Page 20 of The Devil's Torment

“No, thanks. I’m engaged,” I say, trying, and failing, to free myself. The crowds of people have swallowed up Eloise, and I can’t see Imogen or Briony, nor the bodyguards, only an expanse of bodies swaying in time to the music.

“I don’t see a ring, darlin’, which means you’re fair game.”

Fair game?Give me strength.I yank my shoulder up, but I still can’t break free of his grip. “Even if I wasn’t engaged, I’m not ‘fair game’, as you put it. Now, fuck off.”

“What did you just say to me?” His grip on my arm tightens, his eyes flashing, probably incensed I dared to speak back to him. Misogynistic pig.

“I said fuck off. Want me to write it down for you? Oh, no, wait. You probably can’t spell.”

The punch comes out of nowhere. Pain explodes in my cheek, and I lose my balance, stumbling into the couple behind me before landing on my backside. An electric shock-like feeling zips up my spine, and if I wasn’t winded, I’d have screamed.

Chaos erupts. Max appears from nowhere, grabs the guy by the scruff of his neck, and hauls him off the dance floor. Andrew drops to his haunches to help me up. The next thing I know, we’re moving. I’m not even sure my feet touch the floor.

The chilly autumn air hits me as we exit the club. Our driver hurries from the car and opens the door, and Andrew bustles me inside. Seconds later, Imogen gets in, too. Max slams the door and climbs into the row of seats in front of ours, where Andrew’s already sitting.

“Go,” Max barks at the driver. “Valley Forge A & E. It’s the nearest hospital.”

“I don’t need a hospital.” I gingerly touch my cheek and hiss. Fuck, that hurts.

“Vicky, you do.” Imogen cups my chin and carefully turns my head to one side. “That might be broken. You need an X-ray at least.”

I roll my eyes. “Great.”

She squeezes my hand, then threads her fingers through mine. “What happened?”

“Some guy came onto me. Didn’t like being told no.”

“Oh, Vicky. I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”

“Thank God you weren’t. If anything happened to you again on my watch, Alexander would kill me.”

“He wouldn’t.”

I arch a brow. “You do know your husband, right? Possessive, vengeful bastard. And what with you being pregnant and all, he’d murder me for sure. I bet Nicholas would be glad to lend a hand, too.”

She shakes her head and rolls her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re being so matter of fact.”

I shrug. “I’ve been punched before. No big deal.” I don’t tell her it was by Beth when she was ten, and it was a mistake. She was twirling around our living room, lost her balance, and I took a smack to the face. Very different to getting hit by a six foot one dude with power behind his punch.

“It is a big deal.”

I change the subject. “Are Eloise and Briony okay? And Saskia?”

“Erik, Saskia’s bodyguard, took her back to her car. I’m not sure about Briony and Eloise. Max hustled me out of there so fast I didn’t get time to check.”

“I don’t even have my phone to message them.”

“Here, I grabbed your purse for you.” She lays my handbag in my lap.

“You’re a lifesaver.” I open up our group chat and type a quick message letting them know I’m alive. Two replies come in quick succession, even though they’re together and one would suffice. Both demand to know where I am and what’s happened. I tell them I’m on my way to the hospital, adding reassurance that it’s precautionary only, and promise I’ll message once the doctor has checked me over.

“I should text Alexander. Have him tell Nicholas what’s happened.”

“Don’t,” I say. “It’s not like he cares, anyway.”

“Vicky, I’m sure he’ll want to know you’re okay.”

“Iamokay.” I’m far from okay. For every minute that passes, the pain in my cheek doubles. I am not a fan. 0/10 do not recommend. All Nicholas will do is make me feel worse than I already do. No thank you. I’ll pass.

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