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

mind.
    “You’re strong and fierce, Kylee. There’s a tiger inside of you, a fierce woman lying dormant, waiting to come out. You just have to let her.”
    A tiny spark of hope ignites deep within my soul. It’s as if Mr. Violet Eyes himself has wrapped his arms around me, flooding me with strength and courage. His words are like a balm to my battered heart, even if only an echo in my mind. Fire ignites, fueling my body and mind, flooding my veins, steeling my spine. A sense of calm washes over me as I push my shoulders back, sitting taller on the cushion.
    Leaning forward, a small smile plays at the edges of my lips as I say, “No.”
    Her eyes grow large for just a moment as shock registers. It’s there but a moment before it’s replaced with a deadly smile. The cold, calculating grin that begins to spread across her beautiful face chills me to my very core. Before I can even blink an eye, she’s moved, snaking her hand into my hair, shoving my head down until it’s hovering barely an inch away from the grill. Using my hands, I catch the edge of the table, trying to push myself away from the intense heat radiating from the grill. Still gripping the table, my knuckles begin to turn white as I try holding myself against the steady pressure.
    Pitching forward, her lips are but a breath away from my ear as she whispers, “You dare fight me?”
    Her words are a warning, cold and deadly. This is the mother I remember. My heart begins to hammer in my chest, thudding, racing out of control, as if it will explode at any moment. On cue, my arms begin to shake from holding myself up against the pressure she’s applying to my head. The intense heat from the grill is searing my face, bringing tears to my eyes. Her fingers tighten in my hair, causing me to whimper.
    “Did I not teach you that it is considered impolite not to answer when asked a question?” My mother’s voice is laced with steel as she grits each word out.
    Struggling to hold myself up, I drag in a harsh breath as I reply, “Yes.”
    “I see. Is that a yes you plan on fighting me? Or a yes you remember what I taught you?”
    Beads of sweat roll off of my forehead and drip onto the grill, sizzling and steaming as my mother’s boisterous laugh echoes around us. Fisting her hands tighter into my hair, she gives it a tug before coming closer to my ear once more.
    “You were asked a question. I expect an answer.”
    Clenching my jaw, I spit out through gritted teeth, “Yes, I plan on fighting you.”
    “Ah, so little Ttal thinks she can take me on, does she? Well, we shall see about that, shan’t we?”
    A feral smile stretches across her gorgeous face, transforming her into a combination of magnificent rage and beauty. Using both hands, she thrusts forward, shoving my head closer to the grill. A pained cry sounds as my forearm touches the scorching metal surface. The overpowering heat seeps into my skin, causing my throat to constrict as I begin frantically gasping for air. The blinding pain is so excruciating, I’m barely able to make out that someone is talking above me. In a flash, I’m there one moment and gone the next, no longer hovering over the searing pit.
    “Do you think it’s wise to damage the merchandise?”
    “You dare question me?” Her voice is deadly calm and full of venom.
    “No, merely making an observation. We will get more out of her if she is intact and not damaged.”
    “You would do well to remember who runs this organization. I will do as I please, with whomever I choose. Do you understand?” My mother sneers the last words.
    “Yes, ma’am. Forgive me. It was merely a suggestion.”
    Grasping my chin, she tilts my head until our eyes meet. “You would do well to remember that it is best not to fight me, Ttal. It is not a fight you will win.” Our gazes remain locked for several long moments.
    “You stubborn child. You have to do this the hard way, don’t you? Well, you’re going to find I have ways of making you do