Unbound (Bound and Bared Book 1) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Chapter Fifty

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Chapter Fifty-Three

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  Chapter Fifty-Six

  Chapter Fifty-Seven

  Chapter Fifty-Eight

  Chapter Fifty-Nine

  Chapter Sixty

  Chapter Sixty-One

  Epilogue

  Unbound

  By

  Christine Monroe

  Book One

  In the

  Bound and Bared

  Series.

  UNBOUND Copyright © 2016 by Christine Monroe.

  All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Book and Cover design by Christine Monroe

  First Edition: April 2016

  Second Edition: September 2016

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Chapter Fifty

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Chapter Fifty-Three

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  Chapter Fifty-Six

  Chapter Fifty-Seven

  Chapter Fifty-Eight

  Chapter Fifty-Nine

  Chapter Sixty

  Chapter Sixty-One

  Epilogue

  Chapter One

  The club was dark. Smoke flittered in, passing back and forth between the bodies crowding the dance floor. The music thick and unforgiving, pounding so loud it matched the beat of my heart. I shouldn't be here. The urge to turn and run slammed against my brain like crashing waves. I had no choice. Like a deer, trapped in the bright headlights of an oncoming car, my life set on a collision course. I couldn't turn back now.

  The man I was looking for stood all the way in the back, his body resting against a private booth as eyes watched the crowd. Val Knight was the owner of Bound and Bared and the only man that could help me. I moved in his direction, my thoughts spinning around my head as to what I would say once I reached him. The closer I got the more I dwelled on the fact he appeared to embody his namesake. Tall and imposing, his dark hair dancing in every direction. He stood brutally handsome, his cheekbones sharp and unforgiving, framing his face with hard lines. The only thing betraying a hint of softness was his eyes. Deep set and faded blue, they turned almost gray towards the edges. He behaved like the night; so dark, his shadows had shadows, like he would eclipse any light daring to find its way in.

  *

  My eyes studied the dance floor. Scanning the crowd, I checked for anything out of place, anything threatening what mine was. Bound and Bared existed solely as my domain- the prize I had worked so hard to earn. The title I had bled and fought for. Nothing went on here without my say. I created the rules, and I made sure they were followed. Within these walls, I became both God and the devil. If you wanted something, you could ask. Give and take. Heaven and hell. Here you could have it all, but everything came with a price. People learned the hard way the cost was usually much too high. If you wanted the truth, I didn't give a fuck about what others thought. Nothing mattered except the fact I was king.

  I threw back a shot of vodka, loving the burn as it made its way down. I checked the crowd once again, and something caught my eye. A girl with a mess of blonde hair stood out against the darkness. The only bright spot in the whole club. I knew she didn't belong here. I took a step towards her. What in the hell could I be thinking? I didn't go near the woman here. Rule number One: Don't touch the merchandise. I walked away, after a while, I couldn't stand the crowd, and I knew Selena would find me if things started to get out of hand. I heard footsteps and turned to see who had dared to follow me. The mess of blonde hair was coming my way, heading right for me. I should have opened my door and took shelter in my office, but I found I couldn't make myself do it. The collision course set, I did nothing to stop the impending impact. Once she got close, I opened my mouth to say something but she me cut off.

  "I need your help." Pushin
g an unruly piece of hair out of her eyes she looked up meeting my eyes.

  "My help doesn't come cheap. You would be better off turning around and going back the way you came princess.”

  *

  I had never been anyone's princess. The name dragged up unpleasant things. My fingers tugged on the well-worn hem of my dress, idly trying to calm the painful rush of memories. My eyes turned towards the floor hastily picking out an interesting thread twisted in the carpet.

  "I'm not leaving until you hear me out. Please at least listen to me." My voice shook. I felt terrified that all of this was for nothing. I might have thrown my whole life away, and he wasn't even going to hear me out.

  *

  The blonde held her ground, but her voice wavered. Her eyes rose to mine, but they refused to make contact. They darted around my office. Something had spooked her and set her on edge. I couldn't turn her away no matter how bad I wanted to. I stepped closer and tugged her closer.

  "Deals are made in my office." My pulse started to race. The fast beat was pounding under my skin. I couldn't remember the last time I had my hands on a woman. Her warm skin sent vibrations dancing through me. My cock had begun to harden within the confines of my slacks. I had barely touched her, and my cock had already started to imagine what her pussy would feel like if I fucked her.

  I opened the door, but I wouldn’t let her enter not yet. I wanted her name.

  “Tell me your name.” I made it a command, one I expected her to follow.

  “Miranda.” The name fell from her lips like a secret she wanted to hide.

  I stepped into her space; my body crowded hers as I pushed her back against the wall. I had her trapped. Her small body caught between me and the wall. I offered no space for her to breathe. I had the advantage, and I planned to use it. I took in every inch of her. My mouth ran dry at the sight. I liked what I saw. I enjoyed it more than I should. Her body was petite, so much so I could tuck her under my arm without her even reaching my shoulder. Her blonde hair was long and curly, falling past her shoulders. It twisted and turned in every direction. She wore the look of a woman that had just been thoroughly fucked. Everything about her was like the morning after. Messy, tangled with skin still flushed pink. I imagined what she would look like in my bed. My hands running over every curve until I knew her body better than she did.

  I had never been so interested in a female in my whole life. She was like a puzzle, and I wanted to learn every piece. Her body made me want to capture her screams while I fucked her hard and deep. I stepped back, putting much-needed space between us. My body fought to stay closer. I leaned towards her, my heartbeat picking up speed. There was only one option. I needed her out of my club and out of my life as fast as possible. Miranda would be a mistake. The kind you paid for in the end. The kind that hid something deadly beneath a halo.

  *

  My eyes caught the change that crept over Val’s face. What I saw sent desperation clawing at my chest. It set free a sea of frantic birds that rattled beneath my ribs with a force that made me want to scream. I didn't think. I put my hands on him; rational thought lost with the flutter of desperate wings. I dug my nails in, pulling him so close I could taste his scent. It went through me and for just a moment I could breathe.

  Val reached out and pushed me, the force strong enough to make me let go. My hands twitched, and I reached for him again but this time, I only caught empty air instead of his warm body. Tightness swelled under my chest as the birds once again took flight. I pulled back my arms and fastened them on my skin, rubbing back and forth seeking comfort.

  *

  She touched me, reached out and touched me like it had been as natural as taking a breath. Her sharp nails found skin beneath my shirt. The contact sticky and sweet, like a bite filled with teeth and gentleness. She used me to steady herself, what was torture for me became her calm in the storm. Her eyes had grown wide with surprise. A brief flicker of hope ignited in the dark. I hated her for her mistake. Her simple touch was asking for things I could never give. I would never be comforted, the jagged edges of my past had left me broken. I would always cut too deep, go too far until she would bleed out leaving her empty and lifeless.

  "Anything you want. Name your price. Please." Her words became her saving grace. My feet refused to move when I saw her face. All her color had washed out, leaving her the color of moonlight. A pale hand pressed against her throat as her body fell into itself. She had become a lamb in the middle of a lion's den, offering herself up without knowing what I would take from her.

  "Fuck," I took a step, and her green eyes fixed on me. My hand reached out, grabbing a fistful of blonde curls. I twisted them in my hands, forcing her head to tilt back. The smooth line of her throat became exposed as her hand dropped away giving me full access. I resisted the urge to sink my teeth into delicate skin. Her lips parted as her pulse accelerated allowing my fingers to catch every rapid strike. It wasn't fear that caused those delicious strikes. Fear hadn't made her lips part; it had been something far greater, lust, raw and unchecked rolled through her. All rational thought vanished leaving me with nothing but it would taste on her. I took her mouth, my lips taking hers without mercy. She tasted like cinnamon, the kind that set you on fire just enough to want more. I heard a small moan escape her lips, her body turning inward, seeking mine. A fatal mistake. She sealed her fate the moment she let me taste her. If she wanted a deal than I was ready to make it.

  I was willing to do anything to make her mine.

  Chapter Two

  Val's ruthless grip held me close. My body betrayed me trying to get closer to the devil. A new feeling danced along my skin, weaving a deadly spell of awareness, a toxic mix of want and need. The impact of his kiss dragging something from the depths of my soul, turning me from a sacrifice to a willing accomplice. I wanted this nameless thing rising inside me, ready to throw myself to the wolves as his kiss took me under. He let go, leaving my lips left empty, tossed aside and forgotten like an old toy.

  Val's hand tugged, and I followed like a puppet on a string. Once through the door, a very well kept office met my eyes. The size was impressive. Polished wood gleamed from a desk resting in the back. Everything was neat and clean. There wasn't one thing out of place. Except for me. I met Val's eyes.

  “You brought me here, now what do you plan to do with me?” The moment the words fell from my lips I wished to snatch them back. Something dark glittered behind Val’s pale blue eyes. A smug smile landed his lips. The lips that had kissed the fucking hell out of me.

  "Strip." The command pierced the small office. I took a step back. The order caught me off guard.

  “What?”

  “Don’t play games with me. You heard me. Strip.”

  "You don't waste any time do you?" I spit out, desire quickly turning to shame.

  I yanked the black dress over my head. The tiny beads brushed against my skin, and I shivered. A wave of dizziness struck, as I stood exposed and on display. My knees locked together making sure I stayed upright. I let my arms fall to my sides as a whisper of air slithered over my skin. Crisp and coiled, a vicious brush of air stealing my pride and value. I met his eyes and noticed the shade had darkened. His entire frame had gone still at the sight of me bare. I dropped my eyes to where my dress had fallen by my feet. The only beautiful thing I owned, left discarded on the floor. I had made sure I kept it safe, too afraid to ever wear it. A beautiful bit of silk I had saved for a day I knew would never come. Nothing but fabric and beads, a silly piece of a girl who didn't exist.

  "You stupid bitch, why can't you be prettier? A cold hand grabbed my chin and twisted painfully. "Look at your sisters? See how pretty they are? They will make me more money than you ever did." Frightened eyes stared at me as blows began to rain down on my body. I fought the urge to scream; it would only make it worse.

  "Miranda." Val’s voice cut through the haze of the past.

  I blinked. The flashback faded. Strong arms held me. My body rocked back
and forth. I became aware Val held my shoulders gently shaking them back and forth.

  Pulling myself back together I said, “You can let me go now.”

  *

  I let go, and Miranda stepped back. Her fingers worked their way back up to her neck, cradling her throat as she tried to make herself as small as possible. All the desire I had vanished, as my eyes roamed over her flesh. Her transparent skin stained like ink, every bruise creating a delicate pattern on her body. My fingers flexed, the knuckles cracking through the silence like lightning. Sweat broke out over my skin, and my dress shirt began to mold against my chest. I loosened the tie, trying to find more space for me to breathe. I found the place where I had held her moments before. My fingerprints were there. A new mark branded on top of old bruises. She hadn't made a sound. I took a step back as a bitter tang rose up. I swallowed, but the taste remained.

  The distance became the only relief I could find. Miranda followed my movements, but she remained still. The prize I had coveted could ultimately become a one-way ticket to hell. My soul had too many black marks, keeping her would only add another. I might be able to afford another, but after seeing her bare, I didn't think she could. Desperation made people do dangerous things. Like asking you for help, the voice inside whispered. The monsters were out there. Monsters much worse than me and throwing her out would be like tossing her to the wolves. Fuck, this girl was messing with my head. She hadn’t even been in my life for more than an hour and already things had started descending into chaos. God only knows what would happen if I let her stay. I was seriously fucked. I needed a moment to get myself back under control.

  "There is an empty room at the end of the hall. It's yours." Keeping my tone level and even I added, "Get dressed."

  She wasted no time as she grabbed her dress from the floor, throwing it over her head. The silk melted against her skin, becoming a set of armor fueling her courage with every bead. Something beautiful took shape, I stood back and wondered where this new creature had come from.

  *

  The moment the dress hit my skin, lightness broke free inside my chest. I took a breath, suddenly finding bravery behind the bruises. I had come this far. I wasn't going back now.

  “That’s it? You’re dismissing me like I’m a child?” I advanced. The fire inside roared back to life. I tossed it at him, drawing a line in the sand. My hand shot out and grabbed his shoulder. “You could at least look at me.” I wanted a fight; I got it the moment my hand made contact.