Chapter 124
“Hell, would you look at that poor sap?” someone snorted from the sidelines.
“Dumb fool went and messed with the son of Sir Drake. Bethe’s toast.”
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“What’d he think he was doin‘, picking a fight first like that?” another bystander added, spitting a wad of tobacco.
“Tryin‘ to play the hero, and now he’s gettin‘ stomped like a bug.”
“And that woman, Sophia Lancaster?” a raspy voice chimed in. “She should’ve been down on her knees thanking Jasper for payin‘ her any mind.”
“I heard that anytime Jasper sets his sights on a gal, he sends Hank to grab her in the dead of night,” someone else murmured.
The rumors spread faster than crows on a carcass, the air stinking of their fearful blame for Marco and Sophia.
Hank let out a low, nasty chuckle as he proceeded to work Marco over.
Each punch echoed like thunder. “You think you’re some kind of tough guy? Show me that backbone, you miserable piece of trash!”
“Please… stop…” Marco’s voice came out ragged, his face battered and bloody. It was all he could do to stay
conscious.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Hank sneered before cracking another backhand across Marco’s jaw.
“Guess I’m just a big mean bully, huh?” His lip curled into a grin.
Marco’s fists clenched, half from fury, half from the jolt of pain ricocheting through his body.
But he knew better. Hank worked for Harlan–called Sir Drake—a ruthless bastard with an empire built on fear.
His men specialized in every dirty trick: extortion, kidnappin‘, blowin‘ things sky–high. If you wanted mercy, you wouldn’t find it in Harlan’s dictionary.
“Damn it… I really stepped in it this time,” Marco thought, cold sweat dripping down his neck.
Hank noticed Marco’s moment of hesitation and stomped forward, eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure.
“What’s wrong, hotshot? Weren’t you acting all cocky before?”
“Look, buddy, it’s just a misunderstanding…” Marco managed a weak grin, trying not to choke on his own blood.
“Misunderstanding, my ass!” Hank thundered, slamming two more meaty slaps across Marco’s cheeks, each one lighting his skin on fire.
Marco swallowed his pride and attempted another placating smile.
“I–I’ve got money… Let’s call it even. I’ll pay,” he offered, chest heaving as he fought to stay upright.
Hank’s grin twisted into something foul. “Son, I got more money than your sorry hide could hope for.”
“No, no!” Marco lifted his hands in surrender, heart pounding. “I’m not sayin‘ you’re broke. I’m sayin‘—we don’t have to solve this with fists. Let’s talk it out.”
“Shut your trap!” Hank snarled, decking him so hard Marco slammed into the ground. “One more word “d you’re done. Got it?”
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Marco’s breath caught. He edged back, brain screaming for him to move, but self–preservation telling him not to. Better to cat dirt than end up six feet under.
Hank spat at him. “Damn coward. I can’t figure out why any woman would stick around someone as worthless as you.”
A fresh wave of shame threatened to choke Marco, but he stayed put, ignoring the burning indignation in his chest. Survival trumped dignity right now.
Hank pulled his collar and hammered an uppercut beneath Marco’s chin, sending him crashing to the ground again, lights out.
“Marco!” Megan shrieked, voice cracking in raw panic. She couldn’t stand it any longer.
“Hey, all of you! Think it’s real brave, ganging up on a man like that?”
Hank snorted and stepped over Marco’s limp body.
He shot Megan and Sophia a wolfish grin. “Look who’s got some bark. This here’s Drake territory, lady. And you’re sure as hell trespassin‘.“.
“This is Kingston family land,” Megan snapped, eyes blazing. “Lay off, or you’re gonna regret it!”
Hank barked out a cruel laugh. “Regret it? Don’t make me laugh. The Kingston name don’t scare me one bit.” He tossed out his arms in a mocking shrug.
“Besides, your boy threw the first punch, so I’m just settin‘ things straight. Ain’t that right?”
“Don’t you feed me that garbage!” Megan retorted, though her words shook with anger and a hint of fear.
Hank cocked his head, smile never reaching his cold eyes. “You really don’t get it, do you? Boys–educate her.”
He gestured at two hulking goons, built like brick walls. They advanced on Megan with menacing steps.
“Hold it!” Sophia’s voice cut through the tension, icy and direct. She locked eyes with Hank.
“She’s got nothin‘ to do with this. Let her go.
“Is that so?” Hank leered, a nasty glint in his gaze. “Guess you’re sayin‘ you’ll take the heat instead?”
Sophia stayed stone–faced.
“Alright, sweetheart. We got a deal.” Hank’s voice sank to a depraved whisper.
“I’ll spare her… if you warm my bed tonight. Show me a good time, and maybe I’ll forget all about this little scuffle.”
“You filthy pig!” Sophia’s hand snapped up for a slap, but Hank snatched her wrist mid–swing.
“Oh, we got a fiery one!” he growled, eyes dark. “Go ahead, try that again, and see what happens. Boys, tie her up.”
“Yes, boss!” The bodyguards surged forward, pinning Sophia’s arms behind her as she struggled, eyes wild.
Jasper watched it all with predatory glee, fingertips drumming his thigh.
“Don’t worry,” he drawled, a smirk twisting his lips. “She’ll be in my bed by sunrise.”
“Let her go, you pack of rabid dogs!” Megan charged at Hank, only to be knocked flat by one of thugs‘ brutal kick.
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She hit the floor with a gasp.
The other thug paused, eyes darting from Megan to each other in confusion.
“Uh… wait, that’s a woman you just kicked?” one of them blurted out.
“Dang, I thought maybe–uh, well, you know. Didn’t figure she was a real lady,” another mumbled.
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“Man or woman–it makes no difference. She’s ugly, and since no real woman can be ugly, she must not be a woman,” the third clown sneered.
A big, dim–witted brute added, “My mama said the Lord don’t make ugly.”
“Guess Mama ain’t met this one.” added the other.
They all broke into raucous laughter, completely dismissing the severity of the scene.
Megan’s knuckles went white, shaking with anger.
Chapter 125
