Page 16 of Bound in Promise

Unless my money fucks me over.

No one has ever wished this hard not to receive a multi-million-dollar deposit.

“C’mon,” Liam orders, opening the door. “Let’s get this over with.”

Yeah, let’s.

I’m ready for action. Ready to get away from this asshole and his black, greedy heart.

7

VICTORIA

A wild bonfire roars in the scrap heap of a backyard—these idiots won’t stop adding branches and trash. I’m waiting for someone to go for the gas can next to the shed.

I sit a ways back from the flames, watching Liam drink beer like it’s his job. Loud metal music blares from a Bluetooth speaker and I’m surprised one of the neighbors hasn’t started bitching about it yet.

Meanwhile, I’m on alert, watching for anyone who may come up from behind me, next to me, or in front of me. In total, besides the weirdo dude who’s been here all day, there are only three other guys, but they match the vibe of their friend. They’ve been passing around joint after joint for the last hour. One of them popped a few pills earlier, but thankfully they’ve left me alone so far.

It looks like my luck has run out—the guy who took something harder than a hit off a joint strides over with a cocky swagger. My body tenses as he gets closer, but I keep my chin lifted, trying to act as if I’m not worried.

“How’s it going over here, princess?”

My nose immediately scrunches up. I hate that he just used the same pet name for me as Dante. It reminds me how I’m waiting for him to get here, to find me. How I’m hoping he does so soon, before Liam makes his next move. Before it might be too late.

I don’t answer the guy, but he isn’t discouraged. Instead, he creeps closer.

“What’s your name?”

“Not interested,” I reply, poised to jolt from my chair if he tries to touch me.

He lifts his hands in silent defense. “No need to be all shitty. I was just tryin’ to be polite.”

I’d apologize, but I’m not actually sorry. I’m not sure how much clearer I can be: I’m not in the mood to be bothered.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

How stupid does he think I am? Like I’d take anything from a stranger. Especially when I can see his pupils are blown and I know he has more drugs on him. “No, thanks.”

“You ever say more than two words?”

“Not really.”

He smirks, then calls over his shoulder, “Hey Liam, what’s up with your girl?”

Liam flicks a glance at us, looking uninterested as hell. “Eh, she just needs a good fucking. That’ll get rid of her little attitude problem.”

“Yeah?” The guy perks up, a smarmy gleam in his eye. “How much?”

“Excuse me?” I sneer, but no one acknowledges me. The asshole in front of me is too focused on my ex, and my ex is too curious for comfort.

“For what?” Liam presses, head cocked.

Hell no. We’re not doing this.

I’m not doing this.

Rising from the chair, I get ready to bolt, which unfortunately gets Creepy Dude to focus on me again. “To fuck your girl. I got two grand.”