BOUND AND ETCHED

Chapter 7: A Bit Relieved

Taking the phone, I placed it on my ear.

“I got your payback. You’re…” the voice stopped. I didn’t need a soothsayer to tell me that it was him. Always picking his words.

“Harper, I hope this doesn’t give me a reason to blow off your brains.”

“No sir.” I muttered.

“Good.” And the line went dead.

In midst of my fear and guilt, I was happy I was now finally free from his watch.

***

Caden’s POV

As I hung up, I picked up the whiskey I had poured for myself earlier. I’m sure Harper must be feeling a bit relieved. No. Like a bird set free.

Should have called him directly…no. I didn’t even have his number. That was why I sent one of my men to him. After Zaranot informed me that they were back.

I had been on his neck for the past week. If only he came clean earlier…might have let it slide.

I don’t like thieves. And Harper happened to steal from me. How bold of him—in my very own club house.

And the only way he could repay me was by giving his daughter to me in settlement of debt. Who does that? But anyways he was a broke ass gambler.

So prickish of him…except if she wasn’t his as he claimed. I would have to ask her when I get to my villa.

I might end up setting her free. Perhaps if she’s not my kind of food…

>>

The clubhouse was filled with people tonight…not like it has never always been like this. But the loud music—the bass beats and others were doing something to my head—migraine.

I picked up my phone again…not to speak to Harper again but to call Zaranot. And he picked on the second ring.

“She okay?”

“Yes boss.”

“Good. Tell Theodora to take care of her and take her to one of the master bedrooms.” Sipping my drink one more time, “I’ll be at the villa soon.”

I hanged up, not waiting for a response…anyways he was going to do as told.

And in less than 30 minutes I was downstairs, there was no sign of my driver.

“I must have forgotten to call him.” I said to myself. Ignoring the beckoning of whores, I shove past the crowd heading for the elevator.

I had dismissed him earlier when I found out I was going to spend much time here. Meeting fellow business partners.

Getting off on the last lobby, I was interrupted by a scream. And I knew the suite it had come from.

Just before I could give minding my business a second thought…the door flew open, baring one of the most non-consensual scenes that had traumatized me till date.

If there was someone I was never expecting to see in this life or even tonight, it would be Irene—the genesis of my evil life story and style.

“Caden?…” She arched her brow. I’m sure she wasn’t expecting it to be me too. “It’s been….uhm a while.”

Yeah. Why not? It is—indeed.

This scenario is about to take a dramatic turn…I think I like where it is heading to.