Page 132 of Bound By Her

Her stomach twisted.

Jonathan leaned in, and for one, terrifying second, she thought he might kiss her.

But at the last moment, he turned his head, brushing his cheek against hers instead.

“Get this one in line…”

His fingers pressing into her hip.

“Or I will.”

Then, just like that—he released her. Vanishing from the room without so much as a glance back. The absence of his touch felt like whiplash.

Her breath came sharp, and she gripped the counter, willing herself steady.

“I’m sorry. Did I interrupt something?” Bryson’s smug voice came from behind her.

Adria ran her hands along her skirt, smoothing it down. Ridiculously, she felt embarrassed.

Bryson had orchestrated this entire thing.Hewas the one who should be embarrassed.

“I didn’t believe it at first,” Bryson said, approaching her. “I mean, I assumed since you weren’t fucking us that you were fucking someone?—”

Her hand cracked against his face.

Pain flashed in her palm, and she watched, stunned, as a red mark appeared on Bryson’s left cheek.

He rubbed the budding flush. “Sensitive about it, huh?”

She glanced at her watch. She needed to go.

Pinching the bridge of her nose, she said, “Go back to the preview, Bryson. You’ve done enough damage already.”

He started to move but then stopped. “You know after all that self-righteous bullshit about my father, and you’re sleeping with Jonathan?”

Her anger flared, and her vision bent. He was the most infuriating, self-entitled little shit. He was going to get her killed, and he was judging her?

Just like in the black room, he moved away from her as she advanced. He retreated, step by step, until he was pressed against the cabinets. His eyes darting around her face.

He was always trying to figure her out.

Her knee came up quickly, catching him off guard, and Bryson doubled over, coughing. She felt a small shred of satisfaction.

“You are a child,” she said, her voice cold and condescending. “And if you are not careful, you are going to get us all killed,” she spat. “Now get your shit together and take your place at the guests’ feet.”

She turned, not feeling the least bit guilty.

Teo waited for her on the fifth floor. Adria’s room was behind a set of large ornate black-paneled doors.

“I am sorry, Teo, I hope you were not waiting long.”

He removed his skimmer hat and tilted his head.

“Not very long at all.”

Club Shale had exclusive rooms for their higher-paying clients. Unlocking the door, Adria welcomed him inside. Teo moved and, with pointed steps, took in the space.

Adria’s room was bathed in a purple light. The expansive open room was accented with modern details and furnished for play and function. A large movable panel was pulled across the floor, obscuring the bed from view.

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