Naughty Little Gift -- A Temptation Court Novella (Temptation Court, Book 1) Read online

  NAUGHTY LITTLE GIFT

  Temptation Court – Book 1

  By

  Angel Payne

  Naughty Little Gift

  Temptation Court, Book 1

  Copyright © 2016 by Angel Payne Writes, LLP

  All Rights Reserved

  ISBN: 978-0-9962861-5-2

  Kindle Edition

  If you have legally purchased a copy of this electronic book, thank you. This purchase allows you one legal copy for your own personal reading enjoyment on your personal computer or device. You do not have the rights to resell, distribute, print, or transfer this book, in whole or in part, to anyone, in any format, via methods either currently known or yet to be invented, or upload to a file-sharing website or peer to peer program, unless legally sanctioned, in limited circumstances, after purchasing the book through your preferred book provider. It may not be re-sold or given away to other people. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. If you no longer want this book, you may not give your copy to someone else. Delete it from your computer or e-reader. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

  Characters in this book are purely fictional, and are the product of the author’s imagination.

  Edited By:

  Melisande Scott

  Tracy Roelle

  Cover Art:

  Parajunkee Designs

  www.parajunkee.net

  Formatting:

  BB eBooks

  www.bbebooksthailand.com

  Marketing/Appearance Inquiries:

  Shannon Hunt, Once Upon an Alpha

  www.onceuponanalpha.com

  Readers everywhere have already fallen in love with the Cimarrons of the Isle of Arcadia: a kingdom sealed off from the modern world…until now. Slowly, Arcadia has opened its borders to outsiders from the western world—but in this brand-new spin-off story, a native Arcadian ventures beyond the safety of her world, trading six months of her life for the kingdom’s financial stability. Manhattan might as well be another planet to innocent Mishella—and her keeper, the beautiful but bewildering Cassian Court, just as terrifying a mystery. He connects to her soul, challenges her mind…and awakens her body in ways she’s never dreamed. But how does she keep him from taking—then breaking—her heart?

  Book 1:

  Naughty Little Gift

  Make a wish…

  Engineering genius. Billionaire icon. Consultant to kings. Golden-haired god. Cassian Court is a legend before he even steps foot on the remote island of Arcadia—but from the moment he locks eyes with Mishella Santelle, she can see only the man beneath the power, the presence, and the muscles…the bruised soul for whom hers has been destined…

  But destiny isn’t a luxury for a woman of the Arcadian Court.

  Close your eyes…

  When six months of her life are bargained to Cassian in a multimillion dollar contract, Mishella must learn the rules of a more ruthless kingdom: New York City. In this glamorous jungle, paths are harder to discern, enemies are more cleverly camouflaged…and passions are impossible to ignore, especially when awakened by the man who can read her every desire with a glance, control her every arousal with a touch…

  And leap…

  Helpless against how her body and soul react to this man, Mishella dreads her heart is soon to follow—for the ghosts from Cassian’s past will never free him to return her love. In six months, she’ll simply be a memory to him…the naughty little toy he played with for a while…

  Unless she can prove the impossible.

  That their love is worth fighting for.

  PRAISE FOR ANGEL PAYNE’S STORIES…

  ABOUT THE CIMARRON SAGA:

  “Angel Payne weaves a modern fairytale that steals your heart and seeps deep into your soul.”

  —#1 New York Times Bestseller Audrey Carlan

  “I am a big fan of Ms. Payne’s. It all started with the WILD Boys but she’s cemented herself to my heart with Into His Dark. It has everything you could hope for—passion, love, drama and so much heart.”

  —Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

  “A story of forbidden passion, forbidden lust, forbidden love. Angel Payne singes the pages with seductive words, bringing tingles up my body and warmth to my heart.”

  —Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads

  “Decadence equals novels written by Angel Payne.”

  —Lightning City Book Reviews

  “The imagery and descriptions make this an enthralling read.”

  —Wicked Reads Blog

  “A story about forbidden love that shows sometimes love is written by the fates…Into His Dark will have you wishing the island was real, so you can experience the beauty firsthand.”

  —My Secret Romance Reviews

  “You. Do. Not. Want. To. Put. This. Down.”

  —Twinsie Talk Book Reviews

  “Angel Payne has done it again! She’s written another blockbuster series with alpha men, hot sex, suspense, wonderful writing, and did I mention the hot sex? Anything Angel writes is pure gold! I have read her W.I.L.D. Boys of Special Forces series more than once, and now we have the Cimmaron series. I can hardly contain myself!”

  —Knotty Girl Reviews

  “FIVE-STAR READ. Hot, action-packed, passion, and two broken characters make this a page turner.”

  —Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

  “Where to start? Once again Angel Payne makes my heart race, my blood pound and my lady bits tingle! I absolutely LOVE her writing. It’s gut-wrenching at times and laugh-out-loud funny at others. It’s smolderingly sexy and then I start to cry. Ugh. the gamut of emotions in every single story of hers I’ve ever read. Grab Into His Command and enjoy all the suspense, the sexy, and the absolute goodness that flows from Angel Payne’s beautiful mind. 5 Stars.”

  —Rachel Bound by Books

  “I ALWAYS love my time in Arcadia and the Cimarron family always make the trip worthwhile. I was absolutely blown away by this installment in the series and cannot wait to see what Angel has in store next!”

  —Bookalicious Babes Blog

  ABOUT THE W.I.L.D. BOYS OF SPECIAL FORCES:

  “Keeps you glued to your e-reader!”

  —The Jeep Diva

  “I found this was a book I just couldn’t put down. I got hooked from the beginning and then couldn’t stop reading. Garrett and Zeke are…good dream material.”

  —Love Romance Passion Reviews

  “Angel Payne delivers well-rounded characters, an action-packed storyline that is overflowing with passion, and above all, a love that overcomes and flourishes despite the darkness threatening to destroy the main characters. I cannot wait to meet and fall in love with more of the W.I.L.D. Boys.”

  —RAW Reviews

  “I am never disappointed with what Angel Payne brings to the table. I caught myself a couple of times holding my breath, and trying to read faster and faster. It was a very emotional read…a story of survival, growth, and love.”

  —Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads

  “Well-written…overall, a magnificent book. I am hooked on this series!”

  —Night Owl Reviews

  “Grabbed hold of my heart and never let go. Thick with passion, smoldering looks, and red-hot dominant sex, Angel Payne has created a sequel to rival its sibling. I am anxious for the continuation of her a
ddicting characters!”

  —RomFan Reviews

  “I really loved this book. Both of these characters are complicated, which makes for a great story, and it worked in such a suspenseful erotic romance. This is one hot and steamy read. I’m still waiting for the fog to clear on my Kindle!”

  —Delighted Reader Book Blog

  “Amazing from beginning to end…full of suspense and creativity…I also liked the little details that make the book more ‘real’ for me.”

  —Riverina Romantics

  “Wow! Just Wow! This is a must read. Angel Payne is an amazing author, and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.”

  —We Love Kink

  “An enjoyable thrill ride with just the right amount of kinky sex…anyone who likes a good action novel, mystery and/or romance will find the story interesting and well-written. The love story is touching, realistic, heart-warming and very hot. With just the right amount of conflict between the two main characters, the story builds tension without overdoing angst.”

  —My Book Addiction Reviews

  “Certain things in life are absolutes: birth, death, taxes, and the fact that any book by Angel Payne will rock my world. The chemistry between these three will blow up your e-reader, but it’ll be worth every sweaty steamy moment!”

  —Sizzling Hot Books

  “Lava-hawt. The sexual heat is delicious. The characters…stand out with their quirky characteristics; their banter is both fun and sexual—lovely to read.”

  —The Romance Reviews

  “So many OMG moments! This book does not disappoint!”

  —Twinsie Talk Reviews

  “5 smoldering, seductive stars. Oh My Gahhh. Even though this is book 7 in the Wild Boys series, it is my first book by Angel Payne, and I see what I’ve been missing! Aside from the excellent writing, excellent editing, ease of reading and all around fabulous story…the characters have me frantic. Dan is such a complex character…and Tess, wow, how she desired him from afar, being nothing more than co-workers, and then coming to bat for him after his “accident” and helping him recuperate in the hospital. This is a tale of desire, a body’s need for Dominance/submission, and how not following your soul’s desire for honesty could mush up a great thing.”

  —Rachel Bound by Books

  “A beautiful story…They complete each other. Their story was definitely worth reading.”

  —Books Eater Blog

  “If you are looking for a hot read and a walk on the darker side of the BDSM world is OK with you, definitely check out A WILDer Kind of Love. The familiar faces from the previous books in the series are present in varying degrees, but this story can absolutely be read as a standalone.”

  —Oh, My Growing TBR Blog

  “5 Stars! A lot of heat…Tess was a real surprise to me. Her strength and drive to change her life are what brings Dan out of his dark world and into the light with her.”

  —Smut & Bonbons

  “OMG, what a book! This author pours her heart and soul into her books. You can just feel it.”

  —Kimmie Sue’s Book Reviews

  ABOUT THE SECRETS OF STONE

  (WRITTEN WITH VICTORIA BLUE)

  “Blue and Payne have a style that is like smooth whiskey…goes down hot and lingers for a while.”

  —The Jeep Diva

  “Completely sigh-worthy…the heat they generated could have caused fissures to erupt in the earth’s core. An enjoyable read that makes us believe fairy tales very well could come true.”

  —The Romance Reviews

  “It’s romantic, it’s beautiful, and Mr. Stone is incredibly swoon-worthy. I devoured this book in one night.”

  —Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads

  “A whopper of a read. There’s everything in this book to keep the reader hooked, And the description of THAT kiss…ohh, la!”

  —Noble Book Reviews

  “Exceeded my expectations. I was surprised at how emotional I became while reading the book. I was able to connect so much to these characters that I was concerned for their welfare. 5 bright and shining stars.”

  —A Thousand Lives Book Blog

  “An OMG page-turner that will blow your mind. I loved every minute!”

  —Paranormaly Yours Reviews

  “Payne and Blue have taken the traditional fairy tale romance and made it perfect for our generation to dream and strive for. Thank you for a Cinderella we can all be proud of and a prince to rival all princes!”

  —The Book Fairy

  “WOW. This book. Part of me doesn’t have words. I really enjoyed this.”

  —Twin Opinions Reviews

  “This book is fantastic! Blue and Payne play off one another so well. The sex is off the charts, the banter is awesome; I couldn’t stop reading.”

  —Niki’s Book Addiction

  “GREAT read!”

  —Book Boyfriend Hangover

  “A MUST READ. Total hotness right from the start. This story had me laughing and crying; prepare your emotions for a ride. Highly recommended.”

  —Radical Reads Book Blog

  “I will be thinking about this story long after I put it down.”

  —Sizzling Hot Books

  “A can’t-put-it-down read…well-written with suspense, humor, and lots of dirty bedroom talk. It won’t let you go!”

  —DRC Blog

  “Very well-written…great chemistry…a book that will leave you wanting more.”

  —Battery-Operated Book Blog

  “Sweet. Funny. Quirky. Angsty. Sexy. A different change of pace…but easy to follow.”

  —Renee Entress’s Blog

  A few thank-yous!

  Dedicated to Thomas…for the best adventure ever: our awesome life. I love you.

  VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO…

  Goddesses Liz Berry and MJ Rose, for this incredible opportunity.

  It means the world!

  Shayla Black: for believing since before the beginning.

  Your friendship and support have been boundless and beautiful, and I am grateful.

  Victoria: For being there, always, with the special treasure of your friendship.

  The journey is so much sweeter, happier, and joyous with you, my beautiful friend!

  Melisande: For going “above and beyond” to make this one shine.

  I cannot form words to tell you how much your guidance, expertise, and cheerleading have meant on this one.

  Susan: My sweet, beautiful sister in more than just blood—but in heart.

  Thank you for all the wonderful love, support, and kayak trips!

  Here’s to more dolphins…

  Gratitude beyond compare…

  for each and every blogger, reviewer, reader, and supporter who has taken the time to support, believe, and love Arcadia and the Cimarrons.

  Without you, Temptation Court would not have been born! Thank you!

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  About the Book

  Praise for Angel Payne’s stories

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  More Temptation Court Books

  More Books by Angel Payne

  About the Author

  “The declaration of love marks the transition from chance to destiny, and that’s why it is so perilous…”

  —Alain Badiou

  ONE

  *

  Mishella

  “Dear, sweet Creator. That man’s ass needs its own web page.”

  “Right?”

  “Maybe it already has one. Have we tried looking it up? What would that search string even b
e?”

  “Cassian Court’s Glorious Glutes?”

  “Sounds about right.”

  I scowl at the exchange between my best friend and my princess of a boss. Debate adding a huff, though that might make them giggle harder. As it is, Vylet lifts her head, lets the wind blow her black waves as if she is shooting a scene for a movie, and slowly bats the thick lashes framing her huge lavender eyes.

  “Is there an issue, Mistress Santelle?”

  Her purposeful drawl on the s’s turns her query into a tease—though before I can properly purse my lips, she is answered by a long, snorting laugh. I add a groan to my own response, stabbed at the sound’s source. Brooke Cimarron, Princess of the Island of Arcadia, might have the loyalty and love of thousands across our land, but her royal in-laws are not in that legion—and outbursts like that are no help to her cause at all.

  The groan might be forgotten but the sigh is not. Even after three months in her employ, my work is still clearly cut out for me. In my princess’s own words, I am to do everything in my power to “whip the royal decorum into shape.” Some days, the task is easy. Some, like today—are entries in the Sweet Creator Help Me journal.

  I have one of those. Literally. Though on the outside, as I observe right now, the book simply says Action Items.

  Despite the lists taunting me from the pages of said journal, there are many more checks in Brooke’s “plus” column than not. Brooke has a good heart, a willing spirit, and a loyalty to Arcadia rivalling that of many native-born to the island. If I can only work out a way to keep Vy from enabling the woman’s snarky American side…

  Not likely anytime soon.

  Most certainly not during this week.

  Cassian Court’s arrival in Arcadia has sealed that certainty solidly enough.

  Cassian Court. Just rolling my mind over the man’s name jolts me with such intense heat, I wonder if the Earth has rolled too quickly on its axis, shifting my chair into the sun instead of beneath the table on the Palais Arcadia lawn. That only forms the start of how he has upended my world in just two days.