Sinful Heir Read online

  Copyright © 2021 by M.A. Heard.

  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 consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical reviews and various other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  The resemblance to actual persons, things, living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Designer: Sybil Wilson, PopKitty Design

  Cover Model: Jacob Cooley

  Photographer Credit: Wander Book Club Photography

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Dedication

  Songlist

  Synopsis

  Sinful Heir

  Family Tree

  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

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  EPILOGUE

  The Heirs

  Trinity Academy

  Enemies To Lovers

  Connect with me

  About the author

  Acknowledgments

  Dedication

  To my dark-hearted readers.

  Songlist

  Click here to listen - Spotify

  Can’t Help Falling In Love - Kina Grannis

  You’re The One That I Want – Lo-Fang

  When The Darkness Comes – Colbie Caillat

  Why We Try – Matthew Mayfield, Chelsea Lankes

  King Of The World – WAR*HALL

  Day Is Gone – Noah Gundersen, The Forest Rangers.

  Shoot To Kill – Tommee Profitt, Quivr

  Born Ready – Zayde Wolf

  I’m Dangerous – The EverLove

  Killing Strangers – Tara Lee

  Dangerous – Royal Deluxe

  Follow You Down – Matthew Mayfield

  With Love – Christina Grimmie

  Synopsis

  Tristan Hayes is a mystery. One I’m dying to solve.

  There’s a dark side to him few know about.

  As much as it scares me, it draws me in like a moth to a flame.

  Where he’s ruthless in the business world, he’s gentle when it comes to me.

  His touch makes me burn for more. His kisses drug me until there’s only him.

  Because I belong to him, I’ve become a target.

  Held captive, my memories of Tristan are what keeps me sane.

  Tristan, Tristan, Tristan,

  What did he do?

  Sowing destruction and anger,

  He might be Hana’s doom.

  He met with a man,

  Who could help him save his love;

  But then Tristan became the monster,

  That was buried deep inside his heart.

  Sinful Heir

  THE HEIRS

  Book 6

  New Adult/Suspense Romance

  Series of interconnected STANDALONES.

  “If you can learn to endure pain, you can survive anything. Some people learn to embrace it, to love it. Some endure it through drowning it in sorrow or by making themselves forget. Others turn it into anger.” ― Sarah J. Maas, The Assassin’s Blade

  Family Tree

  TRISTAN HAYES

  ↓↓

  Carter HayesDella Truman

  FatherMother

  Godmother: Jamie Truman

  Godfather: Rhett Daniels

  Best Friends: Ryker West & Alexei Koslov

  HANA CUTLER

  ↓↓

  Lake CutlerLee-Ann Park

  FatherMother

  Godmothers: Kingsley Hunt & Layla Shepard

  Godfathers: Mason Chargill & Falcon Reyes

  Best friends: Fallon Reyes, Jade Daniels & Mila West

  Tristan, Tristan, Tristan,

  What did he do?

  Sowing destruction and anger,

  He might be Hana’s doom.

  He met with a man,

  Who could help him save his love;

  But then Tristan became the monster,

  That was buried deep inside his heart.

  Please Note: If you need a warning before reading a book, this story is not for you. Sinful Heir is not like the other books in The Heirs series, but a preview of what’s to come with The Saint Monarch’s Academy Series.

  Chapter 1

  HANA

  Hana 18; Tristan 23

  “Hi, Daddy,” I say as I reach their table at the Christmas function.

  Dad gets up and folds me into a warm hug. “Hey, snuggle-bug.”

  When Dad lets me go, I embrace Mom before I take a seat at our table.

  “How was the trip?” Mom asks.

  Currently, I’m in my senior year, and I went on a skiing vacation with my friends.

  “Good. I’m glad to be back, though. I missed you.”

  After tonight's Christmas function for CRC Holdings and Indie Ink held at the country club, I plan on spending the week I still have left of my winter break at home doing nothing. I love my parents, and being with them always leaves me feeling recharged and ready to face the world again.

  “We missed you, too,” Dad says as he leans over to press a kiss to my temple. Being a daddy’s girl, I soak in the affection.

  “Are you coming home with us?” Mom asks, a hopeful expression on her face.

  “Yes. My luggage is already at the house. I came with Fallon so I could ride back with you.”

  A pleased smile forms on Mom’s face.

  “That’s good,” Dad murmurs. His eyes sweep over me, then he says, “You look beautiful. Is that a new dress?”

  I nod. “Yeah, Fallon made me wear it.” Fallon’s been my best friend since forever. Our families go way back, and her parents are my godparents. We’ll both be working together at CRC Holdings once we’re done with our degrees at Trinity Academy.

  Someone catches Dad’s attention, and then he rises from his seat, saying, “The Hayes’ family just arrived. We should greet them.”

  Standing up, I wait for my parents to take the lead, and then I follow behind them.

  Even though I haven’t interacted much with the Hayes’ family, some of my best friends come from the families that own Indie Ink. They have close business ties with CRC Holdings, so I’ll be dealing a lot with them in the future.

  “Carter,” Dad says as we reach them, “how are you?”

  “Good,” Mr. Hayes replies. “And yourself?”

  I wait for Mom to greet Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, and then I step forward, saying, “It’s good to see you again.”

  “Wow,” Mrs. Hayes says, her gaze drifting over me. “You’ve grown into quite the vision, Hana.”

  Mom is Korean, and I inherited her dark hair and creamy complexion, where my eyes are warm-brown like Dad’s. I’m short like Mom, though, barely reaching five feet three inches.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Hayes. You look beautiful, as well.”

  With my duties done, I excuse myself with a smile so I can join my friends. I’m halfway across the floor when a m
an suddenly steps back, and as he turns, his elbow connects with my neck, and I’m sent sprawling over the tiles.

  Grabbing hold of my throat, I gasp for air from the sharp blow. I can feel the nearby guests staring at me, and it sends a wave of embarrassment through me, making my face flush.

  “Oh, dear,” the man exclaims.

  Hands grip hold of my shoulders, and I’m pushed up into a sitting position. Then I hear a low rumbling near my ear, “Are you okay?”

  I nod, and as I begin to pick myself up off the tiles, the grip on my shoulders tightens, and I’m lifted to my feet.

  “Thank you,” I murmur as I turn to the person who was kind enough to help me.

  My eyes collide with an ice-blue gaze. It takes me a moment to realize Tristan Hayes is standing in front of me.

  Damn, he’s changed a lot since I last saw him. How long has it been? Two years? Three?

  He tilts his head, and I can swear there’s a flash of… warning? Apprehension ripples down my spine as if I’m standing face to face with a wolf.

  “Hana,” he murmurs, his voice rough and deadly, the timbre causing ripples to spread through my body.

  Not able to keep his gaze, I lower my eyes to his tie. “Tristan.” I begin to turn away. “Thank you for helping me.”

  My intention of making a quick exit goes up in smoke when I’m stopped by the man who bumped into me. “Miss Cutler. So sorry for the little accident.”

  He’s old enough to be my grandfather, so when his meaty hand settles on my shoulder, I instantly feel uncomfortable. “Like you said, it was an accident. If you’ll excuse me.”

  His hand slides down to my bicep, and then his fingers wrap around my arm, making disgust churn in my stomach.

  “You’re graduating this coming year, right?” The man asks.

  I try to recall his name, but I can’t come up with anything.

  “Mr. Ballmer,” Tristan practically growls behind me. It feels like there’s a thunder cloud building against my back, but with Mr. Ballmer right in front of me, I stand frozen.

  Stuck between a wolf and an old buzzard. Just great.

  The touch makes my stomach churn as Mr. Ballmer’s fingers slip down my arm, reluctantly letting go of me.

  When strong fingers curl around the spot where the slimy touch is still lingering, my eyes snap down. The spark is so intense it instantly sends my heart rate rocketing through the ceiling. I’ve never felt an instant connection like this before.

  “Mr. Hayes,” Mr. Ballmer mumbles before he finally waddles away.

  I begin to take a deep breath, but then Tristan’s hand drops to my lower back, and he gives me a soft nudge. “Let me escort you to our friends.”

  I can only nod because it feels like I’m stuck in a web, danger slowly edging closer. A weird sense of excitement and apprehension fills me as if I’m the prey, and it’s only a matter of time before I’m caught.

  Glancing up, I take in Tristan's strong jaw, which has a light dusting of scruff. His dark brown hair looks like he just fell out of bed and couldn’t have bothered with brushing it.

  Hot.

  Yeah, I’m not going to lie, the man is attractive. Add the intimidatingly mysterious vibe, and I can’t help feeling intrigued.

  The world I belong to is filled with wealthy men, all vying to be the one in charge. I’m used to being surrounded by testosterone.

  But Tristan… he seems different. The confidence pouring off him gives me the impression no one dares to defy him.

  I glance back at my friends. The moment my eyes connect with Fallon’s, where she’s standing with Jase, her cousin on her father’s side, I step away from Tristan. I position myself between Fallon and Jase, knowing it’s the safest place for me.

  Unable to stop myself, I watch as Tristan greets the rest of the group. Between Indie Ink and CRC Holdings, we’re sixteen children, all heirs to the mega empires. Tristan’s family is up there with Jase’s. They’re also cousins, related on their mother’s side.

  Turning my attention to Fallon, I ask, “Do you know Mr. Ballmer?”

  A frown forms on her forehead. “Creepy old man?”

  “Yep, that’s the one,” I mutter. “He plowed me off my feet, then groped my freaking arm.”

  Fallon’s eyes instantly dart to mine and seeing the concern, I explain, “Tristan was there to help.”

  She lets out a deep breath. “That’s good. Try to steer clear of Ballmer.”

  “Why is he here?” I ask.

  “Business ties,” Fallon grumbles. “He’s huge in imports and exports.”

  “Fallon,” Tristan says to get her attention. They kiss each other’s cheeks, then his gaze locks on me. The corner of his mouth curves up as if he knows I’m hiding behind my friends, and he finds it entertaining.

  Letting out a huff, I mutter, “I’m going to get something to drink.”

  I walk away, not sparing Tristan another glance.

  TRISTAN

  There’s nothing I love more than a good challenge.

  “I should get a drink as well,” I excuse myself.

  Anger still simmers in my chest from Ballmer groping Hana’s arm. A hobby of mine is finding out everyone’s darkest secrets. I’ve heard Mr. Ballmer likes his female company way too young.

  I stay a couple of steps behind Hana, my eyes drifting over her.

  There’s no way Ballmer’s getting his filthy paws on her.

  I take in her thick black hair, her skin that has a soft glow, and then my gaze stops on the curve of her hips, followed by one hell of a sexy ass. The red dress she’s wearing should serve as a warning for me to back off.

  Hana’s almost done with school. She’s just turned eighteen. Five years younger than me.

  I tilt my head as my eyes burn over her toned legs until I reach the black heels that don’t do shit for her height. She’s still tiny as fuck.

  The sight of her makes possessiveness stir inside me.

  Nearing the bar that’s been set up for the occasion, Hana glances over her shoulder, and again her exotic beauty steals my breath.

  Fuck, she’s otherworldly.

  A red diamond in a world filled with fake diamonds.

  Her eyes narrow on me, and it makes the smirk return to my face.

  Definitely a challenge.

  She’s not a prize to be won, but a woman meant to be earned. I get the feeling that attempting to attain Hana will lead to days filled with excitement.

  I’ve been with my fair share of women, all easily conquered. None of them piqued my interest enough for me to stick around for a second round in the bedroom.

  My personal life consists of non-disclosures and one night stands. It’s become… almost tedious. Tasteless.

  Hana orders a glass of sparkling water, and then she nudges some hair behind her left ear. The movement is sensual, drawing my gaze to the curve of her jaw and the elegant line of her neck.

  For the first time in my life, my mouth waters with desire, filling me with the need to bite into her soft flesh.

  She takes a deep breath as I move in beside her. With purpose, I let my arm brush against her shoulder.

  Her gaze darts up to my face, and seeing the flicker of apprehension in the warm depths of her irises causes the corner of my mouth to lift.

  “Are you looking forward to attending Trinity?” I ask.

  “It will be a welcome change from high school,” she murmurs, her gaze returning to the bartender.

  The vibe coming off her clearly states she’s not interested.

  My lips curve into a smile.

  Hana notices, and then she lifts her chin as if she’s bracing herself for a fight.

  It ignites a fire in my soul, making the essence of life rush through my veins like lava.

  Leaning closer until my lips brush over her left ear, I murmur, “Have dinner with me.”

  Hana pulls back, and her eyes turn dark as she stares at me. When the bartender hands her the glass, she picks it up with graceful fingers
.

  Fuck. It’s as if every single movement from Hana is designed to lure me in. She’s a venus flytrap, and right now, I’m more than willing to let her suck every last drop from me.

  I watch as she takes a sip of the cool liquid, and then my eyes drop to her throat as she swallows. “No, thank you,” she answers clearly. A smile touches the corners of her mouth before she inclines her head and walks away from me.

  A chuckle escapes my lips as I watch her voluptuous ass sway itself across the floor.

  “This is going to be so much fun,” I whisper as I turn to the bartender. “Bourbon. Neat.”

  Once I have my drink, I walk to my family’s table. Taking a seat next to my sister, I set the tumbler down on the pristine white cloth.

  “Did you come alone?” I ask Danny. She might be six and a half years older than me, but that doesn’t mean shit. Christopher, my older brother, and I guard her like the princess she is.

  Danny lets out a sigh. “Yep, still single and waiting for my prince.” Then she slants her eyes toward me. “If only my brothers would stop scaring off every guy I dare to bring home, I wouldn’t die a spinster with ten cats one day.”

  “Bring home someone with a spine, and I’ll reconsider letting you date him,” I mutter.

  Danny’s expression turns to a glare. “You do realize I don’t need your permission, right?”

  My lips curve into a smile. “You’re welcome to try and date a gutless piece of shit. It would be fun to watch him squirm before either Christopher or myself kills him.” Danny shakes her head, and it has me adding, “That’s if Dad and Uncle Ledge doesn’t get to him first.”

  Uncle Rhett’s our father’s best friend and our godfather, whom we fondly refer to as Uncle Ledge. It’s something we picked up from Danny.

  “Get to who first?” Ryker, my best friend, and conscience asks as he sits down next to me.

  “Whoever’s brave enough to date Danny,” I inform him.