Page 28 of Bonded Chaos

With my letter clutched tightly in my palm, I paced the length of the chamber in front of the door. I had to persuade Ryker to send it, which meant I would have to swallow my pride and be cordial with the asshole.

Just thinking about it made me shiver with revulsion.

The man had wronged me countless times, yet I had to play nice to get what I needed.

The injustice of it sent my blood simmering in my veins.

Ryker should be kneeling atmyfeet and begging formyforgiveness.

Of course, the gods knew I would never forgive him.

Ryker’s transgressions were beyond forgiveness.

As if my wayward thoughts had summoned him, the door flew open, and Ryker strode into the room.

It never ceased to amaze me how big the man was. I had to crane my neck just to look him in the eye.

“Cadence,” Ryker purred, and the sound of his rich, masculine voice washed over me, leaving me wanting.

Mentally shaking myself, I softened my features and ran my palms over my skirts.

“Ryker,” I replied. “Just the man I needed.”

Ryker raised an amused brow as he studied me.

“Oh.”

The single word hung heavy between us, Ryker’s skepticism deafening in the silence.

Clearing my throat, I continued. “I have reconsidered your offer to send word to my family. I don’t want them to worry.”

I lifted my hand, still clutching the letter, and thrust it into Ryker’s chest. Too late, I realized I had been a little more aggressive than I had intended, and I winced as I waited for his response.

An ominous grin spread across Ryker’s face, and I forced myself to swallow my unease.

The rough pads of his fingers brushed my own, and I jumped back when a small jolt of electricity raced through me at the point of contact.

Ryker studied the letter for a moment before he reached beneath his tunic and stowed it in his pocket.

“I’ll send your letter, Cadence,” he murmured.

I retreated another step, but Ryker wasn’t having it. He prowled after me, a hunter closing in on his prey.

“There’s something I want you to do for me in return.”

It took everything in me not to scoff at him. I’d already exercised immense restraint by not murdering the man in his sleep, yet he had the audacity to ask for more. Maybe it’d be worth it just to wipe the smug look off his perfectly proportioned face.

Ryker moved behind me, and I stiffened. Every instinct screamed at me not to turn my back on this predator, and I was inclined to listen.

Think about your letter, I reminded myself.

I released a shaky breath, exhaling the tension that had locked me in place.

“See,” Ryker whispered against the shell of my ear, “submitting to me wasn’t so difficult after all.”

Think of your family. Think about your letter.

Ryker chuckled darkly, as if he could hear the internal war I was waging, and he found great amusement in my struggle.

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