A thrilling chase. A risky deal. A marriage shrouded in secrets. Lila Monroe was just trying to get by-until one fateful night turned her world upside down. Drugged and chased by merciless strangers, she barely managed to escape with her life. But she's left in the dark about why she was targeted or who's after her. Enter Damon Blackwood-billionaire CEO, powerful, untouchable... and now, her only chance at safety. He proposes a deal: marry him, and he'll keep her safe. But Lila soon discovers that Damon isn't just her savior-he's hiding secrets of his own. In his possession is a flash drive that holds more than mere financial data. Tucked away inside is a secret potent enough to topple empires-and the people hunting Lila will stop at nothing to seize it. As the tension rises and sparks fly, Lila finds herself ensnared in a marriage where trust is a rare commodity, lies are the norm, and falling in love might just be the most perilous mistake of all. A captivating billionaire romantic suspense brimming with mystery, passion, and betrayal.
~ Lila ~
I ran.
My heels thudded against the slick pavement, each breath a fiery reminder of my panic. Behind me, footsteps echoed in the desolate alley-steady, purposeful, like a predator stalking its prey. The city lights ahead felt like a distant dream, blurred by the relentless rain.
I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't have taken this damn assignment.
Damon Blackwood's name had been a hot topic in every newsroom for years. A billionaire genius, a ghost who shunned interviews, a man as elusive as he was enigmatic. When the opportunity to meet him came my way, I thought it would be a game-changer for my career. Instead, it might just cost me my life.
A figure loomed at the alley's exit-a shadow framed by the streetlights. I skidded to a halt, my breath coming in ragged gasps.
Trapped.
"Keep running, and this ends badly for you," a voice called from the darkness behind me.
I turned slowly. Two men stood there. Black suits, unreadable expressions, corporate muscle. I'd seen them at Blackwood Tower earlier that night, standing by Damon like polished sentinels.
I forced myself to breathe steadily. "I don't know what you think I did, but-"
The first man interrupted me. "You have something that doesn't belong to you, Ms. Monroe."
I swallowed hard. "What are you talking about?"
"The drive."
I blinked. The drive? I hadn't taken anything. The last thing I remembered was leaving Damon Blackwood's penthouse after our interview-his piercing blue eyes fixed on me, a mix of amusement and caution in his gaze. But then...
The bar. The drink.
The sudden wave of dizziness.
My pulse quickened. I had been drugged. But by whom? And why?
Panic surged through me. If they thought I had something, I needed to escape before they searched me and discovered I didn't. These weren't the kind of men who would overlook a mistake.
I took a cautious step back, assessing my options. The man on the left reached inside his coat-gun or knife, I didn't want to find out. Instinct kicked in.
I spun around and took off.
Shouts erupted behind me. A sharp whistle. Then-BANG.
A gunshot.
I ducked behind a dumpster as a bullet ricocheted off the brick wall, just inches from where I had been standing. My heart raced in my chest, and I struggled to catch my breath. They were out to get me.
But why?
I had no other option. I fished the pepper spray out of my purse and held it tightly. I needed to reach the street-someone had to see me.
I heard footsteps coming closer-fast. The man was almost upon me. I gripped the canister tighter, and just as he lunged, I spun around and sprayed him right in the face.
He let out a scream, clutching his eyes.
I didn't stick around. I dashed past him, out of the alley, and into the vibrant city lights.
People. Cars. Safety.
But just when I thought I was in the clear, a sleek black car screeched to a halt in front of me. The back door swung open.
And there he was-Damon Blackwood, waiting inside.
His gaze met mine-calm and knowing.
"Get in, Lila," he said smoothly. "Unless you'd prefer to let them catch you."
I paused, torn. Was I escaping danger or walking right into it?
Chapter 1 The Chase Begins
16/04/2025
Chapter 2 The Devil's Offer
16/04/2025
Chapter 3 A Dangerous Invitation
16/04/2025
Chapter 4 A Signed Deal
16/04/2025
Chapter 5 The Devil's Bride
16/04/2025
Chapter 6 Whispers In The Dark
16/04/2025
Chapter 7 The Missing Piece
16/04/2025
Chapter 8 Locked In The Spotlight
16/04/2025
Chapter 9 The Call That Changed Everything
16/04/2025
Chapter 10 Shadows Of The Past
16/04/2025
Chapter 11 The Quiet Breach
16/04/2025
Chapter 12 Cracks In The Glass
16/04/2025
Chapter 13 A Seat At The Table
16/04/2025
Chapter 14 The Welcome
28/04/2025
Chapter 15 Beneath The Surface
28/04/2025
Chapter 16 The Midnight Link
28/04/2025
Chapter 17 All For Show
28/04/2025
Chapter 18 The Unsaid
28/04/2025
Chapter 19 The Note
28/04/2025
Chapter 20 A Step Behind
28/04/2025
Chapter 21 The Silence
28/04/2025
Chapter 22 Blood In Water
28/04/2025
Chapter 23 Fault Line
28/04/2025
Chapter 24 Pull The Thread
28/04/2025
Chapter 25 Crossed Lines
28/04/2025
Chapter 26 The Distance Between Us
28/04/2025
Chapter 27 Shadows That Whisper
28/04/2025
Chapter 28 Quiet Knives
28/04/2025
Chapter 29 Silent Shifts
28/04/2025
Chapter 30 Almost Mine
28/04/2025
Chapter 31 Yours To Ruin
28/04/2025
Chapter 32 The Morning After
28/04/2025
Chapter 33 Almost Something
28/04/2025
Chapter 34 Flame And Silence
28/04/2025
Chapter 35 Smoke Behind The Flame
28/04/2025
Chapter 36 Undone In The Dark
28/04/2025
Chapter 37 Steam And Surrender
28/04/2025
Chapter 38 Under The Surface
28/04/2025
Chapter 39 Cracks In The Mirror
28/04/2025
Chapter 40 A Glimpse Behind The Curtain
28/04/2025