The ballet performance of my life ends with a forbidden auction and my older brother’s best friend as the highest bidder. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family, even if it means losing myself to the reclusive billionaire. Readers who enjoy enemies to lovers and dark billionaire romances will devour Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks, a steamy, beauty and the beast retelling.
Blurb
While I stand in darkness, she holds the light…
The ballet performance of my life ends with a forbidden auction.
My older brother’s best friend is the highest bidder.
Now he’s here to claim his prize…me.
But the reclusive billionaire is no knight in shining armor.
Though I’m drawn to him, I know something sinister lurks beneath his steel blue eyes.
I must protect my family, even if it means losing myself in the process.
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Excerpt
Copyright 2025, Diana A. Hicks
I want to devour her right here and now. But the pout of her lips seems, for lack of a better word, inexperienced. Or is that what I paid for? She’s so experienced at fucking men, she’s able to fool me into this fantasy where I’m the predator, and she’s my prey.
“I do too.” I finish the rest of my drink.
When I reach for her waist, her eyes widen in surprise. Her mouth forms a perfect “o” as she lets me guide her toward me. A willing participant, I fall for her game. I pull her gently toward me, and she delicately surrenders to my embrace. She trembles fisting the sleeve of my suit jacket. My cock fucking loves it.
Yes, I want to ravage her, to tear up her expensive dress, and suck on her tits until she comes. But I want this game too. I want her desire to boil over. I want her to beg for me.
Gently, I place my index finger under her chin and press my mouth to hers. Fucking ecstasy. She moans quietly and melts in my arms. I take her surrender as an invitation to coax her velvet tongue to meet mine. She tastes like whiskey and green apples. When her lips part to let me in, I deepen the kiss, claiming her mouth the way I plan to plunder her cunt in the next five minutes.
“I don’t think I did enough.” She pulls away, panting to catch her breath. “How are you still standing?”
Her words are like a spell. She’s no innocent maiden. She is a witch. My body knows what’s happening to me, but my brain and my cock are still hung up on her, refusing to see the truth. I fall to the floor with a heavy thud, and still, I can’t form the thought in my head.
“Little Dove,” I mumble.
She poisoned me?
I lie on the soft carpet unable to move, staring up at her. Her eyes go big like saucers in surprise or trepidation. I can’t fucking tell the difference anymore.
“Let’s go,” a male voice calls from somewhere near the door. “Now. Who knows how long the effects will last. He’s a beast.”
“I’m coming.” She touches her fingers to her lips. She looks lost and confused.
You can drop the act, Little Dove.
I glare at her with all the contempt I can muster.
“Why did you kiss him?” the man asks.
“I don’t know.” She smooths out her dress, her eyes never leaving mine. “Get the money.”
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About Diana A. Hicks
Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.
When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.
Praise for Diana A. Hicks:
"Hicks' first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense...A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance." - Kirkus Reviews
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