by MA Horst
By
Copyright © 2017 by Author Michelle Horst.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email to: [email protected]
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.
Editor: The Word Wench Editing Services
Promoter: Give Me Books
Acknowledgements
I thank my God for miracles, dragonflies and butterflies.
Ronald and Sheldon, thank you for your support.
To my PA’s, Kristine and Becca. I’d seriously be lost without you both.
My Beta readers, Kristine, Kelly, Morgan and Becca. Thank you for being the Godparents of my paper baby.
To my book bestie and Editor, Karen. Thank you for always being there for me.
Give Me Books Promotions - Thank you for taking care of the promotional side of things.
A special thank you to every blogger and reader who took the time to share this release with me.
Mom, you’ve kept me standing. Thank you for being my calm in this storm.
Love ya all tons ;)
Poppy
Lily
Rose
Magnolia
Jasmine
Cherry
Reed
Lily has been born into wealth, and with that comes a certain responsibility. She has been promised to Hail Royal, who has just taken over Royal Industries along with his brothers and cousins. The Royal family screams power and money and they’ll destroy anyone who stands in their way of acquiring more.
Hail is more forceful and unyielding than the preppy son of a greedy bastard Lily took him for. Everything about him is dominant. When his eyes lock with hers, sparks fly instantly. Lily belongs to Hail and there’s nothing she can do but honor her grandfather’s promise.
Just one look at Lily and Hail is determined to own her in every way. He doesn’t want her obedience just because she’s honoring a promise. He wants her obedience because she craves to please him.
The force of nature might just be too much for the delicate Lily.
Warning:
This is an over the top, insta-love, hot as hell fairytale with a twist of kinkiness.
Each book in The Force of Nature series is standalone & about a different couple.
Lily
Rose sits down next to me and takes my hand. She’s my younger sister, but only by a year, so we’re more like best friends.
Father takes his seat at the head of the table and pins me with a stern look.
“You won’t bring shame to our family name, Lily. You’ll honor your grandfather’s promise and marry Hail Royal. He is coming to dinner tomorrow, and I expect both my daughters to make me proud,” he says, as if we’re talking about the weather and not my future.
Mother glares at him, and I can see that she’s not at all happy with the arranged marriage. Thanks to Mother’s side of the family, we’ve been raised in wealth. Father’s side lost everything, and if it weren’t for Mother, we’d be homeless.
Because we’re wealthy, all eyes are on us. Everyone knows the Royals, and everyone wants to merge with their family. I think Father secretly hopes that by marrying me off to a Royal, he’ll be able to revive the family business.
A few weeks ago, all the Flower women were invited to a ball hosted by Storm Royal. He picked our cousin, Poppy, and he married her that same night. Just the thought of being taken like that makes my heart beat wildly with fear and uncertainty. But I have to be strong for Rose. If I show her how afraid I am, she’ll be scared, too, and I can’t have that. It will be Rose’s turn next, and if I can be brave, it will make things so much easier when she’s claimed by a Royal.
I’ve seen Hail a few times, but never up close. He looks like any other Royal - just another preppy son of that greedy bastard, Gale Royal. He has the same dark hair and huge muscled body like his brothers. That keep women swooning over the Royal men.
As soon as Mother and Father leave the room, Rose turns to look at me. Panic is written all over her pretty face, and it makes my heart clench.
“You can’t marry a Royal. It’s not right of them to expect it of you, Lily. You should be free to marry the man of your own choosing,” Rose says pleadingly, and it makes me feel like the weight of the world is resting on my shoulders.
Rose is the gorgeous one with her golden brown hair and baby blue eyes. Many men have tried to date her, but Father has always been there to scare them off.
I’m a bookworm with plain black hair and even simpler blue eyes. Seeing as I’m the one who read her all those fairytales while growing up, it’s my fault Rose wants to fight for my happily ever after. I filled her head with dreams of romance and love.
“It’s time for bed,” I sigh, and stand up. Nothing I do will stop tomorrow from happening, but that doesn’t mean that I have to keep Rose up all night, worrying alongside me.
As we walk down the passage that leads to the bedrooms, we hear Mother and Father arguing. For a moment, I have hope that Mother will fight for me, and stop this arranged marriage from happening.
“They are my daughters, too!” Mother snaps at Father, her voice sharp with anger.
“Lily has been chosen. We dare not dishonor my father’s promise.” Father sounds bored, as if he’s said the same thing a hundred times before.
“Your father,” Mother hisses. “Not mine. I’d rather have Lily marry Jasper Kingly.”
Fear and disgust trickles down my spine at the sound of his name. Jasper Kingly is a divorced, old man. He’s bald and has a belly that speaks loudly of his riches. He loves gourmet dishes and only visits the most extravagant dining establishments. My tummy churns at the thought of that man touching me.
Rose places an arm around my trembling shoulders, and I can feel how tense she is.
Just moments ago, I was upset at the thought of marrying Hail Royal, but now, he seems to be my knight in shining armor, come to save me from the greedy clutches of Mr. Kingly.
“I’ll invite both Jasper and Hail,” Mother announces suddenly, her voice smug as if she’s already won. “Let’s see which of the suitors brings the best offer to the table. The winner gets to have Lily.”
Tears well in my eyes, blurring everything around me. The thought of my parents using me to increase their wealth, fills me with dread, and the bitter sting of being failed by the two people who are supposed to love me most hurts me deeply. All I ever wanted was to be loved, but instead, I’m being sold to the highest bidder.
Hail
Lake looks bored where he’s shuffling through the photos of all the Flower women. His hand stills on one, and the bored smirk fades from his face.
“How did you make your choice?” he suddenly asks. He takes the photo he’s been staring at, and walks over to the window where the lighting is better. One of the Flower women must have caught his attention.
We were all dead set against the idea of marrying a Flower woman. That was, until Father shoved a bunch of photos in our hands and told us to marry before the year was out, or we would forfeit our inheritance.
I think back to the first time I laid
eyes on Lily’s photo. Her hair shimmered like a raven’s wing, and her eyes whispered seductive promises I intend on making her keep. I take the tattered photo from my pocket and drink in the beauty of Lily Flower. Her photo alone has the power to set my blood aflame, causing my pulse to race wildly. When I finally get to see her in person, I fear I won’t be able to control myself.
“When her photo alone has the power to bring you to your knees,” I say as I turn to Lake. “That’s when you know she’s the right one, my brother.”
Lake’s eyes fall on my hand. “You only got that picture three days ago and it looks like it’s suffered a year at your hands,” he teases.
I look down at my future bride and smile. “Three days without her has felt like a thousand years.”
Lake tucks Rose’s photo in his pocket before coming to stand in front of me. He takes my hand and shakes it. “Good luck, Hail. I hope she’s the one.”
He starts to walk to the door when I say, “You could always accompany me to dinner. Instead of that photo, you could meet Rose in person.”
For a moment I think he’s going to decline, but then a smile spreads over his face. “That, my brother, is a brilliant idea.”
As we leave the house we share, Lake’s playfulness disappears. It’s replaced with a more serious side, one we don’t see very often.
Once we took over our rightful places at Royal Industries, Lake and I decided to purchase the house on the hill. We used to dream about the day we’d be able to own it. At the moment, it’s huge, with way more space than either of us need. But once we’re married, the rooms will be filled with the laughter of our children.
The left wing is mine, and Lake resides in the right wing. I hope Lily will be open to the idea of sharing the house with whomever Lake chooses to be his bride.
Never mind, whether Lily will be open to that. What if she declines me? I pray she will choose me just as I have chosen her.
When the car comes to a stop outside the Flower residence, my heartbeat speeds up. I hate not being in control, and wish I could walk into the house and take what’s rightfully mine. I have to remind myself that Lily has a say, too. I can’t be a brute and steal her from her parents’ house, no matter how badly I desire to.
I glance at Lake, and see that the usual wicked smile is back. “Let’s do this, brother,” he says, looking calmer and more in control than me.
Lily
I’ve decided to wear a black, silk gown. Even though the dress leaves my back open, my front is covered all the way to my neck. It’s perfect for mourning the loss of my hopes and dreams.
Rose comes to stand behind me. She’s dressed in a soft pink gown that shows every gorgeous curve she has to offer. She’s the light to my dark.
“I’m not giving up without a fight,” she whispers. Rose is known to be the sweet and kind one, but the determination in her voice sounds prickly.
I turn to face her and take her hands in mine. “I love you so much, my dearest Rose. My life will be an endless night without you to brighten my days.”
“I won’t let them take you from me,” she says urgently. “It’s either both of us or nothing. That should make any man think twice.” The spark in her eyes makes it evident that my sister intends to ruin our parents’ plans.
“You would do that for me?” I ask, feeling a glimmer of hope. Life won’t be so unbearable if I get to take Rose with me.
“I’d do anything for you, just as you would do the same for me.”
The shrill ring of Mother’s dreadful bell fills the room. My eyes dart to Rose’s, and I try to find the same strength she has. My bedroom door swings open, and Mother’s sharp eyes snaps from me to Rose. “It will have to do. Come along.”
I listen to the clanking of her heals as she makes her way back to the living room.
I never wear heals. I’d break my neck in those things. Instead, I’m wearing black boots that are hidden under the skirt of my dress. If Mother found out, she would have heart failure.
“It’s time,” I say, feeling a prick of fear in my heart.
We’re quiet as we make our way to the front of the house. Rose grips my hand tightly in hers just as we walk into the living room.
My eyes dart around the room, so fast that all I get to take in are the two hulking bodies to my left, and the shirt that’s stretched at the buttons, straining over a huge stomach.
I drop my eyes to the plush carpet, and swallow hard on the fear that’s now threatening to turn me into a trembling mess.
Rose takes a sharp breath and her fingers tighten around mine. I glance at her, and I’m surprised to see a deep blush crawling up her neck. My eyes follow the path of hers to where the two hulking bodies are, and then they come into focus.
I swallow hard as I take in the two dangerously handsome men. Both have dark hair with intense grey eyes. I’m not sure which one of the Royals the one on the left is. My eyes leave him, and then I meet the steady gaze of Hail Royal. A flurry of nervous excitement fills my stomach. He is a beautiful man that can have his pick of all the women in Jewel city. I know I don’t have a choice when it comes to who I marry, but he does. Why he is here goes beyond my understanding. Maybe he has his sights set on Rose? That would make more sense. Hail takes a step forward, bringing my rampant thoughts to a sudden halt.
Movement from my right catches my eye. I look away from Hail just as Mr. Kingly steps in front of me. He’s standing too close to me, and it makes the flurry of nerves I was feeling just a moment ago morph into heavy lead.
He reaches for my hand, his skin clammy and sickly heated. “Lily Flower,” he says, his voice dropping so low that only I can hear him. “I can’t wait to own you. You’ll spend your days naked and on your knees.”
Feeling a nauseating wave of repulsion, I yank my hand from his, wiping the awful feel of him off on my dress. I step away from the vile old man, letting go of Rose’s hand as well.
Before I can turn and make a run to the safety of my room, Hail Royal shoves Mr. Kingly out of his way. He stalks right up to me, and I’m caught between the fear of being forced to marry Mr. Kingly, and the rampant emotions that are flooding me as my eyes lock with Hail’s.
Since Father told me that I would be marrying a Royal, I’ve been dreading it. But now, I’m praying that Hail Royal will be my savior tonight. If he declines me, I will be forced into a marriage with Mr. Kingly. Hail is my only hope.
He comes to stand in front of me, and I have to tilt my head back in order to keep eye contact. He’s a beast of a man that makes Mr. Kingly look like a fat mouse.
I cannot stop myself from admiring Hail’s broad shoulders and muscled chest. I wonder how it will feel to be held in his powerful arms. To have them protect me from the evils of the world.
He reaches for my face and his touch is gentle as his fingers brush over my cheek. There’s a spark where he’s touching me, and it feels as if I’m being woken from a deep sleep. Everything becomes brighter as I fill my lungs with a breath of his delicious scent. It’s spicy and all man, igniting feelings inside me I’ve never felt before. I feel a coyness wash over me, one where I’m well aware that I’m a woman with desires, and he’s a man that has the power to satisfy them.
I lower my eyes to his chest. His shirt is tightly spanned over muscles. He’s not wearing a tie, the top two buttons of his dress shirt undone. I catch a glimpse of tanned skin, and it makes my cheeks heat.
My eyes keep going lower until they reach the more than generous bulge of his manhood, and my lips part on a shocked breath. Where Rose is tall and curvy, I’m small and petite. I’m not sure it’s humanly possible for me to be with Hail. He might break me in half.
“Lily.” His voice is deep and strong, making me meet his intense gaze. I feel the impact of his grey eyes all the way to my core. “Allow me to escort you to the dining room.”
I can only nod. His hand is cool as it finds mine. His fingers are firm where they link with my own. I turn my face away from Mr. Kingly when w
e walk past him but I can still feel his creepy black eyes on me. A shiver races down my spine, and I step closer to Hail.
Hail pulls a chair out for me before he takes the seat to my left. I sit down, realizing too late that Mr. Kingly is seated to my right. I’ll have to endure him throughout dinner. The thought alone is enough to take away my appetite.
Hail
Rage simmers in my gut. I loathe Jasper Kingly and would gladly wipe him from the face of the planet.
I hardly had time to feast on Lily’s beauty when the old man stepped between us. I don’t know what he said to Lily, but the look of horror that made her gorgeous creamy skin ashen was enough to make me shove Kingly out of the way so I could get to my future bride.
Now that I’ve finally seen my delicate Lily in person, and have gotten to feel the spark between us as I brushed my fingers over her soft skin, it may as well be carved in stone that she is mine. I want to carry her away from this place to the safety of my bedroom, where I can show her just how much I worship her.
Lily sits frozen between myself and Kingly, her petite body wound tight as a bow. I glance at her face, and again, I’m overwhelmed by the protective instinct flaring to life in my chest. I want this waiflike beauty to be mine. I want to cradle her against my chest where no harm can ever come to her. I want to be the reason a pink blush adorns her pretty cheeks as my cock fills her tight pussy.
I let my eyes slide down her slender neck, over her perky breasts, and down the flat of her stomach, until I reach her lap. My heartbeat speeds up as I picture the valley between her legs, and how sweet she must taste.
Suddenly, Lily jerks, and my eyes dart back up to her face. She’s pale, and her lips are parted as breaths race from her. She jerks again, and that’s when I see that she’s trying to pull her hand free from Kingly’s, where he has it trapped on his thigh, way too close to his shriveled dick.
With a force born from pure rage, I stand up. The sudden movement sends my chair falling back, and the loud bang silences everyone. I take Lily’s hand, pulling her up beside me, and away from the filthy clutches of Kingly. She turns her back to Kingly, taking a step closer to me. Her fingers cling to mine, and it warms my heart that she’s not scared of me.
