Tempted: A Bad Boy Next Door Romance Read online

  Tempted

  A Bad Boy Next Door Romance

  Lauren Landish

  Willow Winters

  Photography by

  Dave Kelley

  Contents

  Tempted: A Bad Boy Next Door Romance

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Epilogue

  Bad Girl: Valetti Crime Family (A Bad Boy Mafia Romance)

  Prologue

  1. Three weeks earlier

  2. Tonya

  3. Tommy

  4. Tonya

  5. Tommy

  6. Tonya

  7. Tommy

  8. Tonya

  9. Tommy

  10. Tonya

  11. Tommy

  12. Tonya

  13. Tommy

  14. Tommy

  15. Tonya

  16. Tommy

  17. Tommy

  18. Tommy

  19. Tonya

  20. Tonya

  21. Tonya

  22. Tonya

  23. Tommy

  24. Tonya

  25. Tonya

  26. Tonya

  27. Tommy

  28. Tonya

  Epilogue

  Sneak Peek at Bad Boy, Anthony Valetti’s Story

  1. Chapter 1

  Blitzed: A Secret Baby Romance

  High School Seniors

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Adulthood

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Epilogue

  Preview - Duty: A Secret Baby Romance

  About the Authors

  Copyright © 2016 by Lauren Landish & Willow Winters.

  All rights reserved.

  Photography by Dave Kelley.

  Cover Model: Derek Arellano.

  Cover Design by Supahkawaii Covers.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  The following story contains mature themes, strong language and sexual situations. It is intended for mature readers.

  All characters are 18+ years of age and non-blood related, and all sexual acts are consensual.

  Tempted: A Bad Boy Next Door Romance

  Lauren Landish & Willow Winters

  I’m going to get that sweet side I know she has.

  I’m a hard man and I’ve never had any complaints. I take what I want and f**k all the rest.

  I thought life was good. And then she showed up.

  Elizabeth changed everything.

  She’s playing hard to get with that sassy mouth of hers. But I’ll teach her a lesson. I’ll punish her just how I know she wants it. She’s a good girl and she deserves better, but she tempted me; now she’s mine.

  I was loving her sweet lips and gorgeous curves, and then my competition found out about her.

  Now I’m f*cked. She’s f*cked. I’ve got a death threat with her name on it in my back pocket; it’s all my fault. I’m trouble, that’s all I am, and I brought it to her doorstep.

  She’s gonna hate me. But she’s not leaving. She’s my girl now.

  She belongs to me.

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  Prologue

  Liam

  That old man knew exactly what he was doing. He fucking set me up. All those times he talked about his sunshine, Elizabeth. All those pictures he showed me? Not to mention all the stories he’d tell me when I was keeping him company. Of course I fell for her before I even heard her voice.

  And now I’m fucked. She’s fucked. What was he thinking, trying to set her up with a no-good asshole like me? She’s too fucking good for me. He had to know it.

  I’m trouble, that’s all I am, and I brought that to her doorstep.

  Those gorgeous blue eyes stare back at me with something deeper in them than lust. I’ve finally won her over. Every bit of her.

  I’m a fucking prick for doing it. I know I should’ve let her down easy. I should’ve walked away and turned my back on her. Shit, I should’ve never chased her.

  She’s a smart girl; she knows I’m no good for her. And it’s true. I’ve got a death threat in my back pocket in the form of her picture, and it’s all because of me.

  What was her father doing pulling this shit? He knew the hard truth about me. I shake my head, hating how I’m blaming him. The old man’s dead now. I’m such a piece of shit, trying to put this all on him and throw the blame on someone other than me.

  I pushed her to cave to me. I just needed a taste. And now that I’ve got her and a good fucking reason to leave this life behind, it’s all crashing down around me. But she’s here now, and she’s in danger.

  “Whatever you’re thinking, Liam, you need to stop it,” she says, and her soft, sweet voice is so damn soothing. Her small hand cups my cheek and I quickly nip her thumb playfully. She lets out a cute squeal, and her eyes quickly heat with desire. I try to give her a small smile, but I can’t force it.

  She bites down on her bottom lip and softly says, “You worry too much.” She looks up at me through her thick lashes. I can’t deny her. I’m addicted to her touch.

  I take her curvy body in my arms, feeling her soft, lush frame melt into me. “Only when it involves you,” I respond with more honesty than she’ll ever know.

  She gives me a sweet smile and nudges her nose against mine with her eyes closed. She wants me to take her right now. And I can’t deny her that wish. I take her lips with my own, and press my tongue against the seam of her full lips, as she yields to my touch with a kiss. She parts easily for me, spreading her legs and straddling me. She gives in so easily now.

  She's learned to trust me.

  She’s learned to love me and everything I do to her. If only she knew.
>
  “You don’t have to worry,” she says, and she’s nearly panting now, her voice trembling with need. “Just take care of me.”

  I know what she means by that.

  Fuck, it’s like a bullet to my heart how much she trusts me. I run my hand down my face and stare into her eyes. Her forehead is slightly pinched, and her mouth is parted. Her haze of desire is starting to be replaced with a look of confusion. She doesn’t know why I’m hesitating.

  I have to tell her. She’s going to fucking hate me. She’s going to know she was right about me all along.

  I nip her bottom lip, and my dick twitches as she closes her eyes and moans. Her hands tangle in my hair and I decide right then--I’m not going to let her go. Even if she hates me. I can’t risk it; I can’t risk her.

  One more night with her. Just one more night between us. And then I’ll tell her. She’s going to fucking hate me. But she’s not leaving. I can’t let her.

  They know she’s gotten to me. I can’t leave her now, it’s too late.

  She tempted me; now she’s mine.

  Chapter 1

  Lizzie

  The somber chime of church bells greets me as I step out of my car, a red 2015 Toyota Camry. My legs feel shaky as my shoes touch the ground, and for a moment, I’m hit by a surge of weakness as I lean against the car for support.

  I can’t do this.

  But I have to.

  For daddy.

  Every moment is a struggle, but I manage to stand up straight and close my car door. I take a moment to gather myself, breathing in deeply and fighting back tears before looking up into the dark clouds above.

  Why did you take him from me? I demand angrily. What did I do to deserve this? As if in response, there's a deep rumble in the distance, a dark foreboding sound that threatens to take even more from me. But I have nothing left. I feel numb and hollow.

  A loud crack splits the sky. He didn’t deserve to die! My stepfather was a good man. It’s not fair.

  Bitterly, I tear my eyes away from the unforgiving heavens and begin making my way through the parking lot. A cool breeze sweeps the area, causing the hem of my black dress to lift up around my thighs and goosebumps to rise on my flesh. Numbly, I ignore it and continue on.

  Ahead, I see people walking up the church steps and anxiety tightens around my heart. There are a lot of familiar faces, a few faces I’d rather not speak to, and some I don’t know. Even from this distance I can already see the pity in their eyes and hear their empty condolences. It angers me. A lot of them couldn’t give a fuck about my father. Or me. They’re just here to see me break down.

  I vow to put on a strong front, not let them see me cry.

  They’re all frauds, I think disdainfully. Half of these people disliked my dad when he was alive, and now they want to pretend like they care.

  It irks me, makes me angry. And I cling to that anger to keep me from being consumed with grief. I’m certain some of these people weren’t invited to the funeral, and yet here they are anyway.

  As I make it to the church steps, a familiar voice pierces my awareness. “Lizzie?”

  I spin around, my dress swirling around my legs, and see my childhood friend, Natalie Doubet, standing there with a large, silver tray of cookies in her hands. Garbed in a black lace dress, her dark blonde hair is pulled up into a severe bun and she's opted for subdued, conservative makeup.

  I'm awash with relief. Of all the people I recognize filing into the church, Natalie is the only one I’m happy to lay eyes on.

  “Nat!” I cry. I wish my lips would turn up into a smile, but they refuse.

  “Hey Lizzie,” she says, and her voice is soft, soothing. I just want to melt in her arms.

  I run up to her, my arms outstretched.

  “Whoa!” Natalie snaps, twisting her body to protect her delicious cargo. “Watch the cookies!”

  Despite feeling like shit, I laugh and gently reach out to stroke her arm. Good ol’ Nat and her testy temper. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I didn’t mean to snap at you, I just didn’t want you to get sugar cookies all over your dress.” Natalie nods at the church. I can see the sadness in Natalie's eyes as she looks at me, and I fight back the tears that threaten to stream down my face like a waterfall.

  “Let’s go find the reception so I can put these down and I’ll walk with you.”

  “Okay,” I manage.

  As we make our way into the church, I’m greeted by distant relatives and past acquaintances. I do my best to hold it together, fighting back tears as each person hugs me and offers their condolences. It’s impossibly hard, especially enduring the comments of the more fake and phony guests, and several times I almost start wailing with grief. Somehow, I survive the group without breaking down and then Nat and I head farther into the church.

  In the reception room there’s already a small crowd milling about, chatting in hushed tones. I lock eyes with more faces I haven't seen in years, and then look away. I know it’s only a matter of time before I’m surrounded and barraged with false sympathy again. I’m dreading every second of it.

  “I’m so sorry for your loss,” Natalie says as soon as she sets the tray of cookies down on the refreshments table. She gives me a big, warm embrace, and once again, I’m fighting back tears. Will it ever end? “I knew Turner was getting up there in age,” she remarks, pulling away, “but he looked fine every time I saw him come into the bakery.”

  It’s a struggle to even speak. “He was here one day, and then gone the next,” I croak.

  Natalie shakes her head solemnly. “I know, right? It’s crazy.”

  A tear escapes my right eye and trails down my cheek. “I don’t understand,” I moan, angrily wiping away the offending tear with the back of my hand. “I thought cancer took time. I thought there were signs.” It hurts. It hurts so much to think there was nothing I could have done to save him. If only I could go back in time.

  Nat clamps a hand on my shoulder, her eyes clouded with sympathy. “I don’t know what to say, Liz, except... sometimes these things happen.”

  But why did it have to happen to him? I want to scream out. It’s not fair!

  “If you need anything while you’re in town, I don’t care what it is,” Nat continues, pulling me into another warm embrace, “I’m here for you.”

  “Thank you,” I say simply, swallowing the huge lump in my throat.

  After rubbing my back for a few moments, Natalie pulls away and peers at me. “You look good at least, like you lost a lot of weight.” She pauses and then adds, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to come off like that.”

  I brush away her worry. “You’re fine. I wasn’t eating much before the news, and I ate even less after I heard it. Stress, you know?” I had just finished with finals when I got the news. I have two semesters left until I’m done with my masters. There's a two month break before I have to go back. Until then, I'm here. Back in my hometown, mourning the death of the only family I ever had.

  Natalie gestures at her tray of goodies. “You should try one of my sugar cookies. I guarantee they’ll get you back on track.” She gestures to her stomach and adds, “They're a bit fattening.”

  I snicker at her little joke and roll my eyes. “You're beautiful.” She giggles and straightens the tray with a small smile.

  I glance at her baked morsels. While I’m not hungry, they do look delicious. Each cookie is a rich golden color, iced and dusted with multicolored powder. “I shouldn’t,” I say. “I’ve been trying to stay away from sugar. It only makes me feel jittery.”

  “Nonsense.” Natalie gently prods me toward the cookies. “Depriving yourself at a time like this isn’t going to help anything. You need something to help you feel better.”

  I take a cookie and take a small nibble. My eyes go wide a moment later. “These are delicious!” I exclaim before taking another bite, this time a larger one. My appetite has been in the shitter lately, but even I have to admit how tasty these things are. I don't know
if it's because I'm starving, but I swear they're the best cookies I've ever eaten.

  “Aren’t they?” Natalie beams proudly. “They’re a customer favorite. I can hardly keep them on the racks. Within twenty minutes of putting out a fresh batch, they’re gone.”

  “What are they made of?” I have to ask; I'm still marveling at how rich and sweet they are.

  Natalie crosses her arms, her eyes twinkling. “Can’t tell ya. It’s my super secret recipe.”

  I savor the taste. I'm really loving this cookie. “I figured you would say that.”

  Natalie winks. “You know me.”

  I close my eyes, relishing the delicious flavor assaulting my taste buds. “My God, I always knew you could bake, but never this good.” My eyes pop back open as something occurs to me. “Wait a minute, a customer favorite?”

  “I took over my grandma Eva’s bakery,” Natalie explains. “I now run Sweet Morsels Bakery full time.”

  I’m shocked. I had always pictured Natalie going to law school, settling down after a few years and having a bunch of babies. I didn’t think she’d stay in town. “You’re kidding!”

  Natalie shakes her head. “Nope. Grandma Eva got too old to run it and wanted to retire. Since mom was too busy with her daycare business, that left me to take the reins.”

  “Wow,” I say, impressed. “That’s amazing. Head of your own business at twenty-three.”

  “Ain't it?” Natalie agrees. “I never thought that I’d be doing something like this, but here I am.” She frowns, as if a sudden unpleasant thought occurs to her. “It’s not all cupcakes and ice cream though.”

  I finish chowing down the delicious treat. Unconsciously, I grab another and pop it in my mouth. “What do you mean?”

  “I didn’t inherit the business for free. I owe grandma Eva fifty grand.”