Bloodbound: The Alliance
Chapter 42 - 46

Chapter 42: Chapter 46

Avara POV

My fingers filter through his velour-soft strands.

Botan lies between my legs, his head resting on my chest, fast asleep. He must’ve been more exhausted than he comprehended. I suppose a man like him can’t afford the vulnerability of being off his guard. My eyes trace over his back muscles that are like a master craftsman chiseled each defined bulge and sinew with intricate perfection. His heft anchors me to the bed, unable to move an inch, and I don’t want to. Besides not wanting to wake him, I like the feel, the pressure of him on me, the skin-to-skin of our half-bare bodies entwined.

My mind replays our most intimate, unquenchable moments, even though we didn’t go all the way there. He knows I’m still a virgin and he honored my stance, nevertheless, he exercised extraordinary restraint.

A phone shrieks. Botan jerks awake.

My heart wilts.

He pushes himself upright, looming over me before he hurls himself off the bed. He wrecks through the blankets, picking them up and chucking them aside until he finally finds his phone. He answers it, switching into something unrecognizable, his face like a death mask and his voice, terrifyingly cold. Botan speaks in rapid Japanese, his voice budding with anger, and he turns his back on me. He tears the phone from his ear to conclude with a steely hiss, whispering fiercely before he snaps the flip phone shut. Botan glances at his shoulder before he reluctantly meets my gaze.

His eyes soften, heartening warmth returning to them.

"I...fell asleep," he admits, like he committed some atrocity, somehow horror-stricken by it.

"I’ve never... I should’ve never—"

"You were tired," I inject, slipping off the bed so I can meander over to him, avoiding the blankets. "You needed the rest."

Wordlessly, he makes a call. A few terse words and just like that, he ends the call. He goes collecting his clothes, putting on his pants, then buckles his belt before he fixes on his shoes. I watch as he merely shrugs on his shirt, leaving it completely open since there are no buttons to close them with. I approach him warily. He stands unmoved, steadfast as stone. His gaze unwavering, fixed on mine alone. In the depths of his eyes is somewhat of a silent vow, unspoken and unseen as the tether that binds us.

I come flush against him. He leans forward and rests his forehead against mine.

"Promise me something?"

"Anything," I murmur back.

"My lips are the only ones you’ll ever kiss."

I snort a small laugh. "Should I kiss Vance in other places?"

His eyes darken by several shades, and he grabs my jaw with harmless force.

"I’m kidding," I say quickly, unable to stop grinning. "It was a bad joke. But I am going to be marrying the man..."

A vicious smile rips his face open. "What will you surrender to me on whether or not that’s ever going to happen?"

My smile dies. "Bo—"

"I’m not going to kill him," he says with a tinge of annoyance, like he’s disappointed by that fact. He holds his forehead to mine, smiling dangerously. "Haru benefits greatly from the alliance, more than you know. What your father owes is more than just money, it’s a blood debt. The political aspect is what your father is needed for. I’m the only one who can persuade Haru to accept an alternate measure to substitute his earnings from their arrangement."

I draw away to look back at him seriously. "I thought that was impossible?"

"Doing the impossible is my daily standard."

A hard knock on the door.

I glance at it resentfully. "Do I at least get a kiss goodbye?"

Surprisingly, he shakes his head. "If I get a taste, I won’t have the strength to resist wanting more." He takes my face into his hands and honors the crown of my head with a long, lingering kiss.

"When will I see you again?"

"At the objection part of your wedding."

I laugh, playfully pushing him away. He turns away and goes for the door, opening it.

"Top and ground floor are clear." Edgar? "All parties are still in their bedrooms, but Reece is monitoring any activity just in case they’re any early risers. Your convoy is waiting outside."

He snaps a nod before he casts me a long-suffering look, summoning the sheer force of will to leave the room.

***

The Du Ponts, the Vacherons, and Kelsey reunite at the breakfast table.

When Colton came, he came with his own cleaning crew and chef. Something I’m grateful for because the food looks scrumptious, the aroma wafting through the room and filling the air. The buffet selection of croissants, ricotta hotcakes, teff pancakes with sweet dukkah and apple and pear compote. And zucchini tartine with a creamy dressing. We all serve ourselves a portion whilst Colton allows one of the staff members to dish his plate for him. I pile on three pancakes, humming a little tune, before I settle on a seat between Vance and Silas.

Silas nudges me with his shoulder. "You’re in a good mood."

I look back at him with stretched eyes. "What?"

"I should start sleeping early, too," Luciano comments, seated right across from me. "I mean, look, she’s practically glowing."

I gape at him. "Shut up."

"So." Colton procures our attention. "This is your last day here. Any special plans?"

Vance nods. "Yes, in fact Avara and I—"

"Were thinking," I interpose, speaking over him and riddled with guilt because of it. "We have a family day. Mr Vacheron—Colton, you know the town best. I’m sure you know some fun, family-friendly activities we can all do together on our last day here?"

Landen looks at me like he’s trying to solve a Rubik’s cube, eyes simmering with suspicion.

"I think that’s a great idea," Colton says with an agreeing smile.

***

After hours of driving and a short flight. We are home. Silas and Luciano separated at the airport to leave for their own apartments. Dad and I are back at the townhouse with something waiting for us. A royal scroll invitation that’s matte black with a wax seal stamp. Dad gives it to me, already suspecting what it is. I crack the seal and unfurl it. It’s totally blank, with only a set of numbers in the center written in a translucent font.

"Random numbers?"

He comes up behind me, hovering over my shoulder to give it a quick peruse.

"Not random. They’re coordinates."

"Cool... but to where?"

He fishes out his phone. After a few short rings...

"Colton, we got the invitation," he informs, putting the call on speakerphone. "If I can even call it that."

"Bahadur has a penchant for the dramatic. The location is at a villa in Morocco. All guests must arrange their own transport, which won’t be a problem for anyone invited."

"Morocco?" I blurt.

"Yes," Colton confirms casually from the other side of the line. "We leave again in the next two days. So I suggest you spend this time resting, Avara. You will need it for what comes next."