Introduction
Tyler Brookes was my best friend before he became the one person I swore I’d never trust again. We grew up on the water, chasing waves, chasing wins, and believing nothing could ever come between us. Then one kiss changed everything.
The next day, one decision changed even more. He abandoned our plan in the middle of a competition. I trusted him enough to follow his lead…and nearly drowned because of it. While I fought my way through an injury that almost ended my surfing career, he walked away.
Three years later, I’m finally back where I belong. In college. On my board. Competing. And doing a damn good job pretending he doesn’t exist. Until a major surfing competition offers the kind of opportunity neither of us can afford to lose. There’s just one problem. It’s a pairs competition. And somehow, the universe has one hell of a sense of humor, because my partner is him.
Now I have to train with the guy who broke my trust, get back on the same waves that nearly took everything from me, and somehow ignore the fact that the boy I once loved has grown into a man who can still make me forget why I hate him.
I don’t trust him. I definitely don’t want him. And that kiss we shared years ago? It meant nothing. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. Because the closer we get to competition day, the harder it becomes to remember where the anger ends and everything we never finished begins.
Chapter 1
THREE WEEKS EARLIER
~Heaven~
Thirty seconds remained in the heat, I needed one more decent score to make damn sure Marissa Cole couldn't knock me out of first place, and naturally, the Pacific had decided now would be an excellent time to stop producing waves.
Sitting astride my board beyond the break, I dragged my fingertips through the water while watching the horizon.
“Come on,” I murmured as another useless swell rolled beneath me. “Give me something.”
The announcer's voice carried across the water behind me, but I didn't need him telling me where I stood. My 7.63 and 6.81 had me in first, although not comfortably enough for my liking, especially with Marissa sitting deeper in the lineup with priority and needing something in the mid-sevens to jump ahead.
Which meant the next good wave belonged to her unless she chose the wrong one.
When a darker line began forming farther out, Marissa spotted it almost as quickly as I did, dropping onto her stomach and paddling into position while I watched the soft shoulder form.
She'd see it, at least, I thought she would until she checked the face and started paddling harder.
Pressing my lips together before the smile gave me away, I watched her commit.
Go ahead, Cole. That's all yours.
The second she pushed to her feet, I turned toward the swell standing behind hers, bigger, cleaner and building enough shape to send a kick of excitement through my stomach.
Marissa had just burned priority. “Thank you, Marissa,” I murmured as I dropped onto my stomach and started paddling.
The warning horn sounded from shore.
Ten seconds.
I dug harder as the swell lifted the back of my board, gave it another stroke when the nose tipped forward, then pushed up and planted my feet.
Everything on shore disappeared as I dropped into the face, drove through the bottom turn and came hard off the bottom before snapping through the lip, sending spray behind me as the board came back beneath my feet.
Landing clean, I drove down the line, cut toward the pocket, then redirected and hit the next section harder.
My right shoulder pulled when I came down.
Not now.
Changing my angle slightly, I kept moving as the wave steepened and the lip began folding over. I was already winning the heat. I could finish the ride and move into tomorrow's quarterfinal without doing anything stupid, then the barrel opened wider.
Yeah, screw that.
Dropping lower, I tucked inside as water curled over my head, shutting out the beach while blue-green light moved through the wall beside me.
God, I loved this.
The opening tightened as I drove harder, white water feathering across my vision, and for one second, I wasn't sure I'd beat it before sunlight hit my face.
I shot out the other side as the horn sounded twice from shore, laughter already breaking out of me when I kicked free and dropped into the water.
Surfacing beside my board, I hauled myself back onto it and started paddling toward shore.
“What a finish from Heaven Bailey!” the announcer shouted through the speakers. “Bailey needed a 7.12 to guarantee first place, and we're waiting on the judges now.”
My shoulder tugged when I reached forward, but one quick roll loosened it. The scar beneath my suit hadn't bothered me in months, and I wasn't giving one little complaint enough attention to start getting ideas.
“Score coming in,” the announcer called. “Heaven Bailey…an 8.24!”
My hands stopped in the water. “No shit,” I breathed as the crowd erupted and a grin spread across my face.
Hell yes!
Marissa paddled toward me, already shaking her head. “You knew,” she accused, pointing at me.
Widening my eyes, I gave her my best innocent look. “Knew what?”
“That wave was behind mine,” she replied, splashing water toward me. “You practically smiled when I took the first one.”
Wiping my cheek, I frowned at her. “I smile all the time.”
“No, you don't,” Marissa argued, laughing.
“That's hurtful, Cole,” I informed her.
“It's accurate, Bailey,” she shot back.
Laughing, I started paddling toward shore. “See you tomorrow.”
“You better hope you don't draw me again,” she called after me.
“Why?” I asked, twisting around with a grin. “Planning to choose my waves for me again?”
Marissa lifted her middle finger. I blew her a kiss and kept paddling.
By the time I reached shallow water, my stomach was reminding me that half a banana and three gulps of coffee didn't qualify as breakfast, and enough adrenaline was still buzzing beneath my skin that I couldn't stop smiling. Basically, a perfect morning.
Stepping off my board, I tucked it beneath my arm and headed toward the competitor area, where Mia stood near the barricade with both arms in the air.
“You fucking did it!” she yelled. “Eight point two fucking four!”
Laughing, I shifted my board higher. “Could you say it louder? I don't think Oregon heard you.”
“I can try,” she offered, cupping her hands around her mouth.
“Don't you dare,” I warned, laughing as I reached her.
Her grin widened, but before she could test me, I noticed the man standing several feet away.
Navy polo, sunglasses, credential around his neck.
He wasn't watching the competition. He was watching me.
My steps slowed as Mia glanced toward him. Stopping beside her, I lowered my voice. “Who is that?”
“No clue,” she whispered. “He asked where he could find you.”
“That's not creepy at all,” I muttered.
“Maybe he's proposing,” she teased.
“Then he's about to have a disappointing morning,” I replied.
Mia laughed as the man started toward us. “Heaven Bailey?” he asked when he reached us.
Adjusting my board against my hip, I studied him. “Depends who's asking.”
The corner of his mouth twitched as he removed his sunglasses and held out his hand. “Daniel Reeves. USA Surfing.”
Whatever smart-ass response I'd been preparing disappeared. My gaze dropped toward the USA Surfing logo on his polo before I looked at Mia.
Her eyes had gone huge.
Turning back toward Reeves, I shifted my board so I could take his hand. “Okay.”
Brilliant, Heaven. Absolutely dazzling.
A quiet laugh escaped him as he released my hand. “I've been watching you for a while.”
I blinked. “Hopefully not in the creepy way that sounded.”
Mia made a choking noise beside me.
“Competitive results, Bailey,” Reeves clarified, reaching toward the folder beneath his arm. “Oceanside last spring, Santa Cruz in June and your heats here this week.”
“Oh.” I nodded. “That makes considerably more sense.”
His mouth curved as he glanced toward the water. “That last wave didn't hurt either.”
“It felt pretty damn good,” I admitted.
“It looked better,” Reeves replied, opening the folder.
My pulse kicked as he pulled out a white envelope with my name printed across the front.
HEAVEN BAILEY
My smile disappeared.
Reeves held the envelope toward me. “I think we should talk.”
Last Chapters
#58 Chapter 58 Chapter 58
Last Updated: 11/2/2026#57 Chapter 57 Chapter 57
Last Updated: 10/25/2026#56 Chapter 56 Chapter 56
Last Updated: 10/24/2026#55 Chapter 55 Chapter 55
Last Updated: 10/23/2026#54 Chapter 54 Chapter 54
Last Updated: 10/23/2026#53 Chapter 53 Chapter 53
Last Updated: 10/23/2026#52 Chapter 52 Chapter 52
Last Updated: 10/21/2026#51 Chapter 51 Chapter 51
Last Updated: 10/21/2026#50 Chapter 50 Chapter 50
Last Updated: 10/21/2026#49 Chapter 49 Chapter 49
Last Updated: 10/20/2026
You Might Like 😍
Rejected By My Family, Desired By The Mafia
While the real heiress struggled to survive, the nanny’s daughter, Talia, was raised in luxury as the beloved jewel of the Laurent family, pampered by Camille’s parents, adored by her three brothers, and even promised to the prestigious Matteo Devereux through a childhood engagement arranged by their grandparents.
Then the truth came out.
Six months ago, Camille was finally brought back to the Laurent family. To protect the family reputation and prove their devotion to their bloodline, the Laurent patriarch transferred 35% of his personal shares into Camille’s name overnight, instantly making her one of the wealthiest heiresses in the country.
It brought anxiety to all the Laurent family. But what they don’t know…is that Camille never needed them.
Behind her elegant smile lies a woman filled with secrets powerful enough to shake the whole family. She's a miraculous healer capable of curing the incurable poisons.
Yet despite everything, her family still chooses Talia.
Every accusation against Talia is forgiven. Every scheme against Camille is brushed aside. Even Matteo, the man who was supposed to be Camille’s fiancé—cannot let go of the woman he always believed belonged by his side.
But while the Laurent family underestimates Camille, another man begins to see exactly who she is.
Dante Moretti.
The ruthless heir of an old-money dynasty. A billionaire CEO worshipped by the public…and the merciless king of a criminal empire hidden beneath the city’s glittering surface. When Dante is poisoned by a rival syndicate with a deadly toxin no doctor can cure, he offers a fortune for anyone who can save him.
Only Camille can. Their deal is simple: she becomes his personal physician, and he gives her anything she wants.
The Family Books 1-3 (A Mafia romance)
The saint to my sinner. with her innocent eyes and devilish curves.
A Madonna that was meant to be admired but never touched.
Until someone took that innocence from her.
She left.
The darkness in my heart was finally complete.
I avenged her, I killed for her, but she never came back.
Until I saw her again. An angel dancing around a pole for money.
She didn’t know I owned that club. She didn’t know I was watching.
This time I won’t let her escape.
I will make her back into the girl I knew.
Whether she likes it or not.
2/ Judge and Jury- I can’t stop watching her.
I’m not even sure I want to.
Taylor Lawson, blonde, beautiful, and totally oblivious to how much dangers she’s in.
She’s also the one juror in my upcoming murder trial that hasn’t been bought.
The one who can put me behind bars for a very long time.
I know I should execute her.
After all that’s what I do.
I am the Judge.
I eliminate threats to The Family.
And Taylor is a threat.
But I don’t want to kill her.
Possessing her, making her love me seems like a much better plan for this particular Juror.
3/ Rags and Ritches-
The Spy Who Left
"I still can't believe she actually did it. Aria Hart, filing for divorce. Who saw that coming?"
"How long do we think it'll take before she comes crawling back?" Another voice joins the conversation.
"Three days," Victoria declares. "Five at most. She has no money, no skills, no family. Where's she going to go?"
When Aria Chen divorced billionaire Leon Hart, New York's elite sneered, betting she'd crawl back within days. She never did.
Three years later, the world is rocked when Dr. Aria Vale, CEO of a revolutionary cybersecurity empire, steps into the spotlight. The mysterious genius who built a billion-dollar company from nothing is none other than Leon's discarded wife, the woman everyone thought was just a pretty ornament.
Now, every powerful man wants the queen Leon threw away a renowned scientist seeking partnership, a financial titan proposing an empire, and an actor offering devotion. Each sees the brilliance Leon ignored.
Then Leon discovers the truth: Aria's sacrifices, her secret double life, and the daughter she's been raising without him. For the first time, the man who once took her for granted must fight for her love. But can he compete with men who valued her from the beginning?
A story of love, betrayal, and power where the king must kneel before the queen who never needed saving.
Faking It With My Worst Enemy On Ice
But on his birthday, everything falls apart when his girlfriend exposes Clare's most humiliating secret in front of the entire team.
Just when Clare is ready to disappear, Rhys Calloway, her worst enemy and the team's arrogant captain, pulls her into his arms and tells everyone she is his girlfriend.
She should have pushed him away, but she kissed him back instead.
Now Clare is locked into a two-month fake relationship with the most infuriating man she has ever met, trying to get over a stepbrother who never cared and survive a captain who makes her forget why she was supposed to hate him.
The problem is that Rhys kisses like he means every single second of it, and just when Clare starts to move on, Zane decides he wants her back.
One girl, two hockey players, and a heart that was never supposed to feel this much. Will she choose the stepbrother who broke her or the enemy who caught her when she fell?
My Husband's Secretary Wore My Dress
Those words shattered Vivian's heart.
For three years, she endured her husband's coldness and his secretary's endless provocations.
She never knew that the woman he trusted most had stolen her identity.
Or that the man she loved had secretly loved her all along.
When the truth finally came out, it was already too late.
Vivian had divorced him.
She had disappeared with his unborn child.
And she had no intention of coming back.
Five years later, the former ballerina returned as the sole heiress of a powerful family.
Standing beside her was a little girl with eyes identical to Caden Lux's.
The billionaire who once ignored her had gone mad.
He blocked her in the dressing room, knelt before her, and even accepted the possibility that another man had taken his place.
Because losing his pride was nothing.
Losing Vivian had nearly killed him.
But after everything he had done…
Could she ever forgive the man who chose another woman over his own wife?
Love's Deadly Equation
I was sent to her.
To watch her. To protect her. And, when the order comes… to kill her.
My name is Keegan Caffery. I’m the Carter Mafia’s best hitman. I don’t miss. I don’t fail.
At least, I didn’t use to.
I don’t know what it is about her that got to me first—her mouth, her mind, or the way she looks at me like I’m not what she should fear.
I’ve had a gun to her head since I walked into her life.
She knows it.
And she still doesn’t run.
She just watches me back like she’s studying a problem she refuses to call impossible.
She’s the one variable I can’t control.
And God help me… I don’t want to.
I have an order. I have loyalty. I have a trigger.
But every time I imagine it—
I can’t stand it.
Her or me. That’s the math.
It’s a deadly equation I don’t want to solve.
⬥ Maisie ⬥
I’m not ordinary. I stopped pretending long ago.
My name is Maisie Seo. IQ 145. Clinical genius.
Which sounds impressive until you realize what it actually means: I don’t fit anywhere people expect me to.
I see patterns everywhere. Outcomes before they happen. People like equations I’ve already solved.
It gets lonely in a world you’ve already figured out.
So I dull myself down. Smoke the edges off. Pretend, badly, to be the kind of normal that lets people stay.
Then he walked in.
I knew what he was immediately. Dangerous. Intentional. Wrong in all the right ways.
I should be afraid of him.
I keep waiting for that to kick in.
Instead, I’m fascinated.
Because for the first time in my life… I’ve found something I can’t solve.
He is my deadly equation.
Fated to the Enemy: The Alpha's Witch Bride
My touch tames his inner beast.
… Until I find another woman’s bite mark on his neck.
As a holy witch, I shouldn't be sneaking out for Zuri—a cursed shape-shifter from a rival clan.
But our forbidden heat is intoxicating.
When his monstrous Primal breaks free, slaughtering everything in its path, even his fiercest warriors cower.
I don't.
I walk straight to the blood-soaked beast, press my body against his, and tame him with a single, desperate embrace.
There’s just one problem: his clan betrothed him to a Shaman’s daughter.
I tell myself it's purely political. I tell myself his heart is mine.
Until tonight.
He sneaks into the woods for me. We share a deep, hungry kiss under the moonlight.
But as I pull back, my blood runs cold.
Right there, on the neck of the man I just risked my soul to save...
Is a fresh, undeniable bite mark.
My Alpha's Fake Luna
Those were the last words my Alpha whispered before he severed our bond.
I believed our marriage was over.
I was wrong.
For two years, I thought Alpha Michael never loved me.
Every misunderstanding pushed us farther apart.
Every silence broke another piece of my heart.
While another woman slowly took my place.
But everything changed after the death of the Grand Alpha.
My mate began watching me.
Protecting me.
Holding me whenever I fell.
Looking at me like he was terrified of losing me.
If he hated me...
Why did he keep risking everything for me?
And why did everyone panic the moment I finally chose another future?
BROKEN TRUST
Neither of them knew she was carrying his child.
Emily’s affair didn’t just end her marriage—it erased the life she thought was guaranteed. Ryan left without looking back, carrying his anger like armor and leaving Emily alone with regret she would never outrun. Three years later, fate drags them back into each other’s world, along with a little girl who has Ryan’s eyes and a truth that shatters everything he thought he knew.
Old wounds reopen, grief masquerades as rage, and love refuses to stay buried. As parenthood binds them together and the past demands accountability, Emily and Ryan must face the question neither of them is ready to answer: is broken trust the end of their story… or the beginning of a love forged through loss, forgiveness, and brutal honesty?
CHASING GHOSTS
Mission: Steal the Male Lead
But the more Morwenna changes the story, the stranger the world becomes. The heroine seems to know the future, unseen spectators begin commenting on her life, and the gods watching from above grow obsessed with the drama unfolding before them. Trapped in a story where fate has already decided the ending, Morwenna must choose whether to follow the script or rewrite it entirely. But if the world itself was never meant to belong to its characters, can she steal the male lead before fate steals her freedom first?
Accardi
“I thought you said you were done chasing me?” Gen mocked.
“I am done chasing you.”
Before she could formulate a witty remark, Matteo threw her down. She landed hard on her back atop his dining room table. She tried to sit up when she noticed what he was doing. His hands were working on his belt. It came free of his pants with a violent yank. She collapsed back on her elbows, her mouth gaping open at the display. His face was a mask of sheer determination, his eyes were a dark gold swimming with heat and desire. His hands wrapped around her thighs and pulled her to the edge of the table. He glided his fingers up her thighs and hooked several around the inside of her panties. His knuckles brushed her dripping sex.
“You’re soaking wet, Genevieve. Tell me, was it me that made you this way or him?” his voice told her to be careful with her answer. His knuckles slid down through her folds and she threw her head back as she moaned. “Weakness?”
“You…” she breathed.
Genevieve loses a bet she can’t afford to pay. In a compromise, she agrees to convince any man her opponent chooses to go home with her that night. What she doesn’t realize when her sister’s friend points out the brooding man sitting alone at the bar, is that man won’t be okay with just one night with her. No, Matteo Accardi, Don of one of the largest gangs in New York City doesn’t do one night stands. Not with her anyway.
