Bonds

Chapter 21

~Alex’s POV

完.83%

The dial tone buzzed in my ear, a mocking little rhythm that mirrored the gnawing anxiety in my gut. I slammed the phone back down on the cradle, the plastic greaning under the impact. My fingers hovered over the screen again, the familiar pattern of her number etched into my memory. Part of me yearned to press call, to hear her voice, any voice, at this point. But the other part, the more cautious part, held me back, yet the nagging feeling remained.

why had she called?

What was she thinking?

A sigh escaped my lips, a plume of frustration in the still air of my office as I dropped the phone on the table.

It vibrated, startling me from my thoughts. My heart leaped–maybe it was her! But the flicker of hope died as quickly as it arose. It was just Christian, his name flashing on the screen in a digital taunt.

With a grimace, I answered the call. “Expecting someone else?” he drawled, his voice dripping with amusement.

“Are you calling me to tell me it’s done or calling to just irritate me?” I countered, my voice Hat

“Now, now, Alex,” he chuckled, the sound grating on my nerves. “I know you’re lonely cooped up in that office all day. Just wanted to be a friend.”

I fought back a growl. Christian’s idea of friendship was twisted. Sometimes, it intrigued me, most times it just annoyed me but it was what I liked about

him. How twisted he was.

“Cut the crap. Christian,” I growled, the sound low and menacing.

“Alright, alright,” he conceded, feigning surrender. “Since you want to be so serious, the message has been sent. His company will take the first hit tomorrow. Then I’ll work on twisting the knife where it hurts the most.”

A flicker of satisfaction, primal and unwelcome, coursed through me. Daniel Stone. The name had become a constant thorn in my side, a festering wound that wouldn’t heal. His arrogance, his ruthlessness, everything about him made my blood boil. Seeing him crumble, his carefully constructed empire teetering on the brink – it would be a twisted kind of justice.

My wolf rumbled in agreement deep within me, a deep guttural sound that vibrated through my bones. Pushing those primal urges down, I spoke.

keep

of course,” He replied, his voice dripping with mock sincerity. “Wouldn’t want

retort when he spoke again,

a prickling sensation that crawled up my spine. I waited, my breath caught in my throat, expecting him

up inside me. “Are you waiting for me to ask

he purred, clearly enjoying the discomfort he was causing. “But hey, no worries. You’ll hear about it soon

worry that would gnaw at me untill had answers. “Do your damn job, Christian,” I growled,

surge of anger. Christian was a necessary evil in this game, a skilled manipulator

Chapter 21

to play psychological

trying to clear the fog of emotions swirling inside me. My mind drifted back to Amaya

was etched with a hint of concern. “Mr. Thome,” she began, “I apologize for interrupting, but I wouldn’t bother you if it weren’t important. There’s a walk–in in

Ruth,” I interrupted, impatience coloring my tone. The day’s events had worn on my nerves, leaving me with a short

McCall,” she continued, her voice steady despite my brusqueness. “He was quite insistent on seeing you and wouldn’t leave without speaking with you

creased my forehead. What did Ivan

he say what he

was rather tight–lipped. Just kept repeating it was urgent and wouldn’t be discussed

within me, a spark amidst the dull ache

out of my chair.

in my chest. It wasn’t just about Amaya. Even before I found out about Daniel Stone’s little marriage proposal scheme, I never liked Ivan. There was something about him, a polished veneer that felt an inch too thick. Like a cheap suit trying

Ivan finally spoke, his voice smooth as polished

taking him in. “Well what?” I countered, keeping my tone

offer me a seat?” he asked, a

you barged in uninvited and don’t have an appointment,” I drawled, “I wouldn’t say you exactly qualify

It was gone as fast as it appeared, replaced by a practiced smile. “Fair enough,” he conceded, taking a seat opposite me without waiting

I said, leaning back in my chair,

your help,” he blurted out, the urgency in his voice a stark contrast to his earlier composure. There was a tremor in his hands,

nerves.

Interesting.

to say the least. I raised an eyebrow, watching him. “With

in a bit of a bind, financially speaking.

invest?”