A Deal with the Dark Fae: Enemies-to-Lovers Standalone (Cruel Intentions Book 1) Read online

  A Deal with the Dark Fae

  Cruel Intentions

  Valerie Harmon

  Lit Orange

  Copyright © 2020 Valerie Harmon

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  Translated by Nevena Markovich

  Edited by Sanja Gajin

  Edited by Marina Zikic

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  A Deal with the Dark Fae

  * * *

  A feisty heroine with a secret. Two brothers, the exact opposite of each other, neither up to any good. Once her secret is revealed, there is no going back.

  You can’t say “no” to the Dark Ones. For they are fickle, and you risk paying too high of a price for your refusal.

  They can’t be outsmarted.

  They don’t accept being wrong.

  I knew these rules since childhood. I also knew that it was in my best interest not to get involved with them. But I did.

  And now I have to stay close to one of the wretched Horos brothers. The man who’s considered to be the most powerful Dark One in Grassor.

  While he’s getting on my nerves, his brother is trying to figure out who I am. But there’s no way I’d let him get into my head or my heart.

  Because he’s of the dark, and because... he has a fiancée.

  Modern life and magic meet in this sizzling fantasy romance!

  A RUSSIAN TOP 1 BESTSELLER!

  Cruel Intentions is a stand-alone series with a “happily ever after” ending. It’s a perfect read for fantasy romance fans looking for just the right amount of steam and a wide web of intrigues.

  An emotional and heart-clenching summer read that’ll have you telling yourself “just one more page” as it pulls on your heartstrings.

  Chapter 1

  Elenia

  With the click-clacking of high heels and soft slide of parting doors, Norah rushed into the office. Usually, she casually waltzed from the elevators to her workplace, swaying her hips as she did (and she had what to sway), but not today. Out of breath and flushed, with a tablet under her arm, she stopped in the middle of the office, took a deep breath, and excitedly announced: “Garanor Horos is getting married!”

  Everyone froze for a moment. The loud typing of Erminia’s sharp nails stopped, Jamie, who always had a mug in his hands, almost choked on his black coffee and nearly spat it out on his screen. Lina and Phill just rolled their eyes and I leaned back in my chair just as Aurora got up, walked to the door, and calmly said, “Elenia, come see me in my office.”

  Turning to her boss Norah added: “He just announced it to the press, and I immediately rushed here. I didn’t even manage to grab a coffee for you, Miss Krishon.” She was waving the tablet with a photograph of Garanor and his fiancée.

  They made a beautiful couple. The future ruler of Grassor and an heiress of a multimillion-dollar fortune.

  “It’s okay, you can get it later,” Aurora said to her, and with just one glance ordered me to hurry up.

  The opaque glass of the office walls hid us from prying eyes. Aurora sank into her chair and I stood at the other side of the desk, awaiting orders. I could pretty much guess what she’d demand now and I was already getting nervous.

  “You’ll go to Sonorina Solt and convince her that our wedding agency is the best option for planning and organizing the wedding of the century.”

  Felicidad was a successful agency ran by Aurora Krishon, my boss, for twenty years. But there were dozens, if not hundreds, of such successful wedding planning agencies in Kadris. Ours, sadly, wasn’t the largest, nor the most famous one... nor the best one. Also, I really didn’t want to get involved with the Dark Ones.

  For the past two years, I had successfully avoided any contact with them and I planned to keep it that way.

  “But I have two weddings I’m already working on... Phill is free. Better send him. With his charm—” I tried to sound convincing but Aurora interrupted me, waving her hand dismissively as if shooing away a pesky fly.

  “You’ll go and see the future bride of Sonor Horos. Phill will take your projects.”

  “But—”

  “Elenia, you understand how important this is for us.” She squinted, leaning forward. This was never a good sign — usually, it didn’t bode well for the person the look was meant for. “How important it is to me. And for you as well. You don’t want to suddenly lose your job.”

  Aurora was an human, but in moments like these, it seemed to me that one of her distant ancestors was definitely a fairy. She knew how to make you obey. It was just a threat at first, but by the end, it was practically blackmail, she knew her manipulations well. And I couldn’t afford to lose my job now. Lita and I needed the money to survive.

  “I’m one of your best employees.” I dared to remind her. “It’s not really profitable for you to fire me.”

  “That’s not true.” She shook her head. “You aren’t one of the best, you are the best. Therefore, you should be the one working on this wedding. And the reward for it will be appropriate. The best possible.” She looked down at her tablet and typed a few numbers, which at first made me feel lightheaded.

  And then I felt great. I started thinking about how great everything would be once I received that kind of money.

  If I received it, that is.

  “Why are you so sure Sonorina Solt will like my ideas?”

  “Because if she starts avoiding you, you can always use your gift.” Aurora smiled slyly, and I flinched, almost feeling the weight of her gaze.

  “I have blockers. And I have no right to do that.”

  “That’s your unique trait, dear.” She smiled again. “You know how to use your gift in spite of those things implanted in you. I’m certain of that. Otherwise, how did you snag a contract with the Gomaros for a multi-million-dollar wedding? After they had already turned us down twice.”

  I gritted my teeth to stop myself from swearing. It was a very lucrative wedding, and I was in dire need of money. I took a chance. I took advantage of the power sealed in me. It hurt, but I did it. Fortunately, Aurora didn’t suspect anything.

  Or at least that’s what I thought.

  Damn it!

  “Let’s not waste any more time, Elenia. Go to the lucky bride-to-be and come back to me with a contract. Think about how much you’ll earn. And I’ll add a bonus of my own to that.”

  Another number appeared on the screen. Not nearly as impressive as the previous one, but just as necessary.

  I couldn’t afford to lose my job, so I had to agree. Felicia Solt was
an ordinary person, and I’d work on the wedding just with her. Garanor was a very busy man, and soon, with the start of the election campaign, he’d be even busier. It was unlikely that he’d participate in choosing decorations and tasting appetizers. It’d be just me and the bride to be.

  That calmed me down a bit, and I nodded.

  “Okay, I’ll do it.” After a short pause, I added: “But you’ll give me the bonus today.”

  “As soon as you bring me the signed contract, the money is yours.” Aurora beamed.

  Having said that, she turned her full attention to the screen of the computer, hinting that the conversation was over. I turned to the door, forcing myself to stay positive.

  But all that positivity disappeared in the parking lot after one short call from Aurora. “Go to the Horos residence. I found out that Felicia is there now.”

  I closed my eyes and felt the urge to start swearing. It wasn’t really fairy-like, but I was so frustrated.

  And I swore, cursing all of the Dark Ones and the Horos brothers specifically. Especially the older one, who just had to get married now! Bastards!

  ***

  The aerocar slid off the roof, rapidly picking up speed. I was a very attentive and careful driver, but today I joined the stream of aerocars at full speed, without even noticing it.

  My fingers trembled, my thoughts raced. How did Aurora know that Felicia was with the Horoses right now? Would they let me see the future bride, or would they send me home right away? How many more girls in business suits like me were now rushing to siege the mansion of the future ruler?

  Garanor would win the elections, there was no doubt about it. His opponents weren’t very popular. Also, he had been involved in politics since early childhood, and his family was one of the most influential ones in all of Grassor. They were patrons, entrepreneurs, owners of a large media holding company, and a ten-star hotel chain scattered all over the world.

  What else do I know about these Dark Ones?

  Recently, the older brother turned thirty-four. He had been dating Felicia for two years now. The announcement of their engagement was expected at this point. It was also great for his ratings and statistics as a candidate. Grassorians are used to seeing a respectable family man as the head of state.

  The younger, Xanor, was either twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. After their father died, he was supposed to take over the hotel business, but so far his brother had remained in charge of all of the family businesses. Why, I had no idea. Their life didn’t interest me at all.

  Reminding myself that I was driving the aerocar, and not walking, I left the upper highway, carefully moving to the middle one. It was slower there. But safer. Meant for those who had just learned to drive. Besides, I didn’t want to rush. Actually, it’d be better if I were late. Maybe, right now, Felicia was signing a contract with some other wedding agency. If she did that, no magical gifts could help me.

  And no matter what Aurora said, she wouldn’t fire me. I had brought her so much money over the previous year and a half.

  The city center was behind me, and I was now in the elite area, which couldn’t be entered without a permit. I had one because many of my clients were wealthy people.

  Lita and I lived behind the fourth circle, but with the bonus Aurora promised me, it’d be possible for us to move to the third. Somewhere closer to St. Edelmyra Children’s Hospital, in case Lita...

  I immediately dismissed these intrusive thoughts and, following the GPS, took the next right. After flying a few more blocks, I found myself in front of the Horos residence. No one could miss it. It was an ancient building made of gray and beige stone with a dark tiled roof. The huge windows had unusual black frames. Two wide staircases on the edges of the facade lead to spacious terraces. The pool was tempting me with its clear cool water, while the green garden provided a pleasant shade.

  Elenia, no! The only thing that could tempt me to go into the house of the Dark Ones was the promise of a large bonus and the threat of unemployment. I had left luxury in my past. I’d never return to it, and I didn’t want to either.

  About a dozen aerocars were parked in a row at the gate. Those were company cars like the one I’ve been trying to get acquainted with for the past few months. I had barely landed when a guard, a large, bald fellow, came up to me.

  “Are you here to see Sonorina Solt?” he asked listlessly.

  I nodded and politely introduced myself.

  “My name is Elenia Lei from the Felicidad wedding agency. Is Sonorina Solt available to have a meeting with me?” I offered him my right hand so he could scan my personal code.

  He took a step back and waited for the aerocar door to open to help me get out.

  “She is, but you’ll have to wait. Follow me, Sonorina Lei.”

  I didn’t want to follow him anywhere, but turning away meant risking my job and bonus.

  The third circle, Lenny. Think of the districts beyond the third circle, so calm, so green. Lita would like it there. And you wouldn’t have to spend an hour every day to get to the agency and back.

  It was unlikely that Garanor would be at home in the middle of the workday. Most likely, he was in his office now, which meant that I wasn’t in danger of running into him. I hoped his brother was also away.

  Focus on work!

  I’d be the one to organize the wedding of the century. Who, if not a fairy, was best suited for this job?

  They also said fairies were good with love. But, as it turned out, I wasn’t.

  ***

  During my short twenty-three years of life, I had seen a lot of luxury, but now I just wanted to stop and stare with my mouth open. Everything was so perfect. From the topiary bushes to the cobblestone paths leading to the main entrance stairs. I was told to go through the wide glass doors on the first floor. I entered the hall in which eleven girls were already impatiently waiting — the owners of the aerocars parked at the gates.

  They greeted me with fake half-smiles, which looked like they were glued to their stone faces. Even with blockers, I could sense their feelings — irritation and hostility washed over me. But these emotions weren’t displayed on their faces in any way. I politely nodded, and they nodded back. After that, the guard asked me to take an empty seat on the sofa next to a blonde who was immersed in something on her phone.

  Having taken my seat, I briefly smiled at the blonde and cast a cautious glance at the stairs, the marble steps of which led to the second floor. Once again, I tensed up. The Dark Ones could sense people like me — our smell, our essence. It was a pity we couldn’t sense them back, otherwise, I’d know for sure if the brothers were here now.

  This uncertainty was scary and a little bit exciting.

  I was, of course, a law-abiding fairy, and I preferred to avoid even the slightest attention from the Dark Ones. Nowadays we lived in peace with them. But three centuries ago, the fairies (as the Light Ones were once called) were ruthlessly hunted down and killed. The Dark Ones enjoyed hunting us, breaking our wings, and making us their bedroom entertainment. Until they got bored and got rid of us without a second thought.

  And although a lot had passed since those times, this fear, fear of the mighty Dark Ones, was still present. We were born with it, and it poisoned us since childhood.

  “Sonorina Lei, please, come here.”

  Distracted by thoughts of the distant past, I didn’t immediately realize that it was my turn to meet with the future first lady of Grassor. For some reason, Felicia decided to talk to me first.

  Followed by the displeased gazes of the other applicants, I followed the bride’s assistant into the cozy living room. Felicia was sitting on the sofa and flipping through a real rarity — a glossy magazine with wedding dresses. It looked like it was from the previous century.

  Hearing footsteps, she looked up, and I was immediately charmed by the warmth of her eyes. They were the color of hazelnuts or milk chocolate, which I adored. Her cinnamon-colored hair was falling down her shoulder in one ne
at wave. In her turquoise dress, she looked like a model from the very magazine she had just been reading.

  “Sonorina Lei, nice to meet you.” She rose and, smiling warmly, held out her hand to me.

  Her smile was sincere and bright. I thought it’d be a pleasure to work with her. She didn’t seem like a problematic client.

  If only the groom wasn’t a Dark One...

  Telling myself to focus on the here and now, I shook her hand.

  “Thank you for your time, Sonorina Solt.” I politely smiled back and nodded gratefully when she invited me to sit on the sofa.

  “I rarely get to meet the Light Ones, let alone fairies... Are you a fairy?” Felicia couldn’t keep her curiosity at bay.

  “I am.”

  “There are so few of you left.” She sighed.

  That’s because three centuries ago we were slaughtered by beings like your fiancé, I thought, but aloud I just replied: “Yes, there aren’t many fairies left in Kadris.”

  Personally, I didn’t know any other fairies.

  Although I didn’t really know a lot of people since I hardly ever went out. My life was devoted to Lita and work.

  “I’ve always wondered how you manage to hide your wings under your clothes,” Felicia muttered, lost in thought. “And most importantly, why?” She looked up at me.

  “Among the Light Ones, it’s still considered indecent to show them off,” I answered, choosing my words carefully.

  “Is it like being naked in public?”

  I nodded.

  “In the past, only their beloved could see a fairy’s wings. Even the man with whom she’d spend her life was presented with this honor for the first time on their wedding night. I know that for some of the Light Ones our traditions are a relic of the past, but I still respect them.”

  “How interesting... And you work for a wedding agency?” For some reason, it felt strange that she asked this.

  “I don’t work, rather, I devote myself to what I love.” I perked up and continued enthusiastically. “For me, preparing a wedding is a kind of a sacred ritual. Each wedding is a unique event. Each couple has its own story. The main thing for me, for Felicidad, is to fill the months before the ceremony with cherished memories, and to make the wedding so unforgettable that people remember it with a smile on their lips and warmth in their hearts for many years to come.”