Dolor University was a reformatory college—prison—specifically designed for troubled souls and delinquents who suffered from mental illnesses, addictions, and a poor parental guidance that led one to a career in crime. Apparently, the best in the world, located in none other than the United Kingdom. I couldn’t help but think the reason for the location was so they wouldn't feel pressured to visit, and I was okay with that. They could ship me wherever. I didn't want to be around people who didn't want to be around me, anyway. Isolation was my paradise.

I kept my attention out the window, twirling my dirty brown hair around my finger the entire way to the airport while my father went on about the curriculum.

"With Mia Rose's history, we should have chosen an all-girl reformatory," Diane scoffed.

"Mia Rose needs diversity," my father reminded her.

"Mia Rose is right here and can speak for herself," I informed both of them.

Diane conveniently stayed in the car as my father escorted me through baggage check-in and to the end of the line at security. He couldn’t go any farther, and I was surprised he had made it this far.

I stood before him as his eyes glossed over. "I'm sorry, Mia."

He had never been good with words, but neither had I. Seconds passed, and he still couldn't look me in the eyes. He never could. Even when I talked to him, he'd look past me as if I were a ghost.

Look at me, Dad.

But, after a single nod, he turned and left me without so much as a second glance as I clutched my passport and plane ticket in my hand.

More novels by Lucia Franco

Standalone Titles

You'll Think of Me

Hold On to Me

Hush, Hush

Say Yes: A Hush, Hush Novella

Off Balance series

Balance

Execution

Release

Twist

YOU'LL THINK OF ME

With his thick southern drawl and seductive charm, Luke is the country boy everyone adores. He has his future mapped out, but his plans with Olivia are derailed when she makes a decision that blindsides him, changing the path they both envisioned.

HOLD ON TO ME

He’s a sweet talking Georgia boy, rough around the edges with an irresistible smile. John sets his sights on the new girl, determined to show her what his small town is about. But Alyssa isn’t as accepting as he thought and she rejects him at every turn.

HUSH, HUSH

The dark and glamorous lifestyle of the rich and shameless open my eyes to a lavish world of sin and wealth, and a man I can’t have.

A man I desperately want—James Riviera.

SAY YES: A HUSH, HUSH NOVELLA

James Riviera is everything I never knew I wanted. Powerful, sexy, alluring, and completely mine.

Now he wants to make me his wife.

I only have to say yes and I'll have forever, but forever isn't as lasting as people believe.

BALANCE (Book 1 in the Off Balance series)

Kova's power and domination, coupled with Adrianna's fierce tenacity, reveal there is more for her body to learn. Every interaction can be misconstrued, but there's no mistaking the darkening of his gaze, the lingering of his touch, or the illicit image of his bare skin pressed against hers. Integrity is on the line.