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.
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.
Excerpt
Copyright 2025, Diana A. Hicks
“So good.” He releases me from my binding.
My legs are jelly at this point. I drop, but he catches me before I hit the floor. A wave of ecstasy lingers at my core as he scoops me into his arms. My cheek lands on the bit of his exposed skin, and I melt into him. I’m floating, still riding the high even though he already took the swan away.
I lift my head as he takes the stairs down to the second level. He’s taking me back to my room. I should object. But what can I expect? That just because I let him do all those things to me, he would change his mind about what I am to him?
Wife.
His word echoes in my head.
I want to fight him, push him away, and tell him I don’t need his help. But there’s no point. The all-powerful Mr. Archer get whatever he wants. I let him carry me to my bed. Once I’m on top of the covers, he removes my shoes and my jeans. And then it hits me. He brought me here without my top.
“Get under the covers.” He lifts the duvet. “I want you to sleep like this. Naked. Do you understand?”
I nod and do as he says, too tired to argue with him. As soon as my head lands on the soft pillow, I doze off. My eyes flutter open, then they close, and then, I’m in my favorite dream—the one where Archer guards my sleep, filling all the empty spaces in my room with his raw energy.
“Stay away from me, Little Dove.” His hand hovers over my cheek. “I’m exactly the monster you think I am.”
“You’re not a monster.” I turn on my side, curling my body toward the edge of the mattress. When I glance up at him, he’s gone.
I sit up, my heart racing.
I look to every corner, but all I find are shadows that don’t match his. Did I dream the whole thing? I squeeze my legs together, and my overly sensitive bud reacts as if it’s ready for another round. I peek at the nightstand and all the colors dancing on the facets of the crystal swan. Tears roll down my cheeks.
Archer is real. Just like his resolution to stay away from me.
“I’m your wife, you idiot.” I punch the pillow next to me. “I’m not your enemy.”
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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