Page 207 of Bound By Her

Just like it had with Cole.

Only this time, her chest tightened. Her heart clenched like a fist, aching in a deep, widening hole she couldn’t patch over.

X continued to push his agenda.

Vega wanted to buy the brothers. And was even was willing to give her a new piece of land on top of sabotaging Callen’s. It was a generous offer.

More than generous. It was everything she needed, perfectly timed.

But something about it didn’t feel right.

Jonathan, thankfully left her alone.

And then there was Bryson. It must be a talent to be so incredibly frustrating. Could he have run from that kitchen any faster? She might as well have proposed marriage and babies, the way he bolted.

That was the problem.

She’d grown comfortable with them. With him. All three of them.

It was unfamiliar—this creeping sense of safety. She wasn’t built for it. No one in the Nine was. And Bryson had reminded her of that. That safety could melt—just like the Rocky Road they’d shared—sweet and fleeting.

Steam curled through the bathroom, softening the sharp corners of her thoughts. Stepping out of the shower, her skin tingled from the heat as she embraced herself in a plush, white towel, feeling its softness against her flushed body. With a delicate touch, she traced herhand across the foggy mirror, leaving a trail of condensation behind.

A clear streak appeared in the condensation, but her reflection stayed blurry—distorted.

Much like everything else.

Her phone vibrated.

Frances: I have a few updated guests for tomorrow’s auction.

Adria scanned the names. There were a few unknowns, but no big surprises.

That’s fine, if they are vetted

send them the info.

Three dots appeared before Adria even sent her last text.

Frances: Thank you again, for letting me step in and assist with this auction.

Loretta saw promise in you and so do I.

Adria set her phone down. Hands shaking, she grabbed the counter.

“Get a fucking grip, Adria,” she said to the woman in the mirror.

“You have moved stable boys hundreds of times. What’s one more?”

The woman in the mirror didn’t look convinced. “If you keep these boys, you are all dead. So put your big girl panties on, go out there, and get the fucking job done.”

Green eyes stared back at her.

“What if I can’t?” she whispered.

Moving into the cooler bedroom, she got dressed. Stockings, pencil skirt and a deep-red blouse. She laced up her over-the-knee boots and steeled herself. She could do this.

She had to.

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