Page 47 of Bitter Queen (Advantage Play 4)

Then another.

Until Dex’s vision is bleary, and his chin rests on his chest, fighting to remain lucid when he’s seconds from passing out. His eyes are almost swollen shut from having the shit knocked out of him, and his nose sits crookedly on his face. But he doesn’t beg us to stop. My chest swells with pride.

“Dex,” Kingston announces when the last fist has connected with Dex’s bruised body. “You came here as nothing but a bastard. You were given the opportunity to make a name for yourself that holds respect instead of shame. Do you think you earned it with your actions, despite disobeying a direct order?”

The crowd is silent, but I lean a little closer, anxious for his response. Because if Kingston doesn’t believe it to be the truth, he’ll be executed. Appearing desperate, Dex searches the crowd before his gaze lands on Regina. Then an odd sense of peace transforms his features, and it’s clear he doesn’t regret his decision to be with her.

“Answer me, Dex,” Kingston orders, demanding his attention, though I know I’m not the only one who notices Dex’s response to the princess of the Romano family.

Kingston can be as pissed as he wants for Dex’s betrayal, but he can’t deny that his feelings for her are real.

Dex coughs and clears his throat but keeps his focus on Regina as he answers, “I should’ve spoken up when you first gave your orders. I knew I’d never be able to follow them. I’m your man, Boss. I promise to put this family first in every single circumstance, and I will die for my brothers if the day ever calls for it…with one exception.”

Kingston steps forward, forcing Dex to look him in the eye. “I gave you an order—”

“But you required the one thing I couldn’t give,” Dex argues. “Do your worst, Kingston. I would expect nothing less from the Dark King. But know that I’ll never regret touching your sister, and if you let me out of this room, the only promise I’ll be able to make in regard to her is that I’ll stop attempting to keep my distance. She’s mine. She always will be. That being said, if you show me mercy, you won’t regret it. I’m a Romano, and I won’t let you down.”

“Knife.” Kingston spits the word like it’s a curse before Stefan rushes forward with a wicked sharp blade cradled in his hand. After placing the handle into Kingston’s palm, he retreats into the crowd.

Then it’s just the Dark King and his victim.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I push aside my unease and wait for King to get it over with. But I can’t watch.

The seconds tick by in slow motion before Kingston’s voice rings throughout the silent room. “Men like you are hard to come by, Dex. And I’m not sure I’ve finished having you as an ally.” My head snaps up to see Kingston circling him as he runs his thumb along the end of the blade to test its sharpness. “For that, I’ll let you keep your life, but not without taking something from you first. These hands touched something they weren’t meant to touch, so I’ve decided to give you a daily reminder about what happens when you defy my orders. If you can accept my punishment without making a single sound, I’ll let you keep your life…and my sister.”

Dex’s swollen eyes widen in surprise, but he doesn’t say a word. He’s still reeling like the rest of us.

“Do we have a deal?” Kingston prods.

Riddled with disbelief, Dex nods before Kingston questions, “Are you right-handed, Dex?”

Again, Dex nods.

Like a snake, Kingston reaches for his left wrist then squeezes it. “Open your fist and spread your fingers.”

Dex’s jaw stays tight as he does what he’s told and waits for the sharp steel to do its damage.

Then Kingston dives right in, slicing the blade along the top knuckle of Dex’s left pinkie. With a soft pop, he dislocates the joint, leaving the finger to hang off the side of his hand at an awkward angle.

Dex’s face reddens with discomfort, but he doesn’t say a word as his gaze stays glued to his prize. Regina.

With a bit more work, Kingston finishes his punishment and tosses the dismembered finger into Dex’s lap as the soldiers witness their leader exact his punishment. One that none of us would like to endure.

“Remember what you saw today, gentlemen,” Kingston orders in a loud, booming voice. “Family first. Always. Next time someone disobeys an order, they lose their hand. Dismissed.”

And thanks to the display we just witnessed, we know he wouldn’t hesitate.

As the crowd disperses, I approach King and pat him on the back. “Not bad.”

“You think I made myself clear?” He smirks.

“Crystal.”

“Good. Take the rest of the day off. Tomorrow, we’ll get back to work and figure out our clusterfuck.”

“Hey, King?” I call.

He stops his retreat and looks back at me. “Yeah?”

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