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 45
Avara POV
"Can we talk?"
"What about?"
"If you stop moving, I'll tell you."
I stop halfway up the staircase, twisting around slowly.
"I think we should clear the air about—"
I spin back around, trotting up the steps. "You have nothing to explain or clear up."
"You want to tell me why you've been ignoring Kels? And giving Landen the cold shoulder—"
"Kels?" I snap, words gushing out. "Since when is she 'Kels' to you?"
I throw a glance behind my shoulder. A frown strikes his face.
"What, it's a nickname, Avara?"
I face him momentarily and my lips stretch stiffly, filling with poison. "It's like I said. You have nothing to explain. And neither do I. I'm just not in a chatty mood."
I go for the door. He grabs my wrist to swivel me around, forcing me to face him.
"Please don't do that again."