Page 72 of A King So Savage

With only a vague memory of her own bedroom’s location, she sprinted to the suite’s main door and entered a dimly lit corridor. Her heart pounded like wild horses within her chest, thumping against the cage of her ribs as she turned in what she hoped was the right direction.

There was no illusion of escaping the mansion itself. Dressed as she was, it would be insane to attempt it again. The mansion was surrounded by dense woods, and cameras were everywhere. And ringing in Ava’s ears was Kingston’s terrifying threat of what he would do if she dared try it a second time.

No, she would not run from the mansion, but for her own sanity, she must escape this man. Even if the safety of her room was a temporary and fragile shelter, she must take it.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Crush

Conquer

Protect

Once past thosesecondary doors protecting the entry into Kingston’s wing of the house, Ava ran down the corridors in a blind panic. She constantly glanced over her shoulder in case Kingston chased her. If he caught her now, there was no hope.

With attention focused on who might be chasing her, Ava was unprepared when she rounded a corner and collided with the solid, muscled form of a man. The impact knocked her backward, slamming her to the floor on her rear end. Bracing herself with her hands was a mistake, the sharp stab of pain a reminder that her wrist was still tender.

“Son-of-a-bitch…” an unfamiliar voice exclaimed before large hands reached down and jerked her back onto her feet.

Ava stared up at the man. She did not recognize him as being one of the men under Kingston’s command, but obviously, he had the freedom to roam throughout The Den. Swarthy skin and dark eyes were her first impression, followed by the realization this man was holding her aloft in a grip bordering on painful.

“Well, what do we have here?” The man grinned, his teeth flashing white. “Are you lost, sweetheart? Or maybe you’re a welcome back present.”

“O-Oh, I j-just—” Ava stuttered, acutely aware of the provocative nature of her clothing. She wore only the silky blue nightgown and the matching robe which fluttered open without the sash. “Yes, I do seem to be somewhat lost. This place is enormous, and I guess I, uh, took a wrong turn.”

“Boss doesn’t usually let his girls up here. He always secures them down in the cells until he’s done using them.” His gaze flickered over Ava’s body. “Guess I can see why he made an exception for you.”

Ava shuddered, although she quickly hid the involuntary reaction. The man still held her by the arms, his gaze hotly assessing. He was younger than Kingston. Mean looking with a low forehead and a burly mass of muscles encased in the same understated suit worn by the other men here.

The plan to escape popped into her head. Hopefully, her response came across as nonchalant. “Yes, ah, Mister Winter’s done with me. I thought it best I should just go… since he’s done with me and sleeping now. Said I could ask that a car be brought around for me so I can get back to the city. You know, since he’s done. With me, that is.”

Would the man notice how she bumbled through that or would lust blind him?

“Done with you, huh?” His head tilted in question while a larcenous gleam illuminated his dark brown eyes. “I can’t imagine he’s okay with letting you leave. Sweet little thing like you… I bet you fucked him all night long.”

Ava shrugged. The window for escape was closing with every second that she endured this unexpected interrogation. Why was this man roaming the halls at this time of the morning anyway? “Yeah, I guess. So, can you get a car for me? I came to The Den dressed like this… special request and all.”

She was certain the bluff was working until the man’s cruel lips quirked upward.

“What will you give me in exchange?” He backed Ava up until her shoulder blades hit the wall, her wrists transferred into one of his meaty hands. The other slid her robe open. His eyes darkened with appreciation at the sight of her curves accentuated by the silky nightgown.

He palmed her breast through the material, rubbing her nipple. “No need to rush off so quickly when I just got back. Been in Mexico, doing a job. Didn’t even have time to get my dick wet. So, I’m thinking a quick fuck right here will suit me just fine. Don’t worry about how you just left his bed. I don’t mind sloppy seconds one bit.”

Ava’s heart seized with nauseating fear, although she managed a calm response to his vulgar suggestion. “Mister Winter won’t like that. He, ah, doesn’t like sharing, you know?”

“Do you think I give a damn what the boss likes and don’t like? Because I don’t. Besides, most of my orders come from his half-brother.” He brushed his mouth across hers, and Ava tasted sour beer like he’d been out all night drinking with buddies. “This job has few perks, so when one runs right into me, I’d be stupid not to take advantage of it. Tell you what, after I get a taste of what the boss man’s had, I’ll get you a car. Hell, I might even drive you myself. Anywhere you want to go.”

Ava trembled. She must remain focused on this unexpected opportunity to escape and play it out as best she could. He obviously thought she was one of Kingston’s whores. The ones shackled down in the cells who were used until it was time to toss them aside. And he’d just returned from out of the country. He must have no idea who she was. Was it surprising the man believed she was fair game and he had every right to assault her? No. Nothing about The Den and the brutal men inside it surprised her.

“Look, dude.” She sighed as if greatly inconvenienced by his persistence. “I gotta get back to List. It’s long past time for me to get out of here. Otherwise, someone’s gonna have to pay extra for my services…”

Would this brute fall for the continued attempt at this charade? Maybe she shouldn’t use List as a detail of authenticity.

“Looks like you don’t listen so well.” He cuffed her with the broadside of his hand before Ava had a chance to even blink. “Shut the fuck up.”

She cried out, slumping in his grip with her ears ringing. The man’s tone was guttural as her head lolled back until she was staring up into his coarse features. “I haven't had any pussy in three weeks, and I’m getting a fuck out of this. Whether you like it or not. Now, my name is Malcolm, sweet thing. And I wanna hear you crying it out loud while I’m fucking you. Understand me?”

He pawed at her, ripping her robe down off her shoulders. His mouth was suddenly everywhere. Hot. Wet. Disgusting. Ava whimpered in terror, bucking in a useless effort to move his body away from hers. There was an unmistakable bulge in his pants when he rubbed against her. She fought harder. Although dazed by the blow he’d delivered, she still clenched her teeth when he tried forcing his thick tongue into her mouth.

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