Chapter 3
I wanted to explain, but the pain in my mouth flared up so bad I couldn’t even speak. My sister’s the only family I’ve got. She never wanted me to stay abroad forever. Growing up, no one ever laid a finger on me. And now, look at me—beaten to a pulp by her fiancé, can’t even get a word out. Even her people didn’t recognize me. ‘Dixie… It hurts so bad!’ The thought made me cry silently. Scarface frowned when he saw it. “This kid’s got the same vibe as the young master—can’t handle a bit of pain, cries real easy,” he said. “Should we double-check? The Queen really spoils her little brother. If he is the one, we’re screwed.” Blade nodded. “Alright, I’ll make a call and ask. If he really is Dixie’s brother, I’ll take the fall. No one else gets dragged in. But if he’s not…” His face twisted into something monstrous. “If not… then I’ll make this pretty boy wish he was never born!” He told one of the big guys to shut me up and pulled out his phone to call my sister. “Hey, boo. Didn’t you say your brother’s coming back for our engagement party? What day exactly is he arriving? I wanna prep a little welcome gift for him. That’s why I’m asking.” Dixie’s cheerful voice came through the phone, “Aww, that’s so sweet of you! He said he’ll be home tomorrow night.” My heart sank. ‘Shit…’ I’d changed my flight to surprise her—got here today instead. Blade’s eyes turned cold and calculating as he looked at me. ‘If he hangs up now, I’m done for!’ I opened my mouth and bit down hard. The guy covering it yelped in pain and let go. “Dixie! Help me!” I screamed with everything I had. Blade’s face twisted, and he quickly kicked me to the floor, slamming his foot over my mouth. On the other end, my sister hesitated. “Did… someone just scream for help?” Blade forced a laugh. “Ah, that? Just the TV. Anyway, since your brother’s arriving soon, I better prep that gift. Talk to you later.” He… hung up. And just like that, my last sliver of hope disappeared. Pain exploded in my face as he pressed down harder with his foot. “You little bastard. Thought you could fool me, huh? Almost got me!” I started crying from the pain, but he wasn’t satisfied. He looked down at my tear-streaked face, and I saw something dark flash in his eyes—jealousy. “This is the face you used to hook Dixie, isn’t it? She’s already agreed to marry me, and she still went and bought you a freaking villa!” One of the guys behind him tried to calm him down. “Honestly, it’s not that weird. Big shots like the Queen always have side lovers. If she likes him, maybe we just let it slide? I mean, you’re the one marrying her. Why not turn a blind eye?” Even Scarface chimed in, “Yeah, you’re the main guy. He’s nothing next to you, man.” Blade wavered, like he was actually thinking it over. Meanwhile, I was about to explode from how unfair this all was. ‘I’m her real brother. And they’re treating me like some random toyboy punching bag?! My sister has the worst taste in men. When I see her, I will make her call this damn engagement off!’ Blade must’ve caught the anger in my eyes. He’d been softening, but that look lit him up with rage again. “You’re still glaring at me, pretty boy? I won’t kill you today, I’ll at least ruin you.” He yanked his foot away, pulled out a knife, and slashed it toward my face. “No! Don’t—Ahhh!” I screamed in agony, but he just carved faster. “If you look like a freaking monster, then I’ll be the only one Dixie will always be looking for!”