Page 66 of Bound By Her

Seth shuddered.

Adria knew that pain in his eyes.

Knew exactly how to fix it.

“Beat me,” she said softly.

“And we can play some more.”

Then—finally—she let him go.

CHAPTER 17

NORTH CAROLINA

Bryson stared out the window across from Dr. Kellman. Despite his hatred for Adria, Bryson found the good doctor days were his least favorite. The guy asked way too many questions and didn’t seem to care how Bryson responded.

In the beginning Bryson lied, but lately he suspected his non answers gave something away. So, his new plan was a commitment to zero talking.

Kaydon and Seth had settled into things. Kaydon insisted there was no point in hating her. Which wasn’t surprising, since Kaydon had crushed on her since they were kids. Seth maintained his dislike, but Bryson saw the two of them. They had a vibe. Sometimes, he was certain that his brothers were even having fun.

Bryson, on the other hand, was counting the minutes to their release.

One million, three hundred fourteen thousand.

One million, three hundred thirteen thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine.

One million, three hundred thirteen thousand, nine hundred ninety-eight.

While it seemed far away, the looming deadline presented a new string of challenges.

“Time’s up, Mr. Winters.”

Bryson stood. He was halfway through the door when Dr. Kellman spoke up. “I look forward to our talk next week.”

Fuck that guy.

Sulking down the hall, he made his way to Kaydon’s room. The three of them had free use of the grounds. Everywhere except the north sector and Adria’s bedroom were free game. Their wrist bands, paired with his father’s contract, made them a very low flight risk.

In the beginning, they had been glorified slave labor. Gradually, play sessions had been introduced, both planned and impromptu. Recently, her engagement with Bryson had died down significantly. Bryson didn’t mind. The woman had a special knack for getting under his skin. But the tradeoff was she spent more time with Seth and Kaydon. He tried to not let it bother him. Why should it? But every day that passed, it was impossible to get away from her. Whether it was her lingering scent of flowers on Seth, or the marks left on Kaydon.Hermarks.

Kaydon was playing NHL on the PS5.

Bryson flopped down next to him.

“How was quiet time?” Kaydon asked, still looking at the screen.

Not ready to break his silent streak, Bryson put his feet up on the coffee table.

Kaydon shook his head. “I don’t know how you sit in silence for fifty-five minutes.”

“Well, his hair was already braided from your session yesterday,” Bryson quipped.

Kaydon snorted. “Better than doing nothing.”

“That’s what she wants you to think.”

The game ended.

---