Page 37 of Blood and Thorns

My feet were moving, and I crossed the floor without even thinking. Mia looked up from serving her customer, her frown concerning.

“Hey, are you…”

Her voice was lost as I shoved myself into the staff room, and then through the emergency exit and out into the open night. I gasped, the wind whipping across my skin, anchoring me to reality.

My chest was still tight, but I could breathe now that everything was quiet, and heat didn’t prickle my skin.Clawing at my throat, I tugged at the choker. But it wouldn’t come off. I couldn’t even feel the fastening.

“There she is,” a familiar voice called out, and I immediately straightened to find Lennon standing a few feet away, flanked by two other men I didn’t recognise. “I’d never in a million years think you’d whore yourself out,Bella.”

“Lennon?” My voice came out scratchy.

“So you turn down Gabriel but shag Sebastian fucking Devereaux?” He closed the distance faster than I could react, his hand snapping out to grab my wrist. He was only a few inches taller than me, but his grip was like iron.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, failing to pull away.

Lennon smirked, watching me with unblinking clarity. “I’m here to give you Gabriel’s offer.” There was a predatory gleam in his eyes, one that always twisted my stomach.

Gabriel could be cruel, but Lennon was always a step further. He didn’t seem to just enjoy the misfortune of others; he revelled in it. I always thought he became a police officer not for the justice, but for the domination. It was as if the law gave him permission to be spiteful.

Yanking me harshly, he pulled me against his chest. The other two men moved closer, circling like wolves waiting for the kill.

“Don’t,” I warned, only for Lennon to smirk.

“Don’t what?” Pulling out a blade, he pressed it beneath my choker. It snapped, falling to the ground before he pressed the flat of the knife against my cheek. “Now, Gabe’s ready to forgive you, but only if you beg. He’ll settle your father’s debt with the Beast, and then you’ll crawl back to him like the pathetic whore you are.”

“And you needed two babysitters to help deliver that message?” I hissed. “How can Gabriel find that sort of money?”

Lennon’s eyes darkened, the knife pressing firmer against my skin. “Careful, I wouldn’t want to cut up this face before I take you back. I never really understood the appeal, if I’m honest.” His voice dropped to a mocking whisper. “You must really have a magic pussy, because I’ve always said you were nothing but a charity case with daddy issues.”

“Fuck you,” I sneered at him, only for him to grip me tighter.

“Is that what you’re doing with Sebastian? Spreading your legs for money?”

Hands on my dress lifted the fabric until a breeze was against my skin. One of the men pawed at me with a groan. “Fucking bitch isn’t even wearing underwear.”

“Get off me!” I snarled over my shoulder before Lennon turned the knife and threatened to cut. I stilled, those hands pressing into my thighs and wanting me to spread my legs.

Lennon sneered, “Stop fighting. We both know how you like it rough. Gabe’s even invited me to join…”

I threw my head back, jerking my entire weight to the side at the same time. The press of the blade was instant, but I managed to punch the guy on the left, blood erupting beneath my fist. He howled in pain, my elbow hitting the other in his stomach before Lennon managed to kick me to the floor. My palms and knees scraped against stone, the sting quick before I was pulled back to my feet by my hair.

Lennon snarled, rage tightening his expression. “You really shouldn’t have fucking done that.”

Sebastian

Reaper fought with an arrogance that made him sloppy. His footwork was slacking, and he preferred to entertain the crowd rather than concentrate his attention on me. Either he’d won his titles through pure luck, or he truly believed he was a superior fighter.

I didn’t even bother blocking his hits after a while, wanting the pain and the resulting afterburn.

My punch landed with a crack on Reaper’s jaw, so hard his head snapped to the side. Blood splattered from his parted lips, his eyes glazing for a moment before he regained his composure and snarled. I didn’t dodge his jab, which barely grazed my cheek, but the move left him open for my fist to land straight on his ribs.

With a puff of air, Reaper sucked in a rattled breath. But he stayed standing. Even after another right hook, his legs kept him upright.

I craved the blood that smeared across both our bodies. It was so fucking satisfying, the ache of my knuckles and the fresh bruise on my chest. It fed my monster, calming the restless buzz that was a constant beneath my skin.

I circled, my eyes immediately drawn to the crowd until they landed on Arabella. Even through the glare of the lights I found her, and I watched as she ran at what she saw on my face.

A hit landed on my jaw, my teeth knocking together from the impact. I returned my attention to Reaper as I spat blood. He should’ve made that move ten minutes ago, creating a more interesting fight for me. But now I was bored, especially compared to the idea of chasing my new pretty toy.