“Is that a problem?” Kingston’s mouth tips up at the edge, a smirk knowing Marcus will never admit that he doesn’t think women belong on the same level as men.
“Not at all.”
I can’t stifle the laugh.
The slap across the face is quick and painful. I didn’t even see him cross the room until his hand was striking me. The pain burns in my cheekbone and unable to control my basic instincts, I lash out, though I don’t get far. Not even a finger to his skin as he steps back to a safe distance and one of his men restrains me.
Marcus glares at me, promising me punishment for that later.
Fuck.
When I look back to the Heart siblings all I see is amusement. Isobel watches me with so much glee you’d think she was a kid on Christmas and Kingston peruses me with an air of respect.
“You’re Alexander Silver’s woman, are you not?” He asks me directly.
“She’s nothing.” Marcus snaps.
“Was I speaking with you?” Kingston doesn’t even turn to look at Valentine, keeping his icy gaze on me, urging me to talk.
Swallowing, I nod, “I was.”
“Was?”
“I hardly think I belong to him now.”
Kingston laughs, “Oh you belong to him alright. It’s nice to finally meet the woman who brought the king to his knees.”
I don’t sense malice in his words, and it just confuses me more. Kingston Heart was an enigma.
He turns back to Valentine, “Brave of you to mess with a Silver, Valentine, what makes you believe I’d also want to fuck with that family? You do know who they are, yes?”
“We had a deal,” Marcus sputters.
“Now, now, Valentine,” Kingston chuckles, “don’t get ahead of yourself. I never said anything about backing out of the deal. I just want to make sure you understand what you have gotten yourself into.”
“I am aware,” Marcus growls, “Now, do you want her or not? If not, I have a list of buyers more than willing to take her in exchange for resource.”
“Ah,” Kingston holds up a finger, “but none with resources like mine, right?”
Marcus glowers, “no.”
Whilst the men are talking Isobel has edged closer, so close in fact she’s standing directly in front of me.
Marcus has taken notice, “Is she for you or your sister?” The slimy smile that drags up his mouth is nauseating.
Isobel sneers in his direction but keeps her eyes trained on me, cautiously lifting her hand to whisper her fingers over the blooming bruise on my cheek. Her face is soft, almost kind as her eyes drop down my body. “What did he do to you?” She whispers.
I swallow and frown. What the fuck is going on here?
“I’ll take her and I’ll give you want you want,” Kingston confirms, forcing me to look away from his sister to the man himself. I was being sold. Like fucking livestock.
“I’ll make your life hell,” I warn him.
Kingston smirks, “I hope you do.”
Isobel gently grips my arm and begins to drag me towards her brother.
She’s suddenly stopped by one of Valentine’s men who snatches her arm, pulling her roughly towards him.