
Deal With The Devil
M00NATHENA · Ongoing · 46.1k Words
Introduction
Esmeralda Hernandez likes to play pretend. She likes to pretend her life is perfect, that she has a very good mental health and that she's just an innocent rich girl.
Milo Chase is an asshole. Cold, loaded, with a new girl every week, and hates Esmeralda with his entire being.
Milo and Esmeralda made a deal.
Childhood friends at first and enemies later, they both are well known celebrities and their reputation is the most important thing for the both of them.
When the media brings up an old video of them promising each other to start dating if they're both single at 21, they have no choice but to yield at their fans' wishes.
Pretending they're a happy couple, when in reality they want to kill each other won't be that bad, right ?
Chapter 1
Oh, God.
I think I might throw up from anxiety and nervousness.
I straighten my hair with a hand and try to swallow the bile in my throat. It's been two years since I have assisted a charity gala. Two years since I have appeared to the public at all.
Which means they expect a big announcement, probably me going back to modeling, and that's exactly what I am going to give them.
Two years ago, I decided to put an end to my modeling career. Nobody knows the reason why. I just moved from the old mansion, where I lived with my parents to my own apartment in New York.
Of course, everyone wondered why the heir of one of the most influential families in the US, would all of a sudden stop doing what she loved most, and live almost anonymously for two years.
Well, let me clear that up real quick.
The handsome guy who's standing a few feet from me, ignoring me as best as he can is the reason why.
My train of thoughts is quickly stopped by my best friend Cleo, who's waving at me from across the room. I walk over to her and hug her tightly.
"I've missed you so much," I say pulling back to look at her. "You look amazing !"
And she did. The blonde haired girl was wearing a long sleeveless red dress, with a slit from her right foot to her thigh which exposed her white porcelaine skin. Her lips were painted red, and that detail complimented her dress color, and made her brown eyes look even more bright than they already were.
One look around, and you could see how every man in the room was eyeing her.
She gave me a big smile and said, taking my hand in hers. "You look beautiful, too. How do you feel ?"
I grimace, then remember we are in a room full of people with their attention on my every move and that the media would be there in a few minutes. So I do what I do best, smile through the pain.
"I feel horrible. Really. I'm so nervous I might pass out right here."
The blonde gives me an understanding look and tightens her grip on my hand.
"It's going to be okay, Esme. You are one of the bravest people I know, and you're amazing. And they love you. You're going to kill it. Even that asshole, Milo will give you heart eyes by the end of the night."
This time I don't hide my wince. Talking about Milo Chase is literally a taboo subject for me. Cleo is the only person who knows the full story. Well, my side of it, at least. What happened that day. The day that broke me so hard that I'm still suffering because of it. Because of the consequences of my actions. Because of me.
"Oh, I'm sure he'd like to see me trip in the stairs and never get up again." I rolled my eyes, trying to look nonchalant but the thundering in my chest didn't falter.
Two years since I saw him in person. Two damn years. And I don't know what hurts more, seeing him with the woman he brought tonight or just the fact that he is here. In the same room as me.
Maybe, karma finally got me. Maybe, him being here, in this charity gala, the day of my announcement is just a way to punish me. For everything I did.
"You realize, you two are going to have to talk to each other tonight, right ?" She asks me, her eyes drifting over to the enormous buffet situated in the middle of the room.
Right.
He is the one who's going to present me to the public.
A part of me hoped he wouldn't show up and that the job would be given to someone else. But he is the Chase heir, the son of the very people who organized this event. Him not coming would make even more noise than my big return.
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. There is no way out of this. My parents were clear. Me retreating from the "celebrity life" affected my family and their fortune, so like they said, if I don't want them to lose everything I will have to model again, to do things that I did not find joy in anymore.
Even if it means losing myself in the process.
"Earth calls to Esme." I startle at my friend's voice, who's now looking at me with eyes full of worry, and I realise she hasn't let my hand go. "Are you sure you're okay ? Do you need me to tell your parents you can't do it ?"
I shake my head again and take a deep breath. I can do it. I can do it.
"No, I'm fine, Cleo. Just a bit nervous."
She's about to say something, when a lot of shouting erupts from the entrance of the room, and what seems like thirty people with flashes, cameras and microphones start running toward me.
I'm going to pass out. Literally.
Quickly, the bodyguards start forming a line between me, all of the people there and the paparazzi. One of them lead Cleo and I to another private room.
They weren't supposed to come in right now. They were supposed to wait until the gala started.
I immediately collapse on the couch behind me and put my palms over my face. Cleo sits next to me and runs a hand in my back, silently comforting me.
My breath is caught in my throat and my vision starts to blur.
Shit, shit, shit. Not here, not tonight.
I try to talk, but my throat tightens and I start to feel nauseous.
Oh my God.
"Hey, Esmeralda, are you okay ?" I can hear panic in her voice. She gets up quickly and fills a glass of water and hands it to me. I shake my head. No. This is not what I need.
"What do you need ?" She shouts, and when I don't—can't respond she says, "I'm going to call someone alright? Hang on."
"No." My voice is rasp but she has already opened the door.
I try to focus on my breathing.
Breathe.
Breathe.
Breathe.
Take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds, then let it out.
Take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds, then let it out.
That's what he always told me.
But it's not working. Shit, it's not working. It always works.
The realization of that makes me panic even more, and I don't hear the door open and close. Cleo and two other people come in.
I blink a few times until my vision is clear and my heart skips a few beats. Milo Chase and his brother are standing right in front of me. When I am having a freaking panic attack.
Oh, fuck.
I didn't know it could get worse but it does. At this point, I can't even hold my breath, and a sob wrecks my whole body.
"She's having a panic attack. Help her, please." Cleo pleads, a hand in her hair.
With a small curse, Milo kneels before me and holds my shoulders tightly. And for a second everything stops. I just look, and look, and look at him. He hasn't changed. His dark hair is a bit longer but he is exactly as I last saw him. His green eyes are still the most beautiful I've ever seen. But his features are harsh, as if he doesn't want to be here as much as me.
He shakes my shoulders lightly.
"What do you need ?" His voice. Oh lord, his voice hasn't changed, and for a moment, I remember. For a moment, I remember the sound of his voice breaking. The tears streaming down his face, distorted by pain. Pain that I inflicted to him. To my best friend in the entire world.
I try to talk but my throat hurts.
"Breathe, Esmeralda. What do you need." More of a command than a question.
"My...inhaler" I manage to say, trying to ignore the fact that he just called me by my name for the first time in two years.
Ellis, who was standing behind him walks around the room trying to find it.
"Purse." Is the only word that comes out of me.
Cleo gets my purse and takes the breather from it. She quickly gives it to me, I try to grab it but my hands are shaking so bad that I drop it.
Milo is immediately moving as he retrieves it from the floor and brings it to my lips. I open my mouth and he puts it in, activating it. I take deep breaths, and when he takes it off, it's like someone just pulled me from underwater.
I'm panting, but breathing. My panic is slowly taking off and I close my eyes for a few seconds.
Milo stands up, straightening his white shirt, and puts his jacket back on. Jacket that I didn't even notice him taking off.
I open my eyes as I take him in slowly.
His chest is as well sculpted as he was the last time I saw him and his arms are even bigger. He crossed them around his chest and takes a deep breath, as if restraining himself from yelling at me.
That, is definitely not how I expected our first meeting to go.
"The ceremony started. You have five minutes." His voice is cold as he turns around and reaches for the door.
"Thank you." I say, voice weak.
He halts and stiffens for a second as he puts his hand on the doorknob.
"I did not do it for you. I did it so my parent's money, doesn't go to waste."
He and his brother step out.
And all I am left with is shame.
Last Chapters
#35 Bonus Chapter #1, Milo
Last Updated: 1/10/2026#34 Chapter 1, Cleo
Last Updated: 1/10/2026#33 PART TWO - BROKEN BITS AND ALL
Last Updated: 1/10/2026#32 Epilogue, Esmeralda
Last Updated: 1/10/2026#31 Chapter 31, Esmeralda
Last Updated: 1/10/2026#30 Chapter 30, Milo
Last Updated: 1/10/2026#29 Chapter 29, Esmeralda
Last Updated: 1/10/2026#28 Chapter 28, Milo
Last Updated: 1/10/2026#27 Chapter 27, Esmeralda
Last Updated: 1/10/2026#26 Chapter 26, Milo
Last Updated: 1/10/2026
You Might Like 😍
Falling for my boyfriend's Navy brother
"What is wrong with me?
Why does being near him make my skin feel too tight, like I’m wearing a sweater two sizes too small?
It’s just newness, I tell myself firmly.
He’s my boyfirend’s brother.
This is Tyler’s family.
I’m not going to let one cold stare undo that.
**
As a ballet dancer, My life looks perfect—scholarship, starring role, sweet boyfriend Tyler. Until Tyler shows his true colors and his older brother, Asher, comes home.
Asher is a Navy veteran with battle scars and zero patience. He calls me "princess" like it's an insult. I can't stand him.
When My ankle injury forces her to recover at the family lake house, I‘m stuck with both brothers. What starts as mutual hatred slowly turns into something forbidden.
I'm falling for my boyfriend's brother.
**
I hate girls like her.
Entitled.
Delicate.
And still—
Still.
The image of her standing in the doorway, clutching her cardigan tighter around her narrow shoulders, trying to smile through the awkwardness, won’t leave me.
Neither does the memory of Tyler. Leaving her here without a second thought.
I shouldn’t care.
I don’t care.
It’s not my problem if Tyler’s an idiot.
It’s not my business if some spoiled little princess has to walk home in the dark.
I’m not here to rescue anyone.
Especially not her.
Especially not someone like her.
She’s not my problem.
And I’ll make damn sure she never becomes one.
But when my eyes fell on her lips, I wanted her to be mine.
The Prison Project
Can love tame the untouchable? Or will it only fuel the fire and cause chaos amongst the inmates?
Fresh out of high school and suffocating in her dead-end hometown, Margot longs for her escape. Her reckless best friend, Cara, thinks she's found the perfect way out for them both - The Prisoner Project - a controversial program offering a life-changing sum of money in exchange for time spent with maximum-security inmates.
Without hesitation, Cara rushes to sign them up.
Their reward? A one-way ticket into the depths of a prison ruled by gang leaders, mob bosses, and men the guards wouldn't even dare to cross...
At the centre of it all, meets Coban Santorelli - a man colder than ice, darker than midnight, and as deadly as the fire that fuels his inner rage. He knows that the project may very well be his only ticket to freedom - his only ticket to revenge on the one who managed to lock him up and so he must prove that he can learn to love…
Will Margot be the lucky one chosen to help reform him?
Will Coban be capable of bringing something to the table other than just sex?
What starts off as denial may very well grow in to obsession which could then fester in to becoming true love…
A temperamental romance novel.
The mafia princess return
Alpha Nicholas's Little Mate
What? No—wait… oh Moon Goddess, no.
Please tell me you're joking, Lex.
But she's not. I can feel her excitement bubbling under my skin, while all I feel is dread.
We turn the corner, and the scent hits me like a punch to the chest—cinnamon and something impossibly warm. My eyes scan the room until they land on him. Tall. Commanding. Beautiful.
And then, just as quickly… he sees me.
His expression twists.
"Fuck no."
He turns—and runs.
My mate sees me and runs.
Bonnie has spent her entire life being broken down and abused by the people closest to her including her very own twin sister. Alongside her best friend Lilly who also lives a life of hell, they plan to run away while attending the biggest ball of the year while it's being hosted by another pack, only things don't quite go to plan leaving both girls feeling lost and unsure about their futures.
Alpha Nicholas is 28, mateless, and has no plans to change that. It's his turn to host the annual Blue Moon Ball this year and the last thing he expects is to find his mate. What he expects even less is for his mate to be 10 years younger than him and how his body reacts to her. While he tries to refuse to acknowledge that he has met his mate his world is turned upside down after guards catch two she-wolves running through his lands.
Once they are brought to him he finds himself once again facing his mate and discovers that she's hiding secrets that will make him want to kill more than one person.
Can he overcome his feelings towards having a mate and one that is so much younger than him? Will his mate want him after already feeling the sting of his unofficial rejection? Can they both work on letting go of the past and moving forward together or will fate have different plans and keep them apart?
Surrendering to Destiny
Graham MacTavish wasn't prepared to find his mate in the small town of Sterling that borders the Blackmoore Packlands. He certainly didn't expect her to be a rogue, half-breed who smelled of Alpha blood. With her multi-colored eyes, there was no stopping him from falling hard the moment their mate bond snapped into place. He would do anything to claim her, protect her and cherish her no matter the cost.
From vengeful ex-lovers, pack politics, species prejudice, hidden plots, magic, kidnapping, poisoning, rogue attacks, and a mountain of secrets including Catherine's true parentage there is no shortage of things trying to tear the two apart.
Despite the hardships, a burning desire and willingness to trust will help forge a strong bond between the two... but no bond is unbreakable. When the secrets kept close to heart are slowly revealed, will the two be able to weather the storm? Or will the gift bestowed upon Catherine by the moon goddess be too insurmountable to overcome?
The Biker's Fate
I squeezed my eyes shut.
"Dani," he pressed. "Do you get me?"
"No, Austin, I don't," I admitted as I pulled my robe closed again and sat up. "You confuse me."
He dragged his hands down his face. "Tell me what's on your mind."
I sighed. "You're everything my parents warned me against. You're secretive, but you're also honest. I feel wholly protected by you, but then you scare me more than anyone I've ever known. You're a bad boy, but when I dated a so-called good one, he turned out to be the devil, so, yeah, I don't get you because you're not what I expected. You drive me crazier than anyone I've ever met, but then you make me feel complete. I'm feeling things I don't quite know how to process and that makes me want to run. I don't want to give up something that might be really, really good, but I also don't want to be stupid and fall for a boy just because he's super pretty and makes me come."
Danielle Harris is the daughter of an overprotective police chief and has led a sheltered life. As a kindergarten teacher, she's as far removed from the world of Harleys and bikers as you could get, but when she's rescued by the sexy and dangerous Austin Carver, her life is changed forever.
Although Austin 'Booker' Carver is enamored by the innocent Dani, he tries to keep the police chief's daughter at arm's length. But when a threat is made from an unexpected source, he finds himself falling hard and fast for the only woman who can tame his wild heart.
Will Booker be able to find the source of the threat before it's too late?
Will Dani finally give her heart to a man who's everything she's been warned about?
Invisible To Her Bully
The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride
Yet Alexander made his decision clear to the world: “Evelyn is the only woman I will ever marry.”
The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates
"Let me go," I whimper, my body trembling with need. "I don't want you touching me."
I fall forward onto the bed then turn around to stare at him. The dark tattoos of Domonic's chiseled shoulders, quiver and and expand with the heave of his chest. His deep dimpled smile is full of arrogance as he reaches behind himself to lock the door.
Biting his lip, he stalks toward me, his hand going to the seam of his pants and the thickening bulge there.
"Are you sure you don't want me to touch you?" He whispers, untying the knot and slipping a hand inside. "Because I swear to God, that is all I have been wanting to do. Every single day from the moment you stepped in our bar and I smelled your perfect flavor from across the room."
New to the world of shifters, Draven is human on the run. A beautiful girl who no one could protect. Domonic is the cold Alpha of the Red Wolf Pack. A brotherhood of twelve wolves that live by twelve rules. Rules which they vowed could NEVER be broken.
Especially - Rule Number One - No Mates
When Draven meets Domonic, he knows that she is his mate, but Draven has no idea what a mate is, only that she has fallen in love with a shifter. An Alpha that will break her heart to make her leave. Promising herself, she will never forgive him, she disappears.
But she doesn’t know about the child she’s carrying or that the moment she left, Domonic decided rules were made to be broken - and now will he ever find her again? Will she forgive him?
The Biker Alpha Who Became My Second Chance Mate
"You're like a sister to me."
Those were the actual words that broke the camel's back.
Not after what just happened. Not after the hot, breathless, soul-shaking night we spent tangled in each other's arms.
I knew from the beginning that Tristan Hayes was a line I shouldn't cross.
He wasn't just anyone, he was my brother's best friend. The man I spent years secretly wanting.
But that night... we were broken. We had just buried our parents. And the grief was too heavy, too real...so I begged him to touch me.
To make me forget. To fill the silence that death left behind.
And he did. He held me like I was something fragile.
Kissed me like I was the only thing he needed to breathe.
Then left me bleeding with six words that burned deeper than rejection ever could.
So, I ran. Away from everything that cost me pain.
Now, five years later, I'm back.
Fresh from rejecting the mate who abused me. Still carrying the scars of a pup I never got to hold.
And the man waiting for me at the airport isn't my brother.
It's Tristan.
And he's not the guy I left behind.
He's a biker.
An Alpha.
And when he looked at me, I knew there was no where else to run to.
Balance of Light and Shadow
Little did she know how much both worlds need her to bring peace and true freedom.
Thornhill Academy
Hunted, haunted, and newly awakened, Allison is dragged into a rebellion built on blood and belief, the same fight her parents died trying to protect. As enemies close in and desire sharpens into something dangerous, she must decide what kind of power she will become. The weapon the Council always wanted. Or the storm that tears their world apart. When Allison rises, kingdoms kneel and when she loves, she loves like war.
Dark Academia | Reverse Harem | Dark Romance | Dark Humour | Action-Packed | Steamy | Unputdownable












