Page 36 of The Prince of Power

“Spoken like a cult leader,” I say.

His deep laughter drifts into my ears, startling me. Is it just my imagination, or does he laugh a lot with me?

A guy stumbles up to us, brown liquid sloshing out of his glass. His eyes are glued to my chest. “Jesus,” he says, slurring. “Is this your virgin, Cross? I didn’t know they made ’em like this.”

“I’d keep your eyes to yourself, Noah, if you like using them.” Damian’s tone is dry.

Noah laughs, his gaze roaming my body. I cross my arms instinctively, heat flooding my face. Jesus, does this man have a death wish? Tension is vibrating from Damian like a lit fuse.

“That dress can’t even hold all those tits,” Noah says.

Without a word, Damian lifts me by the waist and sets me on the chair. Noah’s eyes fill with fear as Damian hovers over him.

“I’m sorry, I?—”

His words are cut off by a loud crack. Noah stumbles, splashing liquid across the floor. Silence spreads like a ripple. All eyes on us. One of Damian’s consorts rushes to Noah and guides him toward the door.

“Ava is mine,” Damian says, his voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. “Don’t touch her. Don’t even look at her.”

He turns back to me, his expression calm as if nothing happened. He lifts me gently and places me back on his lap. His hand finds my waist.

I sit, blinking again and again.

It all happened so fast. So remarkably fast, and no one seemed to care. Even the guy Damian hit didn’t seem particularly surprised.

This place is a madhouse.

I try to stand, but Damian yanks me against him.

I grit my teeth. “I want to go see if Noah is okay.”

“Not on your fucking life.” His hand drifts to my upper thigh, but it doesn’t warm me like it did a moment ago. “Do you think I’ll let you anywhere near him after what he said?”

I scowl. “He’s just drunk.You’rethe one who behaved like a lunatic.”

He pinches my thigh. “It’s how things work at Thornecroft, Ava. You’ll get used to it. Running a big fraternity like this requires order.”

What a crock of shit.

“Naturally, my king.”

His lips brush against my cheek. “I like that, little doll. I can’t wait to hear you say it when I’m inside you.”

My stomach jolts, and a sharp flutter ripples through my chest.

No.

No, no.

I can’t be turned on by the idea of having sex with this man. He represents everything I loathe—brazen entitlement, ruthless manipulation, and a complete disregard for the autonomy of others.

“You have one more night in your dorm.”

“What?”

“Enjoy it. It’s your last taste of what your life used to be.”

My chest tightens. “And after that?”

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