Page 131 of Bound By Her

“I wonder…” he mused, tilting his head.

His grip staying firm, a dark smirk playing at his lips. “If something is holding you back?”

A shiver ran down her spine.

Her voice catching in her throat, and she shook her head.

He released her, tapping a single finger against his chin, feigning thoughtfulness.

“I might have a way to help with this little Triune situation.”

A pause.

“I have a guy who might be interested.”

Her body stiffened.

Jonathan’s hand moved fast, snaking around her waist, yanking her in hard. Adria sucked in a breath. Her body bowed against his. Not because she wanted to. But because she was frozen.

She hated that she still responded to him.

Hated that, after all these years, her body had not forgotten the way his presence had once owned her.

“I could arrange a meeting between you two.”

His lips hovered just above hers.

“The deal could be made quietly. No show. No auction. And most importantly?—”

He breathed her in.

“No Triune ire.”

Her fingers dug into the counter behind her.

“These things take time,” she said, forcing the words out. Her voice was like glass under pressure.

Jonathan’s lips barely brushed the corner of her mouth. “You’re playing a dangerous game, love.”

His breath was hot on her neck. “If they’re not ready—” His arm tightened. “I could ensure your safety.”

Liar.

“Just sell them to my man.”

His tone turned coaxing, seductive in the way only monsters could manage.

“A quick sale, and the Triune will forget all about you.”

Alarm bells rang in her head. Jonathan never helped unless he had something to gain.

A flicker of movement and footsteps rounded the corner.

Jonathan’s grip didn’t loosen, didn’t even flinch. Instead, he smiled. A slow, serpentine thing that sent ice dripping down her spine. “Speak of the devil.”

His voice was thick with amusement.

“One of your disobedient charges, I presume?”

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