTY PRINCESS

A SEXY ROYALS NOVELLA

By Claire Contreras

PROLOGUE

1 year ago…

Pilar

“Your father is dying.”

My older brothers and I exchanged a grave look at those words. It wasn’t a surprise or a shock. His health had been declining for years, and it was only a matter of time before it happened. None of that made it any easier to prepare for. My mother was stoic even as she laid the news out for us. She once said she’d learned the trait from watching my father. In the silence of his chambers, I tried to form a chant inside my head. “Long live the king!”

It was something people said in pubs while drinking, outside of the palace walls during ceremonies, and in the form of a salute when they met my father. My father. The King of France. The one who was slowly deteriorating in the room next door like many kings before him.

We were well-taught and knew the history of our sovereigns, as well as the ones in my mother’s homeland of Spain. The one constant in all of those stories was death. Death by plague, death by combat, death by cancer, but always death. However timely or untimely it may seem. Yet when faced with it, we weren’t sure what to do. When confronted by it, we all felt the same thing those outside these walls felt. Even if we didn’t show it on our faces like my mother. On the inside, we wept and trembled. We were scared. We felt hollow.

My eldest brother, Elias, took my right hand. My other brother, Aramis, took my left. We squeezed, the three of us knowing that this would change the course of our lives forever. We were the only ones who could possibly understand what the other was feeling, allowed ourselves to wallow as our mother stood with her back to us, her head held high as she looked out the window.

“He wants to crown Elias before he goes,” Mother said, her voice shaking. “He wants to be here for that, at least.”

Elias’s hand tightened on mine. He hung his head as if her words had delivered a blow. I knew they had. One thing Aramis and I did not envy was that Elias was next in line. The idea of being king may seem exciting to some, but we knew the reality of it. The proof was dying in the next room.

“The doctor is giving him six months,” Mother continued. “You will all be on your best behavior in the coming weeks. Your father does not want anyone to know about this yet. Not until everything is ready for the coronation. That means you may take your short holiday as you normally do, but no scandals this time. We do not have room for missteps. Elias, you’d do well to use this time to reflect. It may be the last time you’re able to do that. Aramis, I beg you to be discreet. Please, no tabloids. Pilar, you’ve never given us any grief. Please keep it that way.”

She turned and faced us. It was then that we saw her grief-stricken expression and bloodshot eyes. The three of us moved closer to each other, huddling in as if to prevent anything from coming between us.

“This is what we’ve tried to prepare you for your entire lives. Don’t let us down.”

CHAPTER 1

Pilar

“How hungover are you?” my best friend and personal secretary, Joslyn, asked as she opened all of the blinds.

“Very,” I croaked, throwing an arm over my face to shield myself from the sun. “Don’t worry, no scandals on my end.”

“You sure about that? The chef spotted Benjamin Drake leaving your villa just before five o’clock in the morning.”

“What?” I sat up quickly with a gasp. “No.”

“Yes.” She raised an eyebrow. “I take one night off, and you go out partying without me?”

“I…” I shook my head. “I went to a Hookah bar and then to the club beside it…” I tried to recall memories from last night. “I…yeah, I definitely spoke to Ben. I think we may have danced.” I shut my eyes momentarily. “I was extremely drunk.”

“And you’re on medicine.” Joss shot me a heavy stare. “You know better than to mix things like that with alcohol.”

“Fuck.” I brought my hands to my face and wiped at my eyes. I’d completely forgotten that I’d taken the medicine the doctor had given me for the sinus infection I no longer had. It had been my last day of taking it. “How could I not remember spending the night with Benjamin-bloody-Drake?”

“How indeed?” Joss sighed as she sat on the edge of my bed. “You must have made a good impression though.”

“Why do you say that?”

“His people called me an hour ago. He wants you to accompany him to a gala next week.”

“Me?”

“Yep.”

“Why me? I don’t even like public appearances.”

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >230

Advertisement
When We Lied Read Online Claire Contreras http://www.wownovels.com/when-we-lied-read-online-claire-contreras Mon, 20 May 2024 22:09:55 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/when-we-lied-read-online-claire-contreras Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Dark, Sports, Suspense Authors: Claire Contreras Advertisement

Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 140742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 704(@200wpm)___ 563(@250wpm)___ 469(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >147

A brand new hockey romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Claire Contreras set in the same world as Until I Get You...

Finneas Alexander Barlow is a walking thirst trap. Tall, hot, and broody. Tousled brown hair, chiseled jaw, alluring green eyes, perfect teeth, well-groomed beard, broad shoulders, and lips good enough to bite. He’d look like a Disney prince if the prince was a broody ahole.

Four years ago, a fated meeting led to an inevitable hook-up. Just one. It’s his rule. One-time hook-ups, no information exchanges, and no repeats. I knew that even before he established his boundaries, and he kept his promise. I hadn’t seen or heard from him since.

A year ago, when tragedy struck, he came back to town and sought me out. Gone was the disarming grin and the innuendos he’d once used to make my knees go weak. Unfortunately, his ire was equally debilitating. Now he’s back as the face of Fairview’s brand new professional hockey team and he’s looking for answers I don’t have. Finn won’t accept that, though. He’s as determined to uncover my secrets as I am to keep them. He pushes as hard as I pull. It’s only a matter of time before the rope snaps. Now I can only hope I'm the one left standing.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

FINN

3 YEARS AGO

Idon’t know who the woman in the hot pink dress is, but I want her screaming my name by the end of the night. My own thoughts give me pause. It’s completely out of character for me to notice, let alone think that about anyone in Fairview. Thanks to my father and his friends, I adopted a “don’t shit where you eat” mentality when it comes to sex. It shouldn’t apply to me since, unlike them, I’m not married or in a relationship, but it’s been years since I hooked up with anyone from Fairview, and up until now, I planned to keep it that way.

Fairview has been growing substantially each year, our social circle is small and incestuous. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone that a friend of yours hasn’t already fucked or tried to fuck. This woman isn’t one of them. She’s talking to my sister, so I assume she’s around the same age. If that’s true, she went to my high school, and would have been a freshman when I was a senior. It’s doubtful that I wouldn’t have seen her around back then.

I wouldn’t have forgotten if I had. Not with a body like that. And that face. Fuck. I want to see it up close. Preferably looking up at me while she’s on her knees. She’s beautiful, but a lot of women are. Yet, something about her demands attention. Maybe it’s the way she smiles like she means it, or the way she throws her head back, unrestrained, when she laughs.

I can’t remember the last time I saw someone act so reckless with their feelings, so free. That’s what emotions are in our world. Reckless. It’s another lesson I learned from a young age, and one I won’t soon forget. Movement catches my attention and I glance over to see Gracie Davis walking over with a determined look on her face. Fuck my life.

“Hey,” she says when she reaches me.

I don’t say anything as I scan the room for my asshole friends who were just here a moment ago. It shouldn’t be hard to spot them, since, unlike most nights, the lights aren’t turned off and this place isn’t at capacity. Pure is a nightclub, but because it’s my sister’s birthday weekend, we’re allowing her to use the first floor of the three-story club.

The first is the general nightclub, the third is the VIP lounge, and the lower level is what my cousin turned into an exclusive speakeasy sex club, which is completely off-limits to Mallory. Before I signed my first professional contract, my cousin roped me into investing money in this place. Much to my financial advisor’s disapproval, I agreed. On paper, I co-own it, but I’ve only stepped foot in here maybe three times, if that. This is Lucas’ baby, and he treats it as such. I’m more of the absent father who only comes around when he has time, which in my case, is never.

My sister thinks I’m here because it’s her birthday—and she definitely went a little extra hard with the guilt trip this time. Unbeknownst to her, I’m only here because some friends are in town and wanted to discuss a lucrative business opportunity. Otherwise, I would have stayed away from Fairview like I have the last two years. Year one in the league, I came home during the summer. Year two, I took the summer off and went to Europe. This year, I’m standing in my own nightclub, trying to avoid conversations with stage-five clingers like Gracie. I finally spot Ella on the other side of the room, and she has the audacity to smirk.

“Are you having fun?” Gracie asks.

“Not particularly.”

She laughs. “Do you ever have fun?”

“Not particularly.”

“We can have fun downstairs.” She sets a hand on my bicep and I cut her a glare that instantly makes her drop it. “It’s just … I haven’t seen you in so long and I know we’d be good together.”

“We wouldn’t be anything together.”

“I think I can change your mind about that.” She arches her back slightly, making her tits, which are nearly spilling out of her top, brush against my arm.

My eyes drop to them briefly before I look away. I could, of course, walk away from her or go upstairs and watch the festivities from the comfort of the private office that overlooks the club. I won’t, though. I promised my sister I’d be here, and I’m staying until my phone buzzes in my pocket to tell me I’ve been here a full hour.

I look around again to see if I can find Hammie. He’s the one she should be talking to. They’ve already fucked, but I have no doubt he’d have another go at her. As I’m scanning the room, I hear a laugh that beckons my attention. The mystery woman. My sister’s smiling at whatever she’s saying. I’m not sure what surprises me more, the fact that I’m drawn in by this stranger or that my sister’s smile is genuine.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >147

Advertisement
Until I Get You Read Online Claire Contreras http://www.wownovels.com/until-i-get-you-read-online-claire-contreras Wed, 12 Apr 2023 20:59:49 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/until-i-get-you-read-online-claire-contreras Genre: Alpha Male, College, Contemporary, Dark, New Adult, Sports Authors: Claire Contreras Advertisement

Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 162138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >169

My reputation at Fairview University preceded me. I was the projected number-one pick in the NHL draft and the fan favorite at the rink. People wanted to be me or be with me.

Except for Lyla James Marichal.

She didn't look at me like I was her next meal. She eyed me with disdain.
Instead of vying for my attention, she ignored me and pushed me away.

She was completely unattainable, and I became obsessed with her.

When I finally got her, it felt like I was on top of the world. I was going to help the team win another championship, going into the draft, and had Lyla by my side.

And then, without warning, she left me.

Vanished.

It took me three bitter, angry, long years to find her, but I did, and now she owes me a lot more than just an explanation.

Three years ago, she ruined my life.
Now, I was going to become her worst nightmare.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

PART ONE

PAST

PROLOGUE

LYLA

Sometimes wings are built from despair. That was the thought at the forefront of my mind as I stared at my car, fighting the cold chill slithering down my spine. At first glance, it looked like a random act of vandalism, but I knew the truth. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, glass crunching under my shoes as I circled to the driver's side. I opened the door and used the t-shirt to wipe the driver's seat before sitting down. As soon as I shut the car door, the smell of cigarettes filled my nostrils, and I gagged. It was a visceral reaction. I tried to push through it by squeezing my eyes shut and tightening the grip on the duffel bag on my lap.

My breath caught when I turned to set my bag on the passenger seat and saw a piece of glass very deliberately placed on the left side. My hands shook as I switched on the engine. There was another cigarette bud on the dash. I left it there as I drove away, careful to show no reaction. I knew he was watching. I didn't know where he was, but I knew he was watching. He got off on shit like this, but he didn't deserve access to my emotions, and I wouldn't grant it. We both knew his message was clear.

I drove home feeling sick with anxiety, but otherwise, I was calm. As soon as I parked, I raced to my apartment, locking the door behind me. I dashed to my bedroom and did the same. With a heavy heart, I looked at the photos before me, my silent reminder of why I shouldn't have let my guard down. Marissa had laid out an outfit for me. I considered skipping the event. I should have, but I'd spent the last two years of college living like a hermit.

I was tired of it. I was tired of him wanting to destroy everything that brought me joy. I just wanted to go to a party like a regular college student and not worry about the consequences. There were strict rules for this particular party–a small and vetted list of guests, no phones, and no pictures. I knew I could go without worry. I knew he wouldn't come after me there. He couldn't. I wasn't sure it even mattered anymore. He already knew about us. In two days, we'd be out of here. Two days. I stood up and looked at the dress one more time. His message reminded me of what he could still do to me. He'd tried to cut my wings before. He probably thought he'd rip them up and burn them this time. I wouldn't let him. I got up and got ready for the party.

CHAPTER 1

LACHLAN

We met under a multitude of improbabilities. For starters, I almost didn’t go to the party that night. Earlier in the week, I’d been in a car accident. It was my brother’s fault. He’d veered off the road, trying to avoid hitting a deer. He was successful but killed two coyotes that were left wedged between the front bumper and an oak tree. Needless to say, Mr. PETA was a mess. He broke his left arm. I got a couple of stitches on my jaw. Our mother acted like the world was coming to an end. Local newspapers and magazines plastered my face across their front pages: Fairview Hockey Star in Car Accident. It was all very dramatic.

Two days later, I was back on the ice, scoring the goal that pushed us into the semifinals. Usually, it was something I would want to celebrate, but I was dealing with a killer headache and had to be up early to help my brother move his shit to his girlfriend’s place. Besides, I’d already done this celebration twice. This year would mark the third in a row if we could pull it off. I didn’t see why we wouldn’t, as long as I was starting. I wasn’t being cocky. The Fairview Hockey Team was trash before I decided to come here four years ago. Once I signed, I’d gotten a few other players to sign, and we dominated.

I’d been an underdog my whole life before I started playing hockey. I also had a chip on my shoulder the size of Alaska. These days, it was more like Georgia since I finally got my deserved recognition. I was revered as one of the best players in the country; I already had a lucrative contract presented to me by a professional team last year to prove it.

My friends thought I was crazy to pass it up. My advisor harped on it for months before he let it go. I had a plan. I’d finish my four years here, sign as a free agent with my dream team, and get even more money and opportunities. It wasn’t just the money for me, but it would help. I wouldn’t have to rely on my deadbeat father anymore. To be fair, my father wasn’t a deadbeat by anyone else’s standards. No, Henry Duke, heir to Duke Tech Enterprises — a now billion-dollar company that provided the government and elites with information and security — was a fucking golden boy. I’d received a full-ride on a hockey scholarship, but Liam would have relied on grants and loans had it not been for Henry Duke paying his tuition in full. As well as his company did, it was the least he could do. As far as I was concerned, the only thing Henry and I shared was blood and a last name — and the latter was only until I got around to changing mine. To me, Henry Duke might as well be a nobody. With as little as I saw of him, I was sure the feeling was mutual.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >169

Advertisement
Because I’m Yours – Sins & Deceit Read Online Claire Contreras http://www.wownovels.com/because-im-yours-sins-deceit-read-online-claire-contreras Fri, 20 Jan 2023 22:15:35 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/because-im-yours-sins-deceit-read-online-claire-contreras Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Mafia, Romance, Virgin Authors: Claire Contreras Advertisement

Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94720 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >99

Lenora De Luca
I've always been a good girl.
The perfect daughter.
The perfect sister.
And, in two weeks, I'm supposed to become the perfect wife.
I don't know or like the man my father chose to marry me off to but I have no say in the matter.
That's why when I see Rocco Marchetti, the man I've had a crush on my entire life, I decide he'll be my first.
When he looks at me it's electric and I know he wants me.
We keep stealing glances and hiding smiles, but I want more.
I want one night with him.

Rocco Marchetti
Lenora De Luca is as forbidden as they get.
She's also kind, and thoughtful, and makes my d . . . makes it hard to think.
It starts off innocent enough, just flirting, but then she kisses me and tells me she wants to spend one night with me.
It's wrong on so many levels, but I don't even try to deny that I want her.
I tell myself that it'll be her wedding present (I know I'm sick, get over it).
I've had plenty one nightstands that end amicably.
Lenora can't possibly be any different.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

PROLOGUE

I don’t know why I thought seeing her in a wedding dress would be easy. But as the bridal song began to play and everyone stood in unison, waiting for her to walk down the aisle, the knife in my chest twisted a little deeper. Somehow, I kept my eyes on the groom — a wealthy nobleman. I didn’t care about his useless pretentious title or what his bank account looked like. I’d made it my business to find out everything about Adriano Salvati. He lived in his father’s shadow. He didn’t like getting his hands dirty, but they were filthy nonetheless. He threw orgies in Milan and New York when he was in town. He liked to dominate sex workers to make them bend to his will. The fact that he hurt people who were just trying to make a living pissed me the fuck off. Of course, none of them dared speak against him. Not publicly, anyway. His serious girlfriend, who would soon become his side piece, had penthouses that he paid for. He didn’t physically hurt her, as far as I knew. She was seeing Adriano’s cousin behind his back, though she seemed genuinely in love with the guy. The devil works hard, but karma works harder. Right now, both were working against me, and no doubt, making me pay for every fucking wrong I’d committed. I would get down on my knees this instant, if it meant she didn’t have to go through with this.

The heavy wooden doors opened, and the mics the guys were wearing picked up a few gasps. I glanced at my watch and checked the time. Two minutes. We had a two-minute window to get this done. I looked for the others one last time — Petra standing outside on the roof and Michael wandering down the block, waiting for his cue to get any innocent bystanders out; Gil and Lorenzo pacing their marks in the pews; Rosalyn and Emma observing from the altar. . . across from two Salvati men. Dominic was sitting in the first pew. When I looked at the aisle again, my heart stopped beating.

She looked virginal, but I knew better; I had already defiled every hole in her body. I would have laughed if I could find it in me to be amused. Even if I were, the amusement would’ve died when I saw her face. Her dark eyes, bloodshot and pained, seared into me, despite their inability to meet mine. She wouldn’t know where to look even if she wanted to. Her father looked around, though. Of course, he did; his paranoia had been heightened. I turned to her groom again, who was waiting for her with a stoic look, though his eyes gleamed with excitement. I couldn't be sure whether it was the idea of finally having her or whether it was the large chunk of De Luca empire he'd be inheriting.

She made it to the third pew and stopped walking. For a brief moment, she let go of her father and fixed the bottom of her gown, and her heel stuck at the edge. Her father gave her an impatient look and turned to smile at the audience. I could practically feel my mother’s ghost judging me for what I was about to do. I closed my eyes for a split second, habitually asking God for forgiveness in silent prayer. I was one of those people. The ones who avoided church and talking about God but were willing to get on my knees when my life was falling apart. He was always my last resort. I tapped the side of my weapon once, twice – another habit. I took a breath, then another, and held it as I pulled the trigger.

1

LENORA

I’d always known I’d be a young and inexperienced bride. It was what I was bred for, like a prized horse whose only job is to win races. It was why I felt such kinship with my Clydesdale. With animals, in general, but Aanya was special. She had been through everything with me – fights with my parents, tears over fake friends, and boys who wouldn’t give me the time of day because of who my father was. Saying goodbye to her was killing me.

“I’ll never forget you.” I grabbed the sides of her face and pressed my forehead against hers.

I didn’t bother holding back tears. I didn’t bother explaining that I wasn’t sure when I’d see her again. She knew. Aanya always knew. She nudged my face with her muzzle and snapped me out of my sadness. I kissed her one last time, pulled away to dry my tears, and took a breath before walking away.

Walking away had never been difficult for me. I’d attended boarding schools and summer camps all over the world. My entire life consisted of walking away from people, but this was different. I couldn’t just pick up the phone and FaceTime Aanya whenever I missed seeing her face the way I did with my friends. Not that I did that often. I had two friends, both a few years older than me. One was married and pregnant, and the other was making a name for herself in tech. Neither had much time to talk to me these days. To be fair, they thought I was busy as well. After all, I had a wedding to plan — an arranged marriage to a duke, no less. Adriano Salvati was my perfect match, according to my father, who didn’t know a thing about me.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >99

Advertisement
Because I Want You – Sin & Deceit Read Online Claire Contreras http://www.wownovels.com/because-i-want-you-sin-deceit-read-online-claire-contreras Sat, 01 Oct 2022 08:38:54 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/because-i-want-you-sin-deceit-read-online-claire-contreras Genre: Contemporary, Crime, Mafia, Romance, Suspense Authors: Claire Contreras Advertisement

Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 96129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >99

From New York Times bestseller Claire Contreras comes a new, sexy standalone mafia romance novel…

Roselyn Vega -
When Gabriel De Luca waltzed into the nightclub where I was bartending, looking like he'd just stepped out of the pages of GQ Magazine: Wall Street Edition, it felt like fate.

I hadn't seen him in ten years, but it felt like no time had passed between us. He'd been my first boyfriend, and I trusted him, so when he asked me how I ended up bartending for one of the most feared crime bosses, I told him everything. After that night, he went MIA, and suddenly, I'm very concerned for both our safety.

When he finally shows up, a week later, he's acting different, walking different, and even looks a little different, but I'm so relieved that he's okay that I barely register those things.

A couple of nights later, when he breaks into my apartment in the middle of the night I realize that it wasn't Gabriel who'd walked into the club the other night, but his brother. His infuriating, domineering, dangerous brother, who, unlike Gabriel, followed their father's footsteps into the world of organized crime. He demands that I pack my bags and go with him. I refuse, fight and argue, but the thing about Dominic De Luca is that one way or another, he always gets his way.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

ROSIE

The massacre happened on a Tuesday.

Seven days later, we were all burying loved ones. Shortly after that, we fled the scene of the crime and let new families build dreams where ours had shattered. Before that fateful Tuesday, our cul-de-sac had been tight-knit, families sharing meals, kids riding bikes and walking to school together. If a complete outsider dropped by during dinner, they would have seen a beautiful mix of cultures blending at the table. It was us (the Vegas), the Marchettis, the De Lucas, the Patel’s, and the Patriarchas. We’d always felt fortunate to share a block with those names. After all, they practically owned Providence, which ensured no one fucked with us. Until they did, in the worst imaginable way.

Dad ripped us out of there with such force that it took a couple of years for our roots to attach to new land. Since the move, he’d preached so much about wrongdoings that I thought he had cleaner hands than a surgeon about to walk into the O.R., but of course, I’d been wrong. I wasn’t sure if all of the warnings he’d given were for my brother’s and my sake, or his own. Maybe to talk himself out of whatever he was thinking about getting into. The reason didn’t matter anymore, since his own warning didn’t resonate enough in himself. They say children shouldn’t have to pay for their parents’ sins, but all of us who grew up in that cul-de-sac knew better. We knew it was only a matter of time before someone knocked on the door to collect some kind of favor, or in Dad’s case, money he’d borrowed.

I hadn’t seen Gabriel De Luca in ten years before he waltzed into the club where I was currently paying my father’s dues. Time had done him well, at least physically. He looked like he’d walked right off the pages of GQ Magazine: Wall Street Edition. He’d been my first boyfriend and first kiss, but our relationship was cut short prematurely. When we reconnected a few weeks ago, it was as if no time had passed at all. Not in a fairy tale, love at first sight sort of way. Sparks didn’t fly, and butterflies didn’t flutter, but there was a bond, a kinship. The kind only a person who’d survived the same trauma could understand. Some would say it was kismet that he ended up working as the accountant for the man who owned the club where I was bartending, but because Tommy Costello was the owner, and Gabe De Luca was, well, a De Luca, I’d call it inevitable. It wouldn’t have mattered, us sharing this boss, if not for the fact that I’d poured my heart out to Gabe about everything from how I’d ended up working for Tommy in order to clear my dad’s debt to him, to some of the personal things I’d overheard Tommy talk about in his office. Gabe hadn’t stepped foot here since that night, and while some may call that a coincidence, I knew better. I’d seen the way the bouncers practically dragged him out of here and put him in the back of an Uber. To make matters worse, he wasn’t answering my calls or texts, and I had no idea who to turn to about this. The only person who could possibly know his whereabouts was his brother, but I’d been careful not to ask about that De Luca. Besides, Gabe told me they’d moved to Italy to be with their father when they left Providence. I was sure his brother had managed to take over the entire boot by now.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >99

Advertisement
There Is No Light In Darkness (Darkness #1) Read Online Claire Contreras http://www.wownovels.com/there-is-no-light-in-darkness-darkness-1-read-online-claire-contreras Wed, 03 Feb 2021 06:27:51 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/there-is-no-light-in-darkness-darkness-1-read-online-claire-contreras Genre: Angst, Contemporary, Crime, Dark, Mafia, New Adult, Romance, Suspense, Young Adult Authors: Claire Contreras Series: Darkness Series by Claire Contreras
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78884 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >83

Read Online Books/Novels:	(Darkness #1) There Is No Light In Darkness
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Claire Contreras
Language:	English
ISBN/ ASIN:	0998345547 (ISBN13: 9780998345543)
Book Information:
Blake Brennan's past is cloudy at best, but when she decides to uncover what happened when she was a child, she finds herself getting pulled deeper into a web of lies. When her loved ones are threatened, she must decide if finding the truth about her family is worth losing the ones who have always been there for her. This is book 1 of a duet. Book 2 is Darkness Before Dawn.
Books in Series:	Darkness Series by Claire Contreras
Books by Author:	Claire Contreras

Prologue

Screams coming from downstairs wake me up. I rub my eyes and look at the pink My Little Pony alarm clock my daddy put on my nightstand. It reads: 3:30. I know it’s not afternoon because there is no light shining through my windows. I throw off my covers and run to the door, opening it quietly. I look down the hall and see that mommy and daddy’s bedroom door is open. That’s when I hear the loud noises. Bang. Bang. Bang. Three. That’s how many I hear. I try to make myself scream, but I can’t. I’ve heard that noise before, it’s the noise that happens when my daddy’s gun goes off. That’s the noise that happens before the deer stops blinking.

But there are no deer here.

I run downstairs and pass the pink Happy Birthday banner daddy was putting up for me before bedtime. When I get to the kitchen, I see a man walking to the door carrying someone over his shoulder. The person he’s carrying is wearing my daddy’s PJs, but his head is covered. I gasp loudly when I look at the floor and see my mommy.

“Mommy!” I shriek. “Mommy!” but she doesn’t look up from the pool of red water she’s laying in. The smell makes my tummy ache. I kneel down beside her and start shaking her as I crinkle my nose. I look up when I hear footsteps and see a man that I don’t know. He has one blue eye and one shiny eye. I don’t like him. He’s giving me a mean look. Behind him there’s a boy I’ve seen before. We look at each other for a long time; he looks blurry through my tears, but I can make out his big green eyes. The shiny eyed man yanks him by his arm and leaves. He yells something, but the noise in my ears doesn’t let me hear it. I keep shaking mommy until another man comes in, a nice looking man with yellow hair, like mine, and pretty sky blue eyes. He touches my face lightly as tears stream down his face. “Close your eyes, baby girl,” he whispers. And I do. I open them back up when he pinches my arm. He lifts me in his arms, and I realize he’s taking me away from mommy. “Mommy!” I shout as I try to squirm away, but he hugs me tighter. My eyes are starting to feel heavy. I try to keep them open to search for light, but I know I’ll never find it.

Chapter 1

Present

I open my eyes to the dark and shoot up into a sitting position. My chest is heaving, and my body is dripping in sweat. I put my hands over my heart in hopes of getting it to slow down as I gulp deep breaths in between heavy pants.

I hope I didn’t scream. I hope I didn’t scream.

I listen for footsteps, but the only sounds I hear are coming from the torrential downpour outside my window. I try to get my eyes to focus on my surroundings, but I can only make out the little red numbers illuminated on the black alarm clock on my dresser. 3:30. That number haunts me.

I take a deep breath again and plop my body back down on the bed. I’ve been having the same nightmare for the past twenty-one years. My new therapist prescribed a sleeping pill that’s been helping me sleep dreamlessly. Tonight, it isn’t enough though—not that anything ever will be. If the nightmare was just that—a nightmare—it wouldn’t hurt so much. If I could understand it, maybe it would hurt less—maybe more, who knows. No amount of counseling is ever going to make me feel safe anywhere. I can’t sleep without my bedroom door locked and double-bolted. I can’t go anywhere without a wooden baseball bat in my car and a can of pepper spray in my purse. I don’t feel safe anywhere—not even in my dreams.

A minute later I hear him pounding on my door. This is the issue with having a roommate. I sigh, getting up to open it.

“Are you okay, Cowboy? I heard you scream,” Aubry asks as his concerned blue eyes search my face.

“I’m good, Aub. Go back to sleep; it’s still early,” I reply with a weak smile, hoping that appeases him enough.

He takes a deep breath and runs a hand through his shaggy dirty-blond hair. “I’d feel better if you’d let me stay here. Besides, Cole would kill me if I leave you alone right now.”

I roll my eyes at that. “Aubry, Cole’s in New York, and he’s nobody to kill you over leaving me alone.”

He shakes his head dismissively and pushes past me to step into my room. Aubry and I have been best friends since we met thirteen years ago when I moved into Maggie’s house. She is Aubry’s adoptive mother and my guardian. Both of us attended The University of Chicago, so it was only natural that we would room together. That was seven years ago, and we’ve been living together ever since. He now works for an up-and-coming advertising agency, and I’m a third-year law student at Loyola University.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >83

Advertisement
The Sinful King Read online Claire Contreras (Naughty Royals #1) http://www.wownovels.com/the-sinful-king-1-read-online-claire-contreras Wed, 06 Mar 2019 13:57:33 +0000 http://www.test123.demo2.xyz/the-sinful-king-1-read-online-claire-contreras Genre: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance Authors: Claire Contreras Series: Naughty Royals Series by Claire Contreras
Advertisement

Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78844 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >82

Read Online Books/Novels:	The Sinful King (Naughty Royals #1)
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Claire Contreras
Language:	English
ISBN/ ASIN:	B084X7QBJ5
Book Information:
If you had any ties to Marbella, it was impossible for you not to have heard the stories about Prince Elias and his debauchery. Every summer he arrived with his security detail and friends in tow and rented out a row of cottages near the water. Cottages that belonged to my family. Each of those summers, my parents sent me away – summer camp and later, boarding school. Anything to keep me away from the royals and their partying. I hadn’t been home in years, but when I finally come back for the summer, I see that not much has changed. Like all the summers I’d been gone, Prince Elias is back, but this time with an incognito security detail and no friends. This time, there is no partying, no noise, no crowds. No reason at all to even think he was there. I’m given strict orders not to talk to him, not to even look in his direction, but he makes this an impossible task. I may be doing everything in my power to stay away from him, but there is no one in the world who can say no to the future King of France.
Books in Series:	Naughty Royals Series by Claire Contreras
Books by Author:	Claire Contreras

Prologue

Past

“You probably shouldn’t be here.”

I jumped slightly at the gruff voice behind me and turned to watch the man walk over until he was standing beside me on the balcony, overlooking the beach before us. Not that we could see anything in the dark, but the sound of the waves was enough. I tried to make out his face before I answered him, but couldn’t with the mask he had on. If I had to judge it based on what I could see, I’d say he was classically good-looking, with a strong jaw, straight nose, pouty lips, and thick dark hair that was brushed back.

“It’s the princes’ party.” I cleared my throat. “Everyone’s here.”

“Everyone’s inside, partaking in the debauchery. You’re out here, drinking water.” His lips twisted as he took in the glass water bottle in my hand.

“Why are you out here?”

“I got bored.”

“Bored of the debauchery?”

“Bored of all of it. The party, the people, the pretending, the masks.”

“So take off your mask.” I shrugged a shoulder. “I don’t think they’ll kick you out for that. Or you can just leave.”

“Are you leaving?”

“I’m here with a friend.” I sighed heavily and looked over my shoulder and spotted Etienne dancing with some woman. They looked like they were doing more than just dancing, so I looked away quickly. “We practice the whole no man left behind thing, so I have to wait until he’s finished.”

“He?”

“My friend, Etienne.”

“Etienne.” The man beside me nodded once. “I believe I met him.”

“He loves a party.”

“Where are you from?”

“That’s a complicated answer.” I looked up at him again. It was difficult to see what color his eyes were. They were definitely dark though.

“I like complicated.”

“Okay. I was born here in Marbella. It’s my mother’s hometown. My father is French. They met in university. I grew up in the States—in Connecticut, where I went to school and stayed with my aunt and uncle—while my parents traveled back and forth between there, here, and France. My grandmother is dying, so my mother spends most of her time here, and my father works in Paris, so he’s over there.” I bit my lip when I finished talking, unsure if he’d been able to keep up with all of that or even cared to. I wasn’t even sure why I’d actually explained all of it at all. I guess because he asked and I was as bored as he said he was.

“Where do you live now?”

“I’ve been living here for the last two months, but I go back to the States tomorrow.”

“What for?”

“School. I was accepted into the University of North Carolina, so I’ll be there for four years, and then . . . I don’t know. I’m thinking I’ll settle in London.”

“What’s your ultimate goal?”

“I want to start an event-planning company. It’s my mother’s dream, and I really think we can do something great together. We’ll see though.” I smiled as I thought about it. “I’m studying Hospitality Management and landed a part-time position in event planning at a hotel near the school, so I’m hoping to learn as much as I can.”

“I didn’t realize you needed a degree to plan events.”

“You don’t.”

“So, why bother?”

“My parents.” I shrugged. “They both went to college. It feels weird for me not to go after they spent all that money on boarding school.”

“It seems weird for you to spend more of their money going if you already know what you want to do and don’t need a degree to do it.”

“Starting up a business requires money, and time, and a lot of dedication, which I’d gladly give, except I have no money for it, and time and dedication are great, but you have to have money to back it up.” I shook my head. “What do you do?”

“I work for the government.”

“Ew. Like the cabinet?”

He chuckled. “What’s wrong with the cabinet?”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I’ve heard mixed things.”

“Like what?”

“Well, I’ll admit the things I’ve heard are biased, being that my father works for a newspaper that’s extremely critical of the Crown and the way they built the cabinet. I mean, the king handpicks his subjects. It’s a bit . . . communistic.”

“Ah, your father is one of those.” His lips formed a small smile. “I bet he has a lot of strong opinions about the way things should be run.”

“He does. I mean, I guess everyone does, right?”

“It seems like the critics have more opinions than those in office. You’d think if they want something to change, really change, they’d run.”

“Is that why you ran?”

“Partly.”

“Well, then, I’m sure you’re doing a good job.”

He chuckled. He had a nice chuckle. Our eyes met again, and this time, I found myself standing a little closer to him. His smile turned serious after a moment of looking at me, and I felt my own expression mirror his. Suddenly, I was hyperaware of him—his height, his large hands resting beside mine, seemingly inching closer, the way he smelled, like delicious cologne and something else—and when he parted his lips slightly, the hint of tequila on his breath.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >82

Read Online Books/Novels:

(Darkness #1) There Is No Light In Darkness

Author/Writer of Book/Novel:

English

0998345547 (ISBN13: 9780998345543)

Darkness Series by Claire Contreras