Page 57 of Bound By Her

And she had loved the show.

Eric was right. This was going to be easier than willing participants. Because with willing participants, shehad boundaries. Lines she wasn’t willing to cross. But with Bryson, she had no issues. If it was going to be between him and her, she would choose herself every time.

A saying her father used to use came to mind: “Breaking the horse is the best part. Once they’re tame, all the fun is gone.”

For once, she saw its merit.

CHAPTER 15

NORTH CAROLINA

Adria’s fingers traced the smooth fabric of her skirt, feeling the soft texture beneath her touch. Gazing at the sturdy oak door frame, the rich wood grain catching her eye. Inhaling deeply, the faint scent of old books and polished wood filled her senses.

The sound of her exhale brought a sense of calm to her racing thoughts.

With each breath, she felt the tension in her chest begin to ease, her heart rate slowing gradually. Giving a nod to Eric, she pressed her hands against her stomach, feeling the comforting warmth of her own touch, as he swung open the heavy doors to her father’s office.

The room was exactly as she remembered it. It was the one room she couldn’t bring herself to change. Ornate furniture filled the space, and large cloth curtains lined the walls. It was the antithesis of the rest of the house. The home behind her had movement and light, the room before her stale and dark. The shadows of memories holding it hostage.

A large L-shape, the room had a stone fireplace as the central focus in the spacious area. Alessandro Grasso, with his stark white hair and deeply lined face, waskneeling near the fire, stoking it. While Sean Cahill was seated on a large leather sofa close to the warmth.

Their arrival was unexpected. The Triune didn’t use text or phone to communicate. Instead, they used dead drops or met in person. Adria was fortunate to never have needed a visit from them before. But now, it seemed her luck had changed.

Taking a few steps into the room, Adria gave a respectful bow.

“Master Cahill and Master Grasso, I’m honored to have you in my home,” she said, staring at the floor.

Alessandro was the leader of the Nine, and Sean was second. The two of them and the Cambell family made up the Triune.

“Thank you, child, please,” Alessandro said, standing and holding out his hand.

Adria moved forward and brought his ring to her lips, kissing it. She had fond memories of Alessandro, starting from her childhood. He had always been nice to her, and she would never forget the words of encouragement he gave her prior to her ascension.

“Eric will fix us some drinks, and we can talk,” Adria said, motioning for Eric.

Alessandro moved towards a large sitting chair and said, “That’s very kind of you, Adria. Jonathan, would you like a drink as well?”

Adria’s entire body froze in place as ice-blue eyes rounded the corner of the fireplace.

“A drink sounds delightful. Thank you,” Jonathan said as he moved about the room like he owned it. “I was admiring your father’s book collection. It hasn’t changed a bit.”

Adria’s heart hammered in her chest, and suddenly the shadows in the room didn’t feel like memories.

Jonathan was here, in this room. Again.

“A vision as always, Miss Federov.” Jonathan’s velvet voice raked over her.

With his back to the group, he wrapped his fingers around her hand and brushed her knuckles with a light kiss.

Her body roiled against the smell of sandalwood and leather.

“You haven’t changed a bit either,” he said, his eyes fixed on her own.

Adria’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.

She desperately tried to find her voice but was rendered mute.

Eric’s broad frame pressed in between them, and she felt air hit her lungs.

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