Page 44 of Unbound Boxset

The door shut behind him.

* * *

Bryce Sinclair settled back on the overstuffed pillows and watched the naked servant girl duck her head in shame. Triumphant satisfaction thrummed through him. “Look at me,” he commanded.

She obediently raised her gaze. He studied her in silence, noting her young skin, silky long hair, and not-so-innocent mouth still dripping from his explosion. She gave a good blow job—her mouth perfectly tight—but she was still underdeveloped. Her mother had serviced him well only a few hours ago. The thought of getting them in bed together fluttered past him and he filed it for later use. Young women were such a challenge to break, but once used a few times, the lure of the game tarnished.

“Now go tell your mother what we did together.”

Her mouth fell open and tears gathered in dark depths. “But, but, I can’t! She would kick me out if she knew…you made me! You⁠—”

“I’m done with you.” He waved his hand in disgust. “You were sniffing after me for weeks and I only gave you what you wanted. If you don’t do what I ask, I’ll hurt her again.” Her face transformed into a mask of fear. The power shuddered through him and made him semi-hard. “That’s right,” he said softly. “And you know I’ll do it. In all the places where no one will ever know. And if you both don’t please me, I’ll make sure you have no job at the castle. Or anywhere else.”

A flash of temper shone in her gaze. Bryce watched with interest, but it quickly flared out and she was once again submissive. She left and shut the door behind her, leaving him to his thoughts.

He was so bored.

He reached for his glass of champagne and sipped, enjoying the feel of the satin sheets against his nakedness. In fact, he enjoyed looking at his own body, knowing it was perfection granted him like a gift from the gods. He knew his dark hair and gray eyes challenged women to unveil the mysteries beneath. He kept his body rock hard with daily workouts and strict eating regimen. His only downfall was his love of alcohol and the occasional snort of cocaine.

Bryce glanced at his lavish bedroom decorated in rich red and gold. A room for a king. Unfortunately, he’d never be close as long as his cousin reigned.

Anger burned hot and bright and his fingers tightened against the stem of the glass. Once his dear old uncle finally kicked the bucket, he thought it’d finally be over, the endless rivalry to outwit his cousin, only to always be ranked second best. It reminded him of those terrible Disney movies where good triumphed even when evil deserved the prize.

The villains had always been so much more interesting.

His cousin had always been a complete bore. But lately, there seemed to be a secretive hush shrouding the castle, which intrigued him.

There was something going on with Jack.

Bryce sensed a rat a football field away. His cousin had disappeared shortly after his father died and Aunt Victoria refused to elaborate on his whereabouts. Knowledge gleamed in her eyes but he hadn’t been able to break her yet. Whatever it was, he needed the information. If he made one misstep, the kingdom of Woodward Shipping would never belong to him. And he’d be working for Jack for the rest of his pitiful life.

He’d die before that happened.

Bryce loathed his cousin more than anyone else on the earth. When they’d been young, he thought they’d be allies and rule the world. Instead, his cousin showed a disgusting softness, especially around women. When Jack had found him forcing one of their classmates to give him oral sex, his cousin went crazy, threatening to tell everyone in the family and shut him out for good. Bryce’s mother never stood up to Aunt Victoria. He’d been trapped like a wolf around a bunch of sheep, forbidden to feast. Instead, he starved and he learned. He searched for weaknesses and played his games with stealth.

He detested most women and the way they used sex to their advantage, then screamed foul play. There’d been many he’d taught a valuable lesson. They cried rape, but he quickly adjusted their notion, knowing the favor he courted with his aunt and uncle. He was second in command of one of the biggest shipping companies in England. The world belonged to him if he could only oust his cousin from taking a wife and providing an heir.

His cell rang and interrupted his thoughts. Bryce answered immediately. “You found something.”

A pause. “Yes, sir. He’s hiding in Newport, Rhode Island. Took a ship and has it docked in town.”

Bryce frowned and tried to figure out the puzzle. “Why?”

“Not sure, sir. I’ve been trying to get Lady Victoria to confess but she’s been tight-lipped, even around the servants.”

“Email me a full report. I want to know every move Jack has made so I can figure this out.”

“I’ll send it now.”

He waited a few minutes, and then his phone buzzed. He quickly glanced through the highlights and found a name. Julianna Waters. He had no idea who she was or even if she was important, but it was a good place to start. If Jack planned to spring a surprise engagement, Bryce needed to stop it. He’d lose everything and always be in his cousin’s shadow.

Bryce called back his contact and gave him clear instructions, then lounged back on the pillows.

It may be time to take a necessary trip.