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.

Marco's moment of hesitation and stomped forward,

you acting

a weak grin, trying not to choke on his

slaps across Marco's cheeks, each one lighting his skin

pride and attempted another

got money... Let's call it even. I'll pay," he offered, chest

foul. "Son, I got

pounding. "I'm not sayin' you're broke. I'm sayin'-we don't have to solve

your trap!" Hank snarled, decking him so hard Marco slammed into the ground. "One more word "d you're done. Got

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Chapter 124

but self- preservation telling him not to. Better to cat dirt than

out why any woman would stick around someone as

put, ignoring the burning indignation in his

Marco's chin, sending him crashing to the ground again,

voice cracking in raw panic. She couldn't stand

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

snorted and stepped over Marco's

some bark. This here's Drake territory, lady. And you're

land," Megan snapped, eyes blazing. "Lay off, or you're

laugh. “Regret it? Don't make me laugh. The Kingston name don't scare me one bit." He tossed out

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

though her words

never reaching his cold eyes. "You really don't get

hulking goons, built like brick walls. They advanced on

the tension, icy and

to do with this. Let

that so?" Hank leered, a nasty glint in his gaze. "Guess you're sayin'

Sophia stayed stone-faced.

got a deal." Hank's voice

spare her... if you warm my bed tonight. Show me a good time, and maybe I'll forget all about this little