Page 4 of Bound

A constant reminder that at one time, someone meant as much to Lucian as I do.

Her long blonde hair hangs down her back. She wears an elegant cream-colored down coat, leather gloves, and tall black boots that are far too stylish for the iceberg we’re standing on.

Cass sees her and immediately retreats.

She can’t stand Isobel.

I thought I’d hate her. I probably should. Instead, I find myself feeling sorry for her more often than not.

Empathy doesn’t mean that I’m not ready for her to leave.

I am.

“Come on, Ryan,” Cass says brightly, too brightly. “Let’s go see if your new billionaire Iceland prison cell comes with heated floors.”

“It does,” Bayne says.

Cass turns her chair toward him. “Of course it does.”

“And geothermal baths,” he adds.

She pauses. “Fine, I’ll allow us to enjoy ourselves.”

We move toward the house as a group. Not family exactly. Not yet. Not completely.

Something messier.

Isobel moves into the shadows before we get close. She’s gone by the time we reach the foyer.

We all seem to breathe a little easier in her absence.

The new floors are hardwood with a honey-colored stain.

They’ve laid brightly colored rugs over the wood to add warmth.

Knowing Lucian? They’re here for traction. To avoid falls.

The house swallows us in warmth.

The main room is all stone and light. Pale wood floors—black iron fixtures. A massive fire is already burning. Tall windows showing the ocean beyond, waves crashing under a low sky.

The house is beautiful. I’ve learned that beauty can’t be trusted.

Cass wheels forward slowly, taking it in. “Well. This is cozy for haunted.”

Gregory steps inside, his glasses fogging slightly. His sandy hair is flattened on one side from the wind. He looks like a man who accidentally wandered in from an international criminal drama.

Cass catches his eye. “Your hair is doing something very interesting.”

“Thank you.” He runs a hand through it. “Interesting is very on brand here.”

Cass laughs. “Anything less would be underdressed.”

Gregory smiles back.

Cass confuses me.

At one time, I thought she might be interested in her massive bodyguard, Mack.