of these people. They’ve grown accustomed to ruling and abusing anyone they consider beneath them, so the trick is to make sure they believe I’m at their level, or preferably, higher.
My mother told me about this arena, about what would happen when I married one of the Southern elite. “You never know, Evie dear, your husband may be in the running for Sovereign one day.” My mother’s voice echoes through me. She was a cold woman, one who eagerly took part in the Acquisition trials. She was so proud of Red when he was chosen to compete.
For some reason, I don’t idealize my parents, don’t even mourn them. They’re dead because of Lucius and his family, yet I feel … nothing. Nothing at all for them. I suppose it’s because they never tried to save me from the Acquisition penalty, never warned me my life was on the line. They played along willingly, despite what it meant for me.
I can’t dwell on them—other than adopting my mother’s icy mannerisms. I push my shoulders back and grab my black mask, then head down to the lobby. The elevator stops early, opening on the fifth floor.
When the elevator door opens, I back up. The man is wearing a black tux, his blond hair swept back in a neat style that reminds me of fascists and goose-steps. He must’ve planned this, catching me off guard on this floor so I’d go along with him.
“You look …” The man lets his gaze fall down my body, then back to my eyes. “Lovely.”
“I told you I don’t need an escort.” I straighten my spine and move to hit the button for the lobby again.
He grabs my arm in the same spot he’d bruised. “I didn’t ask.”
“I can’t imagine the Sovereign would appreciate your manhandling of me.”
“You think this is manhandling?” He licks his lips and glances at mine. “I’d like to show you what real manhandling feels like, Evie. Would you like that?”
“Considering I find you repulsive and haven’t even bothered to get your name, I don’t think I would.”
His grip tightens. “That aristocratic mouth of yours is going to get you into trouble. You can call me Sir or Charles.”
I give a bored sigh. “If we’re done here, I have a party to get to.”
“My car’s out front.” He finally steps back from me.
“How nice for you.” I pull my fob from my bag. “I’ll be driving myself.”
“You know, the Sovereign warned me you’d be difficult, that you’d think you could somehow avoid your responsibilities and buck our claim to you.” He leans closer. “But I told him I can handle you.”
“That’s a cute story. Excuse me.” I try to move past him.
He doesn’t let me go. “Oh, Evie.”
The way he says my name makes my hackles rise. Then with a force that makes my teeth rattle, he slams my back against the wall by the elevator bank. It takes my breath away, and he cages my neck with his meaty palm.
“Now you’re going to walk out of here on my arm and get into my waiting car. No more talking. No more bullshit, Evie. You will not embarrass me tonight.”
“You’re doing that fine all by yourself.” I struggle to get the words out, but I do.
His nostrils flare, and his grip tightens. “You stupid bitch.”
The doorway to the stairs opens. “Oh, pardon me, I didn’t realize the room was taken.”
I make a small noise that gets caught in my constricted throat, because I know that voice. I know it so well that I hear it when I’m alone, when I’m asleep, when I’m daydreaming.
The man releases me the moment Lucius’s fist collides with his face.
I gasp for breath as Charles goes down, his body hitting the tile floor with a hard thump. He’s large, like a roided-out prize fighter. But Lucius is fast.
Lucius jumps on top of him, his fists flying. The sounds of impact make my stomach churn, but Lucius doesn’t stop. He’s on fire, his animal rage and power on full display.
Though it takes a massive effort, Charles finally throws him off, then both men get to their feet. They circle each other, fists up, as I back away.
“Vinemont trash.” Charles spits a wad of blood onto the floor.
Someone opens their apartment door just down the hall, then quickly slams and locks it when they get a look at what’s happening.
“At least I don’t go around telling people to call me sir.” Lucius sneers. “Douche move.”
Charles lunges forward, but his fist