Page 248 of Bound By Her

Bryson took a step back.

The kid’s hands curled into fists at the sides of his expensive suit. Bryson didn’t miss the slight shake as he approached.

“You’re one of Adria’s charges?” the suit asked.

The accusatory tone confused Bryson.

“You three were a disgrace at the preview,” he said,his nose crinkling, like he found even talking about it disgusting.

Who the fuck was this kid?

The boy appraised him with auburn eyes, before shaking his head.

“Do I know you?” Bryson asked.

“Adria ismyMistress. I’m just happy your time is up, so she can stop wasting her time with you and be with me.”

Bryson went still. Stunned.

My Mistress.

He looked at him, closer this time.

Early twenties at most. A submissive. One from Adria’s past?

A seed of doubt appeared, but Bryson brushed it aside.

Seeds only grew if you watered them.

Adria was their Mistress. Bryson had never been more sure of anything in his life.

And looking this kid up and down, he didn’t look sure. Instead, Bryson thought he looked like someone had just killed his dog.

Bryson said, “I don’t know who you are?—”

“Cole,” the kid said, sniffling.

“I don’t know who you are,Cole,” Bryson said, invading Cole’s space. “Why do I not know who you are,Cole?” Bryson continued, voice low and threatening.

Cole stepped back, confusion on his face.

Bryson said, “Because I’ve been with Adria a year, and she has never mentioned you.”

Cole’s face twisted in pain.

“Now if you want to have a more intimate conversation about who Adria is to you,” Bryson stepped closer still, “we can go somewhere more private.”

Cole’s eyes bounced as he glanced between Bryson and the exit.

“Otherwise,” Bryson said, “get the fuck out of my way.”

Indecision played on Cole’s face before he sighed and allowed Bryson to move past.

“You don’t deserve her,” Cole’s voice said behind him.

“I know.”

When the stage was set, Bryson positioned himself beside his brothers. Nerves settling in, Bryson found it difficult to hold still.