All Chapters of Bound By The Desk : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Vorian’s POV I gaze at my phone, and Silas’s recent message shines bright on the screen. The image displays a laptop screen with the IP address marked in bold red. It has been traced and nailed down right inside the company. The IP trace is internal, meaning someone is close. I display the screen to Zephyr, who tilts in near. His towel hangs loose on his waist, and water still drips from his hair, dropping little beads on the tiles.“So where did they trace it to?” he says in a soft, wondering tone while peering at the screen to get a clearer view.“Silas did not add that detail,” I say. “It must be something big if he is holding back. He knows better than to send sensitive information via text... too much security risk.”Zephyr nods slowly, processing the information. “That is smart,” he says. “If it is internal, anyone could intercept it. Let us go now?”“Now,” I agree, pocketing the phone. “We need to dress.”He grins, a playful spark in his eyes.We start dressing, but it

Vorian’s POVWe bolt for the elevator with my hand gripping Zephyr’s tightly, the hunt finally in our hands. The doors slide open to an empty car, and we jump inside without breaking stride.I hit the garage switch firm, the panel glowing up beneath my palm, and the gates shut as we fall quick, my gut twisting with the sharp drop.Zephyr pants hard beside me, his ribs rising and sinking fast in the tight room, the wind heavy with our joint rush. “The Aston,” I say, my voice sharp and urgent as I fish the keys from my pocket.“They are already in my pocket… no delays.”“Drive fast,” he replies, his eyes locked on the floor indicator as it counts down.“No cops. No stops. We can’t lose them now; they are too close to slipping away.”The chime rings for the garage floor, and the panels part to the dim, cold basement area where lines of cars wait still in their labeled places under strong tube lamps.My DB12 stands like a coiled beast, ebony and low and glossy, its smooth curves mirrorin

Vorian’s POVThe security office door shuts behind us with a gentle snap, locking out the remote buzz of the terminal.Ryan sits curled at the steel desk, while Silas stands close with his tablet shining in the low light.Zephyr presses against the wall beside me, his arm touching mine, the light scent of his fragrance breaking through the clean air.The hoodie person is far gone, fled into a plain gray van that escaped into airport traffic, but we have Ryan, and that is a start.I turn to Silas first, my voice calm but firm.“Assign twenty-four-hour security to Ryan’s entire family,” I say.“Watch them from a distance. Let them live their normal lives, but be ready to move the second anything looks suspicious.”Silas nods without hesitation, already typing on his tablet.“Teams will be in place within the hour,” he says.I shift my attention to Ryan, who looks up at me with wide, frightened eyes.“You are under surveillance too,” I tell him, keeping my tone even.“Go home. Go to work

Zephyr’s POVThe door snaps closed behind me, and the soft glow of the family room greets me like a focus.Selene rises quickly, hands folded, her black hair tied up in a messy bun, gaze squinted with that protective stare she has mastered since we were kids.Dad rests on the worn tan recliner, his study specs down on his bridge, a partly done pizzle on his knees. Mom stands near the kitchen arch, drying her palms on a cloth towel, her expression gentle but concerned.My family looked at me for a few seconds.The usual scent of chamomile tea and lemon soap hugs me, steadying me after the crazy night.Selene finally breaks the silence.“Where have you been, dear younger brother?” she asks, her voice sharp but laced with sarcasm.“Do not say work for work does not keep you out until two in the morning.”I kick off my shoes by the door, stalling for a second, and hang my jacket on the hook.“Long night sis, long night.” I say, keeping my tone light.“Company stuff. You know how it goes.

Vorian’s POVI maintain the pout on my face on purpose, letting my head tip a little so my dark hair jumps over my brow, as I say in a quiet voice.“Maybe Lila did teach me, but does it do anything for you?” His fingers come up and brush my cheek, soft and warm. “It does more than it should,” he says quietly, his breath warm on my skin, “and that makes it risky when you use it.” I keep his palm tight before he pulls it, wrap my digits over his wrist, and yank him in till our hearts bump. “Good.”I smile near his lips, then kiss him gently, just a brush at first, but his lips open and his tongue meet mine in a slow, hungry kiss that has the taste of the brew we had before. He pats me on the back like he is soothing me, then his hand creep inside my shirt, and brush over my skin, shooting tiny jolts everywhere they go.I step away just enough to go to the door, turn the latch so it snaps closed, and when I whirl back, Zephyr gazes at me with his ribs moving up and down quick, hi