Aria

By Cassidy Ryan

She would move heaven and earth for one night in his bed.

Both Aria and Grayson have their secrets to keep, secrets that make it impossible for them to be together. But their feelings for each other are too strong to be denied, so, regardless of the consequences, they give in to their desires for just one night.

However, when Aria discovers Grayson's secret, she will risk everything to give him the life he deserves, and herself the life she desperately wants.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Nov 15, 2010
• ISBN: 9780857153401

Book preview

A Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

Aria

ISBN # 978-0-85715-340-1

©Copyright Cassidy Ryan 2010

Cover Art by Natalie Winters ©Copyright November 2010

Edited by Jess Bimberg

Total-E-Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2010 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.

ARIA

Cassidy Ryan

Chapter One

Light as a whisper, the blood red fabric of the gown moulded to the curves of her breasts and hips, swirling out into a full, ankle-length skirt that brushed against her legs like a lover’s caress with every move she made. Hair the colour of obsidian, piled on top of her head and secured by a single feathered barrette, was a stark contrast to skin so pale as to be almost luminous. She lifted her eyes to meet their reflection in the mirror, grey as the sky before a storm, and dread slowly unfurled in her stomach, like a lazy snake unsure whether or not it could be bothered to strike.

Aria.

She turned at the sound of her name, a hitch in her breath as the snake’s forked tongue hissed a warning. Michael. Resentment at his presence tightened her chest; guilt turned the screw. She lowered her eyes, not quite able to meet his.

I know you’ve been expecting me, Aria, and I know you don’t want me here. Michael stepped out of the shadows. There was no rebuke in his voice, and his eyes—so like Aria’s own—held real regret.

Michael… It was a plea, an entreaty for understanding and compassion.

It’s time to come home, Aria. I can’t go on covering for you. His expression held the understanding she sought, but there was also resolve. Her time was running out fast.

Has my absence been discovered? Panic clutched at her and she laid a hand over her heart, as if to prevent it from breaking free of her chest.

Shaking his head, Michael stepped forward and laid a comforting hand on her arm. Not yet, but you know that can’t last forever. Come with me now?

Pain surged sharp and sudden through Aria.