My eyes are wide as I step carefully on the highly polished wood floor. It’s made of small pieces of wood arranged in a diamond pattern, and a thin rug with a large, oval-shaped design covers the floor.
Driving up to this place, I gazed up at the soaring white columns topped with curling leaves and scrolls. Above them, so high I could barely see from the car, the roof had a railing, like you could walk around up there.
I’ve never seen a house like this outside of a movie or a storybook.
It’s a castle.
It’s also dark and empty.
“I hope you find it comfortable here.”
I look up at him, unsure what to say.
He’s tall with lots of gray hair that swooshes around his head like that scientist in the picture at my school. He’s wearing a scratchy brown jacket and dark pants, and he has a beard. His dark eyes are intense like a bird or a reptile, watching me.
“Are you a king?” My voice is small.
“I’m your new father. You may call me Drake.” His voice is low and measured, like he carefully chooses the exact word to say before he speaks.
“Where’s my mom?” Sadness pinches my chest when I remember the last time I saw her.
His eyes blink away, into the hall. “She can’t take care of you anymore. You’re going to live with me now.”
I’m not sure what he means. “Did she die?”
“Not as far as I know.” His tone is grave like he doesn’t want to dwell on this subject. “If you’re all settled, I’ll leave you to your thoughts.”
I follow him quickly into the massive hallway covered in paintings bigger than me. It’s as wide as a dining room, and long rugs cover the floors that go on for miles.
My footsteps echo off the polished wood as I scuffle after him. “Are we the only ones here?”
He pauses and turns, looking down at me slowly as if I’m an insect he’s considering gobbling up. I shrink back, wishing I hadn’t asked.
“Are you afraid of being alone, Spencer?”
My eyes are wide, and I want my mom. The expression on his face tells me that would be the wrong answer.
“No, sir.”
“Good. Only a weak man is bothered by being alone. Are you weak?”
I’m not sure if I’m weak or if I’m even a man yet, but I know how to survive.
“No, sir.”
His eyes flinch almost like he would smile if that were possible. “Never fall for the lie that you need other people. Only when you are completely independent are you truly strong.”
He starts to go, but I hold out my hand. “But… Why do you need me?”
The spark of approval evaporates like smoke. “I don’t.”
His gaze travels up and around the hall, pausing at a window twice as tall as he is. “When I am gone, I will leave my estate to you, then you will be like me.” Cold eyes return to mine. “Now get some rest. I’ll begin your education tomorrow.”
Dread filters through my stomach, but I don’t dare argue. My shoulder hurts, and I’m sleepy. I don’t know why I’m here, but I remember my mom saying it would be okay.
Returning quietly to my room, I notice a sweaty glass of ice water on my bedside table. Going to it, I lift a cube from the top and put it in my mouth, sliding to sit on the scratchy wool rug covering my floor.
My eyes close, and I focus on the cold as it slowly melts away.
Then I do it again.
Get TROUBLE today (link), and fall in love with this wounded billionaire and the fiery redhead who saves him (reminiscent of Beauty & the Beast)!
*Also available on Audio (link).
Never miss a new release!
Sign up for my New Release newsletter and get a FREE Tia Louise Story Bundle!
Sign up now! (link)
PRINCE
DIRTY PLAYERS #1
BY TIA LOUISE
Rowan
I’ve only ever cared about two things: Racing cars and being king.
Despite what my younger brother says, there’s more to life than chasing skirts.
Until she walks into the room.
Dark hair, luscious lips, gorgeous curves…
Ava has every part of my body standing at attention.
She consumes my thoughts, my desires… I will possess her.
I’m the future king, dammit.
If only her sister would get out of the way.
Zelda
It was a simple job, in and out.
Seduce a crown prince, humiliate him in front of his people, get out of jail free.
Finally, I would keep my promise to my sister: Ava would be safe.
I never saw the tables turn.
I never saw him coming.
Cal was only looking for a party… Until he found me.
He’s the “playboy prince,” the brother of my target, the object of my lust.
Ripped, lean body, talented fingers, talented tongue. He’s wickedly smart and completely irresistible.
He’s ruining my job… he’s ruining everything.
Now I’m staring down the barrel of a gun, and I have only one choice… RUN.
(PRINCE is a thrilling action-adventure romance full of twists and turns and smokin’ hot sexy times. It is Book 1 of the “Dirty Players” series, formerly titled THE PRINCE & THE PLAYER. No cheating, but you do have to keep reading! Let the games begin…)
PROLOGUE
Zelda Wilder
My legs are wet. Thunder rolls low in a steel-grey sky, and the hiss of warm rain grows louder. I lean further sideways into the culvert, closer against my little sister Ava’s body, and grit my teeth against the hunger pain twisting my stomach. There’s no way in hell I’m sleeping tonight.
Reaching up, I rub my palm against the back of my neck, under the thick curtain of my blonde hair. A shudder moves at my side, and I realize Ava’s crying. We’re packed tight in this concrete ditch, but I twist my body around to face her.
Clearing my throat, I force my brows to unclench. I force my voice to be soothing instead of angry. “Hey,” I whisper softly. “What’s the matter, Ava-bug?”
Silence greets me. She’s small enough to be somewhat comfortable in our hideout. Her knees are bent, but unlike me, they’re not shoved up into her nose. Still, she leans forward to press her eyes against the backs of her hands. Her glossy brown hair is short around her ears and falls onto her cheeks.
Our parents were classic movie buffs, naming her after Ava Gardner and me after Scott Fitzgerald’s crazy wife Zelda. We pretty much lived up to our monikers, since my little sister wound up having emerald green cat eyes and wavy dark hair. She’s a showstopper whereas I’m pretty average—flat blue eyes and dishwater blonde. So far no signs of schizophrenia (har har), but you can bet your ass I can keep up with the boys in everything, which brings us to this lowly state.
“Come on, now,” I urge. “It can’t be as bad as all that.”
Her dark head moves back and forth. “I’m sorry.” Her soft whisper finally answers my question. “This is all my fault.”