“Now that the unpleasantness is out of the way. Why don’t we have some fun,” Alessandro said.
Adria cleared her throat, gaining the room’s attention. “I’m sorry to call this little party short, but as it has been made perfectly clear what is at stake, I think it would be prudent for me to get back to my charges.”
Sean gave her a dry smile, and Alessandro brought her in for an embrace. Releasing her, he held her at arm’s length and said the words she never wanted to hear.
“Your father would be proud of you.”
CHAPTER 16
NORTH CAROLINA
Adria looked across the grounds, scowling. Spring had started, and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. The delicate pink petals danced in the gentle breeze, their sweet fragrance lingering in the air.
The vibrant blooms were mocking her, their presence a constant reminder of time moving. Each change felt like a ticking clock. A countdown. A relentless reminder of the Triune’s expectations.
A vibration in her pocket and Adria pulled her phone out.
X: My buyer wants to meet.
Adria glanced at the text, the tightness in her chest increasing.
I’m a little busy at the moment.
X: Make time.
The third month of training was fast approaching, but in Adria’s opinion the boys were nowhere near where they should be. She had followed Eric’s recommendations. A military-like training, designed to mimic boot camp, minus the yelling.
He emphasized the importance of having a strict routine, mentioning that it would serve as their best ally. From sunrise to sunset, each boy had specific tasks to complete. Their belongings and clothes were taken away, and they were given two pairs of pants and three pairs of gray sweats.
Eric insisted it would help them settle and increase the odds of them obeying orders. But Adria wasn’t seeing the progress she needed. With traditional submissives, the first months were an important opportunity to set the tone. A time for both parties to establish boundaries and expectations. With these three, boundaries and tone were out the window. And yet, still, she had trouble training them.
I’ll get back to you with a time.
Adria stepped into the back foyer and stilled.
A soft humming drifted through the space beyond.
Kaydon.
Rounding the corner, she deliberately clicked her heels against the tile to announce her presence.
He paused mid-movement, glancing at her before raking his gaze up and down her frame. Then, his lips curled into a sinful grin.
“Hey, boss.”
Kaydon had adjusted to the routine better than the other two. It wasn’t submission—not by any stretch. But he was smart enough to go with the flow rather than fight it.
She could only hope his willingness to play along would rub off on his so-called brothers.
“You’re up early,” she remarked, lifting her purple mug to her lips for a sip of tea.
“Inceputul e anevoie, urma vine de la sine,” he said in that dangerously smooth Romanian accent.
A good beginning makes for a good ending.
Something about him put her at ease when it shouldn’t. His blatant flirting should have annoyed her, but instead, she found herself lingering.
That was a problem.
