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,

wrong, hotshot? Weren't you acting

buddy, it's just a misunderstanding..." Marco managed a weak grin, trying not to choke on his own

more meaty slaps

his pride and attempted another placating

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

got more money

in surrender, heart pounding. "I'm not sayin' you're broke.

Marco slammed into

1/3

Chapter 124

He edged back, brain screaming for him to move, but self- preservation telling him not to. Better to cat dirt than end

I can't figure out why any woman would stick around

he stayed put, ignoring the burning indignation in his chest. Survival trumped

his collar and hammered an uppercut beneath Marco's chin, sending him crashing to the ground again,

in raw panic. She couldn't stand

of you! Think it's real brave, ganging up on a man like

stepped over

"Look who's got some bark. This here's Drake territory, lady. And you're sure as hell

is Kingston family land," Megan snapped, eyes blazing. "Lay off, or you're gonna regret

make me laugh. The Kingston name don't scare me one bit." He tossed out his arms in a mocking

punch, so

Megan retorted, though her

his head, smile never reaching his cold eyes. "You really don't

hulking goons, built like brick walls. They advanced on Megan

voice cut through the tension, icy and direct. She locked eyes with

to do with this. Let

in his gaze. "Guess you're sayin' you'll take the

Sophia stayed stone-faced.

sweetheart. We got a deal." Hank's voice sank to a

bed tonight. Show me a good time, and