Bound By Blood: (The Betrayed Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

read me like a goddamn book. And here I thought I’d been masking my emotions pretty damn well. Apparently, I was wrong. The fissure in my chest pulses, threatening to crack even wider. Clearing my throat, I begin relaying the depth of my feelings for Kylee.
    “Sir, I’m in love with your daughter. This is not how I wanted to have this conversation. I imagined the three of us sitting down and talking it over, but I can assure you that I want nothing but the best for her. I will find her and whoever took her will pay for what they’ve done.” The last words are quietly spoken, the threat and vehemence in my voice ringing clearly throughout the apartment.
    Nodding his head, the Colonel gazes into my eyes for several long moments before replying, “Let me be clear, son. Your intentions may be sincere . . . however, you’ve yet to prove yourself. My daughter is the most important thing in my life, and I will protect her from anyone and anything, that includes you. I have no doubt that you and your team will help me find who took her and bring her back safely. As to what happens between the two of you . . . well, you’re both consenting adults.”
    He pauses, taking a breath for a moment before continuing. “But if you hurt her . . . they won’t find your body.”
    A smile extends across my face at his gruff response. He truly loves his daughter and wants what’s best for her. Nodding my head, I reply, “Understood, message received loud and clear, sir. I’ll prove my worth to you. You have my word.” He nods his head once before turning and moving into the apartment.
    Thoughts begin to race through my mind as to how exactly I’m going to prove my worth to the Colonel. One thing is for certain: I will find my Goddess, and whoever took her will pay a hefty price.

 

     
    M Y LUNGS CONSTRICT, TIGHTENING IN my chest as my breaths are deprived from my body. Strong hands hold a musty rag over my mouth and nose, pouring a steady stream of water. Struggling against my bonds, I fight against the restraints shackling me to the table, but it’s no use. Shaking my head, I try to dispel the water from my lungs only to have my head locked in an iron grip, rendering me motionless. The feeling of water slowly flooding my lungs, drowning my ability to draw in a breath, causes my limbs to shake uncontrollably.
    Blackness begins seeping into the edges of my vision as the room starts spinning. Muscles in my body convulse as the once furious beat of my heart becomes slow and sluggish. An overwhelming feeling of finality comes over me as my body starts to shut down. Visions of my life flash before me, dancing their way through my mind. My father kneeling on the front porch, handing me a stuffed brown bear. The park we used to hike together when I was younger.
    My visions morph, changing as violet eyes stare at me from my subconscious. Alex wrapping me in his embrace, comforting me as I divulge my deepest secrets. The love on his face as he held me the last night we were together. On instinct, I draw in a breath, sucking water deeper into my lungs. My back arches as I begin shaking and convulsing, unable to breathe. Tears flow freely from my eyes as I say a silent prayer, asking God to please help my family to move on, help them to heal when I’m gone, to end this unbearable pain.
    As if by some miracle, the flow of water is cut off. On instinct, I begin sputtering, spewing the water from my lungs. Large hands grasp my head, turning it to the side as I vomit and purge the pungent water from my system. Several long moments pass where the contents of my stomach are expelled all over myself and the table. Gasping, I begin drawing in lungfuls of air, greedily sucking it in, unsure if it will be my last. Tension rolls throughout my body, each muscle constricting and tightening. It’s as if heavy weights have been strategically placed all over my body.
    Out of the corner of my eye, a shadow presses closer, moving along the wall,