Crown of Lies

The midnight rasp in his voice negated his promise. He was the safest of the three—for now. But he wasn’t safe compared to my father or staff. He was the exact opposite of safe.

I swallowed, standing proudly despite my lack of modesty. “I have no desire to see such vermin naked.”

Adidas sneered. “You want to see my cock, bitch. Can’t deny that shit.”

I gave him a look I wished could melt his skin off his bones. “Believe me, I would rather go blind.”

Baseball Cap bared his teeth. “That could be arranged.”

Hooded Man took a step toward me, putting himself between them and me. “As entertaining as this is, I don’t want to commit murder tonight.” He glanced at me then at the two men who would’ve raped and hurt me if he hadn’t shown up.

What am I doing?

Antagonizing criminals? All for what? A little dignity after having my self-worth threatened?

Holding my chin high, I said, “They stole my I.D card for work. I would like that back.”

So they can’t break into Belle Elle and I’ll have yet more explaining to do.

Hooded Man turned to Adidas. “You heard her. Give her back the I.D.”

Adidas cursed under his breath but pulled out the lanyard with my tag from his pocket. The second it switched hands, it once again joined my vanished cash in a blink.

Hooded Man closed the distance between us, turning to face them as he did. He protected me with his body while confronting them. “That’s it. Run along.”

Baseball Cap pointed a finger. “We’ll get you back.”

Hooded Man shrugged. “You keep being scum, and I won’t be so nice next time.”

“You keep thinking you’re untouchable and we’ll go out of our way to prove you fucking bleed like the rest of us.”

Hooded Man stalked forward, his hands splaying before curling into fists. “We can prove you wrong, right now.”

“Fuck you—”

“I prefer women but thanks for asking.”

Baseball Cap charged. “I’m gonna kill—”

Adidas grabbed Baseball Cap’s arm, stopping him mid-stride. “Come on, man. We’ve got better things to do.”

Baseball Cap fought him, but then a slow smile spread his lips. “Yeah, you know what? We do.” He smirked with evil. “Much better things.” Blowing me a kiss, he said, “Pity we didn’t get to have our fun, office girl. Bet you’re torn up you didn’t get to see what we wanted to give you, huh?”

Hooded Man crossed his arms. “Fuck off—”

He’d fought one battle for me. I wouldn’t let him have the credit on this one.

Stepping around him, I let go of my tattered top and stood in my bra-naked glory. The fear. The adrenaline. The pride. “You’re right that I’m an office girl who has no experience in fighting the likes of you. But you’re wrong that I wanted to see your shrivelled-up jerky sticks.”

Baseball Cap snarled. “You bitch.”

“No, you don’t get to call me that. You’re the bastard. You’re delusional and a disgrace, and if you think it makes you more of a man by trying to rape me, I’ll do you a favor and cut off that jerky you call a cock and cook it for you.” I smiled sweetly. “Along with office duties, I’m not bad in the kitchen, and you and your salami are only fit for frying and feeding to the dog.” I held up my hand. “No wait, I wouldn’t feed you to my dog, and I don’t even own a dog.”

“Ah, fuck.” Hooded Man darted toward me just as Baseball Cap launched himself at my throat.

I stumbled back, only to slam into the arms of Hooded Man who spun me around, shielding me with his body. His fist came up, connecting once again with Baseball Cap’s jaw.

“You can’t even take shit from a girl without needing to be an asshole?” Hooded Man cracked his knuckles. “She’s right. All you have in your pants is dried-up jerky.” He swallowed a laugh. “Run along now, before I actually give this girl a knife and watch her fillet you for her frying pan.”

Adidas grabbed Baseball Cap for the second or third time—I’d lost count. Together, they backed up. Their eyes black as the alley we stood in.

Baseball Cap raised his finger, pointing at both of us. “You’ll fucking pay. Both of you.”

Then they turned around and bolted toward the street.

Chapter Seven

FROM ONE DISASTROUS situation to another.

Silence fell in the alley.

They’re gone.

But he’s still here.

My skin prickled with intensity from the hooded figure, standing dangerously lethal and so damn close. I didn’t look at him. I didn’t want to make eye contact or give him any reason to become the villain after being the knight.

I looked at the ground. “Um, I owe you a thank you.”

My naked stomach tingled as he scuffed a pebble and turned to face me. The darkness of his hood masked his features, but I felt his eyes lingering on my bra.

The reckless confidence I’d had when facing down Baseball Cap and Adidas vanished. I snatched the ends of my torn top, pulling them closed. The broken material hid a little but not enough of the black lace or swell of my flesh.

My heart bucked.

Had he chased them off because he was a Good Samaritan or because he wanted what they were about to take? Despite his assurances he wasn’t like them...how could I be sure?

“Look, whoever you are. Thank you for saving me. But I must insist you let me go.” I spotted the bomber jacket Adidas had torn off me and ducked to pick it up. Holding the black material in front of me like a shield, I said, “Step aside. Let me pass.”