Page 78 of Brutal Knight

"But he would want?—“

"Knight has a lot on his mind now. No time for side bitches. He'll marry soon, then maybe you can see him."

I reared my head back like he'd slapped me.Didn't Knight at least tell him—something?

He was probably too preoccupied; I could understand that.

Still, I hesitated, not wanting to leave. Hating that he was shoving me to the side so easily. I wasn't some fucking stray dog.

"I'm not his whore," I growled out.

He crooked his eyebrow upward, "Aren't you?"

"No, asshole," I hissed.

His eyes took me in, roaming down my body, and for the first time in a long time, I hated that the only thing I was allowed to buy were revealing dresses that showcased my long legs and cleavage.

His eyes settled on my breasts. "Could've have fooled everyone else."

Without thinking, I slapped him.

He blinked, his eyes jerking to my face, and I gasped, my hand going to my mouth.

His eyes were black, a cold wall, unfeeling and callous and his eyebrows furrowed. He stepped forward and grasped my chin, his lips twisting with a sneer. "Now I understand why your parents charge such a hefty fee." His hand slid down my neck to my breast, squeezing it. "Maybe I'll consider being your next client.”

I didn't slap him again,I didn't have a death wish,but I stared into his eyes, an indignant look on my face. "Get your hands off me."

"Or what?” His other arm wrapped around my back, jerking me to him. His fingers squeezed my breast even harsher. "I'd love to see what kind of pain you can take."

I tried to shove him away but he was stronger than me. "Or Knight will kill you,” I spit out viciously.

“You’re deluded little girl, if you think that Knight will ever love anyone.”

My mouth slacked, the old fear inside me rearing its head.See? All these years, Knight was only being polite. You’re not worthy of love.

Besides, you tasted alcohol on his lips. He was only drunk when he asked you to marry him.

I slumped, the fight leaving me, and Raul’s sneer grew wider. “Go home, Tatiana.”

After unceremoniously dumping me into the car, I decided I would wait for Knight to come to me; he always did.

"Take her home."

The driver nodded, and Raul peered down at me from the curb. "And don't come around looking for the new boss. He's too busy." Then he slammed the door in my face.

I waited until we were down the street, away from the prying eyes of everyone, to let go. Tears tracked down my face and I had to bite down on my lip to keep from sobbing. I felt worse for Knight, knowing what everyone was expecting of him.

He didn't want to take Abuelo’s place; he'd told me this several times. He liked living in the States. He always said he'd find a way out of it, but hadn't worried much, since El Abuelo was strong and healthy. He thought he'd have years before he'd have to take on the mantle of leadership.

When we pulled up to my house, I didn't wait for the driver to open my door, but burst out and ran up to my door, with him calling after me. "Have a good day, Miss Krapivnik.”

I simply waved a hand at him before disappearing into my house.

Hours later, way after the sun had set, my parents had returned, drunk and high.

That night, Knight didn’t come.

I waited two days, giving him time to take care of his affairs.

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