His Ring ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance

By Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

~ A Flirty & Feisty Romance Novel ~

~ There's no Denying the Sizzling Attraction ~

Peeping out from her bedroom window to watch the tattoos on Yomi's chiselled chest and the play of muscles across his abs and arms as he works out, is Esohe's guilty pleasure. But she denies her sensual attraction for good reasons. Her son, her work and re-settling in town are all she cares about. But as days turn into weeks, can she stop thinking about the man who has her emotions tangled?

One woman is all the sexy Yomi Alade wants and he will give anything to have her. Only she is smart, intelligent and out of his reach. When he finds out there's an opening in her new home, he quickly shows up to offer his service. Now he must figure out how to spoon the dark beauty to his side and never let her go. But there are truths she must not uncover.

~ From the Author of INDECENT ~

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
• Release date: Aug 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781386499596

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

His Ring

A Sweet & Steamy Romance

By

Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

Flirty & Feisty Romance

Feel the passion

Copyright © 2016 Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

eBook Edition

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Praise

Oh, what a friend I have in Jesus. The one who loves me and has my name printed on his heart. Thank you, Lord for saving me and those I love.

Sincere Gratitude

To ’Sere, my affectionate husband, life partner, my best friend, constant companion and book cover consultant, thank you. Words are not enough to describe how much I love you.

To my precious daughter and my passionate and adorable son, I love you both. You bring such fun and love to our lives.

My editor, the amazing Dorothy across the pond, you are the best. Thank you for your hard work.

And to His Ring book cover creator, Penelope, thank you for being a great friend.

Members of F & F Romance Cherished Readers on Facebook, you are all appreciated.

Every reader of Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels is precious to me. Huge thanks for buying and reading my books. You have no idea how much joy and fun I get from knowing you bought each book. And when you leave a review, I get butterflies in my stomach. I love you all.

God bless you all.

Books by Stella

Flirty & Feisty Contemporary and Interracial Romance Novels include:

Irresistible Passion

Shocking Affair

Guilty of Love

Your Christmas Gift

All of Me

You’re Mine

Enticed Forever

Naked Attraction

Indecent

His Ring

Forbidden Dance

Red Velvet Rose

Tempting Desire

Seduced Hearts

Lust

Stolen Kisses (Books 1 & 2)

Wild Whispers

Love at Christmas

Husband to Rent

Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series #1)

Kiss My Lips (Holiday Series #2)

The Historical & Paranormal Romance novels include:

Royal Cowries (Cowries Series #1)

His Choice (Cowries Series #2)

Author Bio

My Photo I’m Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, born and raised in Benin City, Nigeria. But I now live in London, UK with my husband and two teenagers. Nothing thrills me more than to write Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels that are intriguing, toe-curling and skin-tingling with compelling characters who have heart and soul and jump off the pages. My stories are dotted with unexpected twists and are set in fascinating Africa, enticing Europe and enchanting America. If you need a novel to knock out the stress of daily living, cure you of boredom, make you laugh, keep you drooling in suspense and draw you into an intensely emotional spin, pick up one of mine to read. They have a high entertainment value.

In 2010, I created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels.

To experience an emotional ride with my characters, just cuddle up, grab a copy of Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels and sail away to Pleasure Island.

I will love to hear from you.

Praise for Stella’s Books

Irresistible Passion: I totally loved this story from the beginning to the end. What an exceptional read. I love a book when it ends in the book... The relationships between Jayden and Tiana was so sweet I totally feel in love with their lives. ~ Rated 5 stars by Gloria J Hill.

Shocking Affair": I loved this! ...When the chemistry is so strong between two souls, no amount of interference from those who don’t feel the same is enough to keep this pair apart. I love this book... ~ Rated 5 stars by LadyTee89

Guilty of Love – "This was a very hot and steamy tale! The interaction between the characters was so realistic...and were so unpredictable I couldn't put the book down until I finished!" ~ Rated 5 stars by nina

Your Christmas Gift – Oh what a great quick read and a sweet story! It is great from the first page to the last... I do so LOVE your books! Please keep them coming. ~ Rated 5 stars by LHill

All of Me – I adored this story... The characters were sexy, hilarious and so real! Roli was what Jermaine wanted and needed and Jermaine was the very thing Roli craved. This story had me at page 1. Thank you for this great read! 💗

~ Rated 5 stars by Readyreader

You’re Mine – I enjoyed this book from the beginning so very much!! Meeting sassy Rachael and the very alpha Banjo was so amazing! Such a well-written story that is so unique and lovely!! Brought tears to my eyes..." ~ Rated 5 stars by Rhonda Adels

Husband to Rent – I have to say the chemistry that Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku characters have in these books, make me want to move into one of her books, so I can find my King.

~ Rated 5 stars by georgiana braham

"Enticed Forever has a great storyline and the chemistry between Theo and Aize hooked me right into their story and kept me totally enthralled until the very end!"

~ Rated 5 stars by Pat W

"In Naked Attraction...The images that play in my mind as I read about locations, foods and situations seem as if I'm watching a movie. The way she describes the characters and their chemistry is awesome.... I recommend it."

~ Rated 5 stars by ReadyReader

His Ring: "Truly loved this story. It's such a sweet love story to read!! I fell in love with Yomi and the story itself held my attention to the very end. I laughed, I cried and I loved the ending!!!"

~ Rated 5 stars by Layla Morgan

His Choice: What a beautifully written love story. A prince who has his heart set on a woman he cannot have with a very interesting twist I enjoyed so much, I could not put the book down until I finished... ~ Rated 5 stars by amazon customer

"Lust: This was such a wonderful story! I loved the relationship that grew between Jordan and Faye. Their relationship is put through so many 'tests'. I cried, I laughed and I didn't want to put it down."

~ Rated 5 stars by amazon customer

Love at Christmas: I started and finished this book today. Stella is a writer who draws you into the story and her characters. It was a pleasure to read. I couldn't wait to get to the end to see what happened. It made me feel emotional and as if Christmas was already here. ~ Rated 5 stars by Lisa Caddick

"Stolen Valentine Kiss–I enjoyed the romance story that developed from a lingering look. I loved how two hearts became one and there were moments that I was scared. Lorna and Logan are perfect for each other..." ~ Rated 5 stars by Deborah Brandon.

Kiss My Lips – What a great escape for me. Logan is an incredible guy. He is sweet, sensitive, thoughtful, everything that we would look for in a book boyfriend. This was a great read from start to finish. ~ Rated 5 stars by avid reader.

"Royal Cowries – This novel is like the movies Queenie, Roots and Shaka Zulu with a more modern way of thinking, surviving, love...within a passionate love story. Excellent!!!" ~ Rated 5 stars by T. Miles

"Forbidden Dance is a breath-taking romance novel... The reader is taken on a whirlwind affair filled with pleasure, lust, sensuality, desire and sweltering sex. A well-written, remarkable page-turning read."

~ Rated 5 stars by Vivienne Diane Neal.

"Tempting Desire, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. I was hooked from the very first page. The story line was so real I could visualise each of the characters. It was as if I was watching a life movie."

~ Rated 5 stars by Amazon Customer.

"Seduced Hearts: Outstanding book! Excellent read. It's so nuanced, it sparkles. It's definitely worth reading!" ~ Rated 5 stars by Russell Mebane.

Red Velvet Rose: This novel is a masterpiece, I couldn’t stop reading until I finished the book...

~ Rated 5 stars by Itohan.

"Wild Whispers: Wild whispers is a beautiful story and...once I picked it up to read I couldn’t put it down until I got to the end... True love as discovered by Adaora and Gary is spontaneous and not bound by time or space." ~ Rated 5stars by Gharriluc.

"Short & Fun Stories Vol. 1:  I loved this charming group of short stories by this diverse group of writers. There is something there for everyone.... inspiration, suspense...thrills. Highly recommend."

~ Rated 5 stars by AmazonReader21889

Content

Praise

Sincere Gratitude

Books by Stella

Author Bio

Praise for Stella’s Books

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

And Later

The End

Names & Meanings

Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels

Social Media Links

Chapter One

‘Yomi Alade?’ called out the plump woman in a black and white skirt suit. Even though her stern tone pulled Yomi out of his anxiety, her broad smile made up for the lack of warmth in her voice.

Nodding at the woman, Yomi straightened his tie and launched to his feet. ‘Yes,

Ma’am.’

‘Miss Osawe is ready to see you. It’s the third door on your right. Good luck!’

‘Thank you,’ replied Yomi as he navigated his way along the stretch of corridor in the beautiful detached house on Coombe Hill Road in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. He flexed his muscled shoulders and stretched his long legs. Gulping in the fragrant air, he stretched his tense fingers, still, his stomach muscles twisted. Why was he so nervous? It was only a job interview for crying-out-loud. Well, it was not just any interview.

He was at Esohe’s new home in south west London for an interview he hoped would open new doors for him on this first day in March, the dawn of the spring season.

From the day he heard Esohe was back in town, hope revived his heart. If Esohe recognized him at some point during the interview, it would make the chat less nail biting. But a part of him hoped she did not.

Years ago, his hair had been a clean low-cut style but over the last five years, he had grown his hair. And yesterday, he acted on his friend’s suggestion to cornrow his hair, so he popped into a salon and had his long hair braided.

On the spur of the moment, he also bought the confidence-boosting smart-looking outfit on his back from his hard-earned savings.

With his fingers crossed, Yomi breathed hard as he approached the door.

Apart from the fact that he needed this lucrative job if he wanted to achieve his dreams, he wanted to be near the only woman who kept him on edge. Now that Esohe was educated abroad, he wondered if she would look his way.

Pausing outside the solid, half-glazed white door on his right, he straightened his already starched pure cotton lilac shirt. Yes, he opted for a lilac shirt, because he wanted to stand out from the line-up of desperate job seekers.

Yomi straightened his tie one more time before he knocked on the door that separated him from the woman who could change everything.

‘Do come in,’ a sweet voice responded.

A chill ran through Yomi’s spine. He had never attended an interview of any kind because there was never any need. But he could not pass up this opportunity.

Yomi walked into a huge room. Books lined in-built white wall shelves from floor to ceiling on all sides. He caught a glimpse of Esohe seated in a swivel chair in the far-right hand corner. To her left was a widescreen flat panel monitor. She had several papers spread out in front of her and a purple pen in her right hand.

He swallowed as her glowing dark brown skin, round face and cute chin caught his attention. Not to mention her swinging shoulder length hair in two shades of black and red.

Esohe shoved her chair back and sprang to her feet as the dark-skinned man in a pale purple shirt and dark tailored suit strode inside her study. The pen in her hand slipped down and hit the desk.

From his braided hair to his chiselled face, the man in front of her had her tongue clipped. With his imposing height, broad shoulders and stern expression, he looked dapper, as if he belonged on Wall Street. He appeared too smart, too polished and too stylish for the job for which she was hiring.

‘I’m sorry, you must have walked into the wrong venue,’ she croaked when her tongue slackened as she clasped her hands.

After speaking with four previous applicants, she was bored wondering if the recruitment agency could not come up with smarter candidates. From their outlook to their aptitude, no doubt, they were gardeners. But she wanted something more.

‘Hello, I believe you’re looking for a gardener,’ the man responded in a baritone voice.

Dear Lord, he cannot be serious, she groaned inside her head.

Unreadable dark eyes gave her a hard stare and warm air blew over her skin. So she grabbed the edge of her desk. Wide lips, big nose and a chip on his canine tooth did not detract from his striking looks. In addition, he exuded confidence and an aura that was simply magnetic.

Now he had confirmed he was here for the job, she stepped out from behind her desk and stretched out her hand, while she stared at his eyes hidden behind his thick dark brows.

‘My name is Esohe Osawe.’

He took two steps forward and grasped her hand in his big but softly callused palms.

‘Please, sit down,’ she added after thirty seconds. ‘And your name is?’ she asked in a faint pitch. She had not meant to sound so unsure.

The agency must have thought sending in a handsome man who looked more suited for a glamorous job instead of the menial work of tending her garden was her idea of a joke.

Moving back home from the United States, getting a new job, starting a new business, and moving to a new house were all ground-breaking changes on their own.

But combining it all with trying to recruit a gardener was stressing her out. I’m Yomi Alade, an experienced landscape gardener. Yomi Alade? He was definitely a Nigerian, she reckoned.

Every spoken word from his dark lips made her wiggle in her chair, aside from the fact he made his name sound posh. ‘I need a sensible, imaginative person to turn my dumpster into paradise. Later on, I’ll need a nanny and perhaps a cook, but that has nothing to do with you.’ She was rambling and it was annoying.

Then Yomi laughed at her with only his eyes. And the tension in her spine eased off. She took in deep breaths as tingling sensations fluttered around her stomach. ‘I require the services of a gardener. I’m a keen lover of nature and I would like my home to be transformed to a lovely, colourful, flowery hub. Can you do this for me?’ she asked in an earnest tone.

For an answer, Yomi stared into her eyes as if he was trying to make out the colour. ‘I’m the right man for the job, Esohe,’ he responded in a serious tone without breaking his gaze.

At the sound of her name from his wide, thick lips, she looked up from her writing, more like scribbling and sucked in her breath again.

‘Are you as nervous as I am about this interview?’ she asked with a wry grin.

Caught up in an unusual situation, she leaned back in her chair and blew out air from her lips. She was nervous and so was he.

With a wide grin on his lips, he shrugged. ‘That makes two of us. That’s a good sign.’

This was supposed to be an interview not a date. Taking in another deep breath, she bowed her head and said, ‘Tell me about your skills.’

‘I’ve worked as a gardener since I was ten.’

On her paper, she drew an outline of the man seated in front of her, while her ears tingled as he spoke.

‘My dad’s a gardener and together, we run the family business. I love and enjoy what I do. Just give me a chance to transform your home and you’ll be a happy customer. I’ll go as far as to say that you will be so pleased, you’ll write me a blank cheque.’

She lifted her head and saw a grin soften the sharp angles of his jawline. There was something dangerous about the way he spoke as if he lived his life on the brink.

‘Let’s make a deal,’ he added leaning forward and resting his elbows on her desk. ‘Give me the job for a month without pay. And if you aren’t impressed, I mean blown away, fire me.’

‘What an arrogant offer,’ she observed, tucking her sheet of paper out of sight. In spite of his arrogance, she smiled. Only a confident tradesman would offer to work for free.

He shook his head and his braided ponytails bounced around his neck. ‘Confident.

I’m confident I will