Enticed Forever ~ A Bad Boy Romance

By Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

A Flirty & Feisty Romance Novel

~ An Attraction...so Irresistible ~

Millionaire bad boy, Theo Galanos has two things worked out. Women want anything money can buy. And he has no problems keeping them sweet as long as his heart is not involved. But when he hits a car and sends it spinning off the road, he meets Aize, an attractive woman in a figure-hugging dress who wants nothing he has to offer. Nothing prepares him for the body-popping tension which grips his chest and nearly sweeps him off his feet.

Aize must find the President of Galanos Holdings, get him to approve the all-important contract if she must secure the promotion she wants. But the mysterious man, rumoured to be Hampshire’s bad boy is hard to catch. When her car is bumped off the road and she opens her eyes on a hospital bed, the exotic-speaking and muscular man staring down at her sends shockwaves through her cleavage.

Faced with the sexy man who only gives a woman what money can buy, Aize is torn between giving up on her promotion and allowing her heart sway her head. Will Theo let go of his selfish desire?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
• Release date: Apr 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370295616

Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku is a fun loving mother of two teenagers, married to her gorgeous husband and best friend who indulges her romantic habits. Writing contemporary and historical romance novels is an exciting adventure for her. Out of curiosity and belief that love conquers all, she has written several Interracial & Multicultural Romance Novels. In 2010, Stella created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels, a collection of toe-curling, intriguing, and skin-tingling romance with compelling characters who have heart and soul and jump off the pages of the book. All her stories are dotted with twists and turns and are set in fascinating Africa, enticing Europe & enchanting America. To experience and enjoy an intense emotional ride, pick up a copy of any of her novels: TEMPTED by the Princess - Book 1 ~ A BWWM Curvy Girl Romance TEMPTED by the Princess - Book 2 ~ A BWWM Curvy Girl Romance Hooked by one Curvy Girl - Book 1 ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance Hooked by one Curvy Girl - Book 2 ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance NAUGHTY PROMISE ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance CHRISTMAS Seduction ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance IRRESISTIBLE Passion ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance "Shocking Affair" ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance GUILTY of LOVE ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance Your Christmas Gift ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance All of Me ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance "You're Mine" ~ A Sweet & Sexy Christmas Romance Enticed Forever ~ A Bad boy Romance Naked Attraction ~ A Sweet & Sexy Romance INDECENT ~ WWBW Steamy Romance His Ring ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance LUST ~ A Sexy Romance Love at Christmas ~ A Sweet & Sexy Romance Husband to Rent ~ Sensual Romance Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series Book 1) ~ A Sweet Romance Kiss My Lips (Holiday Series Book 2) Stolen Kisses (Holiday Series - Complete Set) Tempting Desire ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance Seduced Hearts ~ A BWWM Steamy Christmas Romance Forbidden Dance (Forbidden Series Book 1) ~ A BWWM Steamy Romance Red Velvet Rose (Forbidden Series Book 2) ~ A BMWW Sexy Romance Wild Whispers ~ A BWWM Sweet Romance Royal Cowries (Cowries Series Book 1) ~ A Sweet Historical Romance His Choice (Cowries Series Book 2) ~ A Sweet Historical Romance Stella's first historical/suspense/mystery romance, Royal Cowries (Cowries Series #1) will give you an insight into exotic Africa. A luxury home by the seaside is on Stella's wish list and in her spare time, she loves to swim on her back like a starfish, watch TV, go to the movies with her family and read romance novels.

Book preview

Chapter One

Lying on a narrow bed with her eyes darting around the room, Aize wondered about the white walls, white bedsheets and beeping monitor screens. Nothing appeared familiar, but the ambience reminded her of a hospital.

A middle-aged man garbed in blue scrubs with a stethoscope around his neck held her right wrist to take her pulse. Aize’s eyes bulged and the man with a serious gaze nodded at her, telling her without words that he would answer the question in her eyes.

‘I’m Doctor Garrick. You were involved in an accident along Lewisham Way in London about three hours ago.’ At Aize’s blank stare, he continued, ‘It was pure luck traffic wasn’t heavy. There were no cars behind you when you went off the road. It could have been a lot worse. Thank God you had your seat belt on.’

Aize squinted trying to recall how she got involved in an accident in the first place. If the traffic was light, then, she must have been driving at an off-peak hour. Aize’s eyes widened and she breathed rapidly as fear stitched her mouth together.

‘Calm down,’ the doctor advised, patting her forearm. ‘Don’t panic. The driver of the car that overtook yours is right here waiting to speak with you. Only when you’re ready of course.’

Taking in deep breaths, Aize shut her eyes and turned her head to face the wall. Now was not the time. She was too weak to apologize for causing an accident or to argue about insurance company details. With her right hand, Aize touched the plaster on her left temple and on her left wrist where shards of glass must have torn her skin. Slight pain sliced through her head and she gritted her teeth to stem the sting.

‘The cuts are superficial,’ the doctor assured her in a kind tone.

Sighing, Aize worried about her insurance premium escalating as a result of the accident. She had always been a careful driver, but it seemed no one was infallible after all.

‘Does it hurt badly?’ asked a deep-throated voice enriched with compassion and heat. More than concern though, his tone exuded an exotic tang with enough zest to cause a jolt in her body.

Aize gasped, jerked her head towards the voice and stared wide-eyed at the most amazing sunlit brown eyes she had ever seen. An electric charge soared through her spine, drying out her mouth. She swallowed, instinctively reaching for the plastic cup of water on the white bedside table.

The man, tall as a tree, with glowing olive-skin exposed in a vee-neck black shirt flashed a small grin at her, before he stretched out his long hand to grab the cup. He handed it to her and she sat up, accepting the cup without meeting his gaze. The ache in her temple doubled and she shut her eyes, sipping slowly.

‘Are you okay?’ he asked again.

Oh my Lord, he has the sexiest voice on the planet, Aize nearly moaned out loud. And his looks could get me singing off-tune any day.

When she opened her eyes, the doctor was standing beside her bed, while the exotic-speaking man had worried lines around his eyes and angular face. A stunning straight nose sat between his black, full eyebrows. Her attention was drawn to his wide shoulders and toned arms, shown off by his rolled up sleeves.

‘If the pain lingers, you will need to take painkillers,’ Doctor Garrick insisted.

Right now, the ache inside her head was the last thing on Aize’s mind. Who was this dashing man by her side? Clearing her throat, she shook her head. ‘The ache is not so bad. If I need painkillers, I’ll let you know.’ Her speech was barely audible, so the doctor bent down to catch her words.

Doctor Garrick nodded and stepped aside.

Again, Aize’s gaze returned to the handsome visitor, wondering where on God’s earth he emerged from on this cheerful Wednesday morning in the month of May.

Doctor Garrick faced the stranger and nodded at Aize. ‘Mr. Galanos, I think she’s fully awake now. Have a chat and I’ll be back shortly.’

Aize’s heart lurched. Galanos? The Greek name was not common in England. Straightaway, she wondered if the man standing in front of her was the same man she had been hoping to meet for the past couple of months. If he was, that would kill off any tender thoughts rolling inside her now.

‘Hello, my name is Theo Galanos. May I call you, Stella?’ Mr. Galanos asked with a direct gaze that left her skin warm.

Curling her fingers around the bedsheet, Aize lowered her gaze. Nobody had called her Stella in the past five years since her parents and sister relocated to Omaha in the US. Although Stella sounded endearing and sweet coming from his beautifully shaped lips, she wondered how he knew her middle name.

Fool, she slated herself in silence. Of course, all her identification indicated her full names. So, it seemed Mr. Galanos took the liberty to use her middle name.

‘Only because it is easier for me to pronounce,’ he added with a small grin at her hesitant pose.

Aize patted her hair in place, a fruitless attempt to repair her dishevelled appearance as chaotic emotions assailed her mind.

‘No, please don’t call me, Stella. Only family members call me by my middle name.’ Her mum, a feisty Moroccan beauty preferred to call her Stella, the star. While her Nigerian dad, born and bred in Africa, called her Stella, world star when he got very excited.

A cute grin slit Theo’s brown lips and he exposed wool-white teeth that glowed against his skin. ‘I completely understand. How do you really feel? Please tell me.’

Tearing her gaze away from his, she murmured. ‘I’m alright if you don’t count the ache in my head threatening to split it in two, and the slight pain in my wrist, knees and ankles. Plus the piercing stabs in my shoulders, neck and arms. Yes, I couldn’t be better.’

What a confident man, she noted. Mr. Galanos did not take offence at being turned down. At the moment, as silly as it seemed, Aize craved one thing – to taste Theo’s lips. Kissing a total stranger was not something she indulged in, especially after Alec showed her that life was short. Oh, Alec Holm! Her unpleasant experience now seemed as if it was a lifetime ago. Her ex-boyfriend paled into insignificance as she breathed in Theo’s musky fragrance of pinewood and sandalwood. If only Theo’s sexy fragrance could also wash away her frequent nightmares, she would be indebted to him.

Theo

Theo Galanos’s heart did a hurried back-flip. Aside from the fact that Aize’s voice sounded like a sing-song, she had a wicked sense of humour in the midst of the obvious pain etched across her face. Her eyes, large and a sweet brown colour tickled his skin. Beautiful brown skin revealed in her sleeveless, fitted dress made him wonder about her heritage. With her small pointed nose, and not so full lips perched between high cheekbones, she was without doubt a striking beauty.

Although Theo could not recall the last time a woman turned down his request, he swallowed hard and stepped closer to the bed, squinting as he stared at the sexiest woman he had ever met on a hospital bed. Not that he had met many, because visiting hospitals was not his forte.

At the moment, Aize stared at him coyly as she spoke in a murmur. ‘What’s your first name, again?’

Something warm rushed up his spine. ‘Theo,’ he replied, smacking his palm against his forehead as far stranger emotions stirred in his body. Then he uttered the words circling his lips in the past three hours.

‘I regret cutting across your car from the side as I did. My front tire punctured and I tried to manoeuvre the car, but I swerved your way quite suddenly, sending you off the road. Believe me when I say I’m sad to see you in so much pain.’ Pausing briefly to note her response, he added. ‘I’m sorry.’ Itching only to soothe away her pain, he touched her hand while leaning against the narrow bed.

Aize shrank back, pulling away her hand as if bitten by a scorpion. So Theo shoved his hands into his trouser pockets as heat scorched his fingers. Truly, his fingers received electric shocks. When he cast another look at her, Aize avoided his gaze and licked her bottom lip.

‘Forgive me,’ he muttered, pondering why meeting an injured, dark-haired woman on a hospital bed suddenly battered his senses. At thirty-three, he’d had his fair share of women and it was common knowledge he preferred blonde beauties. So there was no way his body should respond as if the woman on the bed was his type, because she was not.

Theo did not believe in love at first sight. Not many men did. Yes, he believed love existed, but he imagined it was something that grew inside you over time. It did not jump all over you, bewitching you and leaving you speechless, the exact way he felt right now.

‘I want to make it up you, Aize,’ he pitched in before he got distracted. ‘Honestly, I don’t make a habit of bumping other drivers off the road, and so I want to make amends.’

As he spoke, Aize’s eyes swept around his face. Even with the plaster at the side of her head, this woman was a phenomenal beauty. Her ink-black wavy hair fanned the white pillow case and he wanted to swirl his fingers through their length. She half-smiled at him, exposing a snow white set of even teeth. Her smile nearly knocked the wind out of his lungs. Theo cleared his throat to quench the unease growing in his gut.

‘Everyone calls me Aize Ogie,’ she said, returning to their earlier chat. ‘I hope you didn’t get hurt too?’

Her breathy whisper sent a small shock through his body at lightning speed, so he squatted by her side. There was no anger or hurt in her voice. Instead, she was concerned about his well-being even after he disrupted her day and left her injured.

‘No, I’m not injured. Don’t ask me how I got away with it. God kept us both safe, I guess.’

While he spoke, Aize lowered her lashes and gripped the white sheet covering her thighs.

‘Let me make it up to you, please,’ he implored, hoping she would give in to his plea.

Without a glance at him, she murmured. ‘I have no broken bones, so I guess I have nine lives. I’m not mad at you at all. How could I be? It was an accident. You don’t need to worry about me. I can take care of myself.’

Although her words were probably intended to be funny, something dark lingered in her tone, stopping the grin creeping into his face.

Before Theo could respond, Doctor Garrick joined them and Theo pulled himself to his full height without taking his eyes off Aize.

Take a rein on your unruly emotions Theo, he warned himself. This isn’t the moment or place to lust after a woman, especially one who does not look impressed by your charm. He shifted from one foot to another wrestling with the small shocks rippling through him.

‘Aize, I must leave you briefly. But I’ll be back before you know it,’ said Theo with a smile. He took a few steps away from the bed, before making a dash for the door. With his big hands on the door knob, he looked back at Aize and winked before clicking the door shut.

Chapter Two

Aize

Aize licked her lips, unaware Doctor Garrick watched her with his eyebrows raised. Then she tried to sit up just to be sure she was conscious. As far as she was concerned, the most attractive man she’d ever seen—a Greek idol—had just winked at her. A tingling feeling flowed down her spine to her thighs, collecting inside her crown. Theo was the exact man her mother warned her about—a bad guy with no good intention other than to have sex and dump you for another. Stay clear of him.

Aize closed her eyes at the bitter-sweet memory of her life. With a past riddled with nasty experiences, getting herself a decent and dependable man was out of the question. Besides, she had concluded some time ago that gentlemen no longer lived in England.

To complicate her situation, this Greek idol shared the same surname as the man she had been hunting down for months. If Theo was related to the President of Galanos Holdings, she would be mortified. Breathing out in a shallow rhythm, Aize rolled on her side and drifted into a dreamy sleep.

Half an hour later

Throaty laughter sandwiched between low chatter roused Aize from her brief slumber. Theo and Doctor Garrick were talking in one corner of the private ward, oblivious to her fluttering eyelids. Glad for the opportunity to drink in the sight of Theo, Aize scrutinized him unnoticed.

With two fingers, Theo swiped his jaw, covered with dark stubble, as he spoke. From behind, his black tailored trousers fit his butt, defining the taut contours. For a split second, Aize imagined stroking his toned flesh with her fingers. A very unusual thought for someone who cared about her reformed values.

Skewing her head to get a better view, she willed Theo to turn around as tears suddenly stung the back of her eyes. The accident must have messed up her emotions in a small way. To her mind, Theo must have sensed her admiring stare digging a hole in his butt cheeks, because he half-turned. Caught in the act, Aize maintained steady eye contact with him as she placed one hand on her chest.

Crinkling his eyes, Theo gripped the doctor’s shoulders and nodded in Aize’s direction. Doctor Garrick dipped his head at Theo before he approached the bed. ‘I told you she’ll be alright.’

Both men fussed over her as if she had broken her spine. Aize wiped away the wetness from her eyes with her right palm, hoping they had not noticed she was a tad tearful.

With quick strides, Theo joined her and took hold of her right hand in his bold palms. Then he knelt by her bed and peered at her, proving to be as sensitive as she imagined.

Goosebumps spread all over her skin at his touch. Aize breathed in deeply, tensing within his tender grasp as hot sensations streamed through her arms to her cleavage. Truly, her nipples tightened in her bra.

‘Please don’t cry, Aize. Trust me. Everything will be alright, I promise. I’ll personally take you home and look after you. I’ll nurse your wounds and compensate you for putting you out of work. Just don’t cry, please,’ he consoled, leaning forward.

If only Theo knew the tears were not for her physical pain. Aize placed her right hand on Theo’s forearm. Rigid, well-toned bicep muscles singed her palm. Quickly, she withdrew her hand, writing a short note to her head not to touch him again. ‘I’ll be fine, Theo. I’m just a little shaken that’s all. I’m a survivor.’

The Doctor cleared his throat as he stepped forward. Then Garrick placed his palm on Aize’s forehead. ‘Your skin feels clammy. Miss Ogie, you will need to rest, take a lot of fluid and you will be fine.’

Aize nodded, attempting a wobbly smile. Theo did not let go of her hand, so warmth continued to seep into her chest and slowly settled her nerves until she relaxed. Theo shot her an approving smile and she grinned in return.

‘The nurse will bring in your medication. In an hour or so, you should be ready to leave with Mr. Galanos, if that’s your wish?’

Aize raised her eyebrows at the insane assumption she would even consider going anywhere with Theo – a man she had just met.

‘You will be in good hands,’ the doctor carried on. ‘Theo has assured me he will drive you home and make sure you follow my advice. I understand your car is quite a wreck at the moment.’ Doctor Garrick emphasized the word, wreck as if she needed a reminder. At least she was not dead, a damaged car could be replaced.

Narrowing her eyes at Theo, Aize whispered, ‘Are you a doctor or a nurse? And why do you think I’ll go anywhere with you? I could always take a taxi.’ But the idea of getting into a taxi in her condition made her want to puke.

Shaking his head with his brow furrowed, Theo spoke gently in her ear. ‘Although I’m neither a doctor nor a nurse, there’s nothing a week’s rest, good food and tender loving care can’t put right in your situation. I will look after you if you’ll allow me.’

Theo’s heated breath blew her skin hot and her body trembled. Not to mention his vibrating voice in her ear. Pressing her lips to keep from moaning out loud, Aize nodded. There was no point exchanging words with this man, he just did not give up.

‘Okay, you win,’ she conceded just to get Theo off her back.

Her self-imposed caregiver for the next week stretched to his full height and shook hands with Doctor Garrick. ‘Thank you, Doc for all your help.’

Theo’s grin, which was not even aimed at her, left a honey feeling inside her stomach.

As soon as Doctor Garrick left the room, silence took control, heightening the slowly building tension between Theo and Aize. To ease the edgy moment, she looked up at him, and he winked at her with a cute grin on his lips. Again, she lowered her lashes, but not before a small chuckle raced out of her mouth. One would think they were flirting, but she was doing no such thing. At least that was what she believed.

‘After your personal items are packed, we will complete all the necessary documentation with the hospital, and we can be on our way. I will take you home,’ Theo said in a friendly tone, but it was obvious he was aware of the looming attraction between them.

‘And where’s home? I don’t recall you asking me where my home is in the whole world.’

Laughing at her wide stare, Theo drew nearer to her bed. Her throat went dry.

‘My home is in Lymington. It’s one of those pretty Georgian coastal towns. Where’s yours?’

Aize gasped, one hand on her chest. ‘Of course you’re joking, right?’

Gesturing with both hands, Theo nodded, smiling. ‘No. I drove a long way today, all the way up here from the southern edge of New Forest, Hampshire in south England.’

‘B-but why?’ she asked, astounded.

‘Because I had a meeting in London.’

For the life of her, it could not be true. ‘I live in Lymington!’ she exclaimed, giggling after the shock wore off.

‘Goodness gracious!’ he bellowed with a wide smile. ‘You don’t say. How is that even possible? Such coincidence is hard to ignore.’ A roguish laugh painted his lips a dark pink shade and she just wanted to touch one finger to his mouth.

‘I don’t believe in coincidences,’ she opposed. ‘So you might as well drop me off at home since we’re neighbours.’

Theo shook his head. ‘I have strict orders to make sure you get well under my watchful eyes. I feel responsible, so please let me take care of you as I have already given you my word.’

Arguing back and forth with Theo seemed like a waste of time especially when her head still ached. Maybe he was a lawyer, skilled in getting his way. ‘Say I agree to go home