Page 29 of Bound By Her

Nodding to the two thugs holding them, she said in English, “Release them.”

Like Bryson, their arms were bound behind their backs and when their feet hit the floor she said, “Kneel.”

“Fuck you,” was the response she got from the smaller one.

Kaydon started to move, but after the outburst stopped, his focus took turns between her and the young blond.

She looked at Bryson.

“What’s this one’s name?”

“Seth, listen to her,” Bryson practically growled into the room.

Seth’s reaction was immediate, moving to kneel.

Interesting

“Stop,” Adria’s voice was powerful and filled the room.

Speaking to Bryson, “They need to follow my command, not yours.”

Bryson rested his head on the wall behind him. He looked like he was having the worst day of his life. Which, considering the state of his face, was saying something.

Bryson locked eyes with Seth, and Adria recognized the expression at once.

Behave

She said, “Kneel and be still.”

This time, there was no dissent. She moved around each of them, taking her time inspecting every inch. Under the dried blood and bruising, Seth had gray-blue eyes with striking eyelashes. Kaydon had long, messy, sandy-brown hair that complemented his hazel eyes. Under normal circumstances, the pair, trained, would catch her quite the profit. The problem was, she wasn’t sure they were trainable.

Physically, the injuries would need to be addressed first. That would take valuable time. However, training Bryson might prove easier if she had something he wanted, and it was clear he wanted them to stay, although she was unsure why.

Locking eyes with the supposed head goon, she snapped, “Get out.”

“Excuse me?”

“Move your sorry ass out of my foyer and take your three thugs with you,” she said, her voice crackling into the space between them.

His eyes widened. He didn’t expect her to talk to him so harshly, but Adria was no longer in the mood for pleasantries.

“Suit yourself, lady,” he said before exiting the space.

Adria walked out of the room, where Eric leaned against the counter. His lip twitching as she walked by.

“Told you,” he said.

“Don’t be a smart ass. Give the other two the adjoining bedrooms. Same place as planned for Bryson.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Hours later, Adria sat in her office; instead of one binder on her desk, she now had three. The sun had long since moved from the windows behind her. By now, it would be illuminating the kitchen and dining area. The soft light gave the mostly white rooms an angelic glow. Her phone vibrated, and she knew right away who it was.

X: How is the first day going?

…

What was she supposed to say?

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