Page 56 of Ruthless Bonds

My body stiffened, a chill running down my spine. I tried to wrench my arm free, but her grip tightened. “I don’t know what you’re even talkingabout. But I want you to leave. Now.”

“But—”

“Step away from Miss Wolfe.” Grig’s voice came from the doorway.

Agent Greene stiffened at the distinct sound of a gun cocking.

Oh, fuck, this wasn’t going to end well for anyone.

“Put your hands up and move away from her,” he instructed again, his voice completely calm.

“I’m a federal agent, asshole.” She held her hands up and turned to face him.

“You’re also breaking and entering.” Tash came from around the corner, her gun drawn as well. “And harassing Miss Wolfe, it would seem.”

“I could arrest you for pulling a gun on me,” Agent Greene snapped.

“We all know you won’t do that.” Tash took a step closer.

“Alora,” Agent Greene huffed, looking from them to me.

“I think you should leave, Agent, and don’t come back. Unless you catch the people who hurt Dove, you don’t need to contact us again.” I nodded at Grig, who stepped to the side so Agent Greene could walk out.

She scowled at the three of us as she walked to the front door, her hands still raised. “Think about what I said, Alora.” Once she got to the door, she looked over her shoulder then took off running.

I sighed heavily, my shoulders slumping. That couldn’t be good.

Tash and Grig stood with their arms crossed over their chests. They did not look happy with me.

“OK, maybe this should be another thing we don’t tell Kreos? Like the arm and eye thing?”

They shook their heads and motioned for me to come with them.

Damn, I was in so much trouble now.

*** ***

I checked myself in the mirror one more time before dinner. The red satin dress clung to me in all the right spots. Anyone would feel beautiful in a dress like this. I’d never worn anything so luxurious and soft before.

I’d put it on for two reasons. One, once Kreos found out I lied to him, I was hoping this dress would keep me from being locked up like a prisoner again. Even though he’d told me he wouldn’t do that again, how was I supposed to trust him?

The other reason was because I wanted to live for once. Once I was able to escape this place, I’d never be able to afford to wear something like this. So why not enjoy it while I could?

When it was time, I made my way down to the dining room. I froze at the doorway, my hand flying to my chest at the massive dog sitting just inside the room. It growled low and evil, and I took a step back.

“Sasha,” Kreos snapped. “Don’t be jealous,printsessa.” He came forward and rubbed the top of her head. She looked up at him adoringly, and then I swore she glared at me. “Come say hello, Alora.”

“Um, are you sure? Because she looks like she wants to eat my face.”

He chuckled, the sound sending a zing up my spine. “She won’t harm you.”

OK, so we’re just trusting she’s not going to bite me.I stepped forward slowly, with my hand held out so she could sniff me. That seemed to upset her even more, and she snapped at me. I jumped back with a gasp, which only made Kreos laugh even more.

“Bad girl, go on.” He patted her butt and ushered her out of the room. I only relaxed when he shut the door and she couldn’t get back in. “We’ll work on it.”

His gaze traveled up and down my body, his eyes greedy. “You look stunning,kotic.” He trailed his fingers down my bare shoulder and arm until he gripped my hand. “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

My whole body warmed at the fire in his eyes. He brought my hand up to his lips, kissing my knuckles. OK, this was definitely some sort of mind control manipulation. I could guarantee that Grig and Tash reported to him as soon as we’d gotten home. He knew I’d disobeyed him, so why wasn’t he angry? The fact that he wasn’t had me on edge.

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