Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 295

Willa leaned against the leather seat, actively avoiding his gaze. She stared out the window, instantly turning off the intoxicating charm she had just weaponized against him.

Randal sat beside her, leaning forward slightly, instinctively wanting to bridge the gap, but he forced himself to stay put.

"Willa, what you said earlier..." He took a shaky breath. "You said I needed to perform well. What exactly do I have to do?"

Willa finally turned to look at him. A playful smile danced on her lips, but her eyes were chillingly sober.

"Let's focus on getting me home first."

He stared at her for a long moment before his desperate craving took over. He tentatively reached out, his fingertips grazing the back of her hand resting on her lap.

When she didn't pull away, he slowly enveloped her hand in his, slotting his fingers through hers in a firm, desperate grip.

"Willa, earlier..." he murmured, the raw hope in his voice impossible to hide.

Willa glanced down at their intertwined hands and spoke flatly. "Consider it a down payment on our negotiations."

She was completely numb to his declarations of love. Her only goal now was to find his breaking point, manipulate his status within the Yates family, and secure a bulletproof shield for herself and Nolan.

"What are your terms?" Randal asked, his grip tightening eagerly.

Willa turned slightly, her index finger tapping lightly against his chest. It was a test of boundaries, wrapped in a deliberate tease.

"From now on, you respect my choices. No more pulling strings in the background, no more backing me into a corner, and absolutely no trying to control my life."

"Done," he answered instantly, his entire body going rigid. He spoke so fast it was as if he feared she would rescind the offer. "I'll do whatever you say."

She tilted her head, her gaze tracking the sharp bob of his Adam's apple.

Her fingertips trailed up his chest, tracing the sharp line of his collarbone before coming to rest against his throat. "Then let go of my hand right now," she said smoothly.

Randal stared down at their laced fingers, his heart aching at the thought of letting go. But under the weight of her icy stare, he didn't dare rebel.

After a torturous pause, he slowly uncurled his fingers, letting her hand slip from his grasp.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify