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 28
Avara POV
My breaths are ever-light, the unbearable heft of my body moored to the open seat, yet I struggle to meet the eyes of the man standing in front of her—Botan, who looms over me like a predator. He takes his time, circling her like a lion stalking its prey, the soft thuds of his boots echoing against the concrete floors. His eyes, dark and intent, tracing every line of my face, studying the slight rise and fall of my chest. The tension crackling in the air, there is a simmering heat in his gaze, something that makes my pulse quicken against my will.
"You're—you're not going to hurt me."
His eyes flick up. "And why is that?" The silver from his rings glint with every idle shift of his hands.
"Because… because…"