Page 133 of Bound By Her

“You have impeccable taste,” he said, stopping in front of a painting depicting Dante’s fourth circle of hell. Shadowy figures pushed large boulders up a never-ending hill. The blind eyes of Plutus watching them from on high.

What was Bryson doing in the kitchen?

Why was he trying so hard to ruin the preview?

Adria hated that he was occupying so much of her mind.

“I’m sorry for my charges’ behavior. I can assure you they will be better trained on auction day.”

She inwardly winced at the lie. The fact was, she was becoming less and less sure she was having any influence over them at all.

A half step forward, and four steps back.

Teo said, “That is not a concern to me. In fact, their current position might be amusing to my buyer, as he likes breaking them himself.”

“You are not the buyer?” she asked.

He moved to the next piece of art.

His gaze lingering to the painting on the right. The image showed a large descending angel in a monochromatic sky, contrasted by a crimson demon stretching its fingers through the dark night. A battle raged below.

“Let me guess, Dante’s fourth?” he said, pointing to the first image.

She nodded. “Very good.”

“I am not familiar with this one,” he said, nodding towards the image of the angel.

“It’s called Eclipsed Decent,” Adria said, staring at the image. Neither being seemed to have a gender. The angel, wings spread wide, tumbled towards the earth.

“A fall from grace?” Teo asked.

Adria pressed her lips together, thinking.

“I believe the artist is showing us the nature of duality. Look closely, the angel isn’t falling alone but accompanied by something darker. But neither is the demon dragging her down, nor is she pulling him up. They fall together, not as opposites but as equals, bound in their fate.”

Teo said, “My buyer is very interested in these boys, all three of them.”

She turned, trying to discern his motives. “Why?”

He reached into his pocket. “I have been instructed to give you this.”

Dear Miss Federov,

I understand that the circumstances leading up to my interest in your charges might come as unusual. I can only attempt to assuage your concerns by saying that I am honorable and my word can be trusted.

While I cannot say why I would like to purchase the Winters boy, I can say that my intentions are not nefarious in nature, and he will be well cared for.

I know he has two more companions up for auction. I'm willing to bid on them, too, if it will help him be more amicable.

Please accept this as a binding word. Perhaps on their return we will be able to meet in person, and I will be able to explain fully. I hope that your relationship with X will assist you in understanding why I need to maintain my anonymity.

In exchange for this deal, Teo has promised to block the Brazilian property from gaining airway or sea access.

I look forward to doing business with you.

Y

Adria read the note a second time. She wasn’t sure what she had been expecting, but it certainly wasn’t this.

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