Page 31 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

"You'll regret running," Llew growled, advancing again with renewed fury.

His hand cupped the bulge growing in the front of his trousers. "Now come here and take your punishment."

"Never!" I vowed, breathless and defiant, full of disgust.

And with that, I pivoted on my heel, ready to throw my body into the crevice behind me, to do whatever it took to get away. Only to be jerked back by my hair.

A bloom of pain exploded across my face. I stumbled, the desert sand shifting treacherously underfoot, and another blow sent me sprawling to the ground.

It cost me to get my bearings. The sky, a merciless expanse of blue, seemed to mock me with its endlessness.

"Didn't like that much, did you?" Llew taunted, his shadow looming over me.

I tried to push myself up, but he was on me in an instant, his weight a crushing force. Every punch was a hammer strike, every gasp for air, a battle.

My eyes blurred with tears as I fought him as best I could. My body screamed, as my strength waned. I found my arms pinned above my head and the pervert settled between my legs.

"Let's see how much more you can take," Llew hissed, rolling his hips into mine.

I froze and he took it as a sign of submission. The cretin reached down with one hand, going for the top button on my pants.

"Llew!" Tabor yelled, sharp and commanding.

My attacker paused, his eyes darting toward the newcomer. "Leave us. I'll be done in a minute."

"No wonder you have to force females." I managed a hoarse laugh, earning a smack across my face.

"The rules, Llew." Tabor's tone held the chill of authority. "We need her in one piece for the auction. Look what you've done!"

"Dad's mad," I laughed again, sure I was losing my sanity.

"Quiet, bitch," Llew hissed, though he rose to his feet, obeying Tabor's command.

"Get her up," Tabor ordered, disgust lacing his words. "She's valuable merchandise. Don't damage the goods again or I'll kill you myself."

Poor Llew just got a spanking. The humor was bitter in my throat, mingling with my desire to cry.

As Llew dragged me to my feet, Tabor got in my face. "Run again, and I won't stop him."

"You're taking me to be auctioned off to some other male who will do the same thing to me. It's not much of an incentive."

Tabor nodded to Vance's approaching form. "Then let this be an incentive. I'll have Vance control you the entire time and force your body to enjoy it. Maybe even have you tell Llew how much you like his cock in your ass."

I held my tongue. Now was not the time to push. But when it was, I'd kill them all.

This time when Vance produced the healing vial, I didn't question it. I wasn't functional in this state.

As soon as the magic began working, we were off again. Dust clung to my wounds like a shroud, the coarse particles an irritating reminder of my downfall. The pain and fatigue had lessened but were far from gone.

By the time we made camp, I was desperate to close my eyes. Unfortunately, sleeping made me vulnerable, but I was thankful to rest my legs.

I lay there just under a small overhang of rock, with my back to the boulder, where Tabor had instructed me to sleep. Vance was a few feet in front of me, already snoring. The other two were sitting at the fire.

"I already told you no," Tabor said, his voice a blade of ice cutting through the sweltering heat. "She's not just another runaway. She's got a certain ... allure. Beautiful and trained in high society? That'll drive the price up."

"Damn the price," Llew grumbled, a thundercloud ready to burst. "She's trouble—has been from the start. I say we break her spirit. Make her compliant. Plus, the Brandenburgs already found a buyer who should be at the auction house, ready to outbid everyone else. Her condition won't matter."

"Control yourself," Tabor snapped, his patience fraying. "We're not barbarians. We have a reputation to uphold, especially in Dusthaven."

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