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.

Just keep

voice dripping with mock sincerity. “Wouldn’t want you to miss

was about to retort when he spoke again, his tone shifting abruptly.

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

inside me. “Are you waiting for me to ask what it

conversation,” he purred, clearly enjoying the discomfort he was causing. “But hey, no worries. You’ll hear

planted a feed of doubt and worry that would gnaw at me untill had answers. “Do your damn job, Christian,” I growled, the words laced with barely contained

of anger. Christian was a necessary evil in this game, a skilled manipulator who could navigate the dark underbelly of the business world with ease. But his constant

Chapter 21

knife, to play psychological games, was

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

usually composed face was etched with a hint of concern. “Mr. Thome,” she began, “I apologize for interrupting, but I wouldn’t bother

Ruth,” I interrupted, impatience coloring my tone. The day’s events had worn on

sir. The gentleman’s name is Ivan McCall,” she continued, her voice steady despite my brusqueness. “He was quite insistent on seeing you and wouldn’t

frown creased my forehead. What

he say

sir,” Ruth replied, shaking her head slightly. “He was rather tight–lipped. Just kept repeating it was urgent and wouldn’t

a spark amidst the dull

sighed, pushing myself out of my chair. “Send

growl that rumbled deep 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 to pass for bespoke. Nobody was

spoke, his voice smooth as

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

to offer me a seat?” he asked, a hint of amusement dancing in

say you exactly qualify as a guest. So offering a

by a practiced smile. “Fair enough,” he conceded, taking a

said, leaning back in my chair, “let’s get to

blurted out, the urgency in his voice a stark contrast to his earlier composure. There was a tremor in

nerves.

Interesting.

I raised an eyebrow,

his shoulders slumping slightly. “My company. I’m in a bit of a bind, financially speaking. I was hoping

invest?”