Page 35 of Beg the Night

My pulse sped up instinctively, and I stumbled backward. Behind me, hands landed on my back and shoved me forward.

“Well?” Sinner taunted. Was hesmiling?“You want to fight so badly, let’s see it.”

“Fine. If you insist.” I widened my stance and pulled my fists up to my face.

He didn’t lift his arms to defend himself or step back. He didn’t even act like he was concerned about me hitting him.

Rude.

Ignoring all the eyes trained on me, I rushed forward, aiming a fist at Sinner’s face.

He stepped to one side, dodging me easily. But my momentum slung me forward, making me stagger.

And the guys around us actuallylaughed.

“Not bad,” he teased. “You were saying you’re a fighter?”

“I didnotsay that, I said I’ve foughthere and there.”

Yeah, he was definitely smiling. “Well, try again.”

So I did. And the room erupted in laughter again. I ignored the taunts, swinging at Sinner again and again.

He dodged each of my attacks—if they could be called attacks—without even trying. He let me go on for a few minutes before he ended my suffering.

As I tried to land another blow, he caught my wrist and pulled, spinning me around until he had my back pressed against his chest. He wrapped his massive arms around my torso and pinned me there.

I fought against him, but he only tightened his hold, making my struggle even more futile.

His heart pounded against my back, the heat of his body engulfing me, and his lips brushed the shell of my ear as he whispered, “You let any of these other guys touch you, and you’re dead. Don’t let me see you in this fight circle again.”

With that, he shoved me lightly toward Margaret, who was watching me with the most amused smirk on her face.

My face was hot with embarrassment and confusion and maybe a little lust, but with any luck, the guys would think it had to do with my horrible athletic abilities.

This place was getting weirder every damn day.

“Athena, wow! You really are a great fighter. You showed him. Totally badass.” Margaret could hardly contain her laughter.

I punched her lightly in the arm as I passed her. “Your brother is seriously demented. I hope it doesn’t run in the family.”

We spent the rest of the day ignoring the fights and pretending like we weren’t killing time until the strange event took place tonight. Every time I thought about the ball, my stomach dropped. Something wasn’t right, but I wasn’t exactly in any position to fight back.

So the two of us laughed and we told stories and we pretended we weren’t in a terrible, dark dungeon as the hours dwindled by.

But reality came around soon enough, and all the shit that was dragged along with it.

I had never worna dress like this before.

My dress and Margaret’s were similar in style. They were both made of a thin, silk material that hugged our curves and fell to the floor. I’d be lucky if I made it through the night without tripping over the hem. The slit that came to just above my knee helped make walking easier, at least.

The straps were thin and wrapped around my upper arms. The fabric of my gown was a shimmering blue, reminding me of the blue veins beneath my skin. But Margaret’s was a beautiful pale pink.

I smiled as I looked at her. She was gorgeous in a way that reflected her soul, that radiated in her deep blue eyes. She was a pure, good human.

Sinking my teeth into my lip, I turned away, busying myself with pulling the rest of my hair into a braid over my shoulder. A person like her shouldn’t spend her time with the likes of me. Even my simple presence in her life could be damaging. Especially if she knew the real me.

“What? What is it?” she asked, her tone uncertain. “Do I look that hideous?”

---