Grace in the ShadowsTiana, the pastor’s daughter, has always been seen as the black sheep the one destined to bring shame, live outside expectations, and slip away from the life everyone envisioned for her. Bold, defiant, and misunderstood, she walks a path no one expects her to survive. Yet in the shadows of her rebellion, God’s hand is at work.As Tiana navigates love, fear, and faith, she discovers that grace isn’t always found in the spotlight. Sometimes, it grows quietly where the world cannot see. But will her choices lead to redemption… or ruin? In the end, can the girl everyone wrote off become the very embodiment of Grace in the Shadows?

The Devil You NeedThey say the devil comes in fire and fury—but mine came dressed in a tailored suit, with a voice like sin and eyes that promised ruin.When Ivy Hart agreed to take a job at Blackthorne Industries, she didn’t know she’d be walking into the lion’s den. Desperate, broke, and trying to escape a past that won't stay buried, she never expected her new boss to be the one man capable of dragging her even deeper into darkness.Lucian Blackthorne isn’t just a billionaire. He’s a king in a kingdom built on secrets, obsession, and blood. Cold, calculating, and devastatingly magnetic, Lucian always gets what he wants—and now, he wants her.But Lucian doesn’t love. He owns. He manipulates. And Ivy? She’s just another pawn… or so she thinks.Because beneath his cruelty lies a truth more dangerous than desire—he’s not just the devil she fears… he might be the only salvation she has left.In a world where love cuts deeper than betrayal, Ivy must decide: Will she run from the darkness—or fall for The Devil You Need?

CHAPTER ONE The rain pounded against the city skyline, the streets glistening with reflections of neon lights. Inside a luxurious penthouse, the air was thick with tension. Elena stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her silk robe barely clinging to her curves. The city stretched endlessly before her, but the only thing that consumed her thoughts was the man behind her. Adrian. The billionaire with a dangerous reputation. The man who had chased her in boardrooms and bedrooms alike. His presence filled the room like a storm, dark and electric. “You keep running,” he murmured, stepping closer. His voice was low, rough, like he was holding back. “But you always end up here.” Elena exhaled sharply as he pressed against her back, his heat searing through the thin fabric of her robe. She could feel his breath at the nape of her neck, his lips barely grazing her skin. “I never promised to stay,” she whispered, tilting her head as his fingers traced down her arms, slow and possessive. His hand slid around her waist, pulling her flush against him. “Then why do you tremble when I touch you?” She bit her lip, but the truth was written in the way her body melted into his. With one swift motion, he spun her around. His dark eyes burned into hers, searching, daring her to deny what was between them. “I could make you forget everything,” he said, his thumb brushing over her bottom lip. Her pulse raced. This was dangerous. Adrian was dangerous. But that was exactly why she wanted him. “Then do it,” she breathed. And with that, his lips crashed against hers—hot, demanding, unstoppable. The city roared outside, but inside, only they existed. And neither was willing to let go. CHAPTER TWO: BOUND BY THE SHADOWS (ADRIAN AMD ELENA) The golden morning light filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Adrian Blackwood’s penthouse, casting a soft glow over the tangled silk sheets. Elena stirred, the warmth of his body still lingering on her skin. She should leave. She had promised herself last night was the last time. That Adrian was too dangerous, too consuming. And yet, here she was, lying in his bed, wrapped in the scent of him. Her fingers traced the indent of his pillow as she turned her head. He was watching her, propped up on one elbow, dark eyes heavy with something unreadable. “You’re awake,” he murmured, his voice still rough from sleep. “I should go.” Elenasat up, gripping the sheets around her bare body. Adrian didn’t move. He simply studied her, as if calculating every thought running through her mind. “You always say that.” “And yet, I always end up here,” she whispered, repeating his words from last night. A ghost of a smirk touched his lips. “Exactly.” She exhaled, frustration curling inside her. “This—whatever this is—needs to stop.” For the first time, his expression darkened. Adrian pushed himself up, sheets slipping to reveal the sharp lines of his body. A body she knew too well. “Why?” His voice was deceptively calm, but she knew better. Adrian Blackwood didn’t like to lose. “Because it’s reckless. You and I—we don’t work outside of this bed.” A slow, dangerous smirk tugged at his lips. “Then maybe we should stay in bed.” She clenched her jaw. “Adrian.” “Elena.” He mocked her tone as he reached out, fingers brushing her wrist. A simple touch, but it sent a shiver through her. “Tell me what you’re really afraid of.” Her stomach twisted. You. I’m afraid of you. But she wouldn’t give him that power. Instead, she slipped from the bed, dragging the sheets with her as she searched for her dress from last night. Adrian leaned back against the headboard, watching her like a predator watching prey. “Elena,” he said, his voice softer now. She stilled, bracing herself. “You’re running from something. And I don’t think it’s me.” Adrian said Her fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress. Of course, he saw through her. Adrian always did. “I have a life outside of this.” She turned to face him, slipping into the dress with slow, deliberate movements. “And so do you.” Adrian ran a hand through his dark hair, his expression unreadable. “You think I don’t know that? You think I don’t wake up wondering if this is the last time I’ll see you here?” Something in her chest twisted painfully. “Maybe it should be.” For the first time, something flickered in his gaze. Something dangerously close to vulnerability. “Elena—” Her phone vibrated on the nightstand, breaking the moment. She snatched it up, frowning when she saw the name flashing across the screen. Marcus Calloway. Adrian’s jaw tightened at the sight of the name. “So, he’s calling again.” Elena swallowed. “It’s business.” Adrian let out a dry laugh, swinging his legs over the bed. “Marcus doesn’t mix business with pleasure. Not where you’re concerned.” She couldn’t argue. Marcus had been circling her for months, offering her deals wrapped in veiled threats. He was powerful, ruthless, and worst of all—he wanted her for more than just business. Adrian stood, moving