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 44
Botan POV
I sit on a picnic table in the park, my combat boots posted on the bench.
The entire park is empty. My men are strategically spaced out around me, motionless, many and menacing. This place is peaceful, a small town tucked away in a deep cleft valley nestled between grizzled mountains. The mountain's reflection is varnished on the glassy surface of the lake. However, my eyes are on the private property right across it. A lake house.
Akio approaches. I know without even looking, those long, stomping strides, leaves crunching underfoot that carries the weight of his frustration. He emerges in my periphery, but I don't even spare him a glance. He makes a bold move by standing right in front of me. I haul up my gaze. He stares back at me impatiently.
"You were supposed to be in Abu Dhabi two days ago—"
"I sent Kai."