Page 21 of A King So Savage

Kingston consulted a very expensive-looking wristwatch. “Time does not matter to you, but it’s been three days since you arrived here at The Den.”

“And you intend to keep me prisoner until my brother pays you.” It was a statement, not a question.

Kingston’s eyebrows rose. “Or until he doesn’t.”

Ava’s lips tightened. “Then you’ll sell me off if he doesn’t come up with the money.”

“It’s no worse than what he intended.”

Ava’s gaze shot to his. “What do you mean? Carson and I have not spoken in more than a year.”

“Do you think I’m the first to think of using you to cover his debts?” Kingston replied smoothly. “The difference is I will take great care in vetting all interested parties. Your brother would simply take the highest bidder. I’m not the only man he owes money, Ava. I just happen to be the one he owes the most, and my prime interest is in seeing that debt paid.”

“Carson would not…” Ava choked out in horror. “We may not be close and he’s an awful person, but he would never do that to his own sister.”

“You sure about that?” Kingston’s smile was cruel. “Sibling relationships can be so complicated.”

Ava said nothing. In truth, she knew Carson would go to any length if it meant maintaining his lifestyle. He might even sacrifice the sister he hated for reasons she never understood.

“You’re getting the picture now, aren’t you?” Kingston tenderly tucked a strand of her wet hair behind her ear, but Ava was not fooled by his mock gentleness.

“You won’t get away with this,” she whispered, shrinking back from him. “People will be looking for me.”

“Like your new employer at the Savannah Literary Society? You already sent her an email saying how much you regret not being able to take the job. A sudden family emergency will take you away indefinitely. That weak loser you dated back in Bitter Springs? Drake Cornerstone received your text two days ago. The one where you told him you want a fresh start in Savannah. You asked him not to contact you as you would be extremely busy over the next few months. And besides, there was never any real chemistry between you. Don’t worry, you also apologized for breaking it off in a text.” Kingston smiled angelically. “Minor acquaintances will be dealt with as they arise, but Ava, darling, no one will be looking for you. However, take heart in this. If Carson pays the money, I’ll release you. My involvement in your life will be done, and I won’t care what Carson does with you at that point. Maybe you can convince him not to hand you over to the other men he owes money.”

Ava’s chin tipped higher with the realization of Kingston’s words. He had effectively erased her existence while revealing a frightening bit of information. Her brother would use her as payment. Even if this particular debt was satisfied, he still owed other people. She might have to relive this nightmare a second time.

No matter who held her prisoner, she was no longer safe.

“I’m going to be sick,” she calmly announced as the small bites of sandwich boiled up into her throat. And she must have looked sufficiently green because, without a word or even a moment’s hesitation, Kingston swooped her up into his arms.

He had her positioned over the toilet just seconds before everything came up. As she retched, she became vaguely aware of Kingston crouching beside her. His broad shoulders almost blocked out the light fixture overhead. Indeed, there was barely enough room in that separate toilet room for the two of them.

He hovered. Rubbing her back. Murmuring sympathetic assurances. Holding her hair as she vomited. Tending to her as though he were the most considerate, loving boyfriend in the world.

The thought made her even sicker.

Pushing him away with her injured hand, she ignored the shooting pain and shrieked, “Don’t touch me! God, don’t you dare touch—"

“Let me help you,” he replied calmly as though she were not a hysterical mess.

Ava’s stomach heaved again as she began crying. It was truly her lowest point since this whole ordeal began. On her knees before her enemy, vomiting helplessly while he fisted her hair into a loose ponytail.

“Go away,” she groaned in a singsong voice full of defeat. “Goawaygoawaygoaway…”

Kingston paid her no heed, of course. The devil stayed at her side, although he did fall silent. When she finally collapsed in exhausted despair, he simply stroked her back, holding her hair away from her face.

When he helped her back onto her feet, his hands were gentle but firm.

Ava had no strength left to fight when Kingston murmured in a soft voice that did not accept defiance, “Let’s get you cleaned up. Then it’s back into the safety of your cage, little lamb.”

ChapterSeven

Little lambs fight back

Winning the battle

Losing the war

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