Page 45 of Torn Souls

But he’s underestimated us. It’s no big surprise, unfortunately.

“Speaking of Oaklynn,” Kirill’s voice drops an octave lower, “do you know where your daughter is right now?”

Chambers doesn’t rush to answer, and I can feel the hesitation coming from him even over the phone. “She’s at home of course,” he tries to sound sure of himself, but his voice wavers and gives him away. “Oaklynn doesn’t do much,” his voice is stronger now, “and is best fulfilling her duties to the household. At least until she is married and has children.”

My hands tighten into fists on my lap. How fucking dare him.

He’s tried to clip his own daughter’s wings for no other reason than his own selfishness. It’s disgusting.

The man is oblivious. He has no idea that his daughter isn’t where he thinks she is. I doubt he’s even checked on her after beating her.

I suppose I can’t see that completely as a bad thing because her father’s indifference has allowed Oaklynn to strengthen hermind and body. She learned to defend herself; the image of her putting Baker on his ass the other night has me smirking.

We’re not the only ones Chambers has underestimated. It will be his downfall.

Our woman is strong. She’s perfect for us.

“For the last two nights, your daughter has been sleeping in my home,” Kirill lays it out there for him in the simplest of terms.

“What?” The roar that comes down the line has me grinning from ear to ear.

The man is pissed and rightly so.

“It seems your daughter thought it best to follow up after our dinner meeting. She came to me to inform me why she would make the perfect wife to have on my arm.” Kirill’s tone turns thoughtful, “It was quite bold of her, but not unwelcome. She made some excellent points.”

“I see,” Chambers is unable to keep the surprise and suspicion out of his voice.

“I think it’s time for us to discuss terms. Oaklynn will be my wife,” there’s no room for argument in Kirill’s voice.

“Of course,” Chambers readily agrees. “I’ll be at your office shortly.”

When the call ends, I meet Kirill’s gaze. The determination in his eyes is clear to see.

“He sounded far too eager,” Maxim muses.

“Chambers believes that his plan is working. That works in our advantage.”

“Do you really believe that he’s going to simply let his daughter go, even with whatever terms agreed upon?”

Kirill shakes his head as he answers my question, “Not at all. Oaklynn has been the only bargaining chip he’s had for a long time. He won’t give her up easily, but he won’t have a long time to gloat and feel like he’s won.” He flashes a sinister smirk. “Dead man can’t revel in their wins.”

I nod and relax back in my chair. It’s time to play the game. Baker knows when to bring Oaklynn into Kirill’s office. The thought of her being in the same room as her father kills me, but then she’ll be one step closer to being ours completely.

CHAPTER 15

BAKER

I hate not being in Kirill’s office with him, especially with Richard due to arrive at any minute. The only thing stopping me from being in there, gun drawn, is the fact that my job today is even more important than having Kirill’s back. Being trusted to keep Oaklynn safe and occupied until she’s needed is an honor.

But part of me still wishes I was part of the action.

I reach over and slide my hand between our woman’s thighs, not seeking anything, just giving her comfort. It wasn’t long ago that she was smiling and laughing, but her joy faded rather quickly all because we were watching the camera in Kirill’s office.

The moment Betty walked into the office, again, with more of her tits out than covered, I could feel the irritation and anger coming off our woman. She did manage a small smirk of victory when Huck shut her down, but her mood was low.

Hearing the phone call with her father only made it worse.

I hate that our woman can be hurt by that man. He should have protected her, nurtured her. Instead, he used her and treated her like an accessory instead of someone of worth.

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