Mink – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read

Mink – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.xoxobooks.com Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:50:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 http://www.xoxobooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png Mink – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.xoxobooks.com 32 32 Catnapped – A Pawsitively Purrfect Christmas Read Online Mink http://www.xoxobooks.com/catnapped-a-pawsitively-purrfect-christmas-read-online-mink Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:50:45 +0000 http://www.xoxobooks.com/catnapped-a-pawsitively-purrfect-christmas-read-online-mink Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Insta-Love, Virgin Authors: Mink Advertisement

Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 206(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)

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What has MINK left under the tree? A missing cat. A pet psychic. And a retired FBI agent.

Carson
I work alone. Always have. Until I get assigned a private job to locate a missing person. Or, as it turns out, a missing feline. May is billed as a pet communicator. I’m skeptical at first. How could I not be? But the more I get to know May, the more I appreciate her unique talent. Solving this mystery is high on my Christmas list, but May is at the very top.

May
I’m not good with people. I’m awkward, talk too much or too little, and inevitably say something totally off topic or out of line. I prefer cats. With them, you always know where you stand. Carson is like that too. We’ve only just met, and he’s huge and gruff and kind of prickly. He’s like a big cat, one I want to learn more about. This case of the missing kitty is just what I need to help a cat in need this Christmas as well as spend time with a man who seems to get me in a way no one else ever has. But will we be more than just this job?

MINK's Cuddle up with your favorite feline for some holiday fun!

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

CARSON

Icheck the address from my texts, then look up at the enormous manor house behind a high wrought-iron gate. Enormous wreaths hang on the metal, their greenery dotted with red flowers, and in the center of each is a golden outline of a cat. “This can’t be right.” But it is. The address matches, and as I pull up to the gate, a woman in uniform steps from the guardhouse.

“Mr. Blair, private investigator?” she asks, her gaze raking over my car and then me.

“Yes.”

“I’ll need your ID.” She gives me a friendly smile, but I don’t miss the gun at her hip or the way she stands–she’s a cop. Or, at the very least, she was. She’s been trained. And the way her boots are polished and her hair is neatly styled in a close-fitting bun, she’s also ex-military.

“Sure.” I hand her my license.

She checks it over, then presses the radio on her shoulder. “Carson Blair.”

Handing my ID back, she gestures toward the now-opening gate. “Mrs. Farrol is waiting. Please park by the fountain, and Dudley will meet you there.”

I sigh inwardly. I’m well acquainted with the super-rich doing particularly weird shit. Cats on Christmas wreaths is nothing. Though, I must admit, when I took this job, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I suppose I still don’t. An old contact of mine, Stewart, messaged me that he had a lead on a job that’s right up my alley. Missing person. High profile. Real money involved. He’d already set up the meet. That’s all I needed to know. I got the address and went into action.

Now that I’m here, I realize I should’ve done a bit more research before jumping in blind. Then again, I’ve always been up for a challenge.

The grounds are manicured to perfection, some sort of flowers growing in mounds along the winding driveway, a light dusting of snow still on the grassier parts. Turf spreads out on either side, all of it cut into perfect diamonds. Any golf course would shit itself to see how well kept each blade of grass is out here.

Ahead, a mansion rises from the rolling hills, the façade French with vines climbing around the entryway. Wreaths with golden cats dot the windows of the enormous mansion. Whoever lives here–they’re in a tax bracket most can only dream of.

“Fuck.” I run a hand through my dark hair as I pull to a stop next to a fountain adorned with mermaids and tritons. It looks like something out of a museum.

A man stands at the front entryway, his black butler’s suit something straight out of a period drama. Stiff upper lip, even stiffer back, he eyes me with open disdain as I step from my car and slam the door.

I stride toward him, the cold gravel crunching under my feet. No stone out of place, it looks like someone just raked it.

“Mr. Blair.” He gives a short bow, his English accent unmissable. “I’m Dudley, Mrs. Farrol’s butler. Please follow me to her sitting room.”

I dip my chin in acknowledgement, then clock the front of the house now that I’m closer. Three stories, windows are wide and unbarred. The grounds are open, and anyone lurking in the tree line out near the edge of the property would have a clear view of everyone coming and going. But it also means that if someone were trying to leave the house, they could be spotted from inside. I suspect there are plenty of eyes in this place. An estate this large certainly has a staff larger than Mr. Dudley and the guard out front. Someone has to rake the gravel into perfect patterns, after all.

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Innocent Little Liar Read Online Mink http://www.xoxobooks.com/innocent-little-liar-read-online-mink Tue, 27 Feb 2024 19:57:49 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/innocent-little-liar-read-online-mink Genre: Alpha Male, Drama, Insta-Love, Mafia Authors: Mink Advertisement

Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >31

I only need one more piece of property to complete my new, legit empire—Grant Fraser’s company. He’s wily, but I’m far more determined than he realizes, especially when this means my family business can go from back alley to Wall Street.

The deal is mine for the taking, at least it was until Cadence Fraser showed up at the negotiating table. Grant’s daughter, she’s a surprise, one that I can’t resist. I need her to make this deal happen—that’s the only reason I watch her at her apartment, follow her around the city, and keep an eye on her every move. It’s also the only reason I bring her into my home, into my bed, into my life …But now she’s in my heart. She’s the future I didn’t know I needed. When I find out she’s in danger, I return to my blood-soaked roots and vow to destroy anyone who would dare touch her. Because she’s mine, and I always keep what’s mine.MINK’s Get your fluffy friend and a caffeine at the ready for this instalove story about dark pasts, an adorable liar, and the man who would do anything to make her happy.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

VARGAS

We’re at an impasse. Grant Fraser won’t sell his company to me, not at the price I’ve offered. He wants more. The problem is, I’m not the kind of man who offers a fair bargain. I want his business, and I want it for my price. I’ll twist every screw I can to make this deal happen just the way I want it. Do I have wiggle room? Sure. Does he know that? Not a chance.

I stride to the wide windows that overlook the city. Fraser Tower soars over the populace, gleaming silver in the bright sunlight. This property will be mine right along with Fraser’s manufacturing holdings. I’m going legit, something my family has been trying to do for as long as I can remember. I’m the one who’s making it happen.

“I don’t see why you think this is a fair offer on your part.” Fraser’s lawyer clears his throat. “You know you’re undervaluing these assets so badly it verges on criminal.”

I turn and stare him down. “Criminal, is it?”

He pales and shrinks back, clutching the deal sheet in his hands.

Grant raises a hand. “A figure of speech, Mr. Fontaine. That’s all.”

I grip the back of the leather chair in front of me. “Of course.”

“I-I didn’t mean anything by it,” the lawyer rushes to say.

“No harm.” I shrug, keeping my gaze on the smarmy lawyer. “But when this deal is through, Mr. Fraser, we could make a killing.” I smirk. “That’s a saying, too, isn’t it, Mr. Ware?”

The lawyer swallows loudly. “It is.”

Fraser sighs. “I think we may have reached a stopping point for the day, Mr. Fontaine.”

“Why stop now?” I tsk. “Your shareholders are waiting with bated breath to see how this meeting shakes out. You’d be risking your stock price by not giving the thumbs up or the thumbs down when you walk out of here.”

Fraser, a man with weathered cheeks and sharp eyes, gives me an amused look. “The shareholders wait on my every word, every breath, every damn shit I take and snack I eat. They can wait for the right deal to come along.”

“Are you certain? What with your health and–”

“What?” His eyebrows rise, the first time I’ve managed to surprise him in these negotiations. “What did you say?”

I shrug. “Simply that information in this town is expensive, but not prohibitively so for men like us. I know about your diagnosis. And if I know, your shareholders will learn of it soon enough.”

“Is that a threat?” He bristles.

“No, simply a statement of how the world works.” I stare down at the older man, his hair only faintly graying, his stature still proud. He’s had the whip hand for most of his life, making a fortune without the benefit of generational wealth. He came from nothing, and he did it by making wise choices and dealing ruthlessly with his rivals. If I’m being honest, I respect him. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to change tactics. In fact, it only makes me want to go harder, to see what it takes for me to best a man like him.

He drums his fingers on the polished wood table, his eyes narrowing on me. “If word like that were to get out before we struck our deal, I can assure you that I’ll never sell to you. I’ll be fielding multiple offers from all corners if the stock price drops precipitously for any reason, and I’m certain my board would pursue any and all remedies against anyone who commits that sort of underhanded gamesmanship. But you already know that, and you also know what the SEC would do to you and any bid you might make.”

That’s why I respect him. He plays the game with an intelligence few have, and his experience is unmatched. I’ve studied him, learned from him. He’s one of the reasons I’ve managed to turn the Fontaines legit more and more over the past few years. An unwitting mentor, Grant Fraser is the architect to his own demise.

“All that may be true, but the offer I’ve made you is the best you’re going to get, and time isn’t on your side.”

“You think I can’t wait you out? Bleed you? You aren’t the only one who’s done the research, young man.” He leans back in his chair, the picture of casual ease. “You’re betting everything on this deal. Leveraged everything you have, every last dirty dollar your family ever washed.”

“Careful.” I shake my head. “You wouldn’t want to blow this deal over vague, baseless accusa–”

A quick knock at the door is followed by it opening. I snap my gaze up, unused to being interrupted.

“Sorry I’m late.” A woman walks in, her hair a light brown, eyes bluer than ice, and a mouth that draws every ounce of my attention. “Sassy was being extra difficult about me leaving, and you know how I get when she’s needy. I fall for all her tricks.” She blows a stray lock of hair from her face, then leans over and kisses Fraser on the cheek.

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Unexpected Temptation Read Online Mink http://www.xoxobooks.com/unexpected-temptation-read-online-mink Mon, 01 Jan 2024 09:41:06 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/unexpected-temptation-read-online-mink Genre: Alpha Male, Insta-Love, Novella Authors: Mink Advertisement

Total pages in book: 148
Estimated words: 142939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >148

Love pops up in unexpected places in this collection from MINK. Even though temptation might not be foreseen, love takes control and brings these alpha heroes to their knees for the women they adore. This collection features Unexpected Queen, Unexpected Love, Unexpected Devotion, Sweet Psycho, and the brand new story Sweet Obsession (the highly-requested story for Ocean!).

Unexpected Queen — He thinks they’re getting married as nothing more than a business transaction … Until he sees her, wants her, and can’t get enough of her.

Unexpected Love — His nickname is the Butcher, and for good reason. But can the sweet daughter of a mob boss tame his dark nature?

Unexpected Devotion — She’s completely off limits, the boss’s sister. But he’s never been able to say no to her, and he never will.

Sweet Psycho — Which one is the psycho, the hero or the heroine? ( All of the above.)

Sweet Obsession — I’m a special ops agent, more or less, though I don’t let the government tell me what to do. Private contractor. Part of a gang of women who infiltrate black ops and run riot on the bad guys. There’s one bad guy in particular I’ve had my eye on—Vane Bartow. Maybe he’s not bad in the classic sense, but he’s certainly bad for me—always stealing my focus. So now I’m going to steal something from him. At least that’s the plan. Until I get caught. Until Vane shows me exactly why he flusters me, fascinates me, and ignites every bit of curiosity—and desire—I have inside.MINK's Get cozy with fleece and a fur baby for this holiday collection.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

UNEXPECTED TEMPTATION

MINK

Love pops up in unexpected places in this collection from MINK. Even though temptation might not be foreseen, love takes control and brings these alpha heroes to their knees for the women they adore. This collection features Unexpected Queen, Unexpected Love, Unexpected Devotion, Sweet Psycho, and the brand new story Sweet Obsession (the highly-requested story for Ocean!).

Unexpected Queen — He thinks they’re getting married as nothing more than a business transaction … Until he sees her, wants her, and can’t get enough of her.

Unexpected Love — His nickname is the Butcher, and for good reason. But can the sweet daughter of a mob boss tame his dark nature?

Unexpected Devotion — She’s completely off limits, the boss’s sister. But he’s never been able to say no to her, and he never will.

Sweet Psycho — Which one is the psycho, the hero or the heroine? (Hint: All of the above.)

Sweet Obsession — I’m a special ops agent, more or less, though I don’t let the government tell me what to do. Private contractor. Part of a gang of women who infiltrate black ops and run riot on the bad guys. There’s one bad guy in particular I’ve had my eye on—Vane Bartow. Maybe he’s not bad in the classic sense, but he’s certainly bad for me—always stealing my focus. So now I’m going to steal something from him. At least that’s the plan. Until I get caught. Until Vane shows me exactly why he flusters me, fascinates me, and ignites every bit of curiosity—and desire—I have inside.

UNEXPECTED QUEEN

UNEXPECTED QUEEN

MINK

I agreed to marry a woman I’ve never met for one reason only—to become part of the Larone family, the most powerful mafia name in this city. My bride was never important to me. Sure, I’d treat her fine and keep her at arm’s length, but this was never going to be a love match.

Until I heard her smart mouth. Until I saw her. Until I lifted her veil and looked into her eyes.

That was it for me. I went from being a made man to a man who would do anything for Angelica Larone.

Do I care that she says she’s only waiting around for me to die so she can have my empire? No. Because this thing between us—it’s real. I’m going to show her just how real on our wedding night and every night after that.

The only problem? Marrying a Larone has put a target on my back, and Angelica is right in the crosshairs.

1

ANTONIO

“You really don’t care?” Gilly asks as he checks his tux in the mirror. “I thought you were kidding when you said you weren’t interested in getting to know your bride. But now it’s been months since the announcement, you’re about to get married, and you seriously never even met her?”

“No.” I straighten my tie and make sure everything is on point. This is a spectacle more than anything else, and I’m here to put on a good show.

“Do you even know her name?”

“Angelica.” I roll my eyes. She’s a mafia daughter, trained from the time she was a child to be obedient to whoever her family marries her off to. There’s nothing else to know. I don’t want to get married, especially not to some random piece of arm candy, but that’s the way these things work. If I want to get the keys to the Larone kingdom, I have to marry one of Constantine Larone’s daughters.

“I can’t believe you didn’t even bother to meet her. You’re an animal.” He shakes his head. “Fucking brutal.”

“It doesn’t matter. Nothing is going to stop this wedding.”

“You sure you want to take such a big risk just to get in with Constantine? What if she looks like shoe leather?”

“Then I’ll be married to shoe leather.” I shrug. “Her only job is to be a good wife. I don’t expect anything more than that.”

“Yeah, but kids?”

I make a pfft noise. “No way.”

He sighs. “I can’t believe I’m letting you go through with this.”

“As if you could stop me.”

He smirks. “You want to step outside and test that theory?”

“You want me to kick your ass on my wedding day in front of hundreds of guests?” I grin. “I think that can be arranged.”

“Let’s go.” He reaches for the door, but it opens abruptly, and Constantine Larone strides in. His suit is almost as impeccable as mine, not a strand of his salt and pepper hair out of place.

He gives me an appraising look. “Going somewhere?”

“Just to marry your daughter.” I cut Gilly a look that says ‘Shut up or I’ll murder you.’ But I don’t need to bother. He knows the dangerous world we live in and how close we’ve been to ruin for so long.

This marriage will cement our family’s place in the most powerful families in the city. We’ll get a cut of a lot more action, and I’ll have a ladder straight to the top.

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Villain’s Prey Read Online Mink http://www.xoxobooks.com/villains-prey-read-online-mink Sun, 09 Jul 2023 00:33:42 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/villains-prey-read-online-mink Genre: Alpha Male Authors: Mink Advertisement

Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >35

Kidnapping a Fernandino princess will be easy. Rich, spoiled, entitled, and full of a confidence they don’t deserve—the Fernandinos are going to fall. I’m going to be the one to hasten their demise by stealing their cherished little princess Olivia right out from under their noses. To her, I’m the villain, a Taletti who knows nothing but violence and blood. Good. That’s the way I want it.
All goes according to plan… Until I get a taste of her sharp tongue and a look at her wicked curves. It doesn’t take long for me to realize she might be more than the spoiled little brat I’d been sent to collect.
But wanting her for myself creates more danger. Olivia is in the crosshairs, and my father’s finger is on the trigger. Saving her means betraying my family, but maybe it’s time I start a family of my own–with her.

What’s a villain to do?

MINK’s Note: Grab your fluffy friend and your fave flavor coffee for this tale of a villain and his love.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

SERGEI

Of all the jobs my father has given me, this has to be the easiest. Kidnapping a Fernandino princess won’t take much skill, especially since every Fernandino heir is nothing more than a useless, scheming debutante. Olivia Fernandino will be no different–sheltered, spoiled, and rotten to her core.

She’s lucky I only intend to steal her. I’d love to get my hands on her–or any of her kin, for that matter–to do what needs to be done. We should’ve wiped them out years ago. Their bones should be nothing more than dirt beneath my shoes. But we’ve had to bide our time. The families don’t condone open warfare. Not anymore. Changing times, changing alliances. No more blood on our hands or names in bold headlines.

At least, that was the way of things until my father became head of the families. Now? Now things are going back to the way they’re supposed to be. The Fernandinos will pay for everything they’ve done, everything they are. And the first victim will be their youngest. Silly little Olivia Fernandino. I smirk when I think about how she’ll cry and beg and run. A coward, just like the rest of them.

But it’s not my job to break her. My father wants to do the honors.

I pull into the parking lot of a country club at the edge of the city. Every other vehicle in the lot is a Rover or a Maserati. I suppose the wealthy like to slum it when they come to play golf. Can’t have a golf ball leaving a dent in their Lambos.

A valet runs up as I step from my car.

“It’s valet only, sir. I’m sorry, but–”

I toss him a roll of bills. “Mind your own business and stay out of my way.”

His eyes widen as he stares at the money. “Y-yes sir.”

I wince at the sunlight pouring down all over the green grass and flowering trees. As a matter of business, I work at night. Daytime isn’t something I’m used to, not when there’s so much money to be made in the dark hours. Clubs, drugs, guns–all the good shit happens when the sun fucks off.

Striding into the club, I make no effort to hide my face from the cameras or the staff. It doesn’t matter. I’m untouchable. Even if I brought a blow torch up in this bitch and started lighting the place on fire, I’d still walk away with nothing on me. Not so much as a finger laid on me by the cops. Because we own them. We own everything in this city… except the Fernandinos. The bastards who pretend to be fine, upstanding citizens with legitimate wealth and a philanthropy budget bigger than some countries’ GDP. Bullshit, all of it. No one in this business is good. No one. Especially not me.

“Sir.” An attendant steps into my path as I walk past the pro shop and head toward the dining rooms. “I’m sorry, but if you aren’t a member, are you a guest of someone I could–”

I grab his shirt, wrapping it in my fist and yanking him off his feet.

He yelps.

“Get the fuck out of my way.” I shove him back.

He bounces against the wall and falls to his knees, then scurries away from me.

I keep going, past the rich pricks in the dining room enjoying their afternoon drinks while talking about some vapid shit like taxes or politics. They barely look up as I pass. Far too self-involved to appreciate the danger that just walked into their little enclave. They’ll figure it out soon enough.

The back banquet room is closed, and women’s voices carry from inside. Laughing. I bet one of these rich little bitches told an absolutely hilarious joke. The punchline was probably something like ‘the poors, ha ha ha.’

My disdain for these country club types is eclipsed only by my hatred of the Fernandinos. I grip the handles to the French doors and pull, opening them wide as I stride into the banquet room. It’s done up in shades of yellow and pink, large bouquets of flowers gracing every table where dozens of women turn and stare at me, their voices dying into an eerie quiet.

Gina, the eldest Fernandino daughter, stands from her spot at the head table, her pregnant belly obvious in her flowy dress. “I think you have the wrong room.”

My gaze flicks to the girl beside her, a dark-haired beauty with luminous eyes and a curious expression on her face. She clearly thinks I’m mistaken, just like her sister does.

I stride down the length of the table and come to where they’re sitting.

Gina swallows hard. Olivia gets to her feet and scoots around her sister, blocking Gina, putting herself in front of me. Her light pink dress hugs her body, showing me curves and olive skin. She seems to almost bow up, her shoulders back as she meets my gaze. I have to admit, it’s a brave move, especially given the fact that I tower over both of them. Then again, she’s a Fernandino, so it might simply be stupidity instead of bravery.

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Sweet Psycho Read Online MINK http://www.xoxobooks.com/sweet-psycho-read-online-mink Mon, 01 May 2023 20:22:19 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/sweet-psycho-read-online-mink Genre: Alpha Male, Insta-Love, Novella Authors: Mink Advertisement

Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 31616 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >33

Am I the hunter … Or the prey?

I have a few quirks. Nothing too out there. Not really. I mean, yeah, I like to know everything about everyone around me. I tend to obsess over little things. Round foods freak me out. Social interactions give me hives. But, really, those are completely normal issues. Right?

My world is on lock, except for the part where I have to work for the government to stay out of maximum security prison. At least, everything *was* on lock until I’m tasked with getting to the bottom of Owen Caddel. He’s just part of my job. That’s all. Except … the moment I focus on him, I realize I want to know everything. Every last detail. He’s maddeningly fascinating, a puzzle I must solve.

I need to figure him out, and I’m just psycho enough to stalk him until I do. But here’s the thing … What happens when I begin to suspect he’s been stalking me all along?

MINK's It was the best of crazies, it was the worst of crazies. Cuddle up with this tale of two psychos, a cute kitty, and a cup of caffeine.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Am I the hunter … Or the prey?

I have a few quirks. Nothing too out there. Not really. I mean, yeah, I like to know everything about everyone around me. I tend to obsess over little things. Round foods freak me out. Social interactions give me hives. But, really, those are completely normal issues. Right?

My world is on lock, except for the part where I have to work for the government to stay out of maximum security prison. At least, everything *was* on lock until I’m tasked with getting to the bottom of Owen Caddel. He’s just part of my job. That’s all. Except … the moment I focus on him, I realize I want to know everything. Every last detail. He’s maddeningly fascinating, a puzzle I must solve.

I need to figure him out, and I’m just psycho enough to stalk him until I do. But here’s the thing … What happens when I begin to suspect he’s been stalking me all along?

1

MAGGIE

They really make this way too easy. I smile when I see the $5 million deposited into the account I set up. It no sooner hits the account before I move the money, bouncing it around, covering my tracks as I go. In a few quick keystrokes, I distribute the money out to smaller organizations I know are in need and will put it to good use. Many of them just happen to be cat shelters.

The pharmaceutical company will never miss the small ransom I made them pay. True to my word, I release back the company's private servers that I wiped clean. I might let some of the files leak out in the process. No sense hoarding information that could help others.

I reward myself with eight M&Ms. All brown. It’s the only color I can eat. The others are all unnatural.

“Magic.” I jump when Ocean’s voice comes through my computer. She’s the only person in the world I’ve given a small wormhole to me, only so she can slip through if need be. It still makes me jump every time her voice randomly fills the room.

I pretty much block out all sounds around me when I’m working. Even the loud shots from the video games my father is playing down the hallway.

“We have a problem.” Those are four words a girl like me never wants to hear. Especially coming from Ocean.

I might be good with hacking my way in and out of anything, but Ocean is better with hands-on tech. Not that her hacking skills are something anyone should ever turn their nose up at.

“How long do I have?” I ask, hoping to get a head start.

“None.” How the hell? “Sorry, I don’t know.” Ocean is as surprised as I am.

“Dad!” I call out to my father. “Going dark.” I give him a second heads up as I clear out my system, pushing it over to bounce until I go back to find it.

“Fuck, I didn’t save,” he mutters as I hit our own home with an EMP.

“I’ll get it back.” This is going to be a mess to clean up. My father steps into my room to wait with me. I fold my arms over my chest, getting more irritated by the second. Patience has never been my strong suit.

I’m pleasantly surprised when our front door isn’t annihilated. Two people dressed in all black flood into my room first before I hear the click of heels. That’s all it takes for me to know who’s here.

“The hell!” I jump out of my chair, unbothered by the men in full tactical gear that now surround me. Duffy and I are supposed to have an understanding, and this isn’t it.

Agent Duffy appears, her blond hair pulled back into a tight bun. Her suit—I think she has a million of the same one—doesn't have a wrinkle in it. I’m always impressed with her sharpness and presence.

“When I let you go to those fancy schools, I thought we’d be millionaires one day.” My dad sighs. This isn't the first or even second time the government has shown up at our doorstep. I don’t hide from them. In this digital age, no one can really hide. Even people like me who are good at covering their tracks.

“Who said we aren’t millionaires?”

My dad chuckles at my response.

From the outside, we appear to live an average life in suburbia on the cusp of the city. In reality, both my father and I are anything but average. He knows nothing of technology beyond a video game or some wiring, but he is well prepared for the end of the world if need be. Last summer, we built a killer bomb shelter underground. The zombies will never get to us.

“You haven’t returned my call, Ms. Fox.”

“That might be a hint.”

Her lips purse.

“We had a deal. I stay out of your way, and you stay out of mine. If I happen across something terrible, I’ll toss it over to you.” I’ve tried to not come across terrible things. Ones that would haunt your dreams.

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Fixer Upper Read Online Mink http://www.xoxobooks.com/fixer-upper-read-online-mink Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:04:17 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/fixer-upper-read-online-mink Genre: Alpha Male, Insta-Love, Novella, Virgin Authors: Mink Advertisement

Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >37

Fixing up an old house isn’t exactly high on my bucket list. But finding a lost treasure? That lands right near the top. So, I take a job as caretaker of the Devereaux Estate, do some odd jobs here and there for its batty owner, and spend the rest of my time looking for the diadem.
Until Charlie shows up. She threatens to upend my search, but not because she’s onto me—it’s because I can’t seem to get enough of her. With curves for miles and an innocence I can’t resist, she’s quickly becoming the only treasure I’d kill to have. And that’s not far from the truth, especially when danger comes calling.

MINK’s Note: Grab your kitty and a cuppa for this tale of treasure and true love.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

ROWAN

“Could you get off me? I’m trying to work here.” I blow a cobweb out of my face.

Dudley ignores my request and continues to make biscuits on my back, his claws digging through my shirt. I’m lying prone and halfway inside the crawlspace of the old ice house. So far all I’ve found are bugs, some gum wrappers that probably date to the 1930s, and evidence of mice nesting in the walls.

I shine my flashlight, trying to find something, anything that would lead to a clue. But there’s nothing.

With a sigh, I wriggle backwards out of the small space until I can sit up. Dudley jumps down, then slinks around so he can sit in my lap.

“Edith sent you here to torment me, didn’t she?” I reluctantly scratch the top of his head. “She’s on to me, and you’re the proof.”

He flops over so I can rub his belly.

I give in and pet him for a short while, then get to my feet and glance around the dilapidated building once more before trudging to the door. It’s not here. I’ve searched this place so many times, but I’ve yet to find it. Maybe I should give up.

With that dark thought in my head, I walk back to the main house and grab my tool bag off the front porch.

When I stride in, Edith calls, “Rowan, that you?”

“Yes, ma’am. I was coming to take a look at the sink. You said it wouldn’t drain properly?”

“That old thing is slower than Christmas.”

I hear the clunk clunk clunk of her walker as she appears from the parlor.

“Where have you been?” Her eyes narrow, the wrinkles beside them growing deeper. “You’re covered in dirt.”

“Just working on some things outside.”

She clunks past me toward the kitchen. “This old house always has something wrong with it. That’s why I’m glad you’re here.” She gives me a warm smile.

I nod as she leads me to the sink.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She sits at the kitchen table. “I’ve been wanting to tell you something.” She taps a crooked finger on her chin. “But what was it?”

I glance down the sink, then reach into the drain and pull out what looks like yarn with beads on it. “What’s this?” I keep pulling until the whole dripping thing is free of the drain.

“Oh!” She claps. “I was wondering where I put my macrame.”

I would scold her, but there’s no point. She’ll be back to doing something batty the second I turn around. That’s her way. She lives in this huge estate all alone since her husband passed, and she grows a little nuttier each day. So much so that I’ve convinced her I’m a handyman who was hired by her late husband to help out around the house. I’ve lived here for six months, and she’s never questioned why I dig up the lawn in different spots, bust up concrete in the basement, scour her attic, or explore the many outbuildings on the property.

“Now what was I going to tell you?”

“I’m sure you’ll remember.” I point to the yarn. “Is there somewhere you want me to put this?”

“No, just leave it there. I’m working on some knitting right now. I’ll get back to the macrame later.”

“Just don’t put it down the sink again, okay?”

She crosses her heart. “I won’t.”

“Constance will be here soon to make your dinner.” I flip on the water to make sure it drains. There’s no telling what else she’s stuffed down the sink.

Dudley jumps on the counter beside me, his big green eyes watching the water. I never asked for a sidekick, but that’s what he is. I can’t go anywhere without him following me around.

Once the water seems to be in order, I flip it off and head for the door.

“Wait!” She massages her temples. “I think I remember.”

I lean against the doorframe and force myself to seem interested. She’ll probably tell me that she saw a great big parrot in the yard and wants me to catch it for her or something similar. Edith, for all her misfiring brain bits, is at least entertaining.

“I wanted to tell you …”

Dudley jumps into her lap.

She strokes him absentmindedly.

“You can tell me whenever you remember.” I back up a step.

“No. Wait!” She holds up a finger. “I know. My granddaughter is coming!”

Now that makes me pause.

“Granddaughter?”

She looks up at me, her gray eyebrows drawing together. “What about my granddaughter?”

I stifle my irritation. “You said your granddaughter is coming.”

“Oh, yes!” She smiles. “Charlie. She’s coming. I’m leaving the house to her.”

Fuck. The last thing I need is someone of sound mind questioning what the hell I’m doing here. My timetable just moved up. I have to find the treasure, and I have to do it before some meddling granddaughter arrives.

“When’s she coming?” I ask.

A knock sounds at the door. Oh, fucking hell no.

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Blushing Brides Read Online Mink http://www.xoxobooks.com/blushing-brides-read-online-mink Fri, 03 Feb 2023 20:31:49 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/blushing-brides-read-online-mink Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Erotic, Romance Authors: Mink Advertisement

Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >95

Four brides, four stories with heat and heart from MINK, and their epilogues!
These mountain men are in for the shock of their lives when four smart, beautiful, and vulnerable women land on their snowy doorstep.
Knocking Up His Bride, Claiming His Bride, Stealing His Bride, and Taming His Bride are linked stories each with their own heroes, heroines, and HEAs (mischievous feline included!).

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

It came out of nowhere. A huge cat in the middle of the road. We swerved to avoid it and crashed into a snowy tree, ending our road trip early and stranding us far from the local town, in the middle of a snowstorm with another on the way. How can a pop star, her assistant, and her best friend survive in a snowy wilderness? Short answer is: they can’t.

But then *he* came out of nowhere. The big guy with the gruff voice and the sharp eyes. The eyes that are always on me. I have to trust him, to accept his rescue of my friends and me, but the more I get to know Charles, the more I realize I need him. Maybe we landed at the lodge with these mysterious mountain men by accident, but Charles makes me believe it was good luck that brought us here.

Even though he’s vague about his past, his kisses are certain, and his gentle touches becomes addictive. His love is all-consuming.

But when an old threat follows us to the lodge, Charles reveals his particular set of skills, deadly ones. Can I accept the man who treats me so sweetly but can kill without a thought?

1

CLOVER

My stomach drops when a Google alert pops up on my phone. Bells flicks a glance at me from the driver seat before we both steal a peek at Aurora who has AirPods in and oversized sunglasses. Pretty sure she’s asleep.

Good. God knows she needs it. Her tour schedule has been grueling. But it’s finally coming to an end. Or it was. Then, right when we could all see the light at the end of the tunnel, Kent Kingston went and pulled one of his bullshit stunts. Gah, I’ll never understand why anyone believes anything that comes out of that man's mouth!

“What did that dick face say this time?” Bells glares at my phone before she realizes she’s not watching the road. She jerks the SUV back into our lane. I grab the handle above the window, holding on for dear life. I drop my phone and almost have a small heart attack.

The snow is already coming down hard.

“Sorry,” she mouths, blowing one of her dark wavy locks out of her face that escaped the messy bun on her head. I’m just thankful that Aurora is still out. She doesn’t need another thing to worry about. What the hell did that doctor give her? It had to be something strong, because she’s been out for a while now.

I reach down and scoop my phone back up off the floor. Not only do I have a Google alert, but I also have a text from Daphne that I missed. Crap. It was from twenty minutes ago. She was trying to give me a heads-up that a Google alert was going to begin pinging soon. It was something she didn't have to warn me about, but it went a long way in making me trust her more and more. Trust is something I don’t give out easily. Especially when it comes to things that involve Aurora.

“Daphne texted me, too.” Bells’ eyebrows rise all the way to her hairline. “What’s up?”

I push my glasses up my nose. “She let me know Kent is busy adding fuel to the fire, and then I got the alert.”

“I believe her.” She shrugs. Yeah, she’s been saying that from the start. The thing was, Bells didn't grow up in this world. I did. She was tossed into it when her best friend Aurora became an overnight sensation.

I don’t usually make friends easily, and I definitely don’t trust easily. But it was different when it came to Bells. I took to her instantly. She and Aurora were already loyal to one another, but I felt as if they extended that to me too. I may technically be employed by Aurora, but both she and Bells still treat me as if we’re old friends.

“Giving Daphne an exclusive inside look at Aurora Davenport could put her little reporter blog on the map.”

“Not going to fight with you on that one, but I follow her. She’s about truth, and she’s also about sticking it to assholes. Kent is as big of an asshole as they come, plus this isn't about money to her. This is about making a name for herself that people will believe in. If she wanted to be known, she could have easily become a socialite.”

Also true. Daphne was born famous.

“A man fucked her over in the past,” I say. “It changed her life.”

“Yep. She’s out for blood and it isn't female. I respect it.”

I’m not a big fan of exclusive interviews, but I know that this one is important. Kent’s behavior needs to be dealt with, and there’s no one better than Daphne to bring attention to it.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >95

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Unexpected Devotion Read Online Mink http://www.xoxobooks.com/unexpected-devotion-read-online-mink Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:40:24 +0000 http://www.teennovels.net/unexpected-devotion-read-online-mink Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Erotic, Insta-Love, Mafia, Virgin Authors: Mink Advertisement

Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 31720 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >33

I’m the right-hand man to the rising star of the East Coast mafia. But he’s not the one who’s always had my allegiance. It’s Carina, his sister, the one woman who’s had my heart in a vise grip ever since she came back from school. But she’s off limits, and some lines, once crossed, can never be redrawn.

I tell myself to keep my distance, but the more she tempts me, the more I falter. Carina isn’t just beautiful, she has secrets, ones that bring danger to her doorstep. But I’ll never let anyone harm her, and when she’s threatened, i’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe and in my arms.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

GILLY

She’s in the pool.

Not that I’m anywhere near her. I won’t allow myself to be. Not when she’s in a bikini and lounging in the sun like an indulgent–and fucking sexy–housecat.

“Gilly, are you even listening?” Antonio sighs.

“Of course.”

Butcher snorts.

“Shut up.” I roll my eyes at him. “You were saying my work on moving what’s left of the Larone holdings into our hands is going well except for a few disputes from the Corlettis.”

“Those pricks have zero claim on anything even remotely related to the Larone name.” Antonio shakes his head. “They just want trouble.”

“Let’s give it to them.” Butcher cracks his knuckles.

“Diplomacy first.” I’m the cautious one of the group, the most level-headed. At least I like to think so. But there’s one thing–one person–who gets under my skin and makes me anything but reasonable.

She’s in the pool. Maybe sunbathing in a chair, her bikini straps pulled down so she doesn’t get any tan lines on her smooth olive skin. My mouth waters.

“The Corlettis are the closest thing the Frangiones had to allies. They’re sore about how we handled those assholes.” I shrug. “The Corlettis would never dare challenge you to your face. Not after what happened with the Frangione heirs and Constantine Larone.” I glance at Butcher, a small, satisfied smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. We effectively destroyed the den of vipers known as the Frangione family. It only makes sense that the Corlettis are seeking to fill the void. “They’ve been using a light touch so far.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m going to give them anything.” Antonio glowers.

“Nothing of consequence, but we should always remember to throw the dogs some table scraps.” I think through the small list of Larone holdings. “Toss them the coke connection to South America through the Orlavs.”

Antonio’s face brightens a bit at that. “The operation you suspect has an FBI informant in it?”

I nod. “We’ll wash our hands of it entirely. Let the Corlettis deal with the Feds.”

“I hate giving them anything except a bullet,” Butcher says.

“This is worse than a bullet. The Feds will bleed them slowly.”

That makes Butcher smile. Of course it does.

“All right. Enough business.” Antonio waves us away. “I promised Angelica a nice dinner in the city this evening. I need to get ready.”

Butcher’s already moving to the door, as if he was simply waiting for the all clear so he could return to Bianca in their wing of the house. The love bug has bitten the Palermo family hard. First Antonio and now Butcher–two men who I never imagined would fall in love. But now they’re ruled by it, and I have to say I’m rather liking the change.

They hurry away to their respective wives as I glance toward the foyer. I should walk down the hall and out the front door. Maybe take a drive to the city or occupy myself with more work, balancing accounts, checking for any bullshit in the Larone books.

Instead, my feet carry me toward the back of the house. It’s dusk, the sun coating the trees and landscaping in a warm golden glow.

It coats her, too.

I stop, my breathing suddenly faster, my palms going sweaty, my cock getting achingly hard. She’s right where I knew she would be.

Why do I do this to myself? It’s fucking torture. That’s Butcher’s forte, not mine. But here I am, watching her through the window as she naps, her lithe body on display in a white bikini that leaves very little to the imagination. Not that I need it. I know every curve and dip of Carina’s body, every inch of her committed to memory. The way her pouty lips purse after she’s said something particularly sassy, the way she sways her hips when she walks, the scar on her left ankle from a bike accident when she was six, and a million other details that don’t escape my notice.

She shifts, her legs spreading the slightest bit, giving me a perfect view of the triangle of white fabric between her thighs. I move closer to the window, my eyes straining against the falling night. The outline of her pussy lips presses against the fabric, giving me a tantalizing view of her most intimate parts. Parts I want to worship with my tongue, my fingers, my cock. Parts I want to coat with my cum so everyone knows who she belongs to.

My heart hammers, my cock pressing against my pants as the reasonable, intelligent parts of my brain shut down. All I can see is her. All I want is her. How many times have I imagined taking her? Holding her down as she pants my name, giving her every inch of me until she shudders and gasps, pleasure overcoming even her sharp tongue. Fuck, I want it so badly that sometimes I wonder if I might lose my goddamn mind.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >33

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Holiday Treats – Holiday Heroes & Furry Friends Read Online Mink http://www.xoxobooks.com/holiday-treats-holiday-heroes-furry-friends-read-online-mink Fri, 16 Dec 2022 07:34:51 +0000 http://www.teennovels.net/holiday-treats-holiday-heroes-furry-friends-read-online-mink Genre: Romance Authors: Mink Advertisement

Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 122216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >129

Happy Holidays from MINK!

Holiday Treats includes:

Snow Angel
She wants to beat him in the holiday lights competition; he just wants her.

Christmas Crush
Christmas in Reindeer Valley has never been hotter. Will their second chance lead to happily ever after?

Santa Material
A big bear of a Santa and the handy woman he loves. He’s more than ready to fill her up with Christmas cheer.

Knocking up his Bride
She’s stranded. He’s interested. A fierce mountain man meets his match in this snowy love story.

AND a special holiday short starring Nick and Sophia from His Virgin Queen entitled His Missing Queen.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

SNOW ANGEL

SNOW ANGEL

My house may be small, but its Christmas lights are the best on the street. Perfectly coordinated each year, my holiday display can’t be beat. I reign supreme. At least I did. Until he moved in across the street. Brendan. Who does he think he is? Just because he’s handsome and makes my parts tingly doesn’t mean I’ll let him beat me. This Christmas, he’s going down.

Ariadne waits for the clock to tick over to December 1. She’s poised over there, ready to spring into action with her curvy body and Christmas spirit. She goes all out for the holidays. This Christmas, I intend to go all out for her.

1

BRENDAN

I sip my coffee slowly. It’s freshly brewed and just short of scalding. The clock ticks to my right as I sit in my worn but comfortable side chair and stare across the street. My wooden blinds are slatted just enough for me to look out but not be seen, and my house is dark. By all appearances, I’m sound asleep, perhaps knocked out from too many Thanksgiving leftovers and a hit of eggnog. That’s what she’ll think, anyway.

Charlie jumps onto my lap and curls up, his fluffy orange tail serving as a pillow for his chin. He doesn’t seem perturbed even though I’m not in bed where I’m supposed to be.

“How you doing, old boy?” I scratch the top of his head and take another sip of coffee.

He purrs in answer.

The clock ticks, the wind blows, and the sliver of moon sits high overhead.

It’s quiet.

Peaceful.

Then the clock ticks over to 12:00 am, December 1.

A light flicks on in the cottage across the street, its neat shrubs all in a row like pawns on a chessboard, ready for war.

“Here she goes.” I can’t stop my smile when I see her front door pop open and the porch light go on.

She’s wearing a dark sweater, gloves on her hands, a red pompom knit hat, and jeans. It’s frigid outside, but she’s coming out here to work. Her effort will keep her warm.

Glancing my way, she pauses for only a moment before reaching back inside the house and hauling out an enormous Christmas wreath.

“I bet she made that herself.” I scratch under Charlie’s chin.

The wreath is round and perfect, the holly leaves just so, the red berries decorating it at the perfect angles, and two cardinals perching along the top. She has a knack. I’ve never doubted it. In the three years I’ve lived here, she’s never failed to impress me.

Scurrying back inside, she closes the door for no more than a minute, then she reappears with a large box in her arms. She’s so small, it’s a wonder she doesn’t topple over, but she manages it, setting it gingerly on her dormant grass and opening the top.

What happens next is a dance that I watch every year—one that warms me even as it vexes me. This woman, Ariadne Morton, is relentless. Her hair is tucked neatly inside her knit cap, but I know it’s blonde and long. Her hips flare out, her waist narrows just a bit, and her breasts could be considered small by modern standards. But to me, they’re perfect.

I watch her the same as always. She carefully lifts out string after string of lights from her box. She’s run an extension cord from the plug to the right of her red front door and tests each strand before unfurling it on the “good” side of the yard or dropping it into a heap on the “bad” side of the yard, reserved for lights that refuse to do their job.

Meticulous and exacting, she assembles her troops. Each strand of lights, each window wreath, each bow—she’ll work them all into her design.

The first year I lived here, she didn’t get up at midnight on the first day of December. Back then, she decorated on the first, but wasn’t quite so rigid about it. She waited until the sun rose and hung her wreath and strung her lights.

Then I put up some lights of my own.

She put up more.

Curious, I added a snowman.

She added two.

Even more curious, I strung lights along the roofline of my house.

She strung digital icicle lights that looked like white starbursts of snow falling along her eaves.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >129

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Her Christmas Spy Read Online Mink http://www.xoxobooks.com/her-christmas-spy-read-online-mink Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:24:46 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/her-christmas-spy-read-online-mink Genre: Romance Authors: Mink Advertisement

Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >37

I’m not here for holiday cheer. I’ve been hired to do a job—find out how Snow Hills cheats its way into winning a holiday decorating competition every year. I’m going to get to the bottom of it, I’m going to get paid, and then I’ll be done with this postcard-perfect town.
At least that’s the plan until I meet Liza Grable. She’s like the Christmas fairy of Snow Hill, all curves and sweetness. I’m supposed to be investigating her and her mother, the mayor, but the thought of her being a cheater simply doesn’t fit.
What does fit? The two of us together.
Snow Hills was supposed to be easy money, a brief bit of work before I moved on. But the closer I get to Liza, the more I realize I’ve found something rare and beautiful. Something I have to keep close to my heart. But I’m not the only one who can’t let Liza go …

MINK’s Note: Is there anything better than holiday love? Maybe a kitty, a coffee, and holiday love.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

CRANE

“As I’ve said, there’s simply no way Snow Hills has won for the past three years without cheating.” Mayor McGovern thumps his palm on his desk. “Especially with that harpy Ellen Grable in charge. She’s practically a witch. Her and her daughter.”

“Her daughter is the holiday consultant you mentioned?” I try to steer the mayor away from ranting about the Grable women. He’s been doing it for the better part of an hour. I didn’t come here for small-town gossip. I came here for a job and some easy money.

“Yes. Liza. She’s just as bad as her mother. Maybe worse. She’s the one who’s in charge of the town’s Christmas decorations and the big show they put on. It’s ridiculous really.”

“Don’t you do the same thing every year?” I ask.

He sputters, his cheeks going red. “Of course I do! Here in Winter Heights, we do it bigger and better than those idiots in Snow Hills ever could. That’s how I know they’re cheating. Why, last year, our Tinsel Queen was voted the most beautiful woman in the state!”

“By who?”

“The Winter Heights Cigar Club.”

I sigh and force myself to stay put. Easy money, easy money, easy money–that’s the mantra I have to keep repeating to myself. This is the perfect way to lay low and take it easy for a while. I’ve attracted too much heat in the Boston underworld, and working as a private investigator for this blowhard mayor is the perfect cover–and use of my skills. Still, it chafes. Being told what to do by a complete bozo isn’t exactly a piece of cake for me.

He waves a hand. “None of that matters. It’s in the past. This year, though, is my year. I’m up for reelection next year. I want to go into campaign season with the Spirit of the Season Cup as the crowning jewel of my tenure as mayor. I’m going to win this time, Mr. Windham. I have to. But I need you to make it happen. You have to catch them in the act. Do you understand?”

“Yes. The job is for me to go to Snow Hills, set up shop as a new resident, and keep an eye out for any wrongdoing by the mayor or her daughter. Is that correct?”

“Look, I really want you to get in there. Make them believe you’re one of them. That’s the only way you’ll ever get access to all their dirty little secrets. I hired an investigator last year. He got nowhere. They could smell the city stink on him.” He looks me up and down, taking in my perfectly tailored gray suit. “You have to make more of an effort to fit in. Understand? Play along with all their bullshit and get the dirt I need.”

“What exactly do you think they’re doing to sway the Spirit of the Season Committee?” The more I talk to the mayor, the more I regret agreeing to this meeting in the first place. He’s clearly unhinged over some stupid holiday competition. Easy money, easy money, easy money.

“Probably doing sexual favors. Or bribes. Or maybe some sort of bribery with pictures of their feet.” He clears his throat. “They are attractive women, I suppose.” He leans over his desk. “But that’s how they lure you in. With their feminine wiles and what have you. They honeypot. The judges fall for it every year.” He sneers. “But not this time. This time I’m going to catch them. I mean, you’re going to catch them.”

“I got it.” I stand. “I’ll head to Snow Hills tomorrow. Is there anything else I need to know?”

He rises, too, a little flustered as he digs around in the papers on his desk. “Here’s a photo of them. Their addresses. Everything my other PI found for me.” He hands me a folder. “I want daily updates. Let me know as soon as you get the incriminating evidence. I’ve already got my contact at the county newspaper chomping at the bit for the whole sordid tale.”

I take the folder.

He holds on to it. “I can count on you, right?” He looks up at me, his beady eyes narrowing. “I heard about your reputation. This should be an easy bit of work for you.”

I pull the folder free. “If you heard about me, then I don’t have to answer that question.” I turn and stride out, letting the door slam behind me.

Once I’m in my car, I flip open the folder and pull out some sheets of information and a thumb drive, which I assume has all the same materials on it. A photo falls out, and I pluck it from the floor.

It’s an older woman in a red pantsuit holding the Spirit of the Season Cup. She has a warm smile, and beside her stands a beauty with golden hair and big brown eyes. She favors the older woman but has her own style–a poofy red skirt and a green cardigan with a kitten embroidered on one lapel.

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