Hooked Hearts (Enemies-To-Lovers)

By Laci Paige

In the shadows of vengeance, Gwen's heart seeks retribution. Betrayed by her lover, she turns to his father, the very man who tore her world apart. But as desire intertwines with deceit, Gwen finds herself trapped in a game of love and revenge.

"Hooked Hearts" is a tale of dark romance and twisted desires, where the line between passion and betrayal blurs, leaving Gwen to question if justice can ever be found in the arms of her enemy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laci Paige
• Release date: Apr 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798215844038

Laci Paige

When Laci’s not reading or writing, she can be found with her husband supporting their two young adult children in a thing called life. Or maybe she’s running around with her camera taking photos while camping and/or hiking. Or lastly, and most probable – the TV is on in the background while she’s perusing her social media sites.Their family resides in the state of Virginia.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Gwen

W hat the fuck?

I stopped short and stared at the scene unfolding in front of me. There was Cole, his lips firmly on those of the sexy platinum blonde sitting in his lap. Her fingers tangled in his light brown hair, where my fingers had been only a few hours ago.

That bastard. The stupid, fucking bastard.

I felt my hands clench in anger, and my breath caught in my throat. How dare he? And on the night we were going to celebrate his father’s rumored retirement and Cole’s advancement to CEO?

With determined strides, I marched over and pasted a smile on my face. Hello, Cole.

His head jerked back, leaving a smear of bright red lipstick across his cheek. Pathetic. Gwen. It’s, ah, it’s not what it looks like? He phrased it as a question, but I could see the hint of knowledge in his eyes. And the truth hit me like a ton of bricks.

You devious son of a bitch, I murmured, my eyes never leaving his. You planned this. I could almost admire that, Cole, except I’m the one you’ve fucked over.

Now, Gwen. His voice went quiet as he reached for me. I shook my head and took a small step back. There’s no need for a scene. Let me explain. It’s nothing personal, I promise you. Lara is just the better bet for me, socially. Her father’s wealth and position match my father’s, and that makes her a woman I can proudly have on my arm at events. After all, it just wouldn’t do for a CEO to be dating a common bartender. You understand, don’t you? He reached out again.

Don’t. Touch. Me, I warned. If you lay one cheating finger on me, I’ll snap your hand off at the wrist and feed it to you.

The platinum blonde let out a squeal of alarm and finally had the sense to slither out of Cole’s lap. I don’t know what’s going on, she said in a baby doll voice, but I think I should leave.

You know what? I replied. You stay. You and Cole have a lovely evening. I’ll leave—and Cole, this isn’t over. I’ll find a way to pay you back for this. I turned on my heel and left, leaving him smirking behind me.

God, I wanted to beat his face to a pulp. I fought back angry tears as I headed for the subway. I had to be alone in my apartment before I let my emotions loose. For the next twenty minutes, I held myself together by my fingernails, gone was the exquisite control I prided myself on. I stumbled off at my stop. Then came the five-block hike to my apartment building. I stepped into the lobby, still holding myself together, next came the slowest elevator ride to the seventh floor.

After letting myself inside, I kicked off my shoes, and gave way to the storm inside of me. A short scream of fury burst from my throat, I picked up and heaved my heels across the room. They slammed against the wall and bounced off awkwardly. One went astray and hit a glass of water that I had left out on the table nearby. It spilled everywhere. Fuck you. Fuck you, Cole. I felt like an idiot, a used idiot—and the truth is that I was.

I pressed my fingers to my temples,