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Yeah, screw that. “If he wants to talk shit, it’s me he’ll be dealing with, not you. I don’t need you to fight my battles for me.” My gaze whipped to the asshole still sneering at me. “And you should watch what you say. Your small dick energy is showing.”

His eyes widened in fury, and he took another step forward, glaring at me over Feigrind’s shoulder. “I will show you my cock, whore, as soon as you get on your knees to suck it.”

I had a comeback ready, but Feigrind moved before I could say anything. He tackled the guy to the ground. The asshole had no time to defend himself before Feigrind was slamming his fist into his face over and over. He had to be hauled off and away before he killed the piece of shit.

Maman took my elbow, dragging me away from the bloodied asshole on the ground to where Feigrind was being held back by a few of his friends. One I was familiar with, Uttin, was whispering harshly in his ear, trying to get him to calm down. Feigrind wasn’t listening. He kept trying to shake them off, and his eyes were locked on his prey.

Warmth filled my chest at his determination to defend my honor. No one had ever bothered before. I wanted to thank him, but with him acting like a wild animal, I doubted he’d be able to hear me. Rolling my eyes, I moved in front of him and twisted his nipple. He jerked away with a yelp, his fury draining away as he stared at me wide eyed, his hand cupping his injured pec.

“What was that for?”

“It got you to stop, didn’t it?” I asked dryly.

A few of his friends snickered at my tactics until I turned my glare on them. They all took a step back and one even covered his nipples protectively. I narrowed my eyes thoughtfully. I kind of liked being able to intimidate men three times my size.

“Go away. I want to speak to Feigrind.”

Those closest to him shot him wary glances, like they weren’t sure if he’d go after the asshole again, but Feigrind shook his head to reassure them.

“I’m fine.”

“Good. You did the right thing defending your tribute, but it would not be seen as such if you killed him,” Uttin said as he patted his shoulder, chuckling when Feigrind glared at him. “We will give you a moment to speak with your tribute. Try not to murder anyone while we’re gone.”

Maman raised an eyebrow at her son after they left. “You are normally more patient than this. Something you wish to tell me?”

Feigrind’s face fell into that mask of indifference I hated. I poked his side, scowling at him.

“Don’t give her that look. She’s right. You were patient with me, no matter what I did. It doesn’t make sense that you’re attacking people now. What’s wrong with you?”

He glanced at me, but didn’t reply. Instead, he changed the subject. “I left you with Maman. Why are you here?”

For a moment, I forgot entirely. It was shocking watching him lose his temper. The asshole who insulted me was still bleeding when his friends dragged him away. Feigrind watched with a narrow-eyed glare, not even looking at me. It was my annoyance that reminded me. And because I didn’t always handle my emotions well, I kicked him in the shin to get his attention again.

He hissed and stumbled back, his expression incredulous. “What are you doing, Simon? Why do you keep hurting me?”

Maman chuckled, reminding us both that she was still there. I’d honestly forgotten.

“I’m going to let you two speak. I wish to visit with Yami. Try not to break him, Simon. He is needed to protect the clan.”

She wandered away without a backward glance, still chuckling to herself. I turned back to Feigrind, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring at him. He was still rubbing his shin, like someone as small as me actually managed to do some damage. I doubted it. I was good with my knives, but I wasn’t great at hand-to-hand. It’s why I was never unarmed at home. In each room where we serviced customers, I kept weapons close by and out of sight. I wasn’t going to rely on Quincy to rescue me if a customer was hurting me. He didn’t care as long as he still got paid.

“Why are you here, Simon?” he demanded again.

I lifted my chin, watching his expression as I asked, “Did you only fuck me to convince me to stay with the clan?”

His eyebrows flew up, and he looked legitimately shocked, but I knew plenty of men who could lie as well as breathe. Feigrind was good at hiding his emotions when he was annoyed. He could excel in lying, too.

“What? Why would you ask me this?”

“Because until yesterday, you had no interest in males, and then suddenly you’re changing your mind, right after you argued that I wasn’t happy in my town. Are you using sex to make me think I’d be happier here? Because I will hurt you if that’s the case! I’m not going to let you manipulate me with sex!”

The surrounding conversations fell silent, and I realized too late that this was probably a conversation better had in private. I dismissed the thought immediately. If he wanted to lie and pretend he was suddenly into males, then he shouldn’t be ashamed of that. I wasn’t sneaking around and pretending, and I wouldn’t let him force me into that either. Not unless he was going to pay me.

The thought of Feigrind paying me for sex made me feel dirty. I’d never felt like that in my life, but just thinking about it made me sick.

Feigrind seemed confused, his gaze searching my face. All he’d see there is anger, so I didn’t know what he was searching for.

“Simon—”