Bloodbound: The Alliance
Landen Vacheron, heir to a fortune built on oil and ambition, has lived his life as a wealthy playboy, the world bowing to his every whim, thanks to the empire his billionaire father, Colton Vacheron, forged. But as his older brother Vance steps into the role of CEO, Landen begins to see that the true cost of power and privilege is far greater than he ever imagined. Avara Du Pont is a devoted daughter who set aside her own dreams to bolster her father’s political aspirations. Unaware of his dark secrets. When it comes to light, Colton Vacheron offers him a proposition he cannot refuse; a marriage alliance between Avara and Vance, as a way for him to garner more political influence. And Mayor Du Pont will receive a king’s ransom as payment to stave off the shadows spilling into his life. Avara agrees to the fake relationship in order to protect her family from her father's criminal ties.
Chapter 72
"It wouldn't have happened if I'd known. And known about what?"
"Botan," he spits the name like venom. "Botan's men did this to me. Tell me, Avara—" his voice cracks, heavy with accusation, "—is that the kind of man you want in your life? Because I thought Haru Black and everything tied to him is the shadow over your life. But Botan?" He lets out a bitter, hollow laugh. "Haru might be one of the most powerful men in the world, but even his power comes from Botan. Botan—because he's the most feared." His gaze locked onto mine with searing intensity. "I want to hear it from you. Is there something between you and Botan Kiyosaki?"
His words are a dagger, carving into places I didn't think could hurt anymore. My breath catches, my chest tightening as shame, guilt, and something far more complicated rise like a storm within me.