Mbali_Xabela

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.

Bloodbound: The Alliance

It's a long and tense way up. A ride that takes moments that builds the bridge over to a lifetime. Akio's eyes dart to the gun in my head pointedly and I tuck it back, tugging my shirt over it. When the elevator dings open, I gesture to the interior invitingly, imploring her to go on her own. She doesn't. She just stands there, quivering fingers rubbing hard on the old scar carved into her palm. Her breaths are so jagged, every exhale kicks loose strands from her face and it kills me.

I would rather take a thousand blades than be the one to elicit such fear in her.

Akio makes a gesture, and she latches onto his forearm. It feels like a burn on my skin where her touch should be—a phantom heat searing my skin, while she finds solace in him instead. Akio sends me an apologetic look, and he leads her out of the elevator. I follow from behind, folding my arms behind my back to keep from shattering his.

Chapter 122