The Almighty Dominance

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."

"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.

and stomped forward, eyes glinting with sadistic

you acting

managed a weak grin, trying

thundered, slamming two more meaty slaps across Marco's cheeks, each one lighting

pride and attempted another

Let's call it even. I'll pay," he offered, chest heaving as he fought to stay

I got more money than your sorry

heart pounding. "I'm not sayin' you're

him so hard Marco slammed

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Chapter 124

him to move, but self- preservation telling him not to. Better to cat dirt than end up six feet

can't figure out why any woman would stick

wave of shame threatened to choke Marco, but he stayed put, ignoring the burning indignation in his chest. Survival trumped dignity

and hammered an uppercut beneath Marco's chin, sending him crashing to the

raw panic. She

Think it's real brave, ganging up on a man

and stepped over Marco's

grin. "Look who's got some bark.

snapped, eyes blazing. "Lay

it? Don't make me laugh. The Kingston name don't

boy threw the first punch, so I'm just settin' things straight.

retorted, though her words shook with anger and a hint

his cold eyes. "You really don't get it, do

brick walls. They advanced on Megan with

cut through the tension, icy and direct. She locked

do with this.

nasty glint in his gaze. "Guess you're sayin'

Sophia stayed stone-faced.

deal." Hank's

me a good time, and maybe I'll forget all about this