Bound by Vengeance Read Online Free PDF Page B

actions. He’s nothing but a drunken train wreck who doesn’t give a damn about you or your best interest. I know how much losing family hurts, sweetheart. I’ve been there remember? I got through it and so will you. People like that don’t deserve you, let alone your time. You have me and Monique now, and I promise I will always be there for you.”
    “You always are, Sebastian.”
    He reached over and brushed her cheek. Some of her sorrow had eased as he pulled to a stop outside the wrought iron gates surrounding their home. He gave her a wink before rolling down the window. A blustering rush of snow and frigid air swept through the Benz as he tugged off his glove and pressed his finger against the scanner. Making a show of shivering, he drew a quiet giggle from Taylor. The sound made him smile. He liked making her happy. That’s what today had been all about. He’d been doing a fairly good job at it, too, until her booze-ridden uncle had shown up. He sincerely hoped this drunk wasn’t going to prove to be another case of misguided mercy like Todd. Sebastian shook his head. What the hell was it with people and their liquor anyway?
    The thoughts forced his mind back to trouble and the issues at home. His gaze remained locked on the mirror as he eased up the drive, watching until the gates swung sh ut and latched behind them. A quick glance around accounted for some of the security team, but not all. The others were likely patrolling the flanks and rear stretch of the premises. His face tightened with a brief scowl. He’d needed them in place to give him some peace of mind when he was away. Knowing Taylor was safe was his main priority. For a moment, he’d had that reassurance, but now…now the trust was gone, and that was a serious concern.
    After parking the car, he led Taylor into the house. The darken ed laundry room off the garage offered a welcome blast of heat and the familiar scent of home. He never had been able to peg the smell. It was an odd blend of wood, leather, carpet, and clean. Taking her hand, he tugged her through the short hall into the kitchen. He cut between the island and the counters without any trouble, knowing every inch of the layout by heart. The only time that had ever posed a problem was when his niece or nephew stayed the night. A faint smile threatened at the memory, even if it did involve the pain of stepping on a toy or two.
    He’d loved Christian so much. His heart twisted with guilt. The words “ your fault ” bubbled to his mind before he quickly tamped them down. He couldn’t do that to himself anymore. It was time to let go. Hell, he hadn’t even seen Mia since Christmas. In some ways, it was easier to believe that was for the best. Brushing the past aside, he focused on the present.
    He stopped at the bottom of the stairs off the kitchen and hauled Taylor against his chest. She s quealed, squirming as he trapped her in his arms and chomped at the side of her neck with a playful growl.
    “Go get ready for bed. I’ll be right up,” he murmured, tracing the shell of her ear with his lips.
    He couldn’t help but smile as his little minx grinned up at him. Desire illuminated those beautiful grey eyes, flooding them with promise. Peeling her away from him, he sent her upstairs with a firm swat that hurried her along. Walking back into the garage, he carried in the books she’d selected. At least it would give her something to do until the situation with Laychee was corrected. That was a problem that needed rectified, and soon. Stayed cooped up inside the house had to be driving her crazy.
    Blowing out a deep breath, he shrugged out of his coat an d scarf. Tucking his gloves into the pocket, he hung the items up in the closet and snagged a bottle of water. After taking a long drink, he pulled his cell phone out and dialed the head of security. Henderson’s deep voice answered on the other end.
    “We’re back. Were there any problems while we were gone?”
    “I saw you