{"title":"Build Your Own Binge | Start Small","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"hate-to-love-you","title":"HATE TO LOVE YOU","description":"\u003ch4 class=\"p1\"\u003eDANGEROUS COLLECTION - THREE scorching stories of enemies to lovers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/0936\/0625\/files\/HTLYBanner.png?v=1781475790\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoathing never felt so good...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMORE THAN TEMPT YOU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRuthless Devotion\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eI romanced her for revenge…but what if she’s not the enemy?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEDUCING THE ENEMY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForbidden Confessions: First Time\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMy rival’s little sister betrayed me. I’m taking my revenge in bed.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWATCH ME\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDark \u0026amp; Spicy Standalone Romance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne scorching night. Two fierce rivals. Zero rules.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/0936\/0625\/files\/HTLY_KNL.png?v=1781123767\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e✔️\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e Instant download • Secure transactions • Read on any device\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContains\u003c\/strong\u003e: More Than Tempt You, Seducing the Enemy, Watch Me\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormats:\u003c\/strong\u003e eBook\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord Count:\u003c\/strong\u003e 131k\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePage Count:\u003c\/strong\u003e 396 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrior Reading Necessary?\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTropes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alpha Hero, Angst, Anti-hero, BDSM, Billionaire, Blackmail, Blue-collar Hero, Brother's Best Friend, Dominant Hero, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Seduction, Revenge, Secret Past, Suspense, Temporary Fling, Virgin, Workplace Romance\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🖤 Inside HATE TO LOVE YOU 🖤\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“So now that we’ve caught up and you’ve watched me drink, what do you want?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“In exchange for forty million dollars to save your brother’s financial ass and his company?” I smile tightly. “You.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSlowly, she closes her eyes. To brace herself? To hide her fury from me?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“What are your terms?” she demands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“One week—where you’ll belong to me completely.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“You want me to be your whore?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eShe’s trying to bait me. “You putting an ugly spin on our arrangement isn’t going to make me change my mind.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eShe clenches her delicate jaw. “What do you expect from me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“I’ll send a car to pick you up at precisely nine o’clock. Bring \u003ci\u003enothing\u003c\/i\u003e with you. Anything you need, I’ll provide. You’ll tell no one where you’re going. You’ll disappear from your life completely. No phone calls, no texts, no contact with the outside world. For seven days, I’ll be your entire universe.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“You’re a bastard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eI ignore her jibe. It’s noise, designed to tell me she’s pissed off. I already know, and I don’t care. “That can’t be a surprise.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“No.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“When you arrive, the front door will be unlocked. Once inside, you will strip. And you will kneel. Then you’ll wait for me.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eShe slides off the barstool, her legs unsteady. “No. I won’t.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eI’m faster. I clutch her wrist, not hard enough to hurt but firm enough to stop her. “Think carefully. What happens if you refuse me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eHer pulse hammers against my thumb. “Please, Jett.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“Please what, Whitney? Please let your brother lose everything? Please let all your employees be unemployed? Or please fuck you until you can’t remember your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eFor a moment, she looks close to tears. Then she blanks her expression. “Fine. I’ll listen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“Good girl. While you’re with me, you’ll be mine completely, and you’ll spread your legs when I want to look at what belongs to me. You’ll thank me for it, too. Most important, you’ll forget two things: any other man who’s ever fucked you and the word \u003ci\u003eno\u003c\/i\u003e. You will do \u003ci\u003eanything\u003c\/i\u003e I desire with, to, or for me during our week together. Am I clear?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e📚 \u003cstrong\u003eWhen hate turns to desire, loathing never felt so good. Continue the obsession now.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shayla Store","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":44369789190385,"sku":"HTLY1","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Signed Hardcover","offer_id":48294704906481,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/0936\/0625\/files\/HateToLoveYou_01e988b3-3dae-4e41-8ac3-cb957b3ddacc.png?v=1781123425"},{"product_id":"dangerous-to-touch","title":"DANGEROUS TO TOUCH","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLove this dangerous is impossible to resist...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWICKED AS SIN\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eHe’s her protector, her temptation, her undoing…\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/span\u003e “\u003cem\u003eWicked As Sin is a hot, edge-of-your-seat, emotional, grab-you-hard-and-you-won’t-be-able-to-stop-until-the-very-end read!\u003c\/em\u003e” - Kay Daniels Romance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMORE THAN WANT YOU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRuthless Devotion\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eI wanted nothing more than revenge…until her.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/span\u003e \"\u003cem\u003eMore Than Want you was fabulous, sexy, smart, and had one AMAZING heroine! I am totally in LOVE! More Than Want You had me falling in love with the plot, the characters, and the delicious and tempting romance.\u003c\/em\u003e\" – Marie’s Tempting Reads\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEDUCED BY THE BODYGUARD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForbidden Confessions: Protectors\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eI need his protection. He demands my surrender.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/span\u003e \"\u003cem\u003eIt’s a sizzling, sexy, complex, intense, short yet jam-packed romance that brings all the drama and angst, excitement and chemistry\u003c\/em\u003e.” – Goodreads Reviewer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/0936\/0625\/files\/DTTUnderlay.png?v=1781123068\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e✔️\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e Instant download • Secure transactions • Read on any device\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContains\u003c\/strong\u003e: Wicked as Sin, More Than Want You, Seduced by the Bodyguard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormats:\u003c\/strong\u003e eBook\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord Count:\u003c\/strong\u003e 182k\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePage Count:\u003c\/strong\u003e 396 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrior Reading Necessary?\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTropes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alpha Hero, Angst, Anti-hero, Bad Boy\/Good Girl, Dominant Hero, Fake Relationship, Famous, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Former Military, Grumpy\/Sunshine, Insta-love, Manwhore, Obsessed Hero, On-the-run, Protector, Revenge, Small Town, Suspense, Temporary Fling, Virgin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e*Previously published as First Glance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e📚\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eStart reading now!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shayla Store","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":44373676589297,"sku":"FGL1","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Signed Hardcover","offer_id":48294498992369,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/0936\/0625\/files\/DangerousToTouch_6d68b0db-dd3e-4cb0-ad6b-d384ef64d0a1.png?v=1781120925"},{"product_id":"hot-for-the-boss","title":"HOT FOR THE BOSS","description":"\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFour Forbidden Office Romances filled with power, possession, and obsession...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMORE THAN CRAVE YOU\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRuthless Devotion\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eI need to hire a wife. But I only want my assistant.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/span\u003e \"\u003cem\u003eWith beautifully written characters and a storyline that I could not put down this was a fabulous read. It needs more than 5 stars!!\u003c\/em\u003e” –The Overflowing Bookcase\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTEMPTED BY THE BOSSHOLE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForbidden Confessions: Filthy Rich Bosses\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMy best friend's daughter is off-limits...until I seduce her for revenge.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/span\u003e \"\u003cem\u003eTempted By The Bosshole…ticks all the boxes: stellar characters, interesting plot line, deep emotions, a bit of angst, and lots of spicy sizzle.\u003c\/em\u003e” - Goodreads Reviewer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNAUGHTY LITTLE SECRET\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNon-Series Titles\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMy boss. My friend. My secret lover?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/span\u003e \"\u003cem\u003eShayla Black takes the reader on a whirlwind of emotions throughout NAUGHTY LITTLE SECRET. Highly erotic and extremely tender at the same time, this book made me smile, cry, and squirm in my seat. This one is definitely a keeper.\u003c\/em\u003e” – Romance Junkies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWICKED TO LOVE\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWicked Lovers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eCould her boss be the lover of her dreams?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/span\u003e \"\u003cem\u003eLove Shayla Black romance! Great story of romance, hot sex, and interesting characters. The characters have flaws, deep feelings, and go after what they want. Enjoy\u003c\/em\u003e.” – Amazon Reviewer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/0936\/0625\/files\/HFTBKNLGraphic_jpg.png?v=1779397001\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e✔️\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e Instant download • Secure transactions • Read on any device\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContains\u003c\/strong\u003e: More Than Crave You, Tempted by the Bosshole, Naughty Little Secret, Wicked to Love\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormats:\u003c\/strong\u003e Signed Collector Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePage Count:\u003c\/strong\u003e 647 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrior Reading Necessary?\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTropes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Accidental Pregnancy, Age-gap, Alpha Hero, Angst, Anti-hero, Billionaire, Breeding, Dominant Hero, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Marriage, Forced Seduction, Friends to Lovers, Interracial, Nerd Hero, Obsessed Hero, One-night Stand, Revenge, Single Mom, Workplace Romance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e📚 Start your obsession now!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shayla Black's Store","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":48204176457969,"sku":"HFTBSS","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Signed Hardcover","offer_id":45715586449649,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/0936\/0625\/files\/Hot_for_the_Boss_a5afb249-0e2f-405e-b0cf-617139edfc8d.png?v=1779394464"},{"product_id":"ruin-me","title":"RUIN ME","description":"\u003ch4 class=\"p1\"\u003eEXCLUSIVE COLLECTION - Three addictive dark romances of obsession, temptation, and desire.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🔥 Desire always comes with a price...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWICKED AS LIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHe wants her…and he’s past caring she’s the enemy.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ \"\u003cem\u003eThe perfect blend of suspense, intrigue and fantastic characters and will keep you hanging on to the edge of your seat...\u003c\/em\u003e\" \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e- Goodreads Reviewer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMORE THAN DARE YOU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReed Family Reckoning\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eI dared her to spend a hot, no-strings night with me. Now I’m determined to keep her forever.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ \"\u003cem\u003e...a sexy, can’t-put-this-book-down page-turner.\u003c\/em\u003e\" - Reading in the Red Room\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEDUCING THE STRANGER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForbidden Confessions: First Time\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhen he vows he won't be gentle, I beg him to do his worst.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\u003c\/span\u003e \"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e…stunning read with a drool-worthy hero...\u003c\/em\u003e\" - Goodreads Reviewer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/0936\/0625\/files\/RuinMeUnderlay.png?v=1780594352\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e✔️\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e Instant download • Secure transactions • Read on any device\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContains:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wicked as Lies, More Than Dare You, Seducing the Stranger\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormats:\u003c\/strong\u003e Signed Collectors Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord Count:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180k\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePage Count:\u003c\/strong\u003e 558 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrior Reading Necessary?\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTropes:\u003c\/b\u003e Alpha Hero, Bad Boy\/Good Girl, Danger, Dominant Hero, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Friends to Lovers, Insta-love, Military\/Former Military, One-night Stand, Protector, Security Team, Single Mom\/Dad, Suspense, Temporary Fling, Workplace Romance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e💔 Inside SEDUCING THE STRANGER 💔\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe tall man with the dark beard and even darker eyes striding into the swanky hotel bar might be the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eOh, dear god.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI sit up a little straighter in my barstool and cast a sidelong stare as the stranger stops six feet from me. He motions the bartender for a beer, then slams his hands on the bar and hangs his head. I can’t help but notice his hands—big and bronzed with pronounced veins running from hair-roughened forearms to blunt knuckles. Long fingers taper to clean, brutally short nails.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI shiver. I’m in lust. I have a thing for hands, and his are the stuff out of my fantasies.\u003cbr\u003eThough his head is down, nothing about him seems despondent. But he’s feeling something… Frustrated? Exasperated?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFinally, he raises his head and stares straight ahead. I glimpse his expression in the massive mirror over the bar. He’s incredibly, blazingly angry. The raw fury in his eyes should scare me.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePerversely, I’m even more aroused. Or maybe that’s just his effect on me.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSuddenly, he shifts his stare. Our gazes meet in the mirror. My heart pounds. I should look away, let him have privacy to deal with his problems. But I can’t.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHe turns his head, eyes narrowed. The attention falls on me. My breath catches. I’m wet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHas any man ever affected me like this?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNever. Not once.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAnd I’m loving every moment I spend pinned under his stare.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“What?” His voice is as rough and merciless as his expression.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Are you okay?”\u003cbr\u003eHe doesn’t answer for a long moment. I’m convinced he’s going to blow me off. Just like I’m sure the zing of attraction is completely one-sided.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFinally, he growls, “What’s your name?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI swallow. “Calla.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHis gaze dips to my nearly empty tumbler. “What are you drinking, Calla?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Amaretto.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eJust then, the bartender sets a frosty mug of some dark, imported beer in front of the gorgeous stranger. I realize then he never told me his name.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Get her another,” he tells the bartender.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI should refuse. I came off the plane from LA three hours ago, and I still haven’t eaten lunch. I should find something to fill my stomach before I drink more. But if this shiver-worthy stranger is buying me a drink, I’m going to smile at him, partake, and stare my fill.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Thank you,” I murmur.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhen the bartender steps away to mix my cocktail, the gorgeous man cocks his head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Has anyone ever made you furious beyond words?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI consider his question. While I had a college roommate who came close once… “No.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“So you don’t have any advice?” He gulps half his beer, giving no hint that he’s actually enjoying it on the way down.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Other than to say it’s not smart to try drowning anger in booze, no.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHe grunts before he downs more of his brew. “I should have guessed you’ve never been that angry. You’ve got a halo.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“What does that mean?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“The overhead lights reflect off all your shiny blond hair. When I walked in the door, it was the first thing I noticed. Makes you look like you have a halo.” His eyes narrow again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“You’ve got an angelic face to match.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIs that a compliment or a sneer?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe bartender sets my fresh drink beside the empty one, then sweeps the first tumbler away before he disappears into a back room, leaving me alone with the surly stranger.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I’m no angel,” I argue.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHe raises an inky black brow and studies me so intently I have to struggle not to squirm under his gaze. “You’re under twenty-five. You have a steady job. Your apartment is somewhere between clean and spotless. You’ve probably never had more than a parking ticket. And”—he leans in, dark eyes drilling down through mine as if he can read my mind or see into my soul—“I’ll bet you’ve had fewer than five lovers. You’ve definitely never had a one-night stand. Where I come from, that makes you an angel.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMy mouth hangs open. How did he guess so much about me? “What makes you think that?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“More than fifteen years in law enforcement. You get good at reading people. You going to try convincing me I’m wrong?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“This isn’t about me.” I clear my throat. “I’m sorry if I butted in. I saw you were angry, and I asked if you were okay. If you don’t want anyone to care, then I won’t.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFinally, he slides onto the stool next to mine and polishes off his beer. The heat of his thigh close to mine makes it hard to focus on anything except him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I didn’t say that, angel. I’m just looking for a way to deal with my anger since I can’t beat the hell out of my dad for being a stubborn asshole.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I get that. I know I told you that drinking your anger away wouldn’t work, but I’m basically trying to do the same. My mom is…an idiot.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHe barks out a laugh. It comes with an expression that’s not precisely a smile. Still, it makes him even more stunning. I’m even more drawn to him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“So I’m furious, and you’re…disappointed, I’m guessing. If drinking doesn’t work, what’s our next best option?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“What would you normally do to purge anger?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Hit the gym. But I’m only in town for thirty-six hours, so I didn’t bring my gym clothes. What about you?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I’m only in town until Sunday morning, too.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“No, I mean what do you do to get rid of your anger?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I try to meditate.” But I’m not very good at it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHe snorts. “Yeah, that’s not for me.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I sometimes drink chamomile tea or watch a comedy.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTwo more things I can’t picture him doing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHe shakes his head. “I have to figure out how not to be incredibly pissed—at least enough to act civil—by tomorrow afternoon.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Can you really stay angry that long?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I have a slow, hot fuse. It takes a lot to set me off, but once I’m there… I just came from seeing my dad. I already know I’m going to be pissed for a while.” He sighs. “I don’t even know why I came to Vegas. He called, and I thought I could save him. I’m a dumb ass.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I’m in a relatively similar situation. My mom is so irresponsible and impulsive. She makes the same mistake over and over. Like now.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“And you’re here to stop her?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI shake my head. “It’s too late for that.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“My dad’s idiocy is something new. I’m not a fan.” He taps his thumb on the bar. “I have to figure out how to deal quickly. But we’ve ruled out booze, workouts, tea, and TV. Any other suggestions? I’ve only got one, and I doubt you want to hear it, angel.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe low note in his voice makes my breath catch. His suggestion is probably the same one screaming fire through my head.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Tell me,” I murmur.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHe stares at me with black eyes. The moment seems frozen. The overhead speakers pipe down the vaguely familiar strains of a rock guitar riff that’s both soft and provocative.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Sex.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI swallow. My heart pounds. I feel myself blush. Would I have it with him? If he asked, that is. I’m still not one-hundred percent sure he’s interested. But I’m attracted to him. Very.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDeeply. Utterly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhatever the gorgeous stranger’s name is, he’s right. I’ve had a handful of boyfriends, most thoroughly underwhelming. I put romance on the backburner to focus on my career these past few years. I haven’t had sex in longer than I’d like to remember. And I’ve never had a one-night stand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI’m suddenly eager to make an exception for him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Yes.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHe peers at me. “Yes…that’s a reasonable suggestion? Or yes, you’d sex with me?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI gulp down half my drink and go for broke. “Both.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHe doesn’t immediately jump to his feet and hustle me out of the bar. “Why?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“It’s”—I shrug—“a feeling. That I should. That I’ll regret missing out on you if I don’t. But you may not have meant me at all, so—”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I did.” He leans closer, and I can’t stop staring at his glittering dark eyes or ridiculously long lashes. For a man, he’s beautiful. “I wanted you the instant I walked into the room.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMy breath catches in my chest. “Same.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Are you staying in this hotel?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAm I going to be intimate with a man whose name I don’t even know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eYes, I really am. Me, the girl who’s never done anything impulsive? I’m going to live on the edge for once.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“No. My mother is. I’m down the Strip.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I’m upstairs if you’re really game, Calla. But one thing.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“What?”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I’m not a gentle man, even on a good day. And, Calla, this isn’t a good day.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e📚\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eStart reading now!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shayla Black's Store","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":48247740465393,"sku":"RUINME","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Signed Hardcover","offer_id":48247740498161,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/0936\/0625\/files\/Ruin_Me_a765e254-0550-4386-b2ab-f4caf7465805.png?v=1780587498"}],"url":"https:\/\/shaylablackstore.com\/collections\/build-your-own-binge-start-small.oembed","provider":"Shayla Black's Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}