Page 35 of Bound By Her

Adria brightened. “He might’ve found a buyer who can make Callen’s land worthless—declaring it an archaeological site.”

“Making it illegal to build on. Truly diabolical,” Loretta said, impressed.

Only Loretta and Eric truly understood how important reclaiming that land was.

“It doesn’t fix what’s broken,” Adria murmured, “but at least it might stop things from getting worse.”

“Do you know the buyers?”

Adria shook her head. “But I don’t have another option.”

Loretta reached across the table and took her hand. “Your mother would be proud. But she’d also want you to be happy.”

Adria withdrew slightly. “This won’t affect the business.”

“I’m not worried about the business,” Loretta said gently. “I’m worried about you.”

Adria didn’t reply.

“You’ve always looked out for others, Dri. I just want to make sure someone’s looking out for you, too. Me and your mother, we want to see you being yourself.”

“This is me,” Adria said quietly.

Loretta frowned but didn’t push. “X wants you to train him, right? Sees the value in it?”

Adria nodded. She didn’t know everything about X, but she knew he hated the Nine—especially the Cahills—and he had never stopped looking out for her mother.

“You’ve got this,” Loretta said, squeezing her hand.

Adria tried to believe her.

“So, stop stalling. Eric says it’s been almost a week. Start the program. You’re ready.”

Adria took a sip of tea and stared at the photo of Bryson again.

Maybe she was ready. Or maybe she had no other choice.

CHAPTER 10

NORTH CAROLINA

Bryson woke up with a pounding headache. He felt around in the bed, expecting to touch Seth, who usually slept between him and Kaydon. Instead, he felt a textured lace pillow.

He sat up abruptly.

He was not in the bed he had fallen asleep in.

Getting up, his head felt like it was going to explode. Wincing, he made his way to the door.

Locked.

Running his hands through his hair, he tried to remember last night. Bits and pieces came back to him, but it was hazy.

The bitch drugged him.

When Bryson saw the food being delivered through a hidden hatch in the door, he knew the game had started.

Despite his eagerness for things to progress, he suddenly felt unprepared. Naturally, she would separate him from his brothers, which seemed logical. He couldhandle it since, after all, hadn’t he just suggested to Kaydon that he and Seth should leave?

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